Although the bride may have the final say regarding bridesmaid dresses, there's no reason why bridesmaids shouldn't be part of the process, especially when it comes to choosing plus-size bridesmaid dresses. After all, they're the ones wearing the dress, so their confidence in the final choice is vital. In the past, finding a correctly fitting plus-size dress could be tricky. Finally, brands are beginning to embrace more inclusive sizing, meaning shopping for plus-size bridesmaid dresses is not nearly as tedious as it once was.
A trend we've loved to see in bridal parties is bridesmaids wearing similar colourways but different tones, textures and fits. Not only does this give the bride an opportunity to play with colour, but it also ensures bridesmaids have their own identity within the line-up. This way, bridesmaids have the chance to suggest dresses that work for them instead of the (rather archaic) one-size-fits-all approach.
Grazia's Roundup Of The Best Plus-Size Bridesmaid Dresses At A Glance
Editor's Choice: Reformation, Marguerite Silk Dress
Best popular plus-size bridesmaid dress: Reformation, Shayla Dress
Best slip plus-size bridesmaid dress: Pretty Lavish, Keisha Maxi Bridesmaid Dress in Champagne
Best wrap plus-size bridesmaid dress: Maids To Measure, Cleo Burnt Orange Wrap Satin Dress
But, as far as selecting bridesmaid dresses goes, it's not just the fit of the dress to consider. It's also the time of year and the colour palette of the wedding as a whole. As you may have guessed, pastel shades and floral prints are in for the spring and summer seasons. Sage green bridesmaid dresses have particularly stolen the limelight in recent years.
With sizing to fit across the bridal party, we've included dresses available from sizes UK18 and onwards. Reformation has been among the higher-end brands to revolutionise plus-size fashion, offering sizes ranging from UK18 to UK28. Whereas ASOS Curve is a firm favourite for affordable fashion, with a collection of plus-size bridesmaid dresses to suit. Thankfully, most of these brands have wedding edits to make it easier to shop for all of the wedding party including flower girl dresses to match.
Shop our top recommendations for the best plus-size bridesmaid dresses, below.
SHOP: The Best Plus-Size Bridesmaid Dresses
Editor's Choice
Reformationwww.thereformation.com
Description
If your chosen setting is a wedding abroad, the Marguerite Silk Dress from Reformation - which is a favourite of ours - would be an ideal choice for your bridesmaids. Featuring a fitted bodice, tie straps, and a faux wrap skirt to show off a little leg. It's available in two other colours including fuschia and black.
Best popular plus-size bridesmaid dress
Reformationwww.thereformation.com
Description
The Shayla Dress from Reformation has ruffle sleeves, a flattering neckline and is cinched at the waist. You get structure and comfort all in one with his dress, as the bodice flares out to a relaxed maxi skirt. Made from georgette fabric, it's designed to be lightweight to give it graceful movement.
Best slip plus-size bridesmaid dress
Pretty Lavishprettylavish.co.uk
Description
Slip dresses are everywhere, and there's a reason for it. This Keisha Maxi Bridesmaid Dress from Pretty Lavish is the picture of timeless elegance, with three other stunning colours to add to your line-up. A bestselling design, it's made from luxurious satin with a subtle cowl neck.
Best wrap plus-size bridesmaid dress
Maids to Measurewww.maidstomeasure.com
Description
With a collection of new dresses in their bridesmaid range, Maids To Measure stock sizes UK8 - UK24. The Cleo Wrap Satin Dress is a dress that's going to flatter all of your entourage. It comes in a notable rust shade, although there are plenty of other variations to shop on the site.
Best plus-size bridesmaid dress with long sleeves
ASOSwww.asos.com
Description
Although black might be a controversial choice for a wedding, we're seeing a recent trend of black bridesmaid dresses after Sofia Richie's wedding. From ASOS, this Satin Maxi Dress with Batwing Sleeves and Wrap Waist is both affordable and effortlessly stylish.
Best plus-size bridesmaid dress with print
Karen Millenwww.karenmillen.com
Description
Granted, this dress may not be for everybody, but there's no doubt that the Spring Floral Batwing Midi Dress from Karen Millen makes a statement. Another choice if you're eloping to the Italian countryside with your bridal party, we could see this dress styled with chunky gold hoop earrings, barely there heels and a chic slicked-back bun.
Best trending plus-size bridesmaid dress
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
Description
The Savannah Satin Maxi Dress from Monsoon has seen a lot of interest at Monsoon. After all, the stunning silhouette with its empire waistline and flutter sleeves makes an ideal bridesmaid dress. The navy colourway is classic and the design is fairly understated, but with just the right amount of detail for an occasion dress.
Best halter neck plus-size bridesmaid dress
ASOSwww.asos.com
Description
Halter neck dresses are another favoured style when it comes to bridesmaid dresses, and this one from ASOS hits the mark. As well as dusky blue, the Satin Ruched Halter Neck Maxi Dress is currently available in other shades such as sage and orchid. The back of the dress showcases a subtle draped open back with elegant button detail.
Best plus-size bridesmaid dress with tiers
Needle and Threadwww.needleandthread.com
Description
Needle And Thread are one to watch when it comes to plus-size occasionwear. Their catalogue of dresses showcases stunning prints and designs sure to make any bridesmaid feel their best. This dreamy Rambling Roses Cotton Ankle Gown is just one of many, but the delicate print and ruffle tiered skirt are so well suited to such a romantic setting.
Where to shop the best plus-size bridesmaid dresses?
Along with the retailers mentioned in our edit, some of the best places to shop plus-size bridesmaid dresses are Rixo bridesmaids dresses, although like occasion dress brand Ghost, stock sells fast. Other brands that stock plus-size occasionwear that deserve an honourable mention are Abercrombie & Fitch, Coast and Phase Eight to name a few.
What style of bridesmaid dress is the most flattering?
Selecting something that has universal appeal might be the right idea when it comes to pleasing all of your bridesmaids. Styles that make popular bridesmaid dresses are a-line, wrap and fit-and-flare dresses - anything that has a fitted waist with a flare toward the hem flatters most. While you'll want dresses to fit your colour scheme, the right colour can make all the difference. Shades that work on all skin tones, like champagne bridesmaid dresses, are a choice you can't go wrong with.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Grazia magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.