Considering how difficult it is to even find photos of plus size models wearing plus size wedding dresses, I can only imagine how frustrating it is to actually find one to try on. Which is why I spent a week calling wedding dress boutiques, designer flagships, and chain retail stores across the country pretending to be a bride in search of a size 16. The results? I’m not going to sugarcoat it: they weren’t awesome.
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As a size 6, the experience was both eye-opening and humbling. I’ve never NOT been able to try something on to get a sense of what it might look like, even if it looked completely wrong on me. But as an undercover bride in search of a size 16, I was truly surprised at how few stores carried plus size samples to actually try on. Every time a store had to sadly tell me no, the problem became more and more obvious.
This guide covers where to actually find plus size wedding dresses, both in stores and online, so you don’t waste your weekends driving to boutiques that cap out at a size 12. Hopefully more and more designers and stores will follow suit with truly inclusive sizing, but in the meantime, here’s where to start.
The Truth About Plus Size Wedding Dress Shopping
Here’s what I found after a week of calls: most bridal boutiques stock sample sizes 6, 8, and 10, and since wedding dresses typically run a full size small, those samples realistically only fit someone who wears a street size 2, 4, or 6. One Saks I called had nothing larger than an 8. A Nordstrom associate told me they had one designer who offered dresses in size 20 and up, but the rest of their samples only went to sizes 10 and 12. Vera Wang’s boutique initially told me they didn’t carry plus sizes at all before correcting themselves to confirm they had sizes 8, 12, and 16 in-store and could order to a size 20. Every time a store had to tell me no, the problem became more clear.
The gap is real. A lot of couture designers will go up to a size 14, 16, 18, or even 20 in terms of what they can produce, but the problem is finding a boutique that actually stocks one of those sizes to try on. And who wants to buy a wedding dress they can’t try on, especially one that’s non-returnable? I was, however, told by a sales associate at one store that Macy’s Bridal Salons tend to have a larger selection of plus size wedding dresses, which seemed worth noting.
One more thing worth knowing upfront: even if you do find a plus size sample at a boutique you love, ordering a larger size may cost you an additional 10 to 20 percent depending on the designer and store. Sigh. Ask about this before you get too attached to anything.
Start Here: The Best Retailers for Plus Size Wedding Dresses
David’s Bridal is the most consistent option for plus size brides who want to actually walk in and try something on. Their Woman collection goes from size 14W to 30W, and they stock samples across that range in most locations. Designers like Melissa Sweet and Oleg Cassini are also available through David’s Bridal in plus sizes. It’s not the most couture experience, but it’s the most reliable for getting a real sense of silhouette and fit, which is exactly what you need before you commit to anything.
Kleinfeld in New York City has long claimed the largest selection of designer plus size samples, with dozens of plus size styles in stock at any given time. If you’re able to make the trip (or you already live in the area), it’s worth the appointment specifically because of the breadth of designers you can try in one place. An online search typically shows 80 to 100 plus size samples in stock.
Azazie is one of the best online options, offering every style in sizes 0 to 30 with custom sizing available. Their 30-day return policy and try-before-you-buy program make buying online significantly less stressful. BHLDN carries some plus sizes in their Los Angeles location, though for size 14 and 16 you’ll likely need to order online, and their return policy makes this workable.
Plus Size-Only Bridal Boutiques Worth Knowing About
The best shopping experience for a plus size bride is almost always at a boutique that specializes exclusively in plus size bridal, because the samples are actually in your size, the stylists know how to dress your body, and you don’t have to do any imaginative work to picture how something might look. There aren’t enough of these, but the ones that exist are worth knowing about.
Brides by Young has locations in Indianapolis, Chicago, and New Jersey, and stocks more than 600 curvy wedding dresses in sizes 16 and up from designers including Studio Levana, Dany Tabet, Wtoo, and Martha Blanc. The owner has 20+ years of experience specifically in plus size bridal and is one of the most respected names in the space.
Della Curva in Los Angeles carries sizes 16 to 34 from top designers including Essense of Australia Plus Size, Stella York, Madi Lane, and Martina Liana. They’ve been featured in Brides and are considered one of the best curvy bridal shopping experiences in the country. Worth noting if you’re in Southern California or willing to make the trip.
Curvaceous Couture in the Baltimore/D.C. area was the first plus-size only wedding dress boutique in the country, carrying bridal sizes 12 to 44. Haute & Co. in Chicago specializes in bridal sizes 12 to 28 and carries designers including Lea-Ann Belter, Pronovias, and Essense of Australia.
