To be plus size bridesmaids A first wedding can be scary. It is certainly an honor to be invited and you are not going to miss this opportunity no matter what. And while you smile and agree to participate in this joyous occasion, the reality of fitting a wedding dress on a plus-size body may scare you. The thought of being seen by hundreds of people and having to make corrections after booking may make you feel daunted.
I know this to be true because it happened to me a few years ago.
I immediately wondered if Vera Wang made dresses for a body type like mine. After two fittings and expensive alterations, I discovered that they did, but it’s not that easy to find. But when you’re paying a fortune for a beautiful, skin-flattering dress, you have to be choosy.
Still, I carefully looked at the differences between plus-size and non-plus-size dresses and documented my experiences with heavy supports and uncomfortable shoes that offered little support for my breasts.
If you’re a first-time plus-size bridesmaid, there are countless things you need to know and prepare for ahead of time, and this list contains 10 tips you need to know to keep your body, feet, and bank account at peace leading up to your big day.
10 foolproof tips for first-time plus-size bridesmaids
Save money
Unless your bridesmaid dresses are plus-size or purchased from a size-conscious supplier, they will most likely need alterations, which can be costly.
From the moment you accept the role of bridesmaid, find out the estimated price of alterations to the bride’s outfit.
Even if a bride doesn’t know where to buy a dress, she can visit a local bridal shop to get quotes and ask general questions. They will help her come up with a suitable budget.
Research various options for remodeling
A good seamstress knows what she’s doing, no matter where she works, but even a professional might not understand your body type or comfort level.
My friend and fellow bridesmaid found a seamstress who was much cheaper than the staff at David’s Bridal, and her workmanship was excellent, and her dress didn’t fit or slip like mine did.
What’s even better is that she supported a local minority business in the ordering process.
Pay for the breast cup
The designated bust area on my Vera Wang bridesmaid dress was very narrow. read: My H cups had no stretch or love, plus it would have been difficult to slip on a half bra (which I didn’t have), so I had to rely on fabric breast cups.
It was an extra expense and the fit wasn’t the best, but it made me feel more confident once I had it sewn in. If you don’t have or don’t want to buy a half bra, or are nervous about going braless, this is a great option.
Shop around for shapewear
If you like shapewear (Totally your choice)you know that bridal stores might sell these items at a variety of price points, and they probably don’t carry your size or your favorite brand. Explore your options at stores like Lane Bryant, Shapermint, Ashley Stewart, and Spanx.
If you’ve been to TCF, you should also check out our handy roundup of plus size shapewear.
Keep paperclips, pins, and tape handy
Full disclosure: My breasts are heavy and full, one breast obviously larger than the other, and of course fastening and folding that dress would have been a predicament for me, but you know what else I wish I had been prepared for?
Use clips, pins, or adhesive body tape to double-up your breasts. I embarrassingly found myself adjusting my breasts. (And nipples) It has been that way all day, despite the extra halter hook poking my neck. Painful!
Don’t worry about size
As this was my first wedding, I didn’t realize that wedding dresses would run small. But they do! I normally wear a size 18 and it fit, but not as well as a ready-to-wear dress would. That size made my chest area even smaller, so I ordered a size up to have it adjusted, for my chest’s sake and because I want to breathe freely.
Please bring a spare pair of shoes
…in a color that was perfect for a bride. Because of the length of the dress, I wore 5 inch stiletto heels underneath. My feet were starting to hurt from standing and posing for hours. By the time I got to the reception, I left the heels in a corner and put on some new flats.
Bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes that will match the dress you will be wearing to the reception.
Please wear comfortable clothing before and after the ceremony
Wearing a loose fitting dress and putting on makeup can make you look and feel like a goddess, but it comes with stress on your waistline, spine and legs. It is advisable to wear loose fitting clothes until the moment you change into your wedding dress.
By the time the group arrives at the ceremony location, hours may have already been spent on outfit changes, skin care, makeup, tons of photos in front of different backdrops, and sucking action.
The walking, posing and moving will continue through the ceremony, reception and next round of taking the perfect photos, so pack a lightweight bag filled with self-love essentials so you can get changed into them at the end of the day.
Pack your lunch and snacks
Another thing I hadn’t thought of was that these dresses might have pockets. A great place to stash snacks!
Since you’re about to start a long day, it’s best to bring along a small bag of your favorite snacks, like gummies or almonds, so you can have a snack between work breaks since you won’t be eating until much later.
Stay cool and hydrated
It’s important to stay as cool and hydrated as possible as you’re about to enter a long day, so take breaks and hydrate when you can – after all, you’re here to honor a friend and make their day as special as possible.
It starts with taking care of yourself first.
What do you think? Were these tips helpful? Which ones did we miss? How did you get by as a plus-size bridesmaid? Let’s discuss below!
If you’re looking for more plus size bridal items, designers and retailers, be sure to check out our roundup and the other Plus Bridal Week articles.