Dress to flatter a full figured maid of honor?

Question

My maid of honor is a big girl (I'm not small myself). She also has a large bust that requires alot of support. I am allowing each of my girls to wear the style of dress they feel comfortable in. The problem is that on a normal day, she often wears spagehti strap tank tops with no bra, and the shirt doesn't always cover her properly. I want to suggest some flattering styles for her body type, but don't I'm afraid she will not like the choices and might be offended. Any suggestions on how to suggest them without making her feel unattractive? Do you know of any stores or websites that feature reasonably priced bridesmaid dresses for full figured women?

Answer 1

A line dress. Or possibly empire waist. Something that offers support yet shows off her assets, like a deep neckline.

Answer 2

Make it a girls day out and go shopping with her, treat her to lunch and help her pick out her dress. I am sure she wants to look pretty and I am sure she value your opinion if she is your maid of honor. Also don't' be afraid to find and recommend a good tailor to do alternations. This can make the big difference. Normal cloths aren't really made to fit right any "unusual" figures but if you have it altered they make sure it fits right and covers everything correctly. I agree with everyone else about basic A-line dresses. In my wedding I had everything from flat and skinny to voluptuous size G bra girls and they all wore the same dress that was even strapless. There were basic A line strapless dresses and they all said they loved them and even my large Friend who was my maid of honor loved it and said it was one of the most flattering dresses she wore.. she did have it slightly altered to fit correctly on top. I don't know where you live, but I got mine at the Jessica McClintock Outlet store for 90% off!

Answer 3

Definitely A-line or empire waist is the best. Davids Bridal actually has a large selection of full figured gowns. Maybe you and her should take a day and go try on gowns and that way you can help her select the best style. (You don't necessarily have to buy it there.) You can make a fun day out of it, I don't think she would feel badly about that!

I am sure she will choose an appropriate dress so don't worry!

Answer 4

I know that David's Bridal has plus-sized dresses...

Your only concern, really, is to have something with a think strap and a relatively modest v-neck. The thick straps allow for a good bra and the v-neck will elongate her neck, making her look slimmer. You might want to look into the two-piece dresses and mix and match tops. A-line skirts are great because they camouflage the hips...

Answer 5

http://www.therosedress.com/dresses/dresses-pg14.html

This site has many beautiful plus size gowns in styles to flatter rather than mock her size. If I were you I'd pick out 3-4 and show them to her and just point blank tell her that you'd like to see her try on something like this as you feel these are the types of styles you want to see on your party. If she argues, play the bridezilla card and insist!

Empire is always good, or A-line styles. If possible get something that is a little more coverage., for instance:
http://www.therosedress.com/dresses/ig/319015.html
it has a top that is compatible with typical full figured bras and isn't spaghetti strapped or backless. Or:
http://www.therosedress.com/dresses/ig/383032.html
This is dressy and sexy, with the shoulders showing and thinner straps, but has sleeves and nice princess seaming. You can see it doesn't play up the bustline either.
The Same goes for this one:
http://www.therosedress.com/dresses/ig/383022.html


There are dresses out there for her - unfortunately you really have to look. If you have someone that sews try:
http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=thumbnail.cfm&cat=1&type=1&sec=4&StartRow=1
Style #3785 - put the sash in the same color as the dress if you don't want to call attention to the bustline.

Answer 6

You need an empire waist line with an A-line waist with sleeves or broad straps and a V-neck.

And you are going to have to take control; you do have a right to not have your bridesmaid look bad in your photos. Perhaps give her a couple of choices. You are being kind to her, do not get pushed-over.

Like:
http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=2982&prodgroup=110

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=2967&prodgroup=110

may be good choices to start with.

And make sure the dress is sized to fit her bust, then taken in anywhere else.

Answer 7

if you like the style, you may like a faux two piece, with a dropped waist top. A-line is great for flattering hips and the little tummy, and a halter style would almost force her to cover up, but allow her to still show off a nice back and a deep neckline.

Answer 8

Empire is one of the better ways to go, as stated above, anything with a v-cut (but not deep) will play down the parts she doesn't (or you don't) want to show.
Flatter her - pick out a dress that you think will be the best and say "oh......(name)...this will look gorgeous on you, and try to get others to say it too. Flattery works.
You can try any of the sites, Alfred Angelo, Davids Bridal..etc...most of them have plus sized sections.

Answer 9

Try this it's dresses with a little more coverage also the davids bridal link is the bridesmaid dresses I chose for my maids two of the four are " big girls "

Answer 10

go to plussizebridal.com
arnellas.com
bridalonlinestore.com
These three on line stores have lovely plus size gowns for both brides and bridal party including maid of honor. Very very flattering. Also go to your local bridal salon with her and start trying on gowns together and ask the bridal consultant to help steer her toward the right gown for her figure. Most bridal salons can order any size.

Answer 11

anything A line, the flatter figure. Get something with nice thick straps on the torso of the dress to give her more supprto, she can also buy a buistie (sp?) to help keep her in place and tuck her tummy in a bit (not that that part matters).

Tea Length dresses also look great on everyone. Most of my bridesmaids were heavy set and they all looked BEAUTIFUL in tea length. http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=2320&prodgroup=138 (this is not what they wore... I guess that one was discontinued)