Tips for Curvy Brides, Plus Size Wedding Dress Shopping in Ottawa

OMG you just said the BIG YES! If you're anything like us, your mind goes directly to your second love, your wedding dress. If you’re a plus size bride in Ottawa or beyond, the journey to finding that perfect wedding dress might seem daunting, but at NKIN we are here to tell you  the experience can be not only easy, BUT ENJOYABLE!!

Olivia and Dali wearing the Violetta Basque A-Line wedding dress

 

Finding a plus size wedding dress in Ottawa shouldn't mean settling for limited options or trying to imagine what a gown would look like in your size. At Never Knew I Needed, we believe every bride deserves the opportunity to actually try on wedding dresses that fit.

Our Ottawa bridal boutique carries one of the largest selections of plus size wedding dresses available to try on in-store, with gowns in a wide range of sizes and styles. Whether you're searching for a classic ballgown, fitted crepe wedding dress, romantic lace sleeves, or a modern minimalist look, our goal is simple: help you find a dress you love while having a genuinely fun experience.

Brides travel to our Ottawa bridal shop from across Eastern Ontario, including Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, Stittsville, Carleton Place, Kemptville, Brockville, Cornwall, Pembroke, and Gatineau, because they want an inclusive, pressure-free wedding dress shopping experience.

No matter your size, shape, style, or wedding vision, you deserve to walk into a bridal boutique and feel excited, celebrated, and confident from the moment you arrive.

1. RESEARCH. RESEARCH. RESEARCH

Before hitting the boutiques, do a little research. Now, we know you see this advice A LOT, so let us break down for you what you ACTUALLY want to look for (& how to do it without contacting the boutique)

  1. Do they mention on their website what sample sizes they carry? Don't be fooled by the classic "available in sizes 0-24,". In bridal boutique speak, that translates  to "we CAN order it if requested". It does not mean it is available in store to try on. Truly size inclusive stores will blast EVERYWHERE their range of sizes to try on in-store.
  2. Check their social media, do you see staff that look like you with the gowns on? Do you see yourself represented ?
  3. PEOPLE TALK. Search up on reddit or go old-school in facebook groups "plus size wedding dresses Ottawa", you're going to find loads of recommendations of where others have had fantastic experiences.

PS: checkout our inventory where we list the size, price, and MEASUREMENTS. 

 

 

2. Trust the pros, seriously

Wedding dresses are unlike anything else you've tried on. Before you get engaged, you a are probably rarely offered the chance to try on gowns or even clothing that are made WELL!

In our everyday lives we are so used to the fast fashion, excuse our language, CRAP, that we forget how clothes are supposed to be made. THE DRESS IS MEANT TO FIT YOU, YOU AREN'T MEANT TO FIT THE DRESS.

All this to say, don't be afraid to try on the fitted gown! She'll have the structure, boning, straps, and support you need to feel fantastic. Don't compare trying on a plus size fitted wedding gown to trying on a body=con dress in the early 2010s. It is not the same, we promise you.

3. Alterations Are Your Friend

99% of wedding gowns, even "made-to-order" gowns are going to require some type of alterations. The most common alterations required are a standard hem, strap lift, and bust cup adjustment.  Alterations are a great way to ensure your dress fits like a glove AND shows off exactly what you want to show off. Don't hesitate to take your bridal consultant exactly through what's going on in your brain as you  try on gowns. We are the pros, we will happily tell you the alteration adjustments that can bring a dress from an 8 to a 10, QUICK!

 Many bridal shops, just like ours, offer alterations in house, so don’t hesitate to ask.

4. Know the terms

Now, before we start this section, let us remind you, THE BEST PLUS SIZE WEDDING DRESS IS WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE. "Dressing for your body type" is made up garbage. All that to say, there are components of wedding dresses that make the gowns more comfortable and supportive. If a gown makes you feel like you will be constantly pulling it up, down, away from you.. she's not the one.

For plus size brides in Ottawa, or truly any Bride who wants to feel snatched and secure, some of the elements to ask for are.

Built in Corsets

Custom-designed floral motifs dance their way across the structured bodice and trickle down the skirt of this romantic ballgown. Dotted netting sewn into the skirt provides additional dimension, while layers upon layers of tulle melt together to create a soft oatmeal shade to highlight the oversized motifs.

Bodice boning

Full Bust Coverage

Full body front view of evangeline by elysee

Most commonly asked questions 

Can wedding dresses be altered up or down in size?
Many wedding dresses can be altered for a more customized fit. Your bridal consultant and seamstress can explain what is possible with each gown. Wedding dresses fit so differently from your everyday clothing.

Where can I find plus size wedding dresses in Ottawa?
Right here, at Never Knew I Needed and our sister store, Always Knew. Look for bridal boutiques that openly share their sample sizes, feature diverse brides in their marketing, and prioritize inclusive sizing in-store.

Ready to start wedding dress shopping?

Shopping for your wedding dress is supposed to be FUN! By staying true to yourself, doing a bit of prep work, and surrounding yourself with positivity, you’re sure to find a dress that makes you feel as fabulous as you truly are.

Book your bridal appointment at NKIN, experience a wedding dress shop that feels like you belong

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