How to Design a Plus Size Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses are designed to flatter. Regardless of your size or style, there is a wedding dress that is perfect for you. If you are designing a custom plus size wedding dress, most of your considerations will be the same as any other bride's: the color, beadwork and the fit of the dress. However, as a plus-size bride, there are several factors to consider that can make or break your perfect dress.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape

1. Take accurate measurements. Measure in the evening after you have eaten. It's best not to assume that you will lose weight. You can easily have the dress taken in, but letting it out is time consuming, expensive and sometimes impossible.

2. Try out a variety of styles. Try on wedding dresses with an eye for pattern, rather than design. Popular styles are A-line or princess, empire waist, mermaid or fishtail, ball gown and column. Any of these styles can look great on a plus size bride.

3. Accommodate your plus sized features. An A-line or ball gown style can flatter a large bust or bottom. Unless you want to highlight your large bust and bottom, avoid a mermaid style. If you are plus sized due to height and build, a mermaid style may be ideal.

4. Consider your physical fitness. A dress with boning can make it hard to breathe, as can dresses that require fortified undergarments to hold them in place. If you are not particularly fit and have difficultly breathing, opt for a dress that makes you feel comfortable.

5. Add the details. Once you determine your style and size, pick out beading, colors and accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself time to have the dress altered. Some dressmakers will alter wedding dresses as late as two weeks before the wedding, while others require up to three months advance.