The Plus Petite Bride
by Chamein Canton

When people hear the words ‘plus size’ they immediately think of a one-size-fits-all definition. However, we plus size women know better. We come in an array of sizes, shapes and heights. Some of us are tall and leggy, others of us are average and then there’s another special group, plus size petites.

Susan Lucci is a petite woman. In fact after seeing her in person, I might even say she is micro-petite. She also has access to a wardrobe department and designers to make her altar ego Erica Kane’s outfits and many wedding gowns.

So the question is what options does a plus size petite bride to be have? Many plus size petite women don’t have the luxury of a wardrobe department to outfit them for everyday clothes let alone their wedding gown.

To get some real answers I went to a designer whose name alone is synonymous with wedding gowns from New York to Hollywood and beyond. Vera Wang is the designer name many celebrity brides turn to when they’re shopping for a wedding gown. Her 16 year tenure at Vogue as a senior fashion editor along with her stint as design director for Ralph Lauren has given Ms. Wang a unique knowledge that she infused her personal style to create Vera Wang Bridal.

At first I was a bit intimidated to approach Ms. Wang. After all I’ve seen her designs on celebrity sex symbols. Nevertheless to my surprise and delight Vera Wang Bridals now goes up to size 20. While I would love to see a few more sizes, I’m most happy to see that her line includes plus sizes. (You Go Vera!)

One of Ms. Wang’s philosophies when it comes to choosing the best styles for petites is to go with anything narrow, not overly constructed – and minimally adorned. Depending on your body shape this can be accomplished with an A-line princess line gown, both are quite flattering. The one silhouette you should avoid is the ball gown. Instead of making you appear taller, the skirt will make you appear shorter than you are. Additionally Ms Wang recommends a floor length gown so it doesn’t break the line. In other words when people see you their eyes are automatically drawn to the lines and edges of the gown. A princess or A-line gown combined with a floor length will make you appear taller. As an added bonus Ms. Wang also recommends adding some height to the veil and, of course, heels.

The old rule has been less is more and more in some cases is just more. A bride can easily get overwhelmed in layers of lace, beading, sequins and pearls. Simplicity is the key. Feel confident enough to show off your shape and not bury it. This is not to say that you should wear a plain gown. On the contrary, you can have lace, beading etc and add flourishes to your gown, just don’t go crazy.

Although it seems I’ve drummed this point home in every column, I just have to do it again. Remember this is your wedding. Take some time to learn about different designers. Whether you’re getting married on champagne money or champagne taste with a beer pocket, you can find the wedding dress of your dreams and on your budget. You might be surprised at what you’ll find. It may require some time and effort, but it’s well worth it, believe me!

Additional Resources

• Plus-Size Bridal Boutique
• Plus-Size Petite Clothing Listings
• The Dress Directory

Chamein Canton is the author of You Go Down That Aisle in Style!, a wedding guide for the full-figured woman.

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