Plus Size Wedding Dresses Are Just Wedding Dresses In A Bigger Size, Right?!?
Bride beware. If you’re shopping at a bridal salon that can “order you the dress in a larger size”, then please take a moment to read this. As a plus size person, I understand why the thought of clothes shopping does not necessarily make a person giddy with excitement. Trying clothes on, when every designer has a different size scale, and being forced to choose between “stretchy option 1” (not flattering) and “stretchy option 2” (even less flattering) is no picnic. Add to that the limited amount of plus size clothes to choose from in most store settings, and the fact that they are all designed with a middle-aged housewife in mind – well, you can understand why my normal “go to” outfit is jeans and a good ‘ole T-shirt. So, when it comes time to shop for a plus size prom dress, a plus size mother’s dress, or, heaven forbid – plus size wedding dresses!– I understand why you are nervous. I understand why you might be tempted to go with that friendly salesperson’s “oh it will surely fit” smile, and comforting nod. With that being said, take a deep breath. Relax, and open yourself up to the possibility that even though you are a plus size person, shops like Christine’s Bridal do exist. Shops that treat you like a person, instead of just a clothing size with an “X” after it. In fact, I promise, you might just even have – dare I say it?!? – FUN – shopping for AND trying on clothes again.
Here’s why shopping for plus size wedding dresses CAN be fun, and here’s what we do differently to make it that way.
1. We’re Not The Wispy, Willowy Type.
First of all, we get it. Down to our very core, we understand that EVERY woman (or girl!) has something about herself that she wishes were a little different. Sometimes, you may not even tell us with words. But, when you schedule an appointment with us, we get to know you. We dive in, like clothing detectives, and work with you to find the right styles and cuts for the body type. And, we listen. Because you, after all, are your own worst critic. If you hate sparkles, we are not going to dress you from tip to toe in glitter. It’s about you, and what makes you feel like the best representation of yourself that you can be. It’s about helping you get there, and seeing the excitement on our client’s faces when they see themselves transform in a way that they did not think was possible. Imagine yourself having had the best possible makeover, and that’s the way you should feel when you find the right dress. Like an improved version of yourself. And, as a plus size person, you can feel comfortable shopping in an environment where we support ALL sizes and shapes, and celebrate curves!
2. Yes, Virginia…We Believe.
We have the sizes, and the selection to make you feel like you have MANY great options to choose from – not just one or two items that “fit”. (What – you mean I actually have choices as a plus size person?!? Who knew?!?) Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And, there are stores that really do specialize in plus size wedding dresses, plus size prom dresses, and plus size mothers dresses. Stores that actually HAVE inventory IN STOCK in your SIZE to try on. You’ve come to the right place. At Christine’s Bridal, it’s like Christmas every day here for plus size people who are looking for awesome formal wear.
3. We’re Like Your Opinionated Grandmother.
We’re going to tell you the truth, even if you are not expecting it. Just like Grandma, we’ve got a lifetime of experience, and the education and training that only comes from being a professional in this industry. We are not going to tell you that something looks good on you, just to sell you an outfit. We honestly do care, and we always are eager to show you other ideas and looks that you might not have thought of. And, just like Grandma, we’re going to have a bevy of foundation undergarments for you to choose from, to help lift everything that needs to be lifted, and tuck anything that needs help tucking. We’re going to make sure that every inch of you is as firm and trim as can be.
4. We Know That More Is Better…
Let’s face it – if you are a plus size person, than you are not just looking for a plus size dress. You may also need dress shoes in wide widths (yes, they really exist, and yes, they can be comfortable!) or accessories like necklaces with longer chains. Bras in extended sizes, or maybe a jacket, or a wrap for some extra coverage. Yes, they are out there. And yes, we do have them in stock. You don’t need to be ashamed, or feel differently for asking. We know that traditionally finding these options has been hard in a retail setting, and as a result, we have vowed to offer the best possible selection of these items as we can. After all, wide feet need to be comfortable to, and you deserve to have the right fitting bra. We all do. So whether it’s a second helping of dessert, or a bit longer of a sleeve, we get it. Sometimes more is better.
5. We Honestly Love Our Clients. And It Shows.
I’m one of the lucky ones. As the owner of Christine’s Bridal, I can honestly say I love my job. I would be lying if I didn’t say that it could have its stressful moments, just like any other business. But, my staff and I meet some great young women and girls, and the good always outweighs the bad. So if you’re looking for drama, or a not-reality “Reality” TV style shopping experience, than we may not be the place for you. But if you’re looking for customer service, a friendly smile, and plus size wedding dresses, plus size prom dresses, or plus size mothers dresses that you will fall in love with, we would be honored if you would think of us. Our customers say it best – you can read some of their comments here. If you are reading this, then one day soon we may just be lucky enough to call you a member of our Christine’s Bridal “family”. And, at the end of the day, isn’t family what it’s all about?
Thanks for making it to the end of our little article. I hope you’ve found it entertaining, a little educational, and mostly, I hope that you are encouraged that shops really do exist that embrace their customers as people, and not as merely a dress size. We look forward to meeting you soon, so that you can experience how much FUN clothing shopping can be again, regardless of your dress size! Make your appointment today, and see for yourself why our plus size brides LOVE Christine’s Bridal!