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 Hey, curvy besties! Let’s talk styling tips for plus size brides. As we know, the wedding industry isn’t the most inclusive. It’s been a slow climb for change, leaving many plus size brides feeling alone when shopping for their dream wedding dress. Unfortunately, not all boutiques carry plus size dresses, meaning you have to use your imagination to get the picture-perfect moment you want when you try on your dress.

The Anxiety of Finding the Perfect Dress

Every plus size bride dreams of finding “the dress,” but the journey to that moment can be stressful, especially in an Ozempic world. Walking into a bridal boutique can sometimes feel intimidating when most of the samples are far from your size. The fear of not finding a dress that fits your body or makes you feel like the bride of all brides can dampen the excitement of wedding planning.

It doesn’t feel like bridal brands are doing their part to push for size inclusivity beyond mid-sizes. According to The Knot, out of 35 fashion events during the NY Bridal Fashion Week earlier this year, they only witnessed ONE curvy model. Let that number sink in—one curvy model. Do you see why plus size brides are frustrated? So, what if that one brand that featured a plus size option isn’t in a bride’s area? And I am not tipping my hats off to the brand that had the one curvy model; we don’t accept crumbs.

Plus size brides are left scrambling to figure out when the bridal industry should be there for them, just as smaller-sized brides are. Furthermore, will the brands get it right with the next cohort of NY Bridal Fashion Week coming in October?

Luckily, you know TCF is solution-oriented! There’s a stunning dress out there for everyone, and with the right mindset and a little preparation, you’ll find the perfect one. From finding a dress that makes you feel like the queen you are to choosing the right accessories, we’ve got you covered with the best tips for plus size brides.

Here are four styling tips for plus size brides to remember when purchasing their wedding dress.

Your Body Is PERFECT

Before you go wedding dress shopping, understand your body is perfect just as it is. Encouraging anyone to take up bad eating habits of not eating or go to drastic measures with extreme dieting for the “perfect dress” is not OK ever. If you want to make changes, that’s fine. But everything needs to be done in healthy moderation. Please do not let a world that promotes diet culture make you feel less than.

Do Your Research

Not all bridal boutiques are the same, nor will they carry bigger sizes. Do as much research as possible to find one that would best cater to your needs. Find the nearest plus size bridal boutique where you can shop, and if it’s not in your area and you’re up for traveling, make a trip out of it.

Bring The RIGHT Support!

Listen, I know we love our family and friends, but sometimes they can’t be in the room with us when looking for our wedding dress. Friends and family (heavy on family) might mean well, but sometimes, their presence can be counterproductive to the goal, especially if they make comments like “Diet before your day” or “We want her to look smaller.”

Think About You

It’s YOUR big day, so make sure your dress reflects your style and wedding theme. Fashion stylist Alysia Cole shows brides it’s OK to take up space on their day. Find an option that makes you happy, no matter how extravagant. Sometimes, dress shopping comes with a lot of unnecessary opinions from family and friends, but do not let them sway your decision, which leads me to tip number three.

With these tips for plus size brides, you’ll be ready to walk down the aisle with confidence, style, and a lot of love. Finding the perfect dress for a plus size bride is not just about fitting into a sample size. It’s about embracing your body, celebrating your curves, and choosing a look that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.