If you're blessed with a large bust, wedding dress shopping becomes a little more tricky. It's very common for wedding dresses to come with in-built support, but this isn't always enough for those looking for a wedding dress to suit a big bust. Backless, boho wedding dresses and deep, belly-button-flashing plunges are all over Pinterest, but they don't do much for brides who need thick to cover thick bra straps or need extra support.
If you've walked into a wedding dress shop and been faced with only spaghetti straps, sideboob-baring cuts and backless designs, it's understandable to feel some trepidation. But armed with the right knowledge and some curve-supporting style ideas, you don't need to worry.
Whether you want to wear a trusted bra with your dress or have a seamstress sew in some extra hidden support, our tips will help you find the right gown for your body shape.
Below we've also listed 22 of our favourite wedding dresses for large busts. You'll also be able to get great advice from your local bridal boutique and especially from plus-size bridal boutiques - they'll have lots of styles that suit large busts and their seamstresses can work wonders doing alterations that fit a dress perfectly to your shape.
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Wedding Dress Styles to Avoid for Large Busts
It's important not to set yourself up for disappointment. If you're a DD+, don't add dresses to your Pinterest board that you know won't work for your shape. Look at your wardrobe and see what dresses and tops you already have that suit you and make this your starting point.
As well as your own wardrobe, there are some basic style rules that will help you out:
- Halterneck dresses and high neck styles emphasise a larger bust and can end up squashing your chest down, resulting in the dress looking stretched across your bust. It's best to avoid anything that constricts your chest.
- A low v-neck will show off a lot of cleavage - that's fine if you like showing off your cleavage, but if you want something a little modest, you'll should choose a dress with a little more coverage like a sweetheart neckline instead
- Strapless dresses will often have built in support, but this may not be enough for your bust. Similarly, spaghetti straps often aren't supportive enough to lift your chest so you can end up with straps cutting into your shoulders or even snapping on the day as you dance. If you need to wear a supportive bra, then call ahead to some local dress boutiques and ask if they have dresses in store with thicker straps.
And What Styles to Choose Instead...
- Sweetheart, scooped and subtle v-necklines will show off your cleavage beautifully without you worrying you might fall out the top.
- Corset dresses are great for curvy brides as they firmly hold you in. While a corset will push your chest together and potentially give you even more cleavage, you can be pretty certain they will be secure all day.
- Balance a larger bust with a fuller skirt to give you an hourglass shape that keeps you in proportion.
- It's perfectly fine to buy a dress with sewn-in cups but you will likely need a good underwired bra too. This means choosing a dress with sufficient thickness straps and a high enough back that it will cover your bra strap.
5 Top Tips for Shopping for a Wedding Dress for Large Busts
1. Buy a great bra before you go dress shopping. Go to all your appointments with the bra you plan to wear on your wedding day and make sure it really does support you - this isn't the time to risk a strapless bra. No amount of boob tape will make you feel comfortable on the big day. Be prepared that a good bra can cut into your budget quite a lot!
2. Do your homework before you book a boutique appointment. Sadly, big busted brides need to be realistic about the standard bridal boutique experience. Dresses predominantly come in sample sizes, which are small and are not designed with anything larger than a B/C cup in mind. Call ahead and see if the boutique has larger sample sizes and dresses with straps and backs. Plus-size boutiques will have lots of choice.
3. Consider a bespoke dress. If you have the budget, you could go for a made to measure dress that's designed exactly for your needs. This is a pricey option, but there are designers who specialise in curvy figures and know how to make the most of your shape. They'll celebrate, enhance and honour your curves.
4. Think about a separate reception outfit. You might find 'the one' but be nervous that it won't hold up to a night of dancing. Well, how about changing into a second - more secure - outfit for the evening? If you're just walking down the aisle and sitting to eat dinner, you might be able to risk something slightly less supportive. Then you can switch into a jumpsuit, cool tuxedo or more supportive dress to dance in - there are loads of inexpensive high street options.
5. Don't forget, straps can always be added! If you fall in love with a particular design but the straps aren't quite right, you can pay a seamstress to add different straps or add sleeves. It will add to your dress budget, but it could make your dream dress more practical.
The Best Wedding Dresses for Large Busts
1. Selene Dress - Morilee
Thisall-over Chantilly lace ballgown will make you feel like you're in a fairytale! The sequin net is covered inembroidered, crystal beaded appliqués that will shine and shimmer down the aisle and under dance floor lights. The gentle, illusion plunge will show off your bust to best effect and the corset back will keep you feeling secure.
2. Style M680 - Allure Modest
Allure Modest is a great line from Allure Bridals that offers gorgeous dresses with higher necklines and longer sleeves. It's great for brides with bigger busts as there's that bit more fabric to cover your cleavage if you want to feel more covered. This sleek crepe gown has a gorgeous squared neckline and cap sleeves.
3. Cailey Dress - Suzanne Neville
Don't be afraid to have an embellishment that draws attention to your chest; the idea is not to try and hide your beautiful bust, but celebrate it as its best! We love this fashionable bow on the front of this sultry Suzanne Neville dress. The straps are also big enough to hide a bra, and a good seamstress could make them even wider if needed.
4. Style M686 - Allure Modest
Embellished with pretty leaves and vines on the bodice of this cap-sleeved ballgown, you'll feel like a princess in this dress. It has a wonderful chiffon train that will flow beautifully as you walk.
