Today, I’m thrilled to have Ann Campeau, the co-founder of Strut, the Southwest’s only bridal salon that pampers plus size brides as my guest blogger.  I so agree with her that ‘curves must be celebrated’ and love that she’s devoted to what I call Luscious Ladies so much that she features samples in sizes 16-32.  Her tips will help you better connect to this bride and make a referral source for life!  ( the average woman is 5’4 and weights about 163 pounds, according to a survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics)  Take it away, Ann!

Tips for Working with a Zaftig Bride*

While finding the perfect wedding dress can be quite an endeavor for any bride, plus size brides face some additional challenges in their search to ‘Say Yes’ to The Dress. Some of the most common complaints we hear from plus size brides are:

1. Dress sample sizes are too small,
2. The selection of dresses in their size is limited in style and quantity, and
3. They may feel marginalized or uncomfortable in many shopping situations.

However, there are several things a wedding planner can do to ameliorate the wedding dress shopping experience. Here are our top tips for making this day special and fun.

Prequalify the stores: Ask the bride what her vision is for her dress. Ask about silhouettes, brands, embellishments, etc. Ask what her size is (she might give a range, such as “I wear anything from pant size 22-26, depending on the brand”). When you get a good idea of the type of wedding dress she’s looking for, call the stores and ask them:

1. 1. Do you carry this brand/style or something similar? Having model numbers to refer to will make it easier to see if we have that style in stock. Be sure to be very specific. Some stores, for example, don’t carry mermaid dresses over a size 12. If that’s a style your bride wants to try, be sure to ask if she will be able to put on that silhouette.
   2. Do you have samples to fit a bride size 22-26? Be sure to ask how many dresses they have in a size that will fit her, and then ask if they will zip (as opposed to having a gaping back or just being held against her body).
   3. Is there a day of the week that will be more relaxed for shopping? Some brides will be most comfortable with fewer other wedding parties around—ask your bride what she prefers.
   4. Do you have a plus size or more mature consultant that can assist my bride? Brides report they are more comfortable working with sales people that are older and/or curvy also. Remember, they’ll be standing in undergarments, so anything you can do to make them more at ease, the better their experience will be.

Don’t hesitate to ask these questions—you won’t seem pushy at all. Bridal salons want to provide the best experience for brides, too. If a store doesn’t carry what your bride is looking for, be sure to ask them for recommendations; most of us know what type of dresses other local stores carry.

Dresses from Strut

Prepare the bride: It’s important to set expectations upfront. Here are some guidelines for preparing the bride for her wedding dress shopping trip:

• 1. Be clear about what dress samples you found for her. Tell her how many dresses in her size and/or style she is able to try on at each store and whether they might be “snug” or not. Let her know if you found her “dream dress” or an equally great substitute for her to try on.
  2. Discuss her options. Some brides, for example, want sleeves or upper arm coverage. If the store carries mostly strapless gowns, tell your bride to go in with an open mind and discuss customization options. Many of the brands we carry are able to add straps or sleeves. At the very least, we can purchase extra material for them and have those added in alterations. If she loves a corset back but you find mostly zippered samples, advise her that most gowns can be changed, either in production or in alterations.
  3. Recommend she wear helpful foundations: For better fit, and also for increased comfort, we recommend brides bring or wear a slimmer or Spanx. Not only will this give a more flatting fit under flowy or informal gowns, but many plus size brides feel more comfortable getting in and out of gowns when they have additional coverage in front of strangers.

Of course there are additional things to consider when working with plus size brides, so wedding planners may also want to work with other vendors to ensure the best experience for the bride. Here are some other things you may want to consider:

Photographer: Plus size brides want their wedding photos to be as stunning as those they see in magazines. However, it does take specific skill to help a bride find flattering angles. Here are some tips to helping a curvy bride find the best photographer:

1. Be sure to recommend photographers that have experience working with curvy women (and teddy-bear men) to help them look their best. Sometimes photographers with fashion experience can be the most successful.
2. Always encourage them to have an engagement session, as both the bride and photographer can use those photos to help find flattering angles and have greater success on the wedding day.
3. Brides welcome tips on how to look their best in photos. So a photographer than can give specific suggestions on flattering or slimming poses and even outfits would be considered helpful.

Event set-up: Find a tactful way to ask if the members of the wedding party, family or guests might need more room at tables or in walkways. Having eight at a round instead of ten, or wider aisles between tables, might make the day more comfortable for guests as well as the bride and groom. Also consider renting sturdier chairs if you think the current seating may be too flimsy.

[Note: One way to phrase that might be, 'Bride, I'm so eager to make sure that every one of your guests feels comfortable and pampered.  Is that anyone on your guest list, perhaps someone elderly, kids, folks who are a little larger, who might need some special attention? - Dina]

Florists: We talk with brides about finding a dress that gives them flattering proportions (hips and chest, bodice to skirt, etc.), and the bouquet is an important part of the equation. A plus size bride in a ball gown wedding dress, for example, may require a larger bouquet than one in a mermaid gown. In addition, size 18 brides will need a different size bouquet than one who is a size 28. Be sure to discuss this with the florist.

In addition to the tips above, treating a curvy bride the same as any other “straight size” bride, as though you understand just how important this day is to her, is the best advice we can give!

* Zaftig means a woman’s body that is healthily plump and vigorous.

About the Author

Ann Campeau of Strut

Ann Campeau is co-founder of Strut bridal salon, the Southwest’s only bridal salon specializing in working with brides who are size 12 +.  Ann launched Strut after being disappointed with her own wedding shopping experience and the limited options available.  With an MBA  and more than 10 years in corporate marketing, Ann is thrilled to create a thoughtful and satisfying experience for curvier brides.  You can reach her and see her beautiful selection at Strut