Understanding Body Positivity During Wedding Planning
Amidst the joy of wedding planning, many brides-to-be feel a societal push towards meeting a specific beauty standard. Rather than solely rejoicing in the moment, the looming thought of weight loss tends to overshadow their excitement. If this speaks to you, remember, you’re not in this alone.
Considering our society’s tendency towards a lean physique, no one should be blamed for wanting to shed a few pounds before the big day. However, if you’re willing to challenge these conventional ideas and embrace genuine self-acceptance, know that confidence shines regardless of body shape. Here, we provide insights that embrace body positivity and steer away from the weight-loss narrative.
Celebrate Your Engagement Without the Weight-Loss Pressure
Firstly, if you’re engaged, a hearty congratulations! This is a cherished milestone in your life.
Yet, many women find themselves swamped by well-meaning advice and intrusive questions soon after their engagement. This interference, unfortunately, extends to one’s weight and body shape. For instance, I had a client recount how her dressmaker casually inquired about her expected size on her wedding day. Such biases are pervasive, though not insurmountable, especially if you’ve cultivated a robust body image.
Confronted by endless ‘weight loss for weddings’ promotions and sly “lifestyle change” advertisements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, if you’ve been journeying towards self-love and body acceptance, numerous resources are available to ensure you don’t succumb to these pressures.
A Diet-Free Wedding Experience is a Joyful One
Organizing a wedding is intense! Add hunger to the mix, and the stress amplifies. When consumed by dietary restrictions, our energy and attention are diluted. On the other hand, embracing a diet-free wedding period means you fully enjoy each moment, from cake-tasting to pre-wedding parties.
Embracing Body Positivity While Dress Shopping
A dress should adapt to you, not vice versa. Unfortunately, many bridal boutiques stock limited sizes, often disadvantaging those above a US size 8-10.
While I cannot personally resonate with not finding my size, I’ve curated a list of articles that share insights for individuals with fuller figures:
- Plus Size Wedding Gowns on Real People by Chaya of Mechanic Shop Femme.
- My Wedding Was Perfect – and I Was Fat as Hell the Whole Time by Lindy West.
- Fat Positive Inspiration for Plus Sized Brides by Sandra Chile.
- The 9 Plus-Sized Wedding Dress Shopping Tips Brides Need to Know on Brides.com.
To ensure a positive dress shopping experience, set clear boundaries, order dresses in your current size, and consider visiting size-inclusive stores like Blue Sky Bridal if you’re in the Seattle or Portland region.
Inspiring Wedding Resources that Skip the Weight-Loss Talk
Seeking wedding inspiration that’s devoid of weight-focused narratives? Consider these platforms:
Facebook Group: Fat Positive Wedding Chat, Planning & Support
Instagram Profiles:
- @thechunkybride
- @prettypearbride
- @curvybrownbride
If you know other such resources, share in the comments!
The True Essence of Your Wedding
To echo the words of a client, “I yearn to see and feel like myself on my wedding day. When revisiting those memories, I don’t wish to harbor guilt or shame.”
Given the societal pressures, it’s natural for brides-to-be to consider dieting. But with the right support and mindset, you can defy traditional norms and glow with confidence. After all, the wedding day is a celebration of love between two individuals; it’s about you and your partner. Your partner cherishes the authentic you, beyond societal beauty ideals. Remember that.