The Best Designers for Plus Size Wedding Dresses
Not all designers are created equal when it comes to size inclusivity, and it’s worth knowing which ones actually prioritize plus size brides rather than offering a handful of styles as an afterthought.
Allure Bridal offers dresses in sizes 2 to 32, with their plus size collection specifically available in sizes 16W to 32W. Bridesmaid dresses are also available in sizes 2 to 28, which is useful for coordinating the whole party. Watters and Wtoo are available in sizes 0 to 24, and Wtoo has a dedicated Curve Plus bridal line. Mori Lee offers their Julietta collection specifically for plus size brides.
Reem Acra can order up to a size 20, though finding a sample to try on is more difficult; their boutiques typically stock sizes 6 and 8. Vera Wang carries sizes 8, 12, and 16 in-store at their boutique and can order up to a size 20. If you have your heart set on a specific couture designer, call their boutique directly and ask which sample sizes they actually stock, not just which sizes they can order.
Where to Shop for Plus Size Wedding Dresses Online
Online shopping has genuinely changed the plus size bridal landscape. The selection available online vastly outpaces what any single boutique can stock, and the best online retailers offer try-before-you-buy programs or generous return policies that make buying a dress without trying it on significantly less terrifying.
Azazie. Sizes 0 to 30, custom sizing available, free home try-on program. One of the most size-inclusive options online with a wide range of styles and price points.
David’s Bridal. Sizes up to 30W. Extensive online selection with the option to book an in-store appointment to try on before buying.
Allure Bridal. Sizes 16W to 32W. Designer quality with a dedicated plus size collection that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Kleinfeld Online. Large selection of plus size samples available to browse and purchase online, with the option to visit in-person in New York City.
BHLDN. Extended sizing available online with a 30-day return policy. A good option if you love their aesthetic but can’t find your size in the LA store.
Sydney’s Closet. Specialty retailer with their own custom selection of plus size wedding dresses. More limited in terms of designer range but strong for specific styles.
Tips for Shopping for a Plus Size Wedding Dress
Call ahead. Always. Don’t drive to a boutique without confirming they actually have samples in your size. Ask specifically which sample sizes they stock on the floor, not which sizes they can order. Those are two very different answers and the distinction matters entirely when it comes to whether you can actually try something on.
Ask the store to recommend alternatives. Most bridal associates are genuinely helpful about pointing you in the right direction, even when their own store can’t help. When a boutique doesn’t carry your size, ask them directly if they know of anywhere local that does. That’s often where the best leads come from.
Start early. Give yourself at least six months (ideally more) for the shopping and ordering process. Plus size wedding dresses often require additional time for alterations, and ordering a size that needs significant adjustments takes longer than a standard alteration. Starting early removes the time pressure that makes the whole process more stressful than it needs to be.
Use David’s Bridal as your fitting lab. Even if you ultimately fall in love with a dress from a different designer or retailer, David’s Bridal is one of the only places where a plus size bride can reliably try on multiple silhouettes to figure out what works on her body. Going there first, before you have your heart set on anything specific, gives you the vocabulary and confidence to shop everywhere else.
Ask about the upcharge before you get attached. Some stores and designers add 10 to 20 percent for sizes above 16 or 18. It’s a frustrating policy, but knowing about it before you fall in love with a dress prevents a budget surprise later. Ask upfront: does this dress have an upcharge for my size?
Our Favorite Plus Size Wedding Dresses Right Now
From classic ball gowns to modern mermaid silhouettes to relaxed A-lines with pockets, these are our current favorites, all available now from retailers that actually stock plus sizes. Something here for every type of bride.
So, What Actually Matters?
More designers, more online options, more size-inclusive boutiques, better return policies: plus size bridal has genuinely come a long way. But the in-store try-on experience is still harder to access than it should be, and it’s really sad how few exclusively plus size boutiques exist. Hopefully more and more designers and stores will follow suit.
In the meantime: start with a David’s Bridal appointment to figure out your silhouette, then use that knowledge to shop everywhere else. Call ahead before you go anywhere. Ask which sample sizes are actually on the floor, not just which sizes they can order. And if a store can’t help you, ask them if they know who can. Most sales associates are genuinely helpful about pointing you in the right direction even when their own shop falls short. Your shopping experience should be as fun as anyone else’s. Go find the dress!
