Published on

Jul 17, 2024

Written By:
jamieg

Collection Spotlight

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Inspiration

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Real Bride Stories

Finding the perfect wedding dress is an exciting and special part of every bride’s journey. It’s an experience that should celebrate every beautiful curve and contour of our bodies. That’s why Morilee has a dedicated collection of plus size wedding dresses to fit and flatter brides of all shapes and sizes. So whether you’re looking for a classic, elegant wedding gown or something more trendy, we have the dress you’ve been dreaming of. Keep reading to explore the most flattering silhouettes, best fabrics, our favorite styles, and more to empower every plus size bride to look and feel absolutely stunning on her big day. 

Flattering Styles for Plus Size Brides

When it comes to finding the ideal wedding dress, comfort and elegance should be at the top of your list. There are so many stunning and flattering styles for plus size brides that are designed to accentuate your curves while ensuring that you look and feel your best on your special day.

Let’s start with the classic A-line dress. This is one of the best wedding dress styles for curvy brides as it cinches in at the waist, elegantly highlighting your shape. A-line silhouettes are incredibly versatile, available in various fabrics, necklines, and sleeve styles, and look stunning on so many body shapes. It beautifully accentuates your waist and then gracefully flows out in an “A” shape, creating a timeless and flattering silhouette. This style gives you that fairytale feel, without the volume and drama of a ball gown, while remaining easily wearable, perfect for dancing the night away.

A trendy alternative to the A-line silhouette is an empire waist wedding dress. This style has grown in popularity since the release of Bridgerton, where the Regency-era gowns embrace the elegance of an empire waist. The waistline of this dreamy style sits just below the bust, drawing attention to the narrowest part of your body and then cascading down into a flowy, ethereal skirt. This silhouette is not only incredibly flattering but also has the look of effortless beauty. An empire waist wedding dress is a great option for our shorter brides, as the higher waistline creates an elongated silhouette making you appear taller. 

If you’re dreaming of a more regal and dramatic look, consider a ball gown with a structured bodice. Ball gowns are loved for their glamorous aesthetic, and when paired with a structured corset bodice, they can create a stunning hourglass silhouette. The fitted bodice provides support and definition, while the voluminous skirt adds an element of grandeur and romance. This style is perfect for making a statement while exuding grace and sophistication, making it one of our favorite silhouettes for plus size wedding dresses.

Best Material for Plus Size Wedding Dresses

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, selecting the right fabric is essential. Your fabric choice will not only ensure you’re comfortable but also help give you your desired shape for a flawless fit. Chiffon is relaxed and breezy, while crepe contours the body. Understanding the differences will help you pick the best material for your plus size wedding dress.

Known for its lightweight and flowing nature, chiffon is one of the most comfortable fabrics for plus size wedding gowns. The airy quality of chiffon allows for movement and breathability, making it easy to wear throughout your wedding day. Chiffon is a favorite for beach and summer weddings, as its breezy nature and weightless feel are ideal for the heat; plus, it has an effortless boho vibe that brides love. Additionally, the soft drape of chiffon can help create a flattering silhouette.

For the ultimate sophisticated look, stretch satin is an ideal fabric for plus-size wedding dresses. Glossy and gorgeous, satin comes in several varieties, from Duchess satin to Larissa satin, and the ever-popular silky satin. Each version has a slightly different finish and can help create different shapes when paired with the right silhouette. The beauty of stretch satin is the added stretch in the fabric allows for ease of movement and ensures a comfortable and secure fit. Plus, its smooth and lustrous appearance will add an elegant touch to the overall look of your dress.

If you’re looking for that timeless touch and want the beauty of intricate detailing, then a plus size lace wedding gown is for you. Lace is a fabric that holds a special place in the world of wedding dresses, as it adds a romantic and feminine quality to the overall design. It can be used as a delicate underlay, an allover fabric, or as an accent with lace appliqués. The beauty of appliqués is that they can be strategically combined with other supportive fabrics to give you the classic look of lace while providing both comfort and structure. Lace wedding dresses are also incredibly versatile, with each unique type of lace offering a different style. Alençon and Chantilly lace have lovely floral motifs, while medallion lace has a grand, baroque feel, and crocheted lace gives an effortlessly boho vibe. 

