What is the best plus-size engagement dress?

When celebrating your upcoming wedding, you'll want to choose dresses that make you feel comfortable, elegant, and special. This can be a casual cotton midi, lace-adorned sheath, or satin maxi with pretty embellishments. It all depends on your personal preference and the style of the party.

Do you have to wear a white dress for engagement celebrations?

Absolutely not! White dresses are fabulous for feeling your most bridal, but floral prints, bright colors, and sequin styles are equally stylish for various events.

How do you style an engagement dress?

Every dress calls for amazing accessories—it’s all about personal preference. A pair of heels works any time of year, whether you prefer a classic and simple design or festive detailing like bows or sequins. Delicate sandals, flats, and sneakers are great for casual spring and summer moments while stylish boots and booties work for fall or winter parties.

20 Best Plus-Size Engagement Dresses of 2023

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.

Our Top Picks

Best for the Bridal Shower:

Lulus Together In Bliss Lace Mermaid Dress at Lulus

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Best Sequin Dress:

Cece Sequin V-Neck Cocktail Dress at Nordstrom

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Best Slip Dress:

BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress at Bhldn

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Most Contemporary:

Byron Lars Carissima Sheath Dress at Anthropologie

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Lavish Alice Plus Off Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress at Asos

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Best Asymmetric Shape:

Coyan Dua Dress at Coyanstudio.com

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Most Timeless:

Amsale Deep V-Neck Dress at Amsale.com

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Best Jumpsuit:

Bridal by ELOQUII Sequin Wide Leg Jumpsuit at Eloquii.com

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Best for a Casual Party:

Torrid Mini Stretch Lace V-Neck Tiered Flare Dress at Torrid.com

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Best for the Rehearsal Dinner:

Reformation Gatsby Dress Es at Reformation

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Courtesy of Lulus

View On 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

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Lyst.com

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

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On 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

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On 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

Lavish Alice Plus Off Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress

Courtesy of ASOS

View On 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

Courtesy of Dia

View On Coyanstudio.com

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

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

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

Bridal by ELOQUII Sequin Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Courtesy of ELOQUII

View On Eloquii.com

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

Torrid Mini Stretch Lace V-Neck Tiered Flare Dress

Courtesy of Torrid

View On Torrid.com

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

Courtesy of Reformation

View On 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

Courtesy of ELOQUII

View On Eloquii.com

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

Courtesy of City Chic

View On Citychiconline.com

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

Hope & Ivy Plus Bridal Embellished Wrap Maxi Dress

Courtesy of ASOS

View On 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

Courtesy of Dia

View On Coyanstudio.com

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

Courtesy of Arula

View On Arula.com

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.

Pretty Little Thing Plus Constructed Corset Waist Blazer Dress

Courtesy of Pretty Little Thing

View On Prettylittlething.us

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

Lulus Taliana Lace Button Back Maxi Dress

Courtesy of Lulus

View On 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

Marcella

View On Marcellanyc.com

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

Courtesy of Reformation

View On 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

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

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!

FAQ

What is the best plus-size engagement dress?

When celebrating your upcoming wedding, you'll want to choose dresses that make you feel comfortable, elegant, and special. This can be a casual cotton midi, lace-adorned sheath, or satin maxi with pretty embellishments. It all depends on your personal preference and the style of the party.
Do you have to wear a white dress for engagement celebrations?

Absolutely not! White dresses are fabulous for feeling your most bridal, but floral prints, bright colors, and sequin styles are equally stylish for various events.
How do you style an engagement dress?

Every dress calls for amazing accessories—it’s all about personal preference. A pair of heels works any time of year, whether you prefer a classic and simple design or festive detailing like bows or sequins. Delicate sandals, flats, and sneakers are great for casual spring and summer moments while stylish boots and booties work for fall or winter parties.

The 17 Best Stunning Plus-Size Wedding Dresses of 2023 for Every Style and Budget

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.