Even with specialty shops and online choices, being a plus size can be a frustrating shopping experience all by itself. Add the stress of shopping for a wedding gown and you’ve got a first-class headache. I know from experience. Even at average weight, I’m tall - another shopping pain in and of itself. It’s funny (not) how so many designers don’t think beyond a certain size. It’s like if you’re petite, tall, or plus - you must not have taste and not want to wear anything attractive! I had a petite friend who used to complain that designers often thought petite still meant little girl clothes. And what is up with all the flowers and bright patterns they insist on having for plus sizes? Yes, I want to look like an entire meadow… all by myself… But I digress. I can’t tackle the entire fashion industry in one post. I’ll have to settle for helping plus size brides with wedding resources and save my rants for another blog!

Because a number of these are online and I can’t actually go “touch and see” on location, I remind everyone to do your homework when choosing a vendor. Don’t hesitate to ask for references. Better safe than sorry.

Plussizebridal.com - I very much like the fact that they use plus size models at this site. A slender model is NOT going to give you an idea of what an item will look like on your frame.

House of brides.com has a number of links to plus-size designers including Alfred Angelo whose lovely plus size collection I’ve seen advertised in Brides magazine and Modern Bride. They also have a link to DaVinci Bridal which some of you may remember I mentioned last week when I pointed out a gown from their main collection.

Exquisite-bride.com also has a selection for “full-figures.”

Brides looking for trousseau items can find some lovely choices at places like Catherine’s and Silhouettes.com.

I think even if my fairy godmother waved her magic wand and I was suddenly a size, um, zero, I’d still never recover from the “shopping trauma” in my teenage years. How nice to have a FEW more choices these days.

Because no matter what your size, all brides want to feel beautiful in their gowns and they should! Are you LISTENING designers?