Ultimately, the ideal fabric for a plus-size wedding dress should offer a balance of comfort, support, and style. By considering options such as chiffon for its flowing nature, stretch satin for its flattering fit, and lace for its timeless elegance, brides-to-be can explore a beautiful range of fabric choices to find the perfect plus-size wedding dress for their special day.

Different Sleeve Styles for Wedding Dresses

One of the key elements of a wedding dress is the sleeves. They can completely transform the look and feel of a gown and can be a wonderful way to highlight the unique beauty of plus size brides. Here are some of our favorite sleeve styles for plus size brides that can enhance the look of your dress and help you feel confident and comfortable on your big day.

Cap sleeves are a fantastic option for brides looking to add a delicate and feminine touch to their wedding dress. They offer a bit of coverage while still showcasing the arms and shoulders, creating a balanced and elegant look. This style can beautifully complement the curves of a plus size bride and provide a romantic and timeless feel to the overall wedding gown. The epitome of a classic gown, our Heidi Wedding Dress is a curve-hugging fit and flare full of stunning details. The off-the-shoulder v-neckline beautifully shows off your decolletage with dainty cap sleeves offering a romantic feel. Frosted embroidered lace has a swirling effect, drawing the eye down the body to the sheer train.

Sometimes, the most important part of a dress is the support it provides. Dresses with straps are the perfect way to create a clean and elegant look while maintaining the support you need. Straps might seem like a practical sleeve style, but chicness and versatility can be found in a wedding dress with straps. You can have a structured wide strap or delicate spaghetti strap, straps designed with stunning lace and beading, and straps that crisscross to create unique designs in the back. Additionally, they help maintain the structure of the dress, ensuring a comfortable and flattering fit for the entire day. Whether you choose simple straps or intricately designed ones, they can complement the overall look while providing the support you need. Our Tori Wedding Dress is a whimsical A-line with a sheer corset bodice designed with frosted floral embroidered lace. Supportive straps beautifully frame the decolletage leading to the illusion back, highlighting the structured boning. The effortless tulle skirt floats around you for an ultra-flattering silhouette with a romantic lace-trimmed train to complete the look. 

For plus size brides looking for a modern and elegant feel, illusion sleeves can be a fantastic choice. These sleeves are made from sheer fabric and often feature delicate lace or embellishments, creating a sophisticated and contemporary look. Illusion sleeves can add an element of glamour while providing a bit of coverage, making them ideal for those who want to strike a balance between modern trends and timeless beauty. Our Nimue Wedding Dress is a beautiful example of a plus size illusion wedding dress. The gown features allover Chantilly lace over shimmering sparkle organza that allows the delicate floral motif of the lace pop. The sheer neckline has a sultry plunge with illusion long sleeves highlighting the delicate lace. The sheer back is breathtaking, especially when paired with the classic touch of buttons.

Selecting the right sleeve style can truly enhance the beauty and confidence of plus size brides on their wedding day. Whether it’s the delicate charm of cap sleeves, the supportive feel of a strap, or the modern elegance of illusion sleeves, there are plenty of options to ensure that every plus size bride looks and feels stunning in her wedding gown.

Pros and Cons of Long Sleeve Wedding Gowns

Long sleeves are a timeless choice when it comes to wedding dresses. Whether you’re planning a winter wonderland wedding or simply prefer a more modest look, there are plenty of gorgeous long sleeve wedding gowns out there for you. But it’s important to consider all factors of your dress, including sleeve style. We’re breaking down long sleeve wedding gown pros and cons for you. 

Pros of Long Sleeve Wedding Gowns:

Long sleeve wedding dresses exude timeless elegance and grace. The added coverage can create a romantic and sophisticated look that resonates with many brides. They are also great for brides who prefer a more modest silhouette. Long sleeve gowns provide the perfect amount of coverage while still allowing for a breathtaking, feminine aesthetic.