5. Style D2716 - Essense of Australia
The simple yet striking ballgown dress has a truly regal feel. Made in elegant Mikado silk, this gown has a high, off-the-shoulder neckline that covers your cleavage modestly; a supportive, fitted bodice; and full back that would hide a quality strapless bra. With a fuller skirt, it balances out a larger bust beautifully.
6. Kadua - St Patrick La Sposa
One shoulder necklines are an ideal compromise between strapless and straps, with plenty of support for your bust. This modern dress has a bodice of delicately draped embroidered tulle andand clusters of applique defining the waist and hips. It's ideal if you want to minimise your chest.
7. Faustine Dress - Rebecca Ingram
This beautiful mermaid gown proves boho doesn't have to be off the table. The sheer lace bodice is lined with nude organza which can conceal a nude bra too. You can personalise it with extra lace too, allowing a seamstress to make adjustments to the neckline - ideal if you'd like a tiny bit more coverage.
8. Cowl Back Bridal Dress - Chi Chi London
This beautiful v-neck dress has a stunning cowl back which gives visual interest from both the front and the back as you walk down the aisle. It's a fantastic value dress, coming in at £165, and has a sleek, satin finish. The embellished waist detail makes it even more flattering and special.
9. Gigi Dress - Suzanne Neville
We're huge fans of a square neckline: they're timeless yet totally on-trend. This beautiful Suzanne Neville dress also features 3D textured floral appliques for a unique look. There's an optional overskirt too which transforms the Gigi dress into a ballgown and gives you a different look for the ceremony and reception.
10. Style M684 - Allure Modest
With translucent, voluminous sleeves and a cool geometric pattern, this is a truly unique gown that will get all the compliments. If you want to cover your arms but don't want anything restricting your movement, these billowing sleeves are perfect - and you'll feel so comfortable while you're dancing!
11. Albany Dress - Maggie Sottero
The Albany gown is another dress with a fabulous overskirt/train you can add. This nature-inspired dress is covered in sequinned lace with floral, beaded motifs. Buttons down the back add a vintage vibe while the square neckline adds a classic touch. You can opt to line the bodice which means it can easily cover a bra.
12. Masurian Dress - Pronovias
If you'd like something high-necked, then an illusion neckline is your best choice. This classic A-line silhouette is transformed by 3D floral appliques over a nude tulle bateau neckline. Those beautiful, textured flowers will cover your bust and look feminine and delicate.
13. Abby Dress - Pronovias
This fluid drapery is seriously sexy and is only enhanced by the thigh-high split, full chapel train and clever cowl back. It's a jaw-dropping design that will show off your cleavage, but balance it out with those on-trend batwing sleeves. It can be customised to close the slit if you're worried about too much flesh being on show.
14. Gia Dress - Grace Loves Lace
If you want to show off your cleavage, the Gia dress will make you feel super sexy. Handmade with French lace, it features a dramatic plunging neckline, a feminine leg-flashing front split, and a low back. Yes, it's basically everything we told you to avoid in a wedding dresses, but it comes in a made-to-order option and you can choose a more supportive cup too.
15. Adrianna Dress - Maggie Sottero
This elegant, classic dress features the most gorgeous beaded motifs down the bodice and back. It has thick straps that would allow you to wear a bra, plus illusion side inserts to prevent any side-boob spillage. Lined with stretch jersey and topped with body-skimming Tripoli crepe, this dress is all about comfort and easy glamour.
16. Louise Dress - Ashley Graham x Pronovias
This princess-inspired gown from plus-size model Ashley Graham's collaboration with Pronovias is sexy yet demure. The subtle v-neck works wonderfully on bigger busts and the hint of cleavage is balanced out by long, lace sleeves and a full, layered skirt.
17. Sentiment Dress - Suzanne Neville
Once again, a one-shoulder dress proves a winner. This spectacular gown from the Modern Love Collection highlights and creates an hourglass figure that will leave you feeling so sexy and confident.
18. Style 88148 - Justin Alexander
Mature and elegant, this off-the-shoulder dress looks straight off the couture catwalk. It's clean and modern, with a gentle plunge that will look incredible on curvy bodies.
19. Sachin & Babi Poppy Jumpsuit Set - BHLDN
Want something a little different? How chic is this jumpsuit set that offers two modern looks in one. You can wear the sweeping Mikado skirt for the ceremony and then take it off to wear the jumpsuit to dance in for the evening reception. It has a sheer tulle back that an easily be lined so you can wear a bra under it.
20. Style 88074PS - Justin Alexander
Oozing with old Hollywood glamour, this dress has a hand-beaded bodice that adds serious shimmer to your day. For more modesty, this dress can come with a raised neckline to give more support. That beading works beautifully with the simple chiffon skirt and makes a show-stopping look that will have all eyes on you for the right reasons.
21. Adela Dress - Justin Alexander
This incredibly clean, classic dress is elevated by the all-over lace jacket that sits off the shoulder and gives some delicate and pretty coverage to your cleavage. This dress would easily work with an underwired strapless bra whether you wear the jacket or not (we love it as a cover-up for the ceremony!).
22. Murdo - Pronovias
Effortless and romantic, this gown has an intricate guipure lace bodice and floaty chiffon skirt. It's soft, flowy and comfortable, but with enough lace to make it wedding-worthy. The bodice has in-built cups, but would suit an additional bra too.
Want something sexy to wear once the wedding dress comes off? Try our pick of the best plus-size bridal lingerie.
