Sexy Has No Size - Our approach to plus size wedding dresses
Iman wearing Ines Di Santo Poppy Dress for our Photo Shoot with Kristen Weaver Photography, Makeover Station, and Bluegrass Chic
A note on the term “ Plus Size Wedding Dresses “
Most of my brides don’t identify themselves as plus size; however, in the fashion world, if you measure into a size 14 and up you are labeled as “plus size”. Some of our brides refer to themselves as “curvy”. Many women we have helped throughout the years don’t appreciate the labeling. I use the term plus size here because most of our calls and inquiries that come in through the boutique are brides asking specifically if we carry plus size wedding dresses.
To us our brides are individuals. With their own beautiful body shape and identity. We focus way less on size in our bridal store. It’s about providing an unparalleled experience. Part of that experience is having dresses for everyone to try on. We have partnered with Anne Barge Curve Couture and Ines Di Santo to offer more sample sizes for our Orlando bridal store.
Lace wedding dress with buttons on the back. Aline lace wedding dress by Anne Barge
Iman wearing Anne Barge wedding dress with a floral bouquet. Photo by Kristen Weaver Photography
Iman wearing a plus size Anne Barge wedding dress with lace applique details from their Curve collection.
Our Approach to Size Inclusive Wedding Dresses
The last few years, the bridal industry has started to showcase more models with different sizes and shapes. Before you walk into bridal shops you’ll start to see a separation. Sometimes stores will have a separate instagram or a separate section on their website. This is not our style. Another thing you’ll find is stores buying a bunch of cheap quality dresses to fill their gap in sizing. This leaves the client still dreaming of trying on a more fashion forward dress with nicer feeling fabrics.
Our quality standards will not waiver because of size or for any reason. Our approach is to treat all brides the same and not create a separation. Our process involves learning about our brides personal style and their wedding day. Of course size questions come up and we are here to answer them.
Iman wearing Poppy by Ines Di Santo. She is looking at the flowers from Bluegrass Chic weddings. The dress has a scattered floral design throughout the dress.
She is wearing Ines Di Santo Poppy dress in the soft nude color. We paired the look with Maria Elena earrings.
Vendors From The Photo Shoot
Photography: Kristen Weaver @kristenweaverphoto
Hair & Makeup: Makeover Station @makeoverstation
Florals: Bluegrass Chic Floral Design @bluegrasschicweddings
Model Agency: Premiere Model Management @premieremodelsnsb
Top Questions on Wedding Dress Sizes
What sizes does your Bridal Shop carry?
Currently The Bridal Finery carries up to a size 24 bridal sample. Bridal runs similar to UK sizing. A size 24 bridal will fit closer to a size 20. We can special order up to a size 28. We are always very open and transparent with all of our clients regarding sizing. Feel free to communicate to your bridal stylist what your concerns are and we will be happy to share how we can help you. If we are not the right fit for any reason, we are always happy to recommend another boutique. Either way we are here for you!
What if the sample dresses don’t fit me?
What if there is that one dress on the hanger we keep on eyeing, but it’s not the right size? What happens now? We have been styling brides of all shapes, sizes, and heights for years! We have so many tricks of the trade to give you a very good visual of what the dress will look like. We are quick to call the designer to see if they have another size or we open up the zipper so you can try it on. Opening up the zipper means opening up the back seam to expand the dress size. A lot of shops won’t open up the zipper because it costs money to close the zipper back up. For us, we are quick to eat the $50-$100 cost to give you the chance to try on your dream dress!
Iman wearing Anne Barge Berkeley wedding dress with off the shoulder capped sleeve bodice and clean skirt
The model is wearing an off the shoulder Anne Barge dress paired with a cathedral floral veil and a Maria Elena bridal earrings.
Will you carry bridal sizes 26 and up in the future?
We hope so! Most of the requests we receive are for bridal size 0-20. For now we will focus on making sure we meet these requests. As we receive more interest in samples 24 and up, we will certainly be ready to expand our size offerings. Keep the phone calls and emails coming so we can better assist you now or in the future!
Do you offer custom changes?
Yes, this is what we are known for! We love when our brides are open to personalizing their wedding dress. Check out this blog post we wrote about wedding dress alterations where you can see tons of before and after photos. Some of our most popular custom changes include adding beading, transforming the neckline, dropping the backline, and adding a detachable skirt.
Is there a size charge for plus size wedding dresses?
Some designers do have a size charge starting at a size 18 and up. One of the reasons we decided to pick up Anne Barge Bridal is because they are all about size inclusively. To help accomplish their mission, they do not add on size charges. Also, their sizing is more true to size. An Anne Barge size 20 may run closer to a size 18-20 street size.
Iman wearing a strapless Anne Barge wedding dress. The dress has a notch neckline
clean strapless Anne Barge Emory dress paired with Maria Elena Headpieces.
How do you recommend supporting the bust in a wedding dress?
Many of our brides label themselves as “busty”. We have all seen the sexy Berta Bridal dresses with low backs and no structure. There are ways to accomplish this look. If the dress doesn’t have a lot of structure, add mesh to the back and provide extra support. Our seamstress can hide bra boning in the side of the wedding dress. Also, we add in a soft cup for a lift. Straps can always be added as well.
Do you have wedding dresses with sleeves?
We do! We love a beautiful sleeved wedding dress. Since we are in Florida we often recommend making the sleeve a detachable piece so you have the option to remove the sleeve if you would like. It’s just easier to dance and hug wedding guests without the restriction of a sleeve. We have sleeves here ready for you to try on with any wedding dress. Whether it’s a delicate off the shoulder strap or a full lace sleeve, we can pin them right onto the dress to show you all of the options!