Long sleeves can also complement a variety of wedding dress styles, from classic to bohemian, allowing brides to express their personal style while feeling confident and comfortable. From lined long sleeves to illusion sleeves, embellished with elegant lace or sparkling beading, billowing bishop long sleeves, and boho bell sleeves, there are many options for long sleeve wedding dresses 

Cons of Long Sleeve Wedding Gowns:

Depending on the design, long sleeves can restrict arm movement, which may affect the bride’s ability to enjoy every moment of her wedding day. If you’re worried about tight or restrictive feeling sleeves, consider detachable sleeves. Detachable long sleeves are the perfect option for brides who want the traditional look of a long sleeve wedding dress for their ceremony with the freedom to dance and move around during their reception.

During summer weddings, the extra warmth from long sleeves can lead to discomfort. If you want to wear long sleeves during your outdoor or summer wedding, be sure to consider the fabric and style. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon and tulle are ideal for warm climates. Also, consider off-the-shoulder or bishop style long sleeves. Paired with the weightless fabrics previously mentioned these styles are free and flowing, allowing more air circulation while wearing long sleeves. They’ll keep you cool while wearing classic long sleeves. We recommend brides consider the season and weather conditions when selecting a long sleeve gown. 

Ultimately, the decision to choose a long sleeve wedding gown should prioritize the bride’s comfort, personal style, and the specific details of her wedding day. By carefully weighing the benefits and drawbacks, brides can make an informed choice that ensures they feel beautiful and confident as they walk down the aisle.

Flattering Neckline for Plus Size Brides

When it comes to plus size wedding dresses, choosing the right neckline can make all the difference. Neckline styles play an important role in creating a stunning silhouette that complements a bride’s natural curves. We’re sharing our favorite neckline options that not only flatter but celebrate the beauty of plus size brides.

For a romantic look that exudes elegance and femininity, the sweetheart neckline is a bridal favorite. This neckline style gently follows the natural curve of the bust, creating a heart-shaped design that draws attention to the décolletage. It beautifully accentuates the shoulders and provides ample support, making it an ideal choice for brides who want to showcase their curves with a touch of romance.

The V-neckline is a classic and versatile choice that offers a lengthening effect, elongating the neckline and drawing the eyes downward. V-necklines come in many shapes, from modest v’s to wide v-shapes and even sultry plunging v-necks. This style is a timeless option that complements various dress styles, from traditional ball gowns to modern sheath dresses.

Embracing a trend that exudes femininity and sophistication, the off-the-shoulder neckline is a stunning choice for plus size brides. This style elegantly showcases the shoulders while providing a delicate and romantic touch. The off-the-shoulder neckline beautifully frames the upper body, drawing attention to the neck and collarbone while offering support and comfort. It’s a glamorous option that adds a hint of allure and elegance to any wedding dress silhouette.

Choosing the right neckline can enhance the natural beauty of a curvy bride and create a flattering and stunning silhouette. Whether opting for the romantic sweetheart neckline, the lengthening v-neckline, or the feminine off-the-shoulder neckline, it’s essential to take your personal style and comfort into account when selecting the perfect dress. 

Conclusion

Finding the perfect plus size wedding dress is all about embracing your body and choosing a style that makes you feel beautiful and confident! When it comes to flattering silhouettes, A-lines, structured ball gowns, and empire waists are great choices as they emphasize the waist and create a balanced look. We recommend materials like lace and satin for their supportive and smoothing qualities or something effortless and relaxed like lightweight chiffon. Different sleeve styles can transform the look of your dress from elegant cap sleeves to supportive straps, including long sleeves, which offer elegance and coverage. And we couldn’t forget flattering necklines like V-necks and sweetheart necklines that beautifully frame the face and elongate the body. Ultimately, the best wedding dress for a plus size bride is one that makes her feel comfortable, confident, and radiant on her special day!