Our wed2b Ambassador Experience is about celebrating confidence, connection and highlighting the real life story behind each and every dress. So, following hundreds of applications, we chose seven real brides whose stories touched our hearts. They were invited to take part in a photoshoot to experience that wedding day magic all over again, while sharing their wedding dress shopping hopes and fears, highs and lows with us. This is Laura’s story about finding plus size wedding dress confidence…

Laura's Key Takeaways

  • Keep an open mind and take someone with you to help.
  • Trust your bridal expert.
  • You don't have to conform to an idea of how a certain body type should dress.
  • I wish I’d known before shopping that there was a wedding dress for me.

Wedding dress worries

“I am short and plus size and I thought nothing would suit me”

Like many brides, Laura was nervous about finding the perfect wedding dress. “Before I went dress shopping I was worried because I’m short with a fuller figure and I often find it difficult to find clothes,” she says. “I was apprehensive that nothing was going to fit or suit me. To be honest, I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to find a dress at all.”

“I don’t see myself reflected in bridal imagery”

“Bridal shops, especially independent boutiques, could do more for plus size fashion,” says Laura. “They need to stock a much wider range of sizes, which should also be reflected in their imagery. That’s what drew me to wed2b. The prices and the vast selection in all sizes, as well as the images of curvier models on its social channels. It made me feel like there were dresses there for me.”

Shopping for the dress

“Finding my dress helped my body confidence”

“I was nervous about wedding dress shopping,” says Laura. “I went with close family and the first few dresses I tried didn't particularly light my entourage on fire. So, my stylist chose one that she thought would suit me. It wasn't one I would have chosen, as it was quite fitted and sleeveless. But we went for it with a bolero she suggested as well. And, to my surprise, I absolutely loved it! I thought I wanted a classic ball gown and I would never have chosen my dress without her support.”

“I felt beautiful like a bride should”

“Finding something that fitted perfectly also helped my plus size body confidence,” says Laura. “Not only did I not have to worry about sizing, my dress showed off all my curves stunningly. I was obviously plus size but I was a beautiful plus size. When first saw myself in the mirror I thought, ‘Wow! I actually suit a wedding dress’.”

The wedding day

“Traditional, sparkly and fun”

Laura married her partner on 20th February 2022 at The Majestic Hotel, a grand Victorian landmark in the heart of Harrogate. “We had a pink, gold and glittering theme,” says Laura. “The venue was spectacular and ideal for our big Jewish wedding celebration for 160 guests. Each room had its own style and character, especially the ballroom where we had our wedding breakfast and reception."

“A moment I’ll never forget”

Their day was everything Laura and her new husband had hoped for. "If I had to describe our day in three words, they would be traditional, sparkly and fun!" laughs Laura. “I’ll never forget coming down the aisle with my mum and dad and seeing my husband say, ‘Wow’ as he saw me. I felt beautiful and confident, my husband was very impressed.”

“It’s given me a lasting confidence”

“This feeling of plus size wedding dress confidence has stayed with me,” says Laura. “It has made me willing to try some different styles, not just joggers and a baggy T-shirt. I also try to add more dresses and fitted clothes into my everyday outfits.”

In her own words

My dress made me feel… “Beautiful”

I knew it was 'The One’ when… “I saw everyone's faces!”

The best thing about my dress was… "The sparkle”

I wish I’d known before dress shopping that… “There will be a dress for me.”

If you’ve been inspired by Laura’ Story about plus size body confidence then why not start your own wedding dress journey today? Explore all our beautiful dresses, find your nearest wed2b and read more about what to expect when you visit. You can also chat to our bridal advisors in store or online about any worries you may have about finding your dream dress. We’re here to help!

Click here for lots more wedding planning ideas and advice from our brilliant real life brides. Also, for more inspiration, check us out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok too.