Embracing the Journey: Wedding Planning Mistakes to Avoid for a Plus Size Bride

Your wedding day is a cherished milestone in your life, and as a plus-size bride, you deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated on this special occasion. Wedding planning can be both exciting and overwhelming, but it’s essential to ensure that your unique needs and preferences are taken into account throughout the process. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common wedding planning mistakes, including ones from some of our favorite vendors, to avoid as a plus-size bride, ensuring that your journey to the aisle is filled with joy and self-assurance.

One of the most significant wedding planning mistakes for a plus-size bride is neglecting to prioritize body positivity. Embrace your body and remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic ideals portrayed in media or bridal magazines. Instead, focus on celebrating your unique beauty and finding a wedding dress that enhances your natural curves and makes you feel truly radiant.

Wedding dress shopping can be a time-consuming process, so avoid waiting until the last minute to begin your search. Give yourself ample time to explore different styles and find the perfect dress that aligns with your vision. Remember that alterations might be necessary, so starting early will allow for a stress-free experience and ensure that your dress fits like a dream.

Taking on too many decor tasks is a wedding planning trap to avoid. “Beware of DIY overload,” says Aly Heintz Raddatz of Elevated Events, a Chicago event decorating company, which also features DJs and photo booths. “Your time has value, so be mindful of what you want to take on yourself.”

Photography team Shado and Isabelle, owners of Shado of a Rose and two of the trendiest Portland Maine wedding photographers, share this piece of advice. “Time and time again, we see couples drive themselves literally crazy planning a wedding and forgetting the overall purpose is to honor the relationship and the choice to create a union between each other. Although it’s a family affair, it’s about what you want, not about what everyone else expects. We always say, make it about YOU. What feels most important to you!”

Not all bridal boutiques cater to plus-size brides, so it’s essential to do your research and find stores that offer a diverse range of sizes. Seek out boutiques that specifically specialize in plus-size bridal gowns, as they will have a more extensive selection of dresses designed to flatter and accentuate your curves.

Don’t be tempted to hire a vendor based just on pricing,” says Heather Laughman, owner of Central PA Wedding Shows and the top producer of wedding shows in Central PA. “Take time to explore your options and understand the value behind the products and services you’re comparing.

Have your heart set on getting married outdoors?” asks Kathy Gibson of Occasions at Laguna Village, a waterfront wedding venue in Laguna Beach. “Avoid venues that don’t have a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.”

Key West wedding planner Michael Vernon, owner of Conch Concierge Weddings, offers this advice. “Avoid waiting until the last minute to book vendors, especially if you are getting married on a Saturday or during a prime time of the year.”

When you have a grip on your guest list, you’ll find it easier to make budget decisions. “The cornerstone of your budget is your guest list,” says Shannon Loiacono of Limousines Inc, a prominent limousine company serving Maryland and Washington DC.  “If you let it become a moving target, you won’t be able to keep expenses in line for important needs like limousines.”

As a plus-size bride, comfort and fit are paramount when choosing your wedding dress. Don’t settle for a gown that pinches or restricts movement. Prioritize a dress that makes you feel comfortable and confident throughout your special day. Focus on styles that accentuate your favorite features and provide ample support, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your celebration.

The right undergarments can make a significant difference in how your wedding dress looks and feels. Ensure you wear supportive and well-fitting undergarments during dress fittings to get an accurate sense of how the gown will look on your wedding day. Proper undergarments will enhance your dress’s fit and provide you with the confidence to walk down the aisle with grace.

Cape Cod officiant Jill Meyer of Write Weddings not only performs weddings, she also helps write wedding vows for couples nationwide. She encourages them to put a great deal of energy into writing their vows. “Unique, heartfelt, authentic wedding vows make a ceremony so much more meaningful, not only for the couple, but for all the guests. Not getting additional professional help to eloquently share those sentiments is a lost opportunity for couples to express their best selves.”

Do not underestimate the value of a timeline,” explains wedding DJ Brendan Lafferty of B-Sharp Entertainment. “While you may want your wedding to have its own ebb and flow, a timeline is essential for your vendors, venue, and caterer in order to produce an amazing reception.”

Jose De Leon, a top bilingual DJ in NJ and owner of LEM Entertainment offers this reminder. “Don’t forget to feed your photographer, videographer, DJ, and Day of Coordinator. “You want peak performance so make sure there’s fuel in the engine.”

When it comes to planning a day-of schedule, not allowing enough transportation time is a common mistake, says Brittanie Pate of The Elia, a new wedding venue in Wilmington, NC. “Not only do you need to calculate how long it will take to get to the ceremony site but also to the reception if it’s in another location.”

16. Ignoring Body-Positive Bridal Inspiration: Seek out body-positive bridal inspiration to boost your confidence and find styles that align with your vision. Follow body-positive bloggers, influencers, and photographers who celebrate diverse bodies and showcase stunning plus-size brides. This will help you envision yourself as the radiant bride you truly are.

Two owners from the famed Bunn DJ Company weighed in from their locations in the Carolinas. “Make sure you work with a DJ who has backup – both in personnel and equipment. Things happen and you want to make sure there’s a plan in place,” says Brandon Alley, owner of the Charlotte wedding DJ  division of Bunn.

While dancing is a big part of a wedding reception, not all of your guests are going to want to hit the dance floor, explains David Fox, owner of the Charleston wedding DJ division of Bunn. “Keep them entertained with games, a character station, or a photo booth.

You may not be familiar with all the fees associated with planning a sit down dinner reception and can underestimate costs. “Be sure you understand the difference between a service charge and a gratuity,” offers Gregg Carlyle owner of Millennium Center, an historic wedding venue in Winston-Salem, NC. “A service charge covers a venue or caterer’s fixed costs while a gratuity is for the service.

Avoid falling into the trap of crash diets or restrictive eating to achieve a certain size before your wedding day. Embrace a healthy and balanced lifestyle, focusing on self-care and feeling your best rather than conforming to societal expectations. Remember that the most important thing is to feel happy and confident as you marry the love of your life.

Taking on too many decor tasks is a wedding planning trap to avoid. “Beware of DIY overload,” says Aly Heintz Raddatz of Elevated Events, a Chicago event decorating company, which also features DJs and photo booths. “Your time has value, so be mindful of what you want to take on yourself.”

Brian Lawrence is a wedding business marketing expert who has helped thousands of clients like Alan Berg and Joe Bunn with consulting, marketing and web design. We’ve partnered with Brian Lawrence to bring this great advice from some of his amazing clients.