Ella & Oak and ELOQUII Are Redefining Plus-Size Bridal Shopping

A bride needs so much more than a wedding dress—there's the chic engagement party look, killer bachelorette look and sophisticated bridal shower number, just to name a few. But what if we told you every outfit imaginable could be found in one place? Thanks to Ella & Oak's latest partnership with ELOQUII, bridal shopping for a plus-size bride has never been easier.

The partnership is honestly a match made in heaven—two retailers that cater to curvy women, with one specializing in bridal gowns and the other in street fashion. "We heard that ELOQUII customers are looking for more wedding day options and Ella & Oak offers luxury wedding dresses at accessible price points," Christine Callahan, co-founder of Ella & Oak, tells Brides. "We are thrilled to partner so that we can provide brides sizes 14+ with modern, high-quality gowns with a unique and unforgettable experience at their local ELOQUII store."

So what exactly does this collab entail? Starting February 28, 2020, Ella & Oaks's luxury bridal gowns—which range from sizes 12 to 30—will make their way into ELOQUII stores across the East Coast via a series of pop-up shopping experiences. During the weekend-long events, ELOQUII will transform into a one-stop-shop for brides looking to score a gorgeous (and affordable!) Ella & Oak wedding gown along with every other look needed for a bride-to-be.

"At ELOQUII everything we do starts with our customer," shares ELOQUII CEO Mariah Chase. "Now, we are teaming up with Ella & Oak to provide the best in-store experience for brides who are finding the perfect wedding dress for one of their most cherished days in life." Making stops in Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York City and Philadelphia, brides will be able to schedule a 45-minute VIP appointment with an expert Ella & Oak stylist.

As Ella & Oak co-founder Samantha Brody puts it, "We are here to serve all of our brides, no matter who she is or what she is looking for. We want our brides to feel beautiful and confident on their special day and throughout the entire shopping experience. Our dresses are made so that brides can choose what they love."

For wedding dress shopping made easy, you can make an appointment and view the full pop-up schedule here. But before you find the dress of your dreams, be sure to read Brody's top four tips for making the most out of your shopping experience.

Experiment With Styles

While you might have your heart set on a particular silhouette, don't be afraid to try on styles that might not be on your Pinterest vision board. "Looking at a dress in photographs or on the rack doesn't always tell the full story," she shares. "You may find yourself in a dress different from what you had ever imagined." And of course, you'll never know until you at least try!

Make The Experience Yours

There's always a question about who you should bring to your appointment but the truth is, there is no perfect number! Some brides prefer an entourage and others have better luck flying solo. "If you want to start the process on your own, we are here as trusted stylists to help you find the dress of your dreams," assures Brody.

And, if you can't make a decision without your besties, Brody encourages brides to keep their shopping group small and make sure "everyone around you is there to help you feel your best."

Come Prepared

"If you have undergarments you love, be sure to bring them along when you try. Some brides like to do their hair, touch up their make-up, or bring a pair of heels, all to help them get a sense of their final look," says Brody. Most bridal salons, including Ella & Oak, have accessories on hand but it never hurts to bring your own.

Trust Your Instincts

When it does come time to say yes to the dress, trust your instincts. "Choose whatever style or silhouette you love," regardless of what you thought you originally wanted, reminds Brody. "We want every bride to feel beautiful and confident in her gown. Find something that feels special for you, and trust that feeling!"