Plus Size Wedding Dress FAQ
What sizes are considered plus size for wedding dresses?
It varies by designer and retailer, but bridal “plus size” typically starts at size 14 or 16 in bridal sizing, which often runs about two sizes smaller than street sizing. A street size 14 might need a bridal size 16 or 18. When shopping, always use the retailer’s specific size chart and take your own measurements rather than relying on your regular dress size.
Do plus size wedding dresses cost more?
Many retailers and designers add a surcharge for larger sizes, typically 10 to 20 percent above a base size, which is usually around size 14 or 16. Not all retailers charge extra: Azazie, David’s Bridal, and Alfred Angelo have all offered inclusive pricing without upcharges for plus sizes. Always ask before you fall in love with a dress at a boutique that does charge extra.
What wedding dress silhouette is most flattering for plus size brides?
The most flattering silhouette is the one you feel best in. Genuinely. That said, A-line gowns are consistently popular because they define the waist and flow away from the body, working well on a range of figures. Ball gowns create a dramatic hourglass shape. Mermaid and trumpet silhouettes celebrate curves directly and look incredible on brides who love a fitted style. The best way to know what works for your body is to try multiple silhouettes, which is exactly why starting at David’s Bridal makes sense before you shop more selectively.
How far in advance should a plus size bride order her wedding dress?
At least six months, and ideally nine to twelve. Plus size gowns sometimes require additional production time, and alterations on larger gowns can take longer than standard alterations. Starting early removes the time pressure that makes an already emotional process more stressful than it needs to be. If your timeline is shorter, look for retailers like Azazie and David’s Bridal who have dresses in stock and ready to ship.
Can I buy a plus size wedding dress online without trying it on?
Yes, and with the right retailer, it’s genuinely a good option. Azazie’s home try-on program lets you try dresses before committing. BHLDN offers a solid return window. David’s Bridal has locations nationwide if you want the in-person option backed by their online selection. The key is choosing a retailer with a clear return or exchange policy and taking your measurements carefully before ordering. Custom-sized dresses are typically non-returnable, so size up if you’re between sizes and plan to alter down.
Also Read:
Wedding Dress Designer: Reem Acra
Wedding Dress Designer: Alfred Angelo
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Hi Lindsey!
I want to share our specialty salons with you, Brides by Young Size 14 & Up located in Indianapolis, IN and Schaumburg, IL! We carry over 350+ styles in each location and pride ourselves in styling the most beautiful brides in the country! With 20+ Brand Collections in store, we truly have a look for each and every bride to feel her absolute best for her special day, no matter size or style! We carry brands ranging from our own Exclusive Brides by Young Private Collection, to Essense of Australia, Four different collections of Pronovias, Blush by Hayley Paige, Eddy K, Ashley & Justin, and so so many more! We carry the most plus size samples in the world! Family owned and operated, it is our mission to bring brides of every shape and size the most updated, fashion forward, flattering styles to make your day memorable!
I shopped at davids bridal I bought a plus size 28w the same day I went shopping. I usually wear a size 22-24 jean pant.They had a white version of the dress I bought to try on in my size and they had several dresses I was able to try on in my size. I ordered my dress in ivory and I love it. I do wish I could have seen it in ivory but they actually had all the sample sizes in white. I could not be happier with my experience. I did call around before shopping and I was told most of the smaller shops did not have larger sizes available to try on this can be very discouraging.
Hi Lindsey!
Thank you for writing this article, and creating a resource to help curvy brides find their perfect dress. My name is Barbara, and I own Marry & Tux Bridal (marryandtuxbridal.com) located in Nashua NH – just 40 minutes north of Boston. On average we always stock between 125-175 wedding dresses for the curvy bride to be, in sizes from 16 – 32 available for same-day purchase or special order. My vision has always been to cater to brides of all sizes, and that every bride should have an amazing experience while shopping for their wedding gown. Check out our website, and you’ll see why brides from all over tell us, “it’s worth the drive!”.
I am a plus size bride and trying to find places in california for plus size wedding dresses and bridal party dresses. I’m having a hard time finding places that have selections I like or styles. I’m even down to rent all of our dresses but having a hard time finding places in southern california that do that also. I hope like you said actors and designers make more for the full figured woman.
