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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size-inclusive dress options are plentiful this year (as they should be!), from feminine designs to casual and elegant classics. This is excellent news because now that you’re engaged, you'll need multiple looks: dresses for your engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner (to name a few). There are also those extra wedding-related events like a post-wedding brunch and your honeymoon! For all these occasions, you will undoubtedly need a gorgeous dress, sometimes two or three.
“When thinking about wedding-related events, I always say go for the silhouettes that work best for you,” says Danielle Williams Eke, 11 Honoré’s design director. “Don’t feel like you have to try something new silhouette-wise. Let the details of the dress and the styling help you stand out for your special day.”
Meet the Expert
- Danielle Williams Eke is the design director of the luxury size-inclusive retailer, 11 Honoré. With a specialty in extended sizes, Williams Eke pioneers patterns, fits, and silhouettes for the plus-size consumer and spearheads the design team and production of the retailer’s private label, the 11 Honoré Collection.
After considering your own personal style, keep the specific occasion in mind—and what kind of statement you're looking to make. For a laid-back engagement party or bridal shower, Williams Eke recommends easy silhouettes, such as a wrap dress or fluid midis in elevated casual fabrics like stretch linen and textured organic cotton. Whether it be in a backyard, the mountains, or even seaside, silhouettes and fabrics such as these pair beautifully with an outdoor event. This will create a romantic yet luxurious look for the effortlessly chic bride. For dressier looks suited to a rehearsal dinner or wedding-day brunch, dare to make a statement by opting for bold details and sharp silhouettes. Williams Eke favors figure-accentuating fits, including V-necklines, halters, and waist-cinching sheaths, as well as unique details, such as ruching, asymmetrical hems, or a voluminous silhouette. These types of attributes will create that unforgettable "wow" factor—you are the bride, after all!
Ready to shop dresses that are size-inclusive and fit for curves? Discover 20 of our favorites for every style and budget ahead.
Best for the Bridal Shower
Lulus Together In Bliss Lace Mermaid Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - 3X | Materials: Lace | Shades: White | Length: Maxi
Delicate and romantic, this floor-length lace gown just may be the epitome of bridal style. Featuring a daring slit, long lace sleeves, and a square neckline, this beauty pairs well with statement earrings. Keep your neckline bare to highlight your décolleté.
Price at time of publish: $99
Best Sequin Dress
Cece Sequin V-Neck Cocktail Dress
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: True to Size | Size: 1X - 3X | Materials: Sequins | Shades: Champagne, green, and black | Length: Knee-length
You’ll shine your bridal brightest in this sequin number! We love it for a festive bachelorette or after-party look.
Price at time of publish: $139
Best Slip Dress
BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0 - 16 | Materials: Satin charmeuse | Shades: Multiple | Length: Midi
Keep things simple but sophisticated in this satin charmeuse slip dress. If your taste skews minimal, this design is a dream. Plus, this beauty has over 20 color options to choose from!
Price at time of publish: $168
Most Contemporary
Byron Lars Carissima Sheath Dress
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Courtesy of Anthropologie
Runs: True to Size | Size: 00 - 22W | Materials: Nylon, cotton, and spandex | Shades: Ivory, grey, and black | Length: Knee-length
What’s more quintessential than lace for a bride? This knee-length style gives off a modern and edgy twist with its black ribbon belt and center corset detailing.
Price at time of publish: $258
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Lavish Alice Plus Off Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Runs: True to Size | Size: 14 - 22 | Materials: Polyester and elastane | Shades: White | Length: Midi
The ruffles that trail down this off-shoulder dress, from the beautiful bardot neckline to the slim-fitting hem, would make anyone fall in love. Pair with a simple necklace and matching earrings to allow the number to stand out on its own.
Price at time of publish: $148
Best Asymmetric Shape
Coyan Dua Dress
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Courtesy of Dia
Runs: True to Size | Size: 1 (0) - 8 (24) | Materials: Silk | Shades: Ivory | Length: Midi
Master easy elegance in this asymmetric dress by Coyan. You can style it in various ways—cinched at the waist or loose and flowy.
Price at time of publish: $995
Most Timeless
Amsale Deep V-Neck Dress
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Courtesy of Amsale
Runs: Small | Size: 00 - 28 | Materials: Silk faille | Shades: White | Length: Midi
If the timeless elegance of this waist-cinching dress weren’t enough, it has pockets! This subtle detail undoubtedly seals the deal.
Price at time of publish: $385
Best Jumpsuit
Bridal by ELOQUII Sequin Wide Leg Jumpsuit
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Courtesy of ELOQUII
Runs: True to size | Size: 14 - 28 | Materials: Polyamide and spandex | Shades: White | Length: Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are the best way to feel comfortable and confident as you celebrate your engagement. This one from ELOQUII dazzles with its all-over sequin fabric, v-neckline, and wide pant legs.
Price at time of publish: $179
Best for a Casual Party
Torrid Mini Stretch Lace V-Neck Tiered Flare Dress
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Courtesy of Torrid
Runs: True to size | Size: 10 - 30 | Materials: Nylon | Shades: White | Length: Mini
Torrid's Mini Stretch Flare Dress is giving cowgirl chic. If you're having a casual night-out around town or the country capital that is Nashville, a set of boots with the dress will do the trick.
