Here at The Little Pearl, we aim to empower every single bride who walks through our boutique door. We want to help you find a dress you feel both comfortable and confident in, no matter your shape or size.
As a team of real women, we have our own real body hang-ups and totally understand that those niggling insecurities can set in when shopping for such an important occasion.
Curvy brides, in particular, tend to feel the pressure, but we’re here to show there’s a gorgeous wedding dress style for every body shape. And, in particular, to spotlight the different types of gowns that will flatter and flaunt beautifully curvaceous figures.
Better still, we’re exploring what curvy brides should look for in a wedding dress, and we’ve got our top wedding dress picks from our Little Pearl Curves edit for fuller-figured brides.
Shopping For A Wedding Dress As A Curvy Bride
We want to make all brides feel instantly at ease when visiting our North Yorkshire bridal boutique. To enjoy that joyous ‘finding-the-one’ moment without worrying if there’s a dress to fit your vision and your figure.
That’s why we have our handpicked Little Pearl Curves edit, featuring dresses from across our designer bridal collections, available in sizes 18 to 30. We also have sample dresses in the boutique in sizes 18 to 26, so curvy brides can get a real feel for how a dress style suits their shape, just like any other bride.
Though ultimately, the size of your dress really doesn’t matter, as the key to a flattering wedding gown on any figure is the perfect fit. This will be achieved during the custom alteration process once you’ve said “yes” to the dress, with an expert seamstress ensuring your gown is the perfect length, holds you in the right places and accentuates your favourite assets.
Above all else, know that there’s no need to compromise on what you want from your wedding dress. It’s not about playing it safe but playing to your preferences and making you feel the very best version of yourself, just as you are! So, be it timeless or modern, fitted or floaty, romantic or sexy, we’ll likely have a Curves edit gown that ticks your big-day boxes.
What Types Of Wedding Dresses Suit Curvy Figures
We’ve looked at the best wedding dress styles to suit different body types in this previous blog post, though there are no set-in-stone rules. As such, we’d always say to remain open-minded at your initial bridal boutique appointments and try on a range of styles to narrow down the silhouettes, necklines, detailing and fabrics that send your heart aflutter.
If you consider yourself one of the following curvy body shapes, then these expert styling pointers might help too:
Hourglass Bride
If your hips and shoulders are of similar width and you have a fuller bust and smaller waistline, you likely fall into the hourglass category. In terms of wedding dress styling, it’s all about balancing your top and bottom half and showing off those fabulous curves. So, stay clear of column-style dresses and instead consider mermaid and trumpet silhouettes that will flatter in all the right places. A-lines and fit-and-flare styles with straps are also good for providing support on the top half whilst accentuating the waist but offer a looser fit on the bottom half.
Pear-Shaped Bride
A-lines and ballgowns that cinch in at the waist and flow over the hips and bum are usually pear-shaped brides’ go-to's. The idea is to draw attention to the top half with a bold neckline or beautiful detailing. On the bottom half, it’s best to go for skirts with fewer layers made from lighter fabrics, such as organza, chiffon or tulle, to avoid going too voluminous.
Bigger-Busted Bride
A dress with excellent structure is a fuller-busted bride’s best friend! As such, look to gowns in structured fabrics with great corsetry and possibly a lace-up back (which can be added to many dress designs, as can built-in bra cups). Neckline-wise, off-the-shoulder or wide strap designs with sweetheart or v-necklines are much more complementary than high-necklines. To balance out the top and bottom half, A-lines and ballgowns work well, or mermaid gowns are a popular option for the curve-flaunters out there.
Short Curvy Bride
The trick for shorter, curvy brides is to avoid anything too bulky or voluminous that will overpower. As such, A-line designs in light, flowing fabrics that provide support in the right places tend to reign supreme. Other tips to help create the illusion of height include opting for a dress with a low neckline and/or a vertically running pattern that flows from top to toe.
Our Little Pearl Curves Wedding Dress Picks
7447 by Stella York
This beautiful soft A-line offers sexiness and elegance in equal measures with a low scoop neckline, beaded spaghetti straps and (optional) flirty off-the-shoulder sleeves. Its lace appliques trail freely from neckline to hem, making it an excellent option for shorter brides.
Serene by Evie Young
Minimalist and oh so elegant, Serene features wonderful support in the bodice and expertly placed pleating that’s flattering to the midsection. Cinching in at the waist, its flowing skirt then skims effortlessly on the bum and hips.
7479 by Stella York
This shimmering fit-and-flare design proves that plunging necklines and low backs are 100% an option for fuller-figured brides. We love how it hugs down to the hips and then flows into a frothy, fairytale tulle skirt.
Clarity by Rachel Rose
Celebrating curves in serious style, Clarity features classic corset shaping and structure combined with luxe crepe fabric and modern design touches. The leg split is optional, and the off-the-shoulder straps are detachable, giving brides more control over their big-day look.
7397 by Stella York
A real botanical beauty, this pretty fit-and-flare gown provides a timeless bridal look with modern flair. We adore its pretty sweetheart neckline and grand floral motifs, which span from the figure-hugging bodice all the way down its long, flowing train.
7509 by Stella York
Giving us all the princess bride vibes, this soft A-line features a romantic sweetheart neckline, flattering tulle-wrapped bodice and dreamy tulle off-the-shoulder sleeves, providing a little upper-arm coverage. Its shape accentuates the waistline and skims elegantly over the bum and hips, thanks to its dreamy tulle layered skirt.
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