The societal expectation for brides to meet a particular appearance on their wedding day can overshadow the joy and excitement of the event. Many brides understandably become anxious and wonder about shedding pounds before the big day. If this resonates with you, take solace in the fact that you’re not alone.
In a society dominated by biases against larger body types, I genuinely empathize with those who feel the urge to diet in anticipation of their wedding day. Yet, if you’re prepared to challenge these conventions, you can embrace and feel good in your skin on your wedding day, irrespective of your size. Dive in for some empowering, body-positive insights and suggestions that don’t zero in on weight reduction.
Embracing Yourself on Your Wedding Day
Firstly, a heartfelt congratulations if you’ve recently gotten engaged! This is a significant milestone in your journey with your partner.
Yet, the moment many women get engaged, an influx of unsolicited advice and prying questions come their way. This intrusion often includes remarks about weight and appearance. One of my clients mentioned how her wedding dress designer inquired about her intended size for the wedding day, completely unasked for – a clear indication of prevailing weight biases.
Thankfully, due to her prior efforts on improving her self-image, she could brush aside this uninvited comment. But it’s undeniable: the barrage of weight-loss promotions, online posts, or casual comments can become overwhelming. Especially the subtle ones masquerading as “lifestyle changes” or mere “tone-up” strategies.
It’s essential to remember you’re not alone in feeling this pressure. Many brides are subjected to these societal standards, especially concerning wedding preparations.
The silver lining: If you’re leaning towards embracing your body and steering clear of dieting, there’s an abundance of resources to assist and affirm your decision.
The Joy of Wedding Planning Sans Dieting
Arranging a wedding is a challenge by itself. Now imagine tackling that on an empty stomach, making things doubly hard. Neglecting proper nourishment not only affects your energy but also clouds your judgment. Considering the mental bandwidth dieting consumes, it can render the comprehensive task list of wedding preparations even more daunting.
By avoiding dieting, you can genuinely savor this momentous phase. The pleasure isn’t restricted to the wedding day alone. From choosing the cake, deciding on the menu, selecting flowers, to soaking in the pre-wedding festivities, you can relish them all without the added baggage of dietary restrictions.
A Body-Positive Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping
Remember, dresses should complement you, not the other way round. But many bridal stores limit their collection to conventional sizes, posing challenges for those above a US size 8-10.
Although my personal experience hasn’t been restrictive, I’ve collated resources penned by individuals who possess insights into shopping with larger sizes. These articles provide guidance and tips:
- Plus Size Wedding Gowns on Real People by Chaya of Mechanic Shop Femme
- Advice From a Wedding Photographer on Offbeat Bride
- My Wedding Was Perfect – and I Was Fat as Hell the Whole Time by Lindy West
- 8 Body Positive Tips for Plus Sized Brides on Offbeat Brdie
- I Was a Fat Bride And It Was Awesome by Linda from Fluffy Kitten Party
- 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 make your dress shopping stress-free, consider the following:
- Choose supportive companions for your shopping sessions.
- Establish clear boundaries about your weight decisions.
- Order the dress in your current size to avoid future anxieties. Remember, adjustments can always be made.
For those in Seattle or Portland, many have recommended Blue Sky Bridal, a size-inclusive bridal store with a diverse collection.
Inspirational Wedding Content Beyond Weight Concerns
Rather than the traditional weight-centric content, broaden your horizons with body-positive inspirations:
- Instagram Handles:
- @thechunkybride
- @prettypearbride
- @curvybrownbride
- @plussizebridesworld
- @curvybridesrock
- @bombshellbridalboutique
- @dellacurva
- @bridesbyyoung
- @plussizeweddingdress
- @luxebridal_mn
- @oliviasbridalhouse
Got more suggestions that break free from diet culture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
In Conclusion: Your Wedding, Your Rules
A client recently shared her internal conflict of wanting to slim down for her wedding while also wishing to feel and appear authentic. She highlighted the importance of recognizing oneself in wedding photos without any accompanying guilt or regret, especially given the transient nature of weight loss.
Though society often compels brides towards a specific mold, it’s your choice to adhere or defy. Embracing your authentic self on your wedding day, irrespective of societal expectations, is empowering. Remember, the wedding is a celebration of your bond with your partner, who cherishes you for who you are, rather than a fabricated ideal.
