How to Choose a Timeless Plus-Size Wedding Dress

Finding the best timeless wedding dress styles as a plus-size curvy bride is a cinch once you know how to start. If your bridal dream is to deck yourself out in a classic wedding dress that flatters your curves and stands the style test of time, then you’re in luck! Avery Austin is here to fill you in on everything you need to know about the best timeless wedding dress styles for plus sizes. Let’s start by breaking down exactly what makes a wedding gown “timeless.”

What Makes a Plus-Size Wedding Gown Timeless?

A timeless or classic plus-size wedding dress is naturally elegant with enduring beauty to last the ages. This means that throughout the decades of bridal fashion, your timeless plus-size wedding dress won’t feel “old,” even if it has traditional features. Generally, classic wedding dresses for curvy brides feature flattering silhouettes and necklines, traditional bridal fabrics, modest cuts, and minimal embellishments. Learn more in-depth details about those features in Avery Austin’s blog about why you should wear a classic wedding dress, or move on to the next section to check out the top six timeless plus-size wedding dress styles.

6 Best Timeless Plus-Size Wedding Dress Styles

Of course, the best timeless wedding dress styles for plus-size brides will vary once you take personal preference and body type into account (more on choosing wedding dresses by body type here). However, there are some tried-and-true types of classic wedding dresses for curvy brides that have proven to be universally accepted as flattering. Here are six of the best timeless wedding dresses for plus sizes:

1. A-Line or Ball Gown Wedding Dresses: By far the most flattering silhouette for any bride, a-line or ball gown styles are timeless thanks to the cinched in waistline and flared skirts that create the highly sought-after hourglass shape. If too much poof and volume in the skirts is a hard pass for you, skip the ball gown and go for a gently flowing a-line silhouette. Be sure to check out Avery Austin’s plus-size a-line wedding dresses and plus-size ball gown wedding dresses if this gorgeous classic silhouette strikes your fancy.
2. Sweetheart Wedding Dresses: A sweetheart neckline contours the natural shape of the bustline for a balanced look, making it one of the best wedding dress styles for curvy brides. Additionally, the sweetheart shape heightens the romantic, feminine vibe of your look. Worried about the classic strapless style that often coincides with a sweetheart neckline? Don’t! There are plenty of timeless plus-size wedding dresses that feature both the sweetheart neckline and straps or sleeves for curvy brides who prefer the extra support or coverage. Explore the possibilities in Avery Austin’s collection of plus-size sweetheart wedding dresses.
3. Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses: Drawing the eye to the shoulder and collarbone region, off-the-shoulder styles can visually balance your overall figure. Traditionally, the décolletage is considered an attractive, sensual aspect of a woman’s silhouette, so off-the-shoulder bridal gowns are the perfect blend of classic and sexy. Just imagine the confidence boost when you wear this timeless plus-size wedding dress style!
4. Mikado or Satin Wedding Dresses: Mikado and satin are classic bridal fabrics that are heavy-weight and structured, so they hold their shape really well. This perk makes them perfect for creating a smooth silhouette that camouflages any areas a bride might prefer to cover or hide.
5. Lace Wedding Dresses: Lace has been a beloved bridal fabric since the 19th century, but it’s still not considered “old.” Talk about timeless! Lace makes some of the best wedding dresses for curvy brides because it’s considered a slenderizing fabric with a soft, romantic vibe. Lace is a thin, flowing material that highlights your natural curves without adding any extra layers or bulk to your silhouette. 
6. Simple Wedding Dresses: This style is the perfect, classic way to keep the focus all on you! A simple wedding dress won’t overwhelm your figure with trendy adornments or features that will likely be outdated in the years ahead. There’s a natural sophistication in fashion simplicity, which is why the minimalist approach is considered both timeless and chic, no matter the decade. 
   

How to Choose the Best Classic Wedding Dress for You

Now that you’ve got an idea of some of the best classic wedding dress styles for plus sizes, it’s time to decide how to choose the right design for you. The timeless plus-size wedding dress that’s just right for you might feature one or more of the features in the list above, but how do you know for sure which ones you’ll like? The best way to find out is to try on those classic plus-size wedding dress styles and keep the three questions below in mind as you consider each one. 

1. What Makes You Confident? Whether you’re wearing your everyday clothes or a gorgeous bridal gown, there are certain styles and features that just make you love yourself a little bit more. Usually, brides feel the most confident when they’ve chosen a gown that shows off or highlights their favorite parts of themselves. Love the curve of your hips or shape of your legs? Go for a simple classic wedding dress with a fitted silhouette or a side slit. Proud of your bustline? A timeless plus-size wedding dress with a sweetheart or off-the-shoulder neckline could be just what you need to look and feel your best.
2. What Makes You Comfortable? Comfort is key to being happy on your wedding day! Keep in mind the amount of coverage and modesty that you need to be worry-free. Just how much coverage do you prefer? Perhaps you would feel best in a timeless plus-size wedding dress with sleeves or a classic plus-size wedding dress with a covered corset and straps for extra bust support. And don’t fret if you come across a gown that would be just perfect if only one thing could be adjusted for modesty or comfort. Avery Austin wedding dresses can be customized in a variety of ways, so it’s a cinch to find the best classic wedding dress for any curvy bride! Just take a peek at some of the possibilities in this blog about Avery Austin dress customizations.
3. What Suits Your Wedding? Think of the theme and location of your wedding. Will it be a modern-themed indoor celebration or a romantic outdoor event? Keeping things like this in mind can help you choose the right style for both the vibe and your comfort. For example, just take the two different bridal fabrics we mentioned above: Lace is a breathable fabric that is sure to look and feel great at that romantic outdoor event, while simple, unadorned satin might be a better fit for an air-conditioned indoor event with a modern vibe. Consider how each bridal fabric looks and feels while you try on some classic plus-size wedding dresses, as well as how different features might lend themselves better to popular bridal themes (rustic, boho, sexy, beachy, etc.).

Once you’ve got a good feel for the timeless plus-size wedding dress styles that make you confident, comfortable, and ready for your chosen bridal theme, it will be a breeze to find the one that makes you want to say yes! If you need any help along the way to find the best classic wedding dress for a curvy bride like yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to an Avery Austin bridal stylist. Our experienced professionals are happy to answer any questions you may have about styles, availability, and more, including the Try at Home Program (so you can try on the best timeless plus-size wedding dresses at home, no salon trips required!).