Where to Find the Perfect Plus-Sized Wedding Gown of Your Dreams

When I was newly engaged, my biggest concern should have been the joys of planning and being excited about wedding dress shopping. For me, however, the mere idea of going into a bridal salon and looking for a wedding dress brought on a panic attack. I had visions of sales assistants laughing and scoffing at me and my weight or, even worse, not having a dress in stock that would come close to fitting my size 20 frame.

I could not have been more wrong.

My search for a plus-size wedding gown was my favorite part of wedding planning. I went to several shops in my town and they all had sizes to fit me. I scoured websites online and found styles that I liked and - to my shock - found out they could be ordered in my size. Every single sales person I encountered was kind and considerate, and never made me feel fat; to the contrary, they all succeeded in making me feel like a beautiful bride.

There are several tips and tricks that you can do in your wedding "pre-shopping" that will help you see how many amazing options are out there for you, and help you narrow down the myriad choices you have available to you.

Where to look online

Maggie Sottero (www.maggiesottero.com) has the most amazing dresses I have ever seen, and each gown is made to flatter womanly shapes. Best of all, you can order these gowns in every size, all the way up to size 28. From halter-style to strapless, formal to informal, all of her gowns skim over your curves and accentuate your positives in a way that makes you a radiant, glowing bride. Each dress has its own name, and it is definitely worth the time to look at all the gowns, and then in the "Maggie Brides" section, which shows actual gowns on actual brides. Many of these women are fuller-figured, and they look beautiful. These gowns are very expensive (from $700-1800), so may not be in everyone's budget - but it is always a great place to get some dress ideas.

Alfred Angelo (www.alfredangelo.com) offers beautiful dresses in a variety of styles, for brides of every size and shape, and their gowns can be ordered up to size 32. Many styles mimic the look and feel of the Maggie gowns, so this might be a lower-cost option for those who don't have thousands to spend on a gown! The best part of Alfred Angelo gowns is that they are widely available in many bridal shops, and they usually carry a few in plus sizes.

The Bridal Online Store (www.bridalonlinestore.com) carries their own line of gowns that also have many Maggie-like designs available. They are very affordable (between $199-$799) and can be ordered up to a size 28. The only downside of this option is that you will not get to go try on the actual dresses. They do, however, have a detailed measurement chart and a generous return policy if you find that your dress doesn't fit.

Advice for the Plus-Size Bride-To-Be

First of all, try to get over the shame of being bigger and the fear of going to the bridal stores. The people there want to sell you a gown, and they do everything they can to make you feel like the bride you are.

It is very important to shop around. Try on a variety of dresses and styles - even those that you don't think will look good on you. See what works on your body, because what looks good on the model may not be your most flattering look. I love the look of strapless Maggie gowns, but then I tried a few on. I looked like I had a boob shelf. When I tried on the halter-style gowns that I didn't like at all, however, they made me look and feel gorgeous. It was the same with the skirt and fabric - I was stuck on getting a traditional A-line skirt made of silk or satin. I tried a few on. I looked like a teepee. I tried on some flowing chiffon-style dresses that I originally thought would be hideous on me, and they skimmed my curves very nicely and hid everything I wanted to hide.

If you find a Maggie or an Alfred Angelo that you love, look on eBay. They have great deals on many plus-size Maggie Sottero and Alfred Angelo gowns, and you can usually find exactly what you are looking for. If you cannot find what you want, however, rest assured that your bridal salon can order these gowns in whatever size you need.

Most importantly, get the dress that you love. You can take fifteen people with you and get opinions, but in the end it is your dress, your wedding, and your day. Your husband-to-be is marrying you, and he is going to think you are the most gorgeous thing to ever populate the earth. Trust your instincts and buy what you love.

With some pre-shopping investigation and a little bit of confidence, you will be looking like the bride of your dreams in now time. Go out and find your dream dress - this is your wedding, and you deserve it!