Finding a plus-size budget wedding dress you love can feel a bit like hunting for a unicorn if you’re rocking gorgeous curves and working with a tight budget.
Sprinkle a little magic on your dress quest with our ultimate guide to discovering the bridal gown of your dreams without breaking the bank.
From flowy A-lines to sassy mermaids, we’ve got the scoop on where to find dreamy dresses that’ll have you saying “I do” to style and savings without sacrificing the perfect fit.
Where can you find plus-size budget wedding dresses?
Finding the perfect wedding dress to accentuate your curves can be a bit challenging when you’re sticking to a budget. There’s no reason to sacrifice style when you know where to find fabulous options.
Some plus sized brides prefer to shop online, thinking they’ll find more options. The downfall to this is you might have difficulty finding dresses that are true to size, making the process of ordering – and returning – dresses frustrating.
Local bridal boutiques are a better option for finding plus-size budget wedding dresses that flatter your figure. You can check out all the latest fashions and try them before you buy. Sometimes a style you think you’ll love doesn’t meet your expectations once you put it on.
Benefits of shopping during clearance events
Don’t be afraid to call ahead and ask about upcoming sales and clearance events to save even more on your bridal gown. Shopping off the clearance rack or taking advantage of special sales events can make a dress that otherwise would be out of your price range more affordable.
Besides reaping extra savings, sales events often mean a wider selection of dresses from which to choose. Bridal boutiques may bring out additional stock or include items not typically available year-round. Clearance events also might feature one-of-a-kind limited-edition wedding dresses that fit perfectly.
What should you look for in a plus-size budget wedding dress?
Now that we know where to look for a plus side budget wedding dress, let’s discuss what you should look for in a bridal gown style. It’s OK to consider your budget and pinch as many pennies as possible. Just don’t sacrifice feeling absolutely fabulous in a bridal gown that fits you like a glove.
Here are some key points to keep in mind.
- Comfort and Fit
You’re wedding day may feel like a blur later, but it’s going to be long. Consider your comfort when choosing a dress that’ll move with you as you walk down the aisle or bust a move on the dance floor. Look for bridal gowns with built-in support, adjustable features, and the option to customize to improve comfort and fit.
Pro tip: a little bit of stretch in the fabric goes a long way in making sure you’re comfortable all day.
- Flattering Styles
Every body is unique. However, there are some styles that tend to be universally flattering for plus size figures. The classic A-line is a curvy gal’s best friend. It cinches your waist and flows outward, creating a beautiful silhouette.
Other options for the perfect fit include:
- Ball gowns that nip in the waist and explode into a full skirt.
- Empire waist bridal dresses that define the waist just below the bust to elongate your torso and skim over your midsection.
- Mermaid/trumpet styles show off your curves with a fitted style and a flared bottom.
- Fabric Quality and Construction
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean cheap. You can find high-quality plus-size budget wedding dresses made from fabrics that look and feel luxurious. Chiffon, lace, and satin are among the top picks. Don’t shy away from synthetic fabrics like polyester blends. They can look just as beautiful as silk at a fraction of the cost.
Check the construction of the dress. Make sure the seams are straight and there aren’t any loose threads. A well-made dress in a simpler style often looks more expensive than a poorly made embellished bridal gown.
How can you save money on wedding dress accessories?
Bravo! You found the plus-size budget wedding dress of your dreams without compromising your spending plan.
Accessories can make or break your bridal day look (and your budget) if you’re not careful. Budget-savvy brides like yourself can use some of the following tips to sparkle and shine without spending a fortune on the finishing touches.
- Hair accessories can include a simple floral comb or sparkly hair pins to add a lovely touch.
- Jewelry such as simple pearl earrings and a matching pendant adds a touch of elegance without a hefty price tag.
- Shoes in white or metallic shades can enhance your bridal gown and be worn again after the wedding.
- Veils that fit the classic, single-tier style are elegant and affordable.
There’s no need to go overboard with accessories. Remember, less is more if you don’t want to overshadow your bridal gown.
Get the perfect plus-size budget wedding dress
Looking like a million bucks on your wedding day doesn’t have to cost a million bucks. Your perfect dress is out there waiting for you. Don’t be afraid to visit bridal shops to try on different styles before you settle.
Every bride’s journey is unique, and your experiences can be helpful to other curvy brides in search of the best-fitting and most flattering wedding dresses out there. Share your clever money-saving tips or bridal accessories and other thoughtful advice on finding the perfect plus-size budget wedding dress in the comments.