Planning a wedding is certainly exciting, but it can also be very stressful – and a lot of that stress is centered around the dress. You want to find a dress that you love; one that makes you feel like you’re walking on cloud 9. However, for many brides, finding their dream dress can be a real challenge – especially if they are plus sized.

The models you see sporting beautiful gowns in the wedding magazines always seem to be a size 0! And because of that, women who have curves are often afraid of how they will look when they put on a wedding dress – or that they won’t be able to find one that fits!

Wedding dress shopping can bring a lot of insecurities and body issues to light. It can make you overanalyze your figure and really hit your self esteem hard.

If you’re a plus sized bride and you’re avoiding the bridal salon because you are afraid you won’t be able to find a gown that works with your figure, stop! There are so many dress styles and fabrics out there that you will be sure to find one that makes you look and feel absolutely incredible! To help you on your quest, here is a look at some of the bridal styles that look amazing on plus sized brides.

A-Line

The A-line silhouette looks amazing on all figures, including those with curves! It’s elegant, clean lines flare at the hips, narrowing and elongating your torso. This silhouette also looks amazing in all types of fabrics. Want to have a soft, feminine shape? Choose an A-line gown in a light fabric, such as chiffon. Want a look that’s more refined and forma? Consider an A-line gown in organza or satin.

Empire Waist

The empire silhouette has a high-waist and exudes Old World romance. The waist sits just below the bust line, and flares and flows freely from there. This silhouette is comfortable and relaxed, yet is highly stylish and romantic. Another great thing about this silhouette is that it can either enhance or shrink the bust. Pick a sweetheart neckline to flaunt your décolletage , or choose a square cut neckline to minimize the emphasis on your breasts.

The Sheath

Another great option for a plus-sized bride is the sheath dress. Too many plus-sized brides try to hide their figure, and there’s absolutely no reason to all victim to that kind of thinking. Instead, embrace your curves and choose a wedding dress that shows off your figure. The sheath dress, which fits tightly around the body from the neck to the hem, will make you look absolutely fabulous! Don’t apologize for your curves! Flaunt them! To really make the sheath dress a successful look, choose a thicker fabric that is blended with silk so that it contours perfectly to your figure.

The Mermaid

Many plus-sized brides tend to shy away from the mermaid silhouette, and there really isn’t any reason to. These gowns, which features a tight cut around the body and flares at the knees, have a long line that runs from the bust to the flare and can look absolutely incredible on a bride who has curves! Choose a thicker fabric, such as shantung, that won’t lose that sexy sweep that runs from the hips to the hem.

Being plus-sized is nothing to be ashamed of! The bottom line is this: The happier you are with the body, the easier it will be for you to find the perfect wedding dress. Give yourself a pep talk and show that bridal salon who’s boss!