Hi, I’m Chloe—a proud plus-size bride, and I’m getting married this September!
Planning my dream wedding has been one of the most exciting (and emotional!) adventures of my life. But I’m going to be honest… there was one thing I avoided for as long as possible: wedding dress shopping.
As a curvier bride, I was worried I wouldn’t get that magical “say yes to the dress” moment you always see in movies or on Instagram. I feared I’d walk into a bridal boutique, find nothing in my size, feel judged, and leave feeling like I didn’t belong in the world of bridal fashion.
But then, something amazing happened…
I Said YES to the Dress at a Plus-Size Bridal Boutique!
I had the most empowering and joyful experience at Wedding Belles Love Curvy Brides in Stoke-on-Trent. From the moment I walked in, I was treated like royalty. They welcomed me with bubbly, a personalised sign, and even gave my bridal party ribbons to help pick out dresses. I felt celebrated, supported, and seen.
And the best part? The dresses actually fit. Beautiful, modern, elegant gowns—in real plus sizes, not just stretched samples. I finally looked in the mirror and felt incredible. I saw a bride. I saw me.
And YES, I found the one! I’m keeping it a secret for now (because my fiancé reads everything I post 👀), but let’s just say: I’ve never felt more beautiful in anything in my life.
Dresses I Tried (But Didn’t Say Yes To)
I tried on five gorgeous gowns in total—four of which didn’t make the cut. But each dress helped me figure out what felt like “me” and what didn’t. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes of my try-on journey:
Dress One – Puffy sleeves & fit-and-flare drama
This dress brought major romance and high-fashion vibes. I loved the drama, but I worried it would overwhelm me. I could already picture myself looking back and regretting a trendy choice rather than a timeless one.
Dress Two – Sheer basque with netting
Pretty and delicate, but truthfully… I didn’t have the boobs for it! It looked beautiful on the hanger, but I didn’t feel secure or bridal once it was on.
Dress Three – Silky, simple & classic with added sleeves
Elegant and timeless, this one had potential. But I felt like I was trying to make it into a dress I liked, rather than loving it as it was. Close, but not quite the one.
Dress Four – Fit and flare with a plunging neckline
A flattering shape and a dramatic neckline—so many elements I loved. But again, it didn’t suit my bust, and I just didn’t feel 100% confident.
Dress Five – THE One (But Still a Secret!)
This one is under wraps… but let’s just say I knew instantly. I felt like a beautiful version of myself—confident, comfortable, and glowing. It was perfect.
The Best Plus-Size Bridal Shops in the UK
If you’re a plus-size bride in the UK, please don’t settle. You deserve a bridal boutique that makes you feel celebrated and confident. Here are some amazing plus-size wedding dress shops that cater to brides up to size 32 and beyond:
- Wedding Belles Love Curvy Brides (Stoke-on-Trent) – My top pick! A body-positive haven with dresses up to size 32+.
- Curves Bridal (Essex) – Empowering experience with gowns up to size 44.
- The Bridal Loft (St Helens & North Wales) – Inclusive, fun and fabulous with sizes 12–50.
- Serendipity Brides (Northamptonshire) – Gorgeous gowns and a supportive team for sizes up to 28.
- WED2B (Nationwide) – Affordable, walk-in stores with plus sizes up to 30+.
- Shropshire Country Brides (Shropshire) – Features the EveryBody/EveryBride range up to size 36.
- All About Eve Bridalwear (Newport) – Created by a plus-size bride, for plus-size brides, with gowns up to size 32.
- Georgina Scott Bridal (West Midlands) – Stock samples up to size 26; can order up to 34.
- Wedding Dresses of Manchester – A wonderful range from size 20 to 32+ with supportive staff.
My Message to You, From One Plus-Size Bride to Another
If you’re feeling nervous about dress shopping, I get it. But here’s the truth:
- ✨ You deserve to feel beautiful.
- ✨ You deserve the bridal moment.
- ✨ You deserve to find a dress that makes you feel like YOU.
Don’t put off the experience out of fear like I did. Do your research, find a body-positive boutique, and bring your hype squad. You are worthy of the same excitement, pampering, and fairytale moment as any other bride.
You’re not “too big.” You’re not “hard to dress.” You are perfectly you, and there are stunning dresses out there made with your body in mind.
So go get your champagne moment. Say YES to your dream dress. Because you, beautiful bride, are going to shine.
With love, sparkle, and lots of happy tears,
Chloe 💖
Chloe Peach 