Bridesmade dress(es) for larger girls?

Question

My maid of honor, Sara, is my dearest friend in the world (as you would expect) but she has a very limited idea of what looks good on her. She's 5'3" and probably ways about 150 pounds, maybe a little more. I've seen her wear dresses before and they make her look dumpy, and make her legs seem short and stubby.

My sister too will probably be a bridesmaid, she's also a big girl, nearly as big around as Sara, but about 6 inches taller.

How do I find a dress that will flatter these lovely larger ladies?

I've tried a million websites, please don't refer me to any more, but tell me...if you are or know a larger girl, what sort of dress is the most flattering for them? I want my girls to look beautiful, not dread being in the wedding. Please help.

I'm sorry for how many people I seem to have upset with saying that Sara is a bigger girl. Maybe I've got my numbers wrong, I'm not good at guessing that sort of thing.

Even though I'm on the slimmer side of things (not 90 pounds as someone said), Sara is still at least twice as wide as me. I honestly don't care what she looks like though, I just want her to be as beautiful as she can be, instead of dreading my wedding like she did her cousin's, because she had to wear a "frumpy" dress.

Thank you for all the good advice that's come in so far...I'm going to start looking at more dresses now that I have a good idea of what sort of waist and things look best on larger girls!

Answer 1

i'm in a wedding this fall. all of the girls, including myself, are larger.

one is also very tall (over 6').

with that said, as the maid of honor, i went with the bride scouting bridesmaid dresses.

unlike all these other girls i DO NOT suggest david's bridal. the people there were not helpful, and the bigger size selection is limited and looks VERY cheap. david's bridal is bascially like the wal-mart of bridal dress shopping, and not that i don't like wal-mart, but i don't like it for formal wear which is something that should be assisted with.

i suggest going to a smaller, local bridal store. they will help you pick things, try them on, etc. they are more hands-on and helpful we found. (and by the way, our dresses were $110/person, and we got another discount if the bride ordered her dress there, which she did. so it ended up being cheaper than anything we probably could have got at david's bridal.)

i also suggest you bring this "larger" girl along with you to pick out dresses. then she can try samples on. you both can see what will look nice on her, but here is the rule of thumb:

1) stay simple. no ruffles, fringe, or anything else crazy
2) a-line will compliment anyone. don't go straight or mermaid with a girl with hips and/or a butt.
3) empire waist will also bring the waist in and up.
4) don't do a cap sleeve. this will make her arms look big. (you can do a shawl or wrap though.)
5) also condsider color. black (and other darker colors) are always slimming.
6) roughing makes a waist look smaller
7) have a nice necklace, or other piece of jewerly, as a focal point to draw the eye up
8) make sure you have the right undergarments. a longline bra and spanx can work wonders
9) high heels also make you look like you lost 5 lbs immediatley.
10) if you have a really tall girl (like we do) make sure you find out if the dress can be bought with extra length
11) make sure you buy the dress a little big and take it in. a great fit works wonders

here is a picture of what we are wearing:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/lralou8/592_14821_large.jpg
(note: we didn't like the rinestone clip, since we are all wearing pearls, so we are having that removed in the tayloring)

good luck. :)

email me if you have another question: [e-mail]

Answer 2

You know, I think you are a good friend. I am a big woman, and no one cared what the dresses looked like in any of the weddings I've been in. 5'3" tall weighing 150 pounds is overweight so people on yahoo should get off your back.

Dresses can be a problem, the shape of their bodies is more important than height and weight. I look good in a v-neck halter dress with at least an A-line, if not fuller, skirt. However, you have to buy a really good strapless bra to wear with the dress. Goddess is the only strapless that will hold the girls up properly. Separates are a really good way to go. I renewed my wedding vows in December 2004 and wore Mori Lee separates. I had a ball gown skirt with an off the shoulder top, that was beaded all the way around the top part of the top. I think it looked good. I don't have any digital pictures, or I would send you a copy. Again, you have to buy a really good strapless bra and they can be expensive. A floor length skirt takes care of the leg problem, like I said, it should be at least as full as an a-line. You want a top that's as flattering as possible, which differs depending on body type. I am really big on top, which is why separates work for me. I have listed some links below so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. Have them try on styles that maybe they wouldn't normally think to try. I would never have thought that I'd look good in a halter neck dress, but the girl at the store made me try it on and I fell in love with it. I felt beautiful. It's hard to try things on when you're a plus size, because all of the samples are a 12 but you can sort of get an idea. Good luck, and again, you're a good friend. Be careful with an empire waist, sometimes it can look like maternity wear instead of elegant evening wear. I know I look horrible in an empire waist.

Answer 3

I just got married in June and am a "bigger' girl. I got my dress at David's Bridal and it was perfect. I ended up getting an A line. I'm also a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding in October and will need to get a dress, we went together and ended up getting a strapless dresses that are snug fit at the top and then looser as they go down, they fit great and look stunning.

Try to find a dress that flatters your sister's and Sara's assets or things they like about themselves.

Good luck and I would reccomend that if Sara is your dearest friend in the world that you stop saying things like "they make her look dumpy, and make her legs seem short and stubby." Just a thought.

Answer 4

Try www.davidsbridal.com
They have seperates. They choose a different top and bottom for the dress. You pick the color. That is what I'm doing for my wedding, all my bridesmaids have different body types, and no two look good in the same dress. That way each woman can choose a dress style that is flattering to her body type.
(And it doesn't sound like she's that big, just not skinny.)
Here are some examples of cuts that will look better on "not skinny" women.
http://www.kiyonna.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=KK2003&Category_Code=Dresses&sblid=Dresses
http://portland.craigslist.org/clo/188060684.html

Dear Promspot,
I am very heavy on the top and bottom, but actually have a small waist. Can I emphasize my slender stomach without letting it all hang out? What should I look for (or stay away from!) when I go shopping?