I purchased my wedding dress from Unattainable (the name is fitting) and they really had quite a few options that were actually fashionable and not straight up tents. The owner was super nice and even had my dress custom made for me and I am around a size 30. She even had a veil custom made for me and it was just so refreshing because I only have stores like David’s Bridal in my area and I still felt like I had the perfect bridal experience even though it was only online. HIGHLY recommend!
I am in Wisconsin and getting married in March. My experiences so far have been awful. I don’t think that me being apprehensive on paying for a $1500+ dress that is not returnable that I have not tried on is unreasonable. I also find it very frustrating that the consultants bring me a size 6 to “clip” on to my size 18/20 dress body. I have yet to find a dress and have resorted to looking online because I plain and simply do not want to go. My mom has set up a weekend trip to go to inidiana to Miss Pamela’s Plus Size Bridal Salon. Hopefully some magic happens.
Hi Lindsey! My name is Nicole Derrick and I am the owner of Olivia’s Bridal House, a new bridal boutique in Houston TX that caters exclusively to the curvy bride size 16 and above. Please check us out at http://www.oliviasbridalhouse.com. We are the first and only curvy bridal boutique in Houston.
Thanks for writing this great article for brides in search of the perfect dress for their special day!
A local shop here in Indiana carries a decent selection of larger samples in store. I saw sizes from a 2 all the way up to a 24 in samples on the floor– this is a local shop, not a chain, and by no means is it large. It’s called Chiffon Bridal, and it’s located in Lafayette, IN. I highly recommend this shop, as they have spectacular customer service and selection.
RK Bridal in New York has Plus Size samples in stock. I was able to buy one off the rack as my wedding was less than three months away. Great service as well.
Hello Lindsey!
I actually have the pleasure of being a current stylist at a David’s Bridal store in South Carolina. When I started working there the first thing I fell in love with about this company was the fact that we had so many styles available in plus sizes and plenty physically in the store. Being a plus size woman myself, I was pleased to see that even our designer collections such as Oleg Cassini, White by Vera Wang, Truly Zac Posen, Galina Signature, and Melisssa Sweet actually come in sizes up to 26W. Each line may not be in every store depending on the volume of the store but we do have those sizes represented in several styles.
In my experience as a stylist I have had a few brides that have come into their appointments already discouraged because of previous experiences they had at other bridal salons. Because David’s Bridal has revamped the selection of Curvy styles, I was able to make the bridal shopping experience a pleasurable memory for our brides.
First, if a curvy bride is calling boutiques to see if they have plus size samples, make sure to inquire how many samples there are in the silhouette you’re interested in! One store told me they had 20 gowns in plus sizes, and I was super pumped, but it turned out they only had 5 ballgowns – major disappointment.
In New Jersey, there’s a store called “The Curvy Bride” that caters to sizes 14 and up, and in Washington, DC there’s also Cherry Blossom Bridal that caters to 12 and up. Both have a variety of designers, good price points, and fabulous atmosphere/staff.
My daughter wears a 14 street size. When we went shopping, never thinking they wouldn’t carry her size, she had an absolutely terrible day. On the way home from shopping her cousin was determined to turn this around. She started called bridal shops in our area and other than David’s Bridal, she was unable to find any carrying anything bigger than a 12, which is 10 street size. What she was able to find was a consignment shop that had plenty of dresses in my daughter’s size and much bigger. So, if you don’t have a plus size store nearby, try a consignment store that carries dresses real women have already worn. My daughter bought her dress there. It’s beautiful and she got to try it on. Thanks cousin for not giving up.
Hi Lindsey. My name is Burt and I am the co-owner of Della Curva (www.dellacurva.com) located in Tarzana, CA which is a suburb of Los Angeles. We are a plus-size only bridal salon exclusively catering to curvy full-figured brides sizes 16+. I applaud you for writing this terrific piece on the plus-size bridal community. When you get a chance, please check us out. We have a beautiful boutique filled with gorgeous plus-size designer wedding gowns. And our reputation for stellar customer service is unparalleled . Keep up the good work! Let me know if there is anything I can ever do for you. Burt
Hi Lindsey!
I wanted to contact you in regards to your struggle if plus sizes bridal salon. I an a store manager for a independently owned bridal salon in long beach, California.
We specialize in sizes 12 and above and we pride ourselves on our customer service for brides who are curvy brides and don’t get the ultimate bridal experience! Not only am I am a manager in the store I am a stylist and it brings so much joy to make sure that the that the curvy brides I encounter have the best experience. So if your recognizing bridal stores that cater to plus size brides I ask that you should really recognize our cause!