Finding the best wedding dress for your special day is key, the idea of which might be (even more) daunting when you're searching for the best plus-size wedding dress. Even if your wedding isn't the most important day of your life, it's probably going to be the day when you want to look the best. So, we've got a round-up of the best plus-size wedding dresses that are so flattering it hurts.
For a curvy bride, things can be especially fraught. The fact of the matter is you've got to contend with a seriously reduced array of ready-to-wear and/or affordable high-street wedding dresses in your size. There are beautiful plus-size wedding dresses on the market, but doing the research for this made me painfully aware of how easy it is to buy a gown in a high street shop for less than £250 if you're a size 18 or under. Above that? Less so.
I'm firm of the opinion that you should wear whatever the hell you want on your big day, traditions be damned (personally, I've always envisioned getting married in a green silk jumpsuit with leopard print platform heels, and may yet do that). For the purpose of this post, however, I've gone down the super-trad route, sticking to 'proper' bridal dresses.
The Best Plus-Size Wedding Dresses At A Glance
Editor's Pick: Erdem Macie Lamé Cape Gown, £2,446.50 - Buy on Net-A-Porter
Best halterneck plus-size wedding dress: Reformation Alani Silk Dress, £398 - Buy on Reformation
Best ASOS plus-size wedding dress: Curve Eliza Flutter Sleeve Embellished Wedding Dress, £220 - Buy on ASOS
Keep scrolling for the very best plus-size wedding dresses from the very best wedding dress shops on the market. Happy nuptials.
SHOP: The Best Plus Size Wedding Dresses
Editor's Pick
net-a-porterwww.net-a-porter.com
Channel Princess Leia in this Erdem Macie Lamé Cape Gown, complete with a ruffle high neck and batwing sleeves. For size 20, you'll need to shop the dress on Mytheresa here.
Sizes available: 8 - 20
Best halterneck plus-size wedding dress
reformationwww.thereformation.com
This gorgeous Reformation Alani Silk Dress will have you looking and feeling classy on your big day. Featuring a high neck and a cinched waist, it's simply stunning.
Sizes available: 18 - 28
Best ASOS plus-size wedding dress
asoswww.asos.com
Feeling inspired by the roaring twenties? This ASOS Edition Eliza Flutter Sleeve Wedding Dress might be the one for you. With sequins carefully placed to create the most beautiful pattern, there's every reason why you should consider saying yes to this dress.
Sizes available: 16 - 30
Best boho plus-size wedding dress
etsywww.etsy.com
Feel amazing in this gorgeous Boho Bridal Flowy Wedding Dress made by the independent business IrisDressButik. The long sleeves make this a perfect boho wedding dress.
Sizes available: XS - 4XL
Best long sleeve plus-size wedding dress
coastwww.coastfashion.com
A long sleeve wedding dress is one of if not the most classical dresses you can wear on any occasion, and this Plus Size V Back Long Sleeve Maxi Dress by Coast is no exception. Perfect for a cosy winter wedding. Check out Coast's other bridal dresses, all size 26.
Sizes available: 26
Best custom-sizing plus-size wedding dress
etsywww.etsy.com
A one-shoulder wedding dress is an ideal option if you're looking to embrace that sophisticated and classy look but with a little twist. The Crepe One-Shoulder Wedding Dress features custom sizing for the height, bust, waist, hips, and skirt length.
Sizing available: 0US - 18US, or custom measurements
Best fitted bodice plus-size wedding dress
mytheresawww.mytheresa.com
The bow detailing on this Roksanda Bridal Calmina Crêpe Maxi Dress by Roksanda caught our eye, and hopefully yours too. Featuring a gorgeous bodice fit and flare skirt design for a whimsical finish.
Sizes available: 6 - 16
Best unique plus-size wedding dress
mytheresawww.net-a-porter.com
A ruffled hem is an ideal go-to if you fancy something a little less traditional. The Lanvin Ruffled Charmeuse Gown is so unique and will be a memorable stand-out in the ceremony.
Sizes available: FR34 - FR44
Best v-neck plus-size wedding dress
coastwww.coastfashion.com
A plunge neckline is the height of sophistication, perfect for your big day. Coast's Structured Deep V Full Maxi Dress is perfect for swirling on the dancefloor.
Sizes available: 26
Best Bardot plus-size wedding dress
monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
An off-the-shoulder wedding dress is perfect for any bride and suits anyone. The Nancy Bardot Bridal Maxi Dress features subtle lace detailing on the back.
Sizes available: 14 - 22
Where can I find stylish plus-size wedding dresses?
There are several places where you can find stylish plus-size wedding dresses. Many bridal boutiques now carry a range of sizes to cater to diverse body types. Online retailers specializing in plus-size clothing including ASOS, Rixo and Reformation, also offer a wide selection of stylish options. Again, scroll through our gallery above to browse our favourite brands that create beautiful plus-size clothing.
How do I choose the right plus-size wedding dress for my body type?
When choosing a dress, it's important to consider your body type and personal preferences. A-line and ball gown silhouettes are popular choices as they flatter many different figures, as do tea-length wedding dresses. Empire waistlines can accentuate the waist and create an elongated look. Experimenting with different styles and consulting with a bridal stylist can help you find the perfect dress for your body shape.
Ultimately, it's about finding something that makes you feel like your best self. Never again will so many eyes be on you, what you're wearing, and how beautiful you look. Importantly, never again will so many pictures be taken of you, and we all know that pictures never look good when we feel uncomfortable. So if your fantasy wedding gown is a colourful wedding dress, you must absolutely live your dream. Live your best life on your wedding day of all days!