Sydney: Show off your curves by opting for a dress that isn't too tight on the top or bottom. This will draw attention away from your perceived figure flaws and accentuate your assets. Ball gowns will work well for you, but plan on buying one that fits better on the top and bottom -- it may need to be taken in at the waist. To further show off your midsection and achieve an hourglass look, look for designs that have corseted bodices, lace-up backs, and dropped waists.

P.S.: Avoid straight, formfitting designs, like the mermaid silhouette (a hip-hugging dress that fishtails out at the bottom).

Dear Promspot,
I have a really big stomach. So far everything I've tried either doesn't fit at all or creates a cringe-inducing bulge in the middle. Help!

Sydney: Don't panic! Try a halter neckline that draws the eye up to your face. A flowing A-line gown will also minimize your middle. If you have a smaller chest, try an empire-waist gown with a split front. Wearing a body shaping undergarment with extra tummy control will slim down your middle and smooth out the situation.

P.S.: Stay away from unstructured styles made of soft fabrics like chiffon, thin satin, or silk. They'll cling to your midsection instead of concealing it.

Dear Promspot,
I'm really flat chested, but kind of heavy everywhere else (especially on my lower half). What kind of dress will make me look more pleasingly proportioned?

Sydney: Shop for a dress that adds the illusion of a larger chest while flattering your lower half. Good options are A-line or empire waist (a dress with a seam just under your bust and free-flowing fabric down the rest) styles. Avoid V or sweetheart necklines (these are designed for fuller chests). You'll run the risk of looking out of proportion.

P.S.: Consider giving Mother Nature a boost with a push-up or padded bra!
http://www.promspot.com/ps_article.htm?Object=A41021153412&subchannel=PROM_YOUR_LOOK

Answer 5

For the record, I'm 5'3", weigh 158 pounds and I wear a size 10 in jeans . . . this is after having four kids so I think I'm doing pretty good! You may want to consider a simple A-line dress with some light boning in the bodice since it is usually the most flattering on almost all body types.

I know you've said that you've tried a million websites, but check out Dreams by Renee. They have some absolutely gorgeous dresses in sizes 4-28 PLUS they will create a custom dress based on drawings or photographs at reasonable prices. htt://www.dreamsbyreneebridal.com All of the prices listed on the website are suggested retail; since I am an authorized rep, I am able to offer a discount as well.

Also, if you check out the MEASURING tab on my website, it will give detailed instructions on the proper way to take measurements for formal attire. http://www.aphrodites-creations.com

Good luck!

Answer 6

everyone's getting pretty worked up about the weight issue...but I agree with you that if your other bridesmaids are small then she may feel uncomfortable being larger and having to wear a dress she feels uncomfortable with.

That being said...I reccommend picking a color, designer and basic length, and then letting each bridesmaid pick out a dress that fits their particular body. This way they will all feel beautiful. No one style will flatter everyone. I have been to a couple weddings where they did this, and I thought it was a really great idea. they all MATCH...just don't have the exact same style. For instance you can have them wear red, tea length dresses by Dessy....there are several different waist lines, and higher and lower bust lines, but all the dresses look fabulous together!! This way they can all find somehting to suit their body, and no one will feel overly exposed!!

Answer 7

I will be getting married next March and I am a "larger" girl. I am about 5-2 and lets just say i am a bit healthy...lol. I suggest that you pick a dress that is a bit snugger around the top and looser on the way down.

If you get a sleeveless dress for them, go with some type of wrap for thier shoulders. As far as shoes- if the dress will be short, I say go with medium heels, if she is tall, go with a shorter version.

Stay away from patterns such as side to side striped, big bulky flowers or off colors that resemble things like orange (pumpkin), Purple (grape), (not like too many would have those colors).

Also, it may help if you asked her what she feels comfortable wearing and wht is flattering to her in her opinion. Tell her that you want her to be as comfortable as possible (not mentioning weight) and would love that input from her.

Answer 8

aww...I feel bad for you that people on here are freaking on you for trying to be considerate and finding a dress to suit them. Its not like your saying Sara is fat, just bigger. I'm bigger too. Not fat, but built bigger like I could never wear a size 2 even if I was anorexic. Anyways...Try an A line or a 2 piece dress like with the top and then the skirt. Thats what a lot of my bigger friends did for proms and it really made them look nice because the top is shorter and the skirt is longer so it makes the legs look longer. I would try for something like that. Good luck finding a dress for them.

Answer 9

i wanna say that A-line will look good, or empire waist?? it's tighter at the top, right under the breasts, and then kinda flows longer and "wider" down, so that it looks really flowy and soft and doesn't emphasize any curves too harshly...? i would say that's more of a romantic look...and halter tops are pretty flattering... if u want to hide the arms...that could be hard... maybe like a chiffon sleeve that is long to the wrist, and has a slit in the outside of the arms...so that part of the fabric covers the arms, but only some shows, creating optical illusion of skinnier arms? or like a tube top dress, and a bolero type jacket on outside, or long scarf that wraps around the back and tucked behind the arms?? good luck!!~~

Answer 10

Ask Sara to describe what she thinks will look good on her, list the criteria on a sheet of paper. Write your own list of what you think will make her look good. Compare the two lists and see if anything overlaps. Shop for dress that have some characteristics on both lists. Take her to the shops and try on the dresses. Sometimes people can insist not to wear certain clothes but once they try it on they love it. Overall, I think you should let her have more say. I know it's your wedding and you want the the bridemaids to look beautiful, but if Sara is uncomfortable in the dress, she will look awkward anyway.