Your curvy figure is a thing of beauty, and it should bring you no source of woe on your wedding day. But if you’re finding choosing a wedding dress depressing, a least take solace in the fact it can be a major bummer for women of all shapes and sizes. We are, after all, our own worst critics. So, if your inner critic is being a major pain in the butt, silence her with this surefire list of tips that will ensure your voluptuous bod looks its best in your wedding dress.
1. Strive for Structure
Plus size women often feel the need to cover up their curves with big, looser fitting dresses. This does their physiques a major disservice, making them look frumpy and adding size in places it doesn’t exist. Instead, aim for a dress with structure. A corseted waist can do wonders to cinch in your tummy. Some ruching will draw the eye in, accentuating the slimmest part of your midsection. Even a thicker, empire waist can create a flattering silhouette, so don’t fear you’ll have to be stuffed into your gown — just don’t think that a loose, tent dress will hide any lumps or bumps: it will only exaggerate them.
2. Call to Arms
Even the best photographer won’t always capture the most flattering images, and on your wedding day, you’re going to be in a whole lot of pictures. One of the easiest ways to look better, more often, is to minimize the amount of flesh shown on your arms. No, you don’t have to wear a full-sleeve, or even a 3/4 sleeve, but covering up the tops of your arms can make any women of any physique look more taut and toned. This is because our arm flesh has a mind of its own and can bulge in ways we cringe to see in photos. Unlike our stomachs, we can’t stuck it in. So, cover it up a little. Even a sheer or lace arm or cap sleeve or off-the-shoulder sleeve can work wonders to give you a more streamlined upper body.
For some amazing off-the-shoulder looks, check out these wedding dresses from Alamour the Label.
are bent on wearing a strapless gown, consider a shrug for the photos. You can take it off when you hit the dance floor.
3. Skirt Success
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to steer clear of figure hugging skirts, so if you want to wear a mermaid gown, go for it! Just bear in mind that mermaid gowns tend to look better on taller women, so if you’re short and curvy, you run the risk of looking stout in this design, which probably isn’t what you’re going for. The most universally flattering style of skirt is the A-line. This skims the hips without adding a lot of bulk to your bottom. Ball Gowns or princess skirts can be tricky if you are plus-sized, but not impossible. Just be sure the top of the dress doesn’t feature too many amplifying bows, ruffles or other embellishments. The best top would be one that draws the eye in, creating a slimmer frame to balance out the very full skirt. V-neck dresses are ideal.
A final note: if your skirt is figure hugging, invest in some quality shapewear. This is sage advice for any bride of any size. Remember: cameras will catch you at some odd angles on your wedding day, so even if you look amazing standing still in front of the mirror, you won’t go through the wedding day in this pose. Slap on some Spanx, and twist and turn with peace of mind that your silhouette is still stunning.