With the average UK bride being a size 16, there are a lot of curvaceous ladies out there seeking a bridal gown that flatters their curves and sculpts their silhouettes. If you're one of them, and you're despairing that you'll be faced by a sea of teeny sizes when you start visiting bridal boutiques, fret not. You're about to be pleasantly surprised.
Many of Cornwall's bridal boutiques offer an extensive choice of dresses for the fuller-figured bride. Little Anne-Maids (littleanne-maids.co.uk), for example, stocks a wide selection of plus size sample dresses, some of which go up to a size 30, while The Wedding Company (wedding-company-cornwall.co.uk) stocks the White Rose and Venus Woman labels which create styles specifically designed for curvaceous figures, with standard sizes available up to a size 34.
Significantly, County Cream (countycreambridalhouse.co.uk) has recently welcomed the Callista range to their collection, which has been specially created for brides from sizes 18-32. "The Callista range enables a larger bride to have the dress and shape they want without having to just settle for a standard 'big girl's dress'," explains Elaine Rawlings of County Cream.
Rather than restricting the choice to flattering A-line cuts, the collection offers a diverse range of styles, from fishtails to ball gowns. "The collection has the fuller figure in mind right from the start of the design process as opposed to standard collections, which are not generally focused on a plus size shape," says Elaine. It is also reassuring to try on a dress that is as close to your dress size as possible before you place your order. "Callista have got the proportions of their dresses just right, which enables the bride to see how the dress will look, as the sample they are trying is often already the correct size or quite close to it".
Before you start shopping, consider the assets that you'd like your bridal gown to highlight, and those parts you'd rather cover. "You need to try on lots of shapes and different types of fabrics, as some fabrics hang beautifully and cover the things you don't like about yourself and show off the things you do," advises Anne Walker from Little Anne-Maids.
Keeping an open mind is key. "Whether you're a plus size or standard range size, you'll naturally have different proportions and it's this that determines what style will suit you," says Elaine. If you're tall, you might suit a fishtail gown; if you're short, an A-line or drop-waist dress will give the illusion of height. Like your shoulders? Then try on a strapless dress. Keen to accentuate your bust? A sweetheart neckline will do the trick. There are also plenty of design details that will help sculpt your bridal vision; for example, ruching is a favourite for whittling the waist. "Ruching to one side nearly always shows off a waist even if you don't think you have one," says Anne.
But what about those areas you're particularly self-conscious about? "The most common area that a curvier girl is aware of is her arms and having an exposed back," comments Elaine. "Many of the Callista dresses come with straps, capped sleeves and both sheer and lace backs, which address all these areas, making the bride feel more comfortable and confident". And, if you fall for a strapless style, you can always have straps, sleeves or a bolero jacket made in-house to match.
Great structure is a given for specialist plus size collections, such as Callista. However, if you're opting for a gown from a standard range in a plus size, consider whether there is enough structure to keep you feeling supported and comfortable all day. "Plenty of structure is a must, especially if you have a bigger bust," comments Anne. "Deeper bust lines are also important for the bigger busted ladies to stop the bust spilling over the top".
So hit the boutiques and channel your inner Jessica Rabbit in a gown that fits your vision, style and personality. As Elaine asserts: "Every bride deserves to feel special on their big day and size shouldn't hinder that".
TOP TIPS FOR CURVY BRIDES
Keep an open mind and try on a range of styles, even if you're not instantly attracted to them.
Remember that wedding dress sizes often differ from high street sizes, and what may suit you on the high street may not be the most flattering in a wedding dress.
A dress with minimal structure may make you look shapeless. Look for a well-structured dress that emphasises your curves for the most flattering finish.
A little jacket is great for covering the arms and you can always take it off later if you get hot, as opposed to an attached sleeve.
A longer veil can elongate your body, as can a range of cuts and necklines such as plunge and V-necks.
Straps are a great feature as long as they're not too chunky and don't detract from the dress.
Use the enlarging effect of ruched fabric to balance your look; for example, a ruched or ruffled skirt will balance a top-heavy bust.
A carefully positioned accessory, such as a sash or brooch, will draw the eye to the smallest part of your body.
Don't settle for a dress that just isn't you. There are flattering and fashionable gowns out there that match your style - keep looking until you find 'the one'.
Credits:
Location Boconnoc House www.boconnoc.com
Car Treverbyn Cars www.treverbyncars.com
Dresses Callista
Hair Hair Design by Holly Luisa hollyluisamitchell@yahoo.co.uk
Flowers Loulabel Floral Design www.loulabelfloraldesign.co.uk
Make-up Natasha Flower www.natashaflower.co.uk
Photography Griffin Photography www.griffin-photography.co.uk
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
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