by Curvy Wedding Editor, Chamein Canton
 
The Wedding Channel Couture Show was all about personal style. You may say, of course, there are wedding gowns available in every imaginable form and fashion. There was even an acrylic bustier gown by designer Johanna Ho that really caught everyone's attention. The breaking story this year was about plus size gowns and the many, many options now available.
 
It appears the designers are listening to the more than 67% of women reported to wear a size 14 or larger. The luxurious fabrics, appliqués, beading and draping typically found in standard sizes, designers are now offering in plus sizes and we couldn't be happier.
 
Our favorites were Kirstie Kelly's Disney Fairy Tale Weddings – Red Label Collection and Jasmine Bridal Collection.

The new Red Label bridal line consists of 15 new dresses and caters to women who wear a size 16 or larger. The line has been expanded to include bridesmaid dresses too.  The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings line takes inspiration from animated princesses like, Ariel (picture shown at left) Jasmine, and Cinderella. One of the most impressive aspects of the collection was the variety of silhouettes. Kirstie went beyond the A-line to shape showcasing silhouettes like the mermaid, to create a look worthy of a screen bombshell.  Moreover the designs were simply elegant, not relying on too much beading or sequins to make your inner princess shine.
 
Jasmine Bridal caters to women size 4 to 28 and we mean "cater". Jasmine philosophy is the dress should look like it was made especially for you. The company offers options to allow brides to select their desired bust, sleeve, and skirt options to a more custom design. While it's best to shop according to shape this customization allows brides to use different design aspects to work for their shape to create the dress of their dreams in fabrics soft and fluid enough to drape a curvy body.
 
Finding your personal style

Your wedding is a very special and magical day. Why shouldn't you reflect your personality and style on that day? This year the plus size bridal fashion story has changed from finding a gown to fit your curves to the luxurious opportunity to display your own personal style. Style has no limitations, not even size.  If you look up the definition of style, it's your unique manner of being or doing. "Who do you want to be? How do you want to do it?"
 
It all starts with an inspiration.  Ask yourself whose style inspires you.  Is there a celebrity, friend, or family member's sense of style you admire? Perhaps there is a cultural inspiration, like the tribal attire of Africa or the elaborate costumes of India. How does the style inspiration make you feel?  If you are feeling excited and confident about the possibilities, you may have found it.
 
Your next step is to discover your style strengths and weaknesses.  You want to play up your strengths.  Make a list of them all. What are your best assets? If you are having trouble, ask your biggest fan, your fiancé. Of course you want to minimize your weaknesses, but why not turn one into an asset. For example, you may wish your breasts were larger. Turn this into a positive by wearing a flowing, strapless, goddess-inspired gown with an empire waist accentuated with a ribbon just under the bust. This fashion trend may not be as flattering with a fuller bust.  But it would look fabulous on you!!
 
Reflecting your personal style

Finding style advice for real women size 14 and above can be difficult. Not all bridal salons carry sample gowns in plus sizes. This can be very disappointing to the full-figured bride. Consider hiring a stylist to help you find and reflect your personal style.  A stylist recognizes that women, especially those with extra curves, deserve to feel that great sense of confidence that comes with presenting your "very best self" to the world and aims to help you tap into your innate sense of style.

• Planning a wedding is hectic and can be full of challenges for any bride.  If she's over a size 12, she may have to deal with some very specific challenges.  She needs to properly fit her curves, while feeling confident and more attractive than ever before. Finding the right dress to reflect your personal style can be especially challenging for the full figured bride. Here are a few tips:
• Select one detail of your inspiration to duplicate (i.e. beading, shape)
• Know your body type but don't be afraid to try something outside of it.
• Be extra picky with fit and fabric.
• There are no standards in plus sizing, every designer is different.
• Clingy or body conscience fabrics can actually make you look slimmer.
• Don't buy garments made of fabric that appears cheap or of poor quality.
• Wear the right foundation garments (i.e. bra, girdle, body skimmer etc).

 
Chamein Canton and Sheri Collins are collaborating on their upcoming book Strut Down That Aisle with Personal Style:  a wedding guide for the full-figured woman.

Sheri Collins is an acknowledged plus sized fashion and style expert. She sharesinsights from her personal journey to find health, beauty and style from the inside-out in workshops, articles and speaking engagements.