PLUS SIZE WEDDING DRESSES

At Serene by Madi Lane, our commitment to plus size wedding dresses can be seen in our expert attention to pattern scaling. It is important that the dress patterns take into account the changing shapes as they scale upwards, especially in the area of support and comfort. Here are some areas we concentrate on:

• Bust Cups – The bust measurement is not always in line with the measurements of the rest of the body, so at Serene we offer customised bust cup options. With extensive research and in collaboration with a premium lingerie manufacturer, our own exclusive bust cups are different to other labels, offering additional depth in the cup as well as width – more akin to bra cup sizing. These are then sewn into the bodice for total comfort and support. For those brides with a larger bust which needs more support, our bra cups work perfectly in conjunction with our fusion construction.

• Signature fusion construction – Correct internal construction shapes and enhances the body form providing support in all the areas that need it, ensuring you feel your most beautiful and confident. Equally as important is a high level of comfort and wear-ability – this is a dress you’re going to spend many hours in, so at Serene, our construction is as important as the design itself.
  

  Virtually all of our wedding dress styles (exception of two), use corset boning to add strength and structure to the bodice. It creates a cinched waist with shaping properties and prevents wrinkling of the corset fabric, keeping it smooth and taught. Mimicking whalebone used in the vintage era, our boning is specifically made from a lightweight synthetic material as it allows for movement and comfort, whilst still maintaining support. 
  

  We give special attention to the amount of boning required for each size as they scale. The width of each individual bone is also unique as we have chosen optimal thickness which doesn’t bow and can flex from size 2 to 28. 

• Comfort – wearability is critical for a wedding dress for all brides. Feeling comfortable and supported throughout the celebration means having the right pattern and materials to take the weight of the gown, and feel soft against your skin. Choose a breathable lining which is moisture-wicking so it helps to keep you cool. If you are considering a strapless wedding gown, make sure you ask about the internal support – in many of our Serene gowns we include an additional Petersham belt which holds the weight of the gown, so you don’t feel the need to ‘hitch’ it up as the day unfolds.

The most important aspect of choosing the fabric for your wedding dress, is what suits your personal style and makes you feel comfortable. Our plus size brides are all different, yet there are some similarities we see over the many years of experience:

• Textured fabric like lace, embroidery, or tulle. We make sure our lace placements are artfully considered, making sure they lead the eye across curves in the most flattering ways – this is the case for all sizes.
• Heavier fabrics like jacquard or mikado, over the lighter fabrics of crepe and satin.  Jacquard and mikado offer brides a simpler aesthetic, but with a little more structure in the silhouette.
• Fabrics to avoid – consider soft satin or crepe as ones which may not be able to offer the same level of support.

At Serene by Madi Lane, we don’t like to pigeonhole any bride into a “type” – all brides are different, and while their tastes and preferences can be similar at times, their choice of wedding dress is a highly personal and individual decision.

Just as it is the case with the smaller sizes, the choice of silhouette comes down to what each bride feels good in. Some brides love to celebrate their curves in fitted designs, whilst other brides love the princess feeling of an A-line shape. Both of these silhouettes will suit a plus size bride .

Try on a range of shapes and silhouettes – you may be surprised at what you like on your body – it is great to have an open mind, and dare to dream!

There are some schools of thought, which offer advice on silhouettes for plus-size wedding dresses, as particularly flattering to enhance different body types:

1. A-Line: This silhouette is universally flattering. It features a fitted bodice and flows out gradually from the waist, creating a smooth line that skims over the hips and thighs without clinging. Pay attention to the draping , which should fall softly and effortlessly.
2. Ball Gown: This classic style has a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt, which can help balance proportions and create an elegant, regal look. It also provides a dramatic effect that many brides love. Pay attention to the volume of fabric not being too overwhelming, plus a good design will sit flat on the tummy area and higher at the back to accommodate boning.
3. Empire Waist: With a high waistline that sits just under the bust and a skirt that flows outwards, this style emphasizes the bust while providing a loose fit over the stomach and hips.
4. Fit and Flare: This silhouette is a celebration of curves and the figure hugging design often looks sexy and fabulous in all sizes. It really depends on your individual proportions as to which design will best suit your shape. Try lots on!

Taking into account the advice of personal aesthetic and style in mind, we have curated a selection of Serene dresses above which have become favourites with our plus size brides before you. All of our gowns are photographed in multiple sizes, so we recommend looking through this selection first, to see if there is a style/s which jump out. In addition, our real bride stories also show different sizes and shapes which we love to celebrate.