Plus-Size Wedding Dress Shopping in Ottawa

For too long, plus-size brides have been told to “make do” with clamped samples or settle for fewer options. At Always, we know that Ottawa brides deserve better. Say it with us now; the dress is meant to fit you, you aren't meant to fit the dress.

So if you’re about to start your bridal journey, here are our top tips and the questions to ask potential boutiques for making your plus-size wedding dress shopping experience joyful, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Choosing the Wedding Boutique

When you start your wedding dress shopping journey, you will get overloaded with options of boutiques to visit! One of the biggest frustrations brides share with us is being handed gowns that are far too small and being asked to “imagine the fit.”

You deserve to actually try on dresses in your size

Many boutiques say they are "size inclusive" because they have the ability to order plus size gowns, that does not mean they are available to try on in store.

We know it can be awkward to call and ask about the range of samples, so here is what to look out for when looking at a wedding boutique's socials and website.

  1. Do they have plus size or mid size models featured in their gowns? HINT: can you see the back of the gown? Is it done up?
  2. Do you see yourself represented in their staff?
  3. Do they post their size range of samples online?
  4. What size do they advertise their dresses go up to?

At Always, we have a "standard" and "plus" size of every single dress. Our standards range from Bridal Size 8-12, also known as street size 6-10. Our plus size ranges from Bridal Size 18-24, also known as street size 16 - 22. Since all our dresses are made in Canada, there is no limit on the sizing we can order in.

PS if you search any of our gowns on our website, you will see exactly which sizes we have available to try on.

Choosing the Dresses

There is no such thing as "dressing for your body type." You are allowed to wear whatever the heck you want, but there are components of a dress that make a dress more comfortable and supportive. The real marker of luxury, is comfort. If a gown makes you feel like you need to tug, shimmy, or compromise, you can know it is not the gown.

For plus size Brides, and truly any Bride who wants to value fit and structure here is what to look for in gowns.

    Built in Corsetry

    Our favourite, Zara by Ouma

    Meet Zara, a pleated tulle romantic ball gown with draped bodice, basque waist and voluminous skirt. Pair her with a gorgeous silk scarf to finish this unique beauty.

     

    Bust Support with boning and adjustable cups

    Our favourite, Abigail by Kathryn Bass

     

    Woman wearing a white strapless gown against a gray background

     

    Strategic Seams: princess seams, underbust seams, and paneling that follow natural curves create shape and lift where it matters

    Our favourite, Laurelie by Kathryn Bass

    A close up view of the Lauralie in the cotton burnout fabric

     

     

    The “perfect” dress isn’t about size, rules, or what someone else wore. It’s about how you feel the moment you look in the mirror. 

    This is our job, LITERALLY. Experienced bridal stylists are here to guide you through silhouettes, fit, and fabrics, but at the end of the day, the gown you choose should make you feel unstoppable.

    If you’re a bride searching for plus-size wedding dresses in Ottawa, know that your dream gown is waiting for you — and it will fit. At Always, you’ll find Canadian-made gowns in true plus-size samples, expert fit guidance, and a luxury experience that’s all about celebrating you.

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