Planning for bridesmaids dresses in plus sizes

Learn how to accomodate your plus size bridesmaids while choosing their dress.

Photo Credit: Kevin Russ
By Sarah Sparks

Getting married is a happy time in any bride’s life, and the wedding is a chance to make all your fantasies come true. One of the things to think about when you are planning your wedding is the wedding party. Most brides enjoy picking out dresses for their bridesmaids. When deciding what dresses to pick out for your bridesmaids, it is important to remember their size. If you have plus size bridesmaids then you will want to make sure to pick out dresses that will fit them and also make them feel comfortable.

One thing to keep in mind when picking out plus size bridesmaids dresses is what time of year the wedding is taking place. Most plus size women tend to feel uncomfortable showing off their arms. If the wedding is in a colder month of the year, you can get away with a short sleeve dress or even a long sleeve dress. This way the bridesmaids feel more comfortable as they do not have to have their upper arms showing. If your wedding is going to be in a warmer month during the year, then try to get a short sleeve dress. If the dress styles are not what you want, then you can go for straps that are more like tank tops. Make sure you talk to your bridesmaids to make sure they are comfortable. If they feel uncomfortable, you can add a colorful shawl to the dress that can cover the upper arms and shoulders. The shawl can be very thin so that it allows the bridesmaids to cover their arms while staying cool in the warm weather. If you plan to go sleeveless, then a shawl would also come in handy for anyone who feels uncomfortable showing off their upper arms.

Another thing to think about when you are choosing plus size bridesmaids dresses is the style and cut of the dress. Most plus size women do not feel comfortable in form fitting clothing. Make sure that you choose a style that is not too tight fitting to the body. An A line dress can be worn comfortably with the right undergarments, and an empire cut dress also may make your bridesmaids feel more comfortable. You do not have to have a dress that is baggy or that sticks out, but just make sure that it does not cling to the body.

Length is another thing to keep in mind when choosing a plus size dress for your bridesmaids. It is a better idea to choose a longer dress as opposed to a shorter dress. Many plus size women do not feel great about showing off their legs. Even if the bridesmaids do not mind showing a little leg, a longer dress with make your plus size bridesmaids look taller. When they are able to look taller, they do not look quite so big. This allows a more proportionate look for your bridesmaids. Not only will they feel more comfortable, but also they will look good during the activities and in the wedding pictures.

If you have a mixture of sizes in your bridal party, then you can also choose a style of dress and allow each bridesmaid to make some alterations. You can choose the dress style, color, and length, but allow your bridesmaids to decide if they want sleeveless, take top sleeves, or short sleeves. Give them a variety of choices so they can feel comfortable during the ceremony and wedding reception.

It is not always easy to get your plans put together when you are planning a wedding. By choosing bridesmaids dresses that are comfortable for your plus size bridesmaids, you are able to make them more likely to be supportive and help you with anything that you need help with. If they are happy, they will be more likely to keep you happy throughout the planning and the big day.