The designer bridal lehenga is the showstopper outfit for Indian brides. As a plus size bride, you want a designer lehenga that flatters your body type. Fashion designers today offer a wide variety of options for curvy brides. From fabrics to silhouettes to embellishments, lehengas can be customized to accentuate your best features. Read on as top designers share their tips for plus size brides to pick the perfect plus size lehenga.
Choose the Right Fabric
Fabric selection is key for plus size brides. Stiff fabrics like net, tissue, silk etc. can make you look broader. Instead, opt for fabrics like chanderi, georgette, crepe and chiffon that will gracefully drape around your frame. Flowy fabrics have an effortless fall that camouflages fuller areas. Stay away from shiny fabrics as they tend to look flashy and highlight flaws. Matte fabrics with minimal embellishments help streamline your shape. Light colors also suit plus size figures better than dark shades.
Focus on the Silhouette
The lehenga dress plays a major role in how flattering your outfit will look. A-line lehengas with flares are perfect for hiding heavier hips and thighs. Long flared skirts with waist emphasis create a nice hourglass shape. Avoid too voluminous ghagra flares as they add bulk. Mermaid shapes that tightly hug up to knees and then flare out are great to elongate your frame. Full length anarkali style lehengas with empire waistlines also look graceful. Stay away from short, tight skirts.
Strategize Embellishments
Embellishments need to be used smartly so as not to overwhelm curvy frames. Light surface embellishments like zardozi, nakshi, dabka etc. help add oomph while maintaining shape. Scatter embellishments so they don’t bunch at one place. Balance heavy work on bodice with minimal embellishments on lehenga. Let the work cascade in a v-shape from waist downwards to create an elongating effect. Avoid too much work around hips and thighs. Let embellishments draw the eye upwards instead of accentuating fuller areas.
Play with Dupattas
Dupattas help divert attention from problem areas. Voluminous dupattas with borders are great for covering up heavy upper arms or thick waistlines. Long flowy dupattas that contrast the lehenga color make your torso look leaner. Use the dupatta to balance an embellished bodice or add colors that brighten up your complexion. Take dupatta pleating tips from your designer so it always stays draped. Avoid chiffon or net dupattas as they cling and outline your shape.
Pick the Right Colors
Color is key for plus size brides to look their glowing best. Bright pops of color flatter darker skin while pastels suit fairer brides. Contrasting lehenga and dupatta colors help carve a waist. Dark colors slim down but avoid black as it tends to look dreary. Jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire elegantly complement Indian skin tones. Red, pink and orange reflect brightly under wedding lighting. Classic gold and silver also make plus size brides shine while ivory, beige and blush keep the look soft.
Accessorize Right
The key to accessorizing as a plus size bride is minimalism. Let your outfits take center stage rather than the jewelry. Keep necklines broad and necklaces slender like chokers, gems or pearls. Avoid too many bangles and opt for just one statement kada. Add a matha patti instead of a maang tikka along with dangling earrings. Keep rings and bracelets minimal with just your wedding rings. This helps streamline your look rather than making you look heavier.
Choose the Right Innerwear
Finding the right underwear is essential to smooth out any lumps and bumps. Stick to seamless styles that won’t show lines under your lehenga. Shapewear like corsets, camisoles and light control wear help cinch waists. Breathable cotton prevents rashes from silk and chiffon rubbing. Pad bras lift breasts and prevent back fat spillage. Low waist panty lines also help avoid muffin tops over lehenga waists. This lingerie helps you feel comfortable, held in and picture perfect under your wedding outfit.