Price at time of publish: $130
Best for the Rehearsal Dinner
Reformation Gatsby Dress Es
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Courtesy of Reformation
Runs: True to size | Size: 14 - 24 | Materials: Viscose and rayon | Shades: Ivory and floral print | Length: Maxi
Cue the dramatics once you step inside this high-slit dress with a slim-fitting bodice and deep v-neckline. It will surely prepare your guests for your wedding gown reveal the following day.
Price at time of publish: $498
Best One Shoulder
Bridal by ELOQUII Cutout Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ELOQUII
Runs: True to size | Size: 14 - 28 | Materials: Linen | Shades: Ecru | Length: Maxi
If you plan on taking a trip to the water in honor of your engagement, then this beach-y frock from ELOQUI is the one for you. Made with 100% linen, the dress is breezy, comfortable, and flattering on everyone.
Price at time of publish: $119
Best for the Bachelorette
City Chic Aurelia Dress
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Courtesy of City Chic
Runs: True to size | Size: 12 - 24 | Materials: Polyester and elastane | Shades: Beige and black | Length: Mini
You're going to want everyone to know you're getting marries, so why not stand out? A show-stopping sequin cape-sleeve dress is the answer.
Price at time of publish: $209
Best Maxi
Hope & Ivy Plus Bridal Embellished Wrap Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Runs: True to size | Size: 14 - 20 | Materials: Polyester and chiffon | Shades: Ivory | Length: Maxi
The floral embroidered details on the sleeves and shoulders of this dress make it both a romantic and formal option for a rehearsal dinner, second wedding dress attire, and everything else you have planned before or after your big day.
Price at time of publish: $248
Most Modest
Coyan Dua Dress
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Courtesy of Dia
Runs: True to size | Size: 4 (10/12) - 8 (22/24) | Materials: Silk | Shades: Ivory | Length: Midi
This dress has a modest cut with a not-so-deep v-neckline, asymmetrical skirt hem, and 3/4 sleeves that balance sophistication and sultry. Because it is so versatile, you can wear it outside of your engagement celebrations, such as for work or a GNO.
Price at time of publish: $995
Best Mini
Arula Tyler Dress
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Courtesy of Arula
Runs: True to size | Size: X (10/12) - C (22/24) | Materials: Polyester | Shades: Ivory-floral print | Length: Mini
This is the prettiest little number we have seen. Not only is the ivory-floral print super dreamy to the eye, the dress feminine puffy sleeves and cinched dress that make it perfect for a garden-based celebration.
Most Sexy
Pretty Little Thing Plus Constructed Corset Waist Blazer Dress
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Courtesy of Pretty Little Thing
Runs: True to size | Size: 12 (L) - 26 (5X) | Materials: N/A | Shades: White | Length: Mini
A blazer dress is always a sexy option to wear for any occasion. With the addition of a corset around the waist, this piece is a must-have in your wedding closet.
Price at time of publish: $115
Best Sleeveless
Lulus Taliana Lace Button Back Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: True to size | Size: XXS - 3X | Materials: Polyester, spandex, and nylon | Shades: White | Length: Maxi
We are obsessed with the backless detail in this maxi dress. It is topped off with a mermaid-style skirt and a delicate lace train at the back hem.
Price at time of publish: $99
Most Glamorous
Marcella Manhattan One Shoulder Gown
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Marcella
Runs: True to size | Size: XS - XXXL | Materials: Viscose, polyamide, and lycra | Shades: Off-white | Length: Maxi
The unique one-shoulder sleeve makes Marcella's Manhattan dress a super chic piece for the bride-to-be who wants a hint of old-Hollywood glamour. Wear sparkling earrings and pumps to bring the dress to life.
Price at time of publish: $129
Best Floral Print
Reformation Twilight Dress Es
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Courtesy of Reformation
Runs: True to size | Size: 14-24 | Materials: Viscose | Shades: Floral print, green, and black | Length: Midi
The beautiful purple hues tie perfectly will the flirty feel of this dress. We love that it has tie sleeves and a smocked back for an adjustable fit, as well as a high slit for a touch of sexiness.
Price at time of publish: $278
Best Strapless
Amsale Rose Fil Coupe Fit-&-Flare Dress
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: True to size | Size: 0 - 16 | Materials: Polyester and nylon | Shades: Ivory | Length: Knee-length
Tea party anyone? The rose fil coupe organza is a romantic touch to this elegant dress, and is great for sit-down occasions where tea or wine is in hand.
Price at time of publish: $495
What to Look for When Shopping for a Plus-Size Dress
Before you seal the deal on just one dress—whether it be for your bachelorette or bridal brunch—be sure to cover all your bases. From your own personal style and the formality of the occasion down to the pieces you'll slip on beneath your bridal look, it's no doubt that even the smallest details can make a world of difference. For instance, while not all plus-size individuals have a fuller bust, seek out supportive design elements if you're a bustier bride. In fact, there continue to be more and more brands and designers that intentionally construct their styles to not only accommodate but also accentuate plus-size figures. With that being said, plan your undergarments accordingly as shapewear can make all the difference in showing off your curves. Most importantly, do your research, and don't hold limiting beliefs about what you can and cannot wear. Experiment with different styles by trying on varying silhouettes—and hey, that just means you get to play more dress-up!
Why Trust Us
Contributing writer Laura Lajines is a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work with Brides, she served as the senior fashion editor at the Zoe Report and PopSugar. Her work has also been featured in Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.