Gorgeous gowns for every shape and style

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So you've picked your fabulous bridesmaids, you've popped the question, and now you need to find that perfect bridesmaid dress that makes each one of them look and feel gorgeous. One question we often get asked here at One Fab Day, is where to find plus size bridesmaid dresses? Sadly in the past, there was a real lack of chic and fashion-forward plus size bridesmaid dresses available, but thankfully, that has changed. We did a little research and came up with the best places to find plus size bridesmaid dresses below, and compiled our top tips for stress-free shopping, too!

Tips for Shopping for a Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress

1. Beware of the Generic Sample Size

Keep in mind when going shopping that sample sizes are small. It’s not you, it’s the dress. If it doesn’t fit, don’t fret. Despite offering extensive size ranges in collections to order in, many bridal boutiques only offer samples up to a size 12 or 14, for bridesmaids to try on. The joy of going to a dedicated bridesmaid boutique over shopping on the high street is that they'll measure you up and make sure the dress fits you like a glove when it comes in.

When it comes to trying it on though, there are all sorts of clips to pull and tuck you into a gown that’s not your size, to give you a vision for what your dress will look like - though of course, this option still won't work for everyone. If you're nervous about whether or not you want to try the samples, call ahead, most boutiques are really helpful, they'll be able to tell you exactly what samples they have.

2. Be Prepared to Look a Little Further

This is advice we would give any bride or bridesmaid, curvy or not. As we mentioned already, many boutiques stock small sample sizes so you may have to try a few before you find the one. But don't give up, there is a beautiful dress out there for everyone! Both the high street stores and our online faves have really upped their game with formalwear, prom attire, and dedicated bridesmaid collections, so you don't have to stick to traditional boutiques.

Look to your favourite clothing brands that you already know and love, and see if they have something bridesmaid-worthy in their collection, or check out alternative bridesmaid brands, for something more cool and modern.

3. Be Honest, But Listen to your Boutique's Advice

The staff in bridal boutiques know their stuff, so listen if they suggest certain gowns they think will suit. Likewise, let them know if you’re not comfortable coming out of the dressing room in a certain gown or trying on a certain dress they’ve suggested.

4. Bring Only Your Nearest and Dearest

If you're nervous about going bridesmaid dress shopping, it's not always a good idea to bring along the other bridesmaids to your fitting. Chat to the bride about going along first without the other girls, or if you know where you'll be shopping, call ahead and see if you can pop in with a close pal to scope it out. This won't apply to everyone, but if you are stressed about the idea of trying on dresses in a gang, it's better to bring only people you're comfortable with.

5. Buy Online

If the idea of a boutique changing room brings you out in a cold sweat, why not shop online? Order several sizes of a few dresses and see which ones suit best. Trying on at home means you can take your time and try out different accessories. And don't forget, even if you can't find your perfect fit, a little tailoring goes a long way towards turning a lacklustre gown into a bombshell bridesmaid dress. Just order a size up to give you plenty of scope for alterations!

6. Don't Compromise

Lots of bridesmaids don't like to cause a fuss and end up falling in line with whatever the majority want, but don't settle for a dress that doesn't fit properly, or that you're not comfortable in. Sure, green might not be your favourite colour or you'd rather something with less sparkle, but if it's something more fundamental than that, make sure you speak up! This might be as simple as asking the bride to do mix and match necklines. You deserve to look and feel gorgeous just as much as any of the other bridesmaids, and any bride who is a true friend will want you to feel happy and comfortable on their day.

7. Mix and Match

Be open to the fact that one dress will not suit the whole bridal party, many brides now opt for a mix and match bridesmaid dresses which mean all your ladies will feel comfortable on the day. Another option is to choose one colour scheme and allow your bridesmaids to choose any style. Looking for some inspiration? Check out our guide to individual looks to steal.

Grey-Two-Birds-2017-Maxi-multi-way-dress.To see more visit onefabday.com — Twobirds

Where to Buy Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses

Dedicated Bridesmaid Collections with Extended Sizing

These collections are available to order online, or they can be purchased through a boutique, see individual sites for your nearest stockist and be sure to call ahead to check if your sizing is available.

Coast - up to UK size 26

Presley Blue Boutique - up to UK size 28

Pamela Scott - up to UK size 20

Rewritten - up to a UK size 22

Adrianna Papell - up to US size 24

Fame & Partners - up to US 22

Birdy Grey - up to US 28

Dessy - up to size 30w

Twobirds - up to US size 24

Jenny Yoo - up to US size 32

Show Me Your Mumu - up to size 3x

BHLDN - up to US 26