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Congratulations, you’re getting married! But before the fun really starts, you have to get through one major hurdle: wedding planning. Between booking wedding suppliers and finalising your plans for the big day, make sure you have enough time to lock down your dream wedding dress.
If you’re a plus size bride, we understand that it’s harder to find a wedding dress that fits, much less one that looks good. Thankfully, bridal boutiques and online dress shops are much more inclusive now than ever before. Here’s our list of the best plus size bridals in Melbourne.
RELATED: Celeb-inspired outfits to wear to a winter wedding
Why Is A Wedding Dress So Important?
Most weddings today are going down the non-traditional path – DIY decorations, mix-matched bridesmaid dresses, and casual ceremonies are slowly becoming the norm. Even wedding dresses are getting a modern update; tons of Australian brides are doing away with elaborate beaded white gowns and opting instead for coloured dresses, simple slips, or even pantsuits.
So are wedding dresses still important? Well, yes, and no. As the bride, all eyes will be on you, so it is important that you wear something that makes you feel beautiful. And unless you’re planning on an outfit change after the ceremony, you can expect to wear it all day, so you should choose something that’s comfortable. Whether it’s a classic white wedding dress or something else is all up to you.
The Plus Size Bride’s Guide To Choosing A Good Wedding Dress
Match The Dress To The Setting
When and where you’re getting married will guide you in choosing what to wear. For example, beach wedding dresses are usually simpler, lighter, shorter, and more breathable than winter wedding dresses – you don’t want to be under the sun wearing a heavy dress with sleeves! You’ll have a much more enjoyable time if you choose something that’s appropriate for the time, location, and weather situation of your wedding ceremony.
Start Dress Shopping As Early As Possible
As soon as you set your wedding date, you should start wedding dress shopping. From trying on dresses to finding the perfect one to getting it altered to your size and shape, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months. The sooner you get started, the less you’ll have to worry about the dress arriving on time for the wedding.
Budget Wisely
Weddings are expensive, and most dresses cost thousands of dollars. If you have the money, then by all means, splurge! But if you know your budget won’t allow for a high-priced dress, stick to more wallet-friendly options. Choose non-designer dresses, wait for sales, or even rent a dress for cheap instead.
Ask Your Closest (And Most Honest) Friends For Help
When wedding dress shopping, nothing is more valuable than honest feedback. Get some of your family and friends to come along to your fittings, so that you can get objective advice about which dress looks best on you. Because they care about you, they’ll make sure you walk down the aisle in a dress that makes you feel and look good.
Dress To Impress…Yourself
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what your best friend, cousin, or mother-in-law thinks. You’re the bride, and it’s your wedding dress, and the only person who needs to approve of your choice is you. So whether you want a vintage-style A-line dress, a boho-inspired slip with fringe, or something totally wild and non-traditional like a black wedding dress, don’t let the naysayers tell you how to do your own wedding!
The Best Shops To Buy Plus Size Wedding Dresses In Melbourne
Zara Mermaid Dress
Leah S Designs
Price: Available upon request
Leah S Designs stocks gorgeous dresses up to size 30 from designer Plus Size Perfection Bridal.
Shop the Zara Mermaid Dress here.
Eva Plus
Store: Raffaele Ciuca
Price: Available upon request
Raffaele Ciuca has a stunning collection of designer plus size wedding dresses, with some designs (like this Eva Plus dress) available up to a size 34.
Magnolia
Store: Miss Bella Bridal
Price: Available upon request
This bridal boutique has affordable dresses (none over $AUD 2,500) up to a size 22 in most designs.
Trumpet/Mermaid Off-The-Shoulder Sweep Train Lace Wedding Dress
Store: JJ’s House
Price: $AUD 274
Find affordable and beautiful plus size wedding dresses up to a size 30 at this online boutique.
Shop the Trumpet/Mermaid Off-The-Shoulder Sweep Train Lace Wedding Dress here.
Lana
Store: Designer Bridal House
Price: Available upon request
Most of DBH’s Curve collection have built-in corsets for that stunning cinched waist effect.
Inez
Store: The Sposa Group
Price: $AUD 1,499
Although more limited than their standard size collection, The Sposa Group still has several plus size designs.
Zavana
Store: Nifi
Price: Available upon request
Nifi has plus size wedding dresses for Melbourne brides up to a size 30.
Conclusion
Finding the right dress as a plus size bride may be difficult, but don’t let wedding dress shopping get you down! Check out these plus size offerings, and you’ll find dozens of stunning gowns for you to choose from.
RELATED: Serena Williams’ Wedding: Everything You Need To Know
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