Figuring out what to wear to a wedding is rarely simple. For plus size women, it can feel tougher. Stores don’t always stock enough options, and the ones they do carry often don’t fit right. You want to look good, feel comfortable, and not spend the night adjusting straps or worrying about clingy fabric. Here’s some straight talk on what works — and what usually doesn’t. You can browse our curated plus size wedding guest dresses if you’re looking for ready-to-wear options, or keep reading for practical tips on how to select the right dress options for your next wedding.
First: look at the wedding itself
Before worrying about the dress, think about the event.
- Black tie usually means a long dress. Satin, chiffon, or crepe — anything that reads formal.
- Cocktail = knee-length or midi. Not too casual, not too grand.
- Outdoor weddings? Something flowy, breathable. Don’t trap yourself in heavy polyester.
Here’s the thing: it’s not about being “perfect.” It’s about fitting the vibe. If everyone’s in tuxedos, you won’t want a sundress. But for a beach wedding? Sequins dragging through sand will just look… odd.
Fit > size
The tag size is just a number. Fit is everything.
Two women can both wear a 20 and have completely different needs. One may carry weight in the bust, the other at the hips.
So: buy for the largest part of your body, then alter. (Seriously — alterations change everything.)
- Bust-heavy → look for thicker straps, supportive bodices.
- Pear shape → A-line skirts balance things out.
- Straighter shapes → wrap dresses or ruching add curves.
No dress off the rack fits like it should. Don’t beat yourself up — that’s normal.
Fabrics that work (and fabrics that don’t)
Some fabrics flatter, others… not so much.
- Crepe — drapes nicely, doesn’t cling.
- Chiffon — light, perfect for summer.
- Satin — glossy, evening-friendly, though it shows every wrinkle if it’s cheap.
- Lace — adds texture without weight.
Not great: stiff taffeta (boxes you in), thin clingy jersey (shows everything). And those shiny poly blends that trap heat? Skip.
Necklines + sleeves
Balance is everything. You want coverage without heaviness.
- V-neck elongates and balances the bust.
- Square neck looks structured, timeless.
- Off-the-shoulder can be surprisingly flattering.
- Flutter sleeves cover without weighing you down.
Pair them smartly. A deep neckline with longer sleeves. Or sleeveless plus a shawl if you’d rather not commit to bare arms all night.
Hemlines
Keep it simple.
- Long/maxi → good for formal. Just don’t let it drag outdoors.
- Tea length → versatile.
- Knee length → fine for cocktail.
One note: cobblestones, grass, sand — anything uneven will eat your hemline. Practicality matters.
Colors + prints
- Don’t wear white, ivory, champagne. Unless the couple literally asks you to.
- Jewel tones? Emerald, sapphire, burgundy — always safe.
- Pastels and muted shades = classic.
Prints? Florals usually work. Large geometrics can distort proportions. Honestly, if you’re not sure, solid color plus texture (like pleats or lace) photographs best.
Support (the not-so-fun part)
Built-in cups in plus size dresses often sit in weird places — not where your bust actually is.
- If possible, get adjustable padding.
- Or just wear your own bra under the dress. (Even with strapless — there are ways.)
- Shapewear is optional. Some people swear by it. Some hate it. Comfort matters more than smoothing.
Brands worth checking
A few brands actually make an effort:
- Eloquii — trendy, but plenty of formal options.
- Hello Curve — plus size formal dresses, designed with grading rules in mind. Based in Singapore, ships worldwide. They actually think about bust-to-hip ratios.
- City Chic — Australian, but widely sold.
- Kiyonna — great for lace, cocktail styles.
- ASOS Curve — endless selection, though quality varies.
- Torrid — modern, youthful vibe.
- Nordstrom — pricier, but real plus size designer lines.
Warning: a 20 in one brand ≠a 20 in another. Measure yourself. Check the size charts. Saves headaches later.
Price points
- Mid-range ($150–$300) → usually best balance of fabric and cut.
- Add tailoring ($50–$150). Worth it.
- Under $100? Fine for casual weddings. But thin polyester under bright lights will show.
Shopping tips (learned the hard way)
- Order early. Two weeks out = panic.
- Always check return policies.
- Move in the dress — sit, bend, raise your arms. Mirror-only checks lie.
- Try with the actual bra and shoes you’ll wear. Changes everything.
Cultural notes
Not every wedding follows Western rules. You might need a cheongsam, sari, or kaftan. Plus size versions exist, but harder to find. Start early.
Industry gaps
Let’s be honest: choices are still limited. Many brands stop at size 22 or 24. Others just “scale up” straight-size patterns. That’s why waists sit too high, straps fall, hips pull.
It’s improving slowly. But don’t expect the same variety as smaller sizes yet.
Why it matters
Guests want to feel good too. If your dress pinches or slips, it pulls focus from the celebration. The right dress — even if simple — lets you relax, dance, and enjoy.
And that’s the whole point. Not chasing trends, just finding something that feels right on you and fits the occasion.
Quick recap
- Match the tone of the wedding.
- Fit beats size.
- Choose fabric that moves with you.
- Alter if you can.
The industry has work to do, but with planning you’ll find something that works — maybe not perfect, but good enough to let you enjoy the day.
