Q&A: Bridesmaid Dresses: Best Dresses for Plus-Size Maids?

Q.

I have a friend who is overweight, and I want her to be in my wedding. The problem is, I want to find a pretty dress that will flatter her and make her feel comfortable. Can you help?

A.

There are many manufacturers who make dresses in plus sizes. Designers like Champagne Formals, Bill Levkoff, and New Image are just a few of the names making dresses in a wider range of sizes. It's great that you're thinking about how to make your friend feel her best on your big day. (Other brides should learn from you!) Since it's impossible for you to know exactly what she'll feel most comfortable wearing, why not take her shopping? You'll get an idea of what styles she prefers, and you can make your decision accordingly. If it's impossible for you to shop together, send her photos of some dresses you like and ask her opinion. If you really want your maids to wear a dress that doesn't come in a larger size, look for a dressmaker who can duplicate the design for her. A talented seamstress can do this with relatively little difficulty. The knock-off dress may even end up being more flattering on your friend if a few carefully placed seams are added. Just continue being sensitive to her feelings.

See More: Bridal Party Fashion , Basics for Bridesmaids , Bridesmaids

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word_84
I plan on picking color, and fabric, and then letting the bridesmaids decide whichever style they feel comfortable with. Also, they have more of a choice on how much is spent on their dress too.

mason.hudnell.wedding@gmail
I had a similar problem. some of my girls are tiny, some are not, and they all have very different body types. instead of having dresses that matched, we all went, as a group, to a bridal store. I picked out the color and the hem length, and each girl picked out her dress. each was different, but each girl looked great- becasue they could find a dress that flattered their unique size. it was wonderful!

mewaldroop89
this QA was not really specific... but I can help with that. My mom is plus size and I love her to death. She was such a great help when I was looking for a flattering dress that look great on anyone but most especially my one best friend who is also curvy. My mom actually tried on bridesmaid dresses for me so that I knew I would be asking my bridesmaid to try a dress that will make her feel great. We found one at David's Bridal that made my mom look so gorgeous I wanted HER to buy it for herself. For plus size bridesmaids, DEFINITELY go for: floor length, halter, A-line dresses that DO NOT have any sort of belt or band across the waist (empire waist is preferable). Not only will she look beautiful, but everyone else will think her curves are beautiful too.

honeybrt
Davids Bridal was great!! I am a plus size bridesmaid and they had dresses from size 2 -20 in all different styles! It was nice to try on a dress to see how it would actually look on me!

Adrienne & Jesse
Showing pictures to your plus-sized maid may help but she really needs to just go and try on dresses. Things ALWAYS fit differently then they look. She may be uncomfortable going specifically to try on dresses to "fit her", so you may want to give her many choices and have her go on her own(or with you if she is fine with that) to try those specific ones. I have 6 maids, all different shapes, and I picked an a-lined dress that everyone has told me makes them look great even the plus sized one. Any reviews I have heard or read online about the dress has been the same, great on all sizes!