Home » 20 Plus-Size Dresses for Engaged Brides-to-Be

20 Plus-Size Dresses for Engaged Brides-to-Be

by Staff

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Size-inclusive dress options are plentiful this year (as they should be!), from feminine designs to casual and elegant classics. This is excellent news because now that you’re engaged, you’ll need multiple looks: dresses for your engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner (to name a few). There are also those extra wedding-related events like a post-wedding brunch and your honeymoon! For all these occasions, you will undoubtedly need a gorgeous dress, sometimes two or three.

“When thinking about wedding-related events, I always say go for the silhouettes that work best for you,” says Danielle Williams Eke, 11 Honoré’s design director. “Don’t feel like you have to try something new silhouette-wise. Let the details of the dress and the styling help you stand out for your special day.”

Meet the Expert

  • Danielle Williams Eke is the design director of the luxury size-inclusive retailer, 11 Honoré. With a specialty in extended sizes, Williams Eke pioneers patterns, fits, and silhouettes for the plus-size consumer and spearheads the design team and production of the retailer’s private label, the 11 Honoré Collection.

After considering your own personal style, keep the specific occasion in mind—and what kind of statement you’re looking to make. For a laid-back engagement party or bridal shower, Williams Eke recommends easy silhouettes, such as a wrap dress or fluid midis in elevated casual fabrics like stretch linen and textured organic cotton. Whether it be in a backyard, the mountains, or even seaside, silhouettes and fabrics such as these pair beautifully with an outdoor event. This will create a romantic yet luxurious look for the effortlessly chic bride. For dressier looks suited to a rehearsal dinner or wedding-day brunch, dare to make a statement by opting for bold details and sharp silhouettes. Williams Eke favors figure-accentuating fits, including V-necklines, halters, and waist-cinching sheaths, as well as unique details, such as ruching, asymmetrical hems, or a voluminous silhouette. These types of attributes will create that unforgettable “wow” factor—you are the bride, after all!

Ready to shop dresses that are size-inclusive and fit for curves? Discover 20 of our favorites for every style and budget ahead.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Plus-Size Dress

Before you seal the deal on just one dress—whether it be for your bachelorette or bridal brunch—be sure to cover all your bases. From your own personal style and the formality of the occasion down to the pieces you’ll slip on beneath your bridal look, it’s no doubt that even the smallest details can make a world of difference. For instance, while not all plus-size individuals have a fuller bust, seek out supportive design elements if you’re a bustier bride. In fact, there continue to be more and more brands and designers that intentionally construct their styles to not only accommodate but also accentuate plus-size figures. With that being said, plan your undergarments accordingly as shapewear can make all the difference in showing off your curves. Most importantly, do your research, and don’t hold limiting beliefs about what you can and cannot wear. Experiment with different styles by trying on varying silhouettes—and hey, that just means you get to play more dress-up!

FAQ

  • When celebrating your upcoming wedding, you’ll want to choose dresses that make you feel comfortable, elegant, and special. This can be a casual cotton midi, lace-adorned sheath, or satin maxi with pretty embellishments. It all depends on your personal preference and the style of the party.

  • Absolutely not! White dresses are fabulous for feeling your most bridal, but floral prints, bright colors, and sequin styles are equally stylish for various events. 

  • Every dress calls for amazing accessories—it’s all about personal preference. A pair of heels works any time of year, whether you prefer a classic and simple design or festive detailing like bows or sequins. Delicate sandals, flats, and sneakers are great for casual spring and summer moments while stylish boots and booties work for fall or winter parties. 

Why Trust Us

Contributing writer Laura Lajines is a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work with Brides, she served as the senior fashion editor at the Zoe Report and PopSugar. Her work has also been featured in Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.

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