Trying to find a plus size wedding dress for my beach destination wedding was a challenge. From searching Pinterest for plus size wedding dress inspiration, to scouring wedding industry Instagram accounts and hashtags for plus size beach wedding dress ideas, to searching through wedding dress shop inventory and brand sizing online to find a lace plus size wedding dress, I thought I was doomed. This is also why I personally put off wedding dress shopping until the very last minute, which made it even harder to shop.
Trying to find a plus size wedding dress can be a challenge. You may spend your time scouring Pinterest and wedding industry Instagram accounts, and all the hashtags to find that one dress. There may be hours spent going through wedding shop inventory and brand sizing online to find your special plus sized wedding dress.
My Plus Size Beach Wedding Dress from Grace Loves Lace
I knew I wanted something lightweight and lacy for my wedding day, but so many of the incredible brands known for this style stop carrying many, many sizes before mine. Don’t get me wrong, there were wedding dress shops and brands that carried plus size wedding gowns, but so many of them were opposite of what I was looking for.
If you are looking for something lightweight and lacy, may I suggest Grace Loves lace in Dallas?
Grace Loves Lace opened up a showroom in Dallas Design District after I had been engaged for a little while, and I decided to set up an appointment there. I actually almost canceled the appointment after the first communication with the showroom, but I’m so thankful I didn’t, as that is where I ended up finding Darling, my beautiful plus size beach wedding dress!
Grace Loves Lace Wedding Dress Fitting
In my initial contact with the GLL team, the emailed me and asked for a few of my favorite dresses that way they could have them pulled for my appointment. I asked them what samples they had close to my size and planned to base my selections off of that information. They emailed back with dresses available in sizes much smaller than I wore and it felt like it wasn’t going to be a good fit for me. Thankfully their team encouraged me to still come and try things on.
Day of Fitting Experience at the Dallas Showroom
When you go for your fitting, it might be better to only have one or two others with you. The stress of having too many opinions may even take the fun out of dress shopping for some. I know it would for me! I took along my MOH only, and it was just perfect.
When you arrive, you may even be greeted with champagne and water. They will help you explore the showroom and see the items before you are taken to a private area for your appointment.
Wedding Dress Fitting / Try On Process
We started with measurements in a slip dress (provided by GLL) and then went on to trying on dresses. I tried on four dresses on my first visit and there were two of them that I really liked. I ended up coming back for a second appointment and tried the two gowns on again. What ended up being the deciding factor for me was which gown would do better on the beach.
The Menha gown was stunning! I loved the bohemian elements and how it looked on me, but it was heavy. I already sweat a lot and the heavier the dress, the more I would sweat. The Darling Grace Loves Lace gown was lightweight, had a stunning high leg slit and deep v. Plus it was lace, which was one of the original things I was looking for in my ideal plus size beach wedding dress.
Wedding Dress Ordering and Alterations
You can order a specific size, “ready to wear”, in the Grace Loves Lace gowns or you can do “made to order”. If you do the latter, they take your measurements in each area and for that part of the gown they pick the size that’s best for you. They take very detailed photos of you in the sample gown and have all of this information sent to the team in Australia where the gowns are made. The hope is that by doing it this way, you can avoid alterations. Due to my very curvy proportions and large breasts, we had to go pretty big in the bust which then had to be taken in accordingly once I received my dress.
Darling by Grace Loves Lace
Darling is described by Grace Loves Lace as… “A fitted stretch abstract lace bodice with a low neckline – defined by luxurious Italian tulle to meet the waistline. With spectacular luminous satin embroidery, metres of eyelash trim, a thigh high side split and romantic train“.
I think this plus size boho wedding dress is sexy, laid back and romantic. The details show off your shape without being too over the top. The dress lends itself to many different settings and styles. It was the perfect dress to go barefoot on the beach in. It would also look stunning with a pair of delicate heels!
The back of the gown is very easy to bustle up. It has a loop that also acts as a way to hold on to for some movement . When you’re ordering the dress, you can decide the length of the train to best suit your needs. I loved how the gown moved as I walked and danced, especially when a bit of the wind would catch it.
If you visit their website, don’t get discouraged by the lack of curvy and plus size brides wearing Darling, or any gown for that matter. They do offer sizing for us gals! Hopefully in the future we can see more representation on websites, in marketing, on social media, etc. It’s so incredibly important!
What I Wore Under My Plus Size Beach Wedding Dress
I had to do a little extra to hold my heavy breasts up in this dress. I used Brassy Bra boob tape and it worked out perfectly! If you want to learn more, I have a blog post about the boob tape. Or if you want to grab some, try Nordstrom or Bare Necessities.
When it comes to undies, I went with a nude high waist pair. I prefer wearing thongs, but I wore full coverage just in case the dress flew open with the slit.
I used quite a bit of Megababe Thigh Rescue to keep me chafe free all day!
More Photos of My Plus Size Boho Wedding Dress
Wedding photos taken by Daniela Ortiz. Fitting photos taken by Sarah Mize.
Cabo Wedding Planning + Design by Look at Me Brides | Flowers by Velvet Floral Cabo | Rentals by Cabo Rental Decor | DJ by Emmanuel Ibarra | Hair and Make Up by Blanc Bridal Salon | Hair Piece by Jennifer Behr | Suits by Macys
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