the-curvy-bride

Bride Spotlight: Tristina

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:10:45 GMT

We are so excited to share our beautiful bride Tristina on our blog today. See below for our Q&A along with a few of her stunning wedding photos!

Happy couple: Tristina & Dominick Savino

Married on: February 21, 2025
Location: Nanina's in the Park

Tell us a little bit about your dress shopping experience at The Curvy Bride and what you liked most about your dress:

"I had the most amazing experience shopping at The Curvy Bride! I booked a VIP appointment and went with my parents, my grandma, and three aunts—yes, a big group, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I originally thought this trip would just be the start of my dress search since I had plenty of time. But the moment I put on the second dress, I knew it was the one. Growing up, Beauty and the Beast was my favorite movie, and I always dreamed of feeling like Belle. This dress made that dream come true! I've always struggled to find clothes in stores that make me feel beautiful and confident, but this gown did exactly that. And the best part? It was something I never even imagined for myself, but my consultant, Kaitlyn, absolutely nailed it. Oh, and as a bonus... it has pockets!"

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

"The most memorable part of our wedding was getting married in the very church where we first met—a place that holds so much meaning in our story. What made it even more special was that it’s also the church where my parents were married, adding a beautiful layer of tradition and family history to our day. Standing at the altar, knowing that we were exchanging vows in the same sacred space where my parents began their journey together, made the moment even more emotional and unforgettable. It felt like everything had come full circle, and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect place to say 'I do.' "

Is there any advice you would give to future brides?

"Remember, you and your fiancé are a team—stick together and soak in every moment side by side on your wedding day. It’s easy to get pulled in different directions, but staying connected ensures you truly experience the day together. After all, this is the start of your forever—cherish it as a united front!"

Feel free to share some of the wonderful vendors from your big day:

Venue: Nanina's in the Park

Photographer: Moses Cruz Photography

Videographer: MPW Media

DJ: Elite Sound Entertainment

Makeup: My Cinderella's Dream

Florist: Fiesta Florist

Tristina, thank you so much for participating in our Bride Spotlight blog! It means so much to us and it was so special to be a part of your big day. Congratulations and all our love!

If you bought a dress from our plus size bridal boutique in New Jersey and would like to share your story, please email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight.” We would love to hear from you!

Bride Spotlight: Andrea

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:50:24 GMT

At The Curvy Bride we love to share the stories of the beautiful brides that come through our plus size bridal shop. It is an immense honor to be able to share in such a special day for so many people.

Today we are thrilled to be able to share Andrea’s story from her 2018 wedding!

Andrea and her husband Mike were married on August 31, 2018 in a stunning ceremony at the Riverview Country Club in Easton Pennsylvania. The couple were married surrounded by loved ones and adjacent to an absolutely gorgeous view.

Andrea wore a marvelous Essense of Australia bridal gown. This radiant strapless gown was adorned with dazzling beading throughout the bodice, and flared out into a breathtaking ball gown. Andrea says her favorite part of her dress was the silhouette, and we couldn’t agree more! The bride sparkled and floated her way down the aisle on her special day.

Andrea traveled two hours to shop with us and said, “I had an amazing experience at The Curvy Bride!” Our goal as a plus size wedding boutique is to create a fun and calming experience for all brides to find their dream dress. Having brides travel from all over to come see us is a huge point of pride for us all.

Weddings can be hectic and overwhelming but every bride deserves a few moments to take in everything that’s happening. Andrea says this about her day, “The most memorable part of my wedding day was the first look. What a RELIEF I felt!.” That moment that you see your future spouse is unmatched.

Thank you so much to Andrea for allowing all of us at The Curvy Bride to be a part of your special day and for allowing us to share your love story with the world.

Alterations Q&A

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:18:36 GMT

Hi brides!

Finding the perfect wedding dress is just the beginning of your bridal journey, and alterations are what make it truly yours. In this blog post, we will cover the most common questions brides have about alterations, so you can feel confident and stress-free as you prepare for your big day!

What do alterations cost for bridal gowns?

This answer can vary drastically based on where you live, the availability of seamstresses in your area, and where you will have your alterations done - not to mention the type of dress you have and the labor required for your gown! For our bridal shop at this particular time, typical alterations range from $650-$1,000. That generally includes your basic alterations, which is hem, bustle, minor bodice adjustments, and pressing. Customizations such as adding sleeves or straps will add to your alterations cost. Many are surprised at the price of alterations, but keep in mind that the amount of time and detailed work put into each dress by an experienced bridal seamstress more than justifies the cost.

What are the different bustle types? My ballgown has a long train.

The most common bustle is a Traditional/American bustle, where the outside of the train is pinned up and secured along the waistline. Some dresses are better fit for a French bustle, also known as the under bustle. This is especially true when the train is not as grand, such as in a sheath or fit & flare type of dress. Keep in mind this involves tying the train underneath the dress, which is often more time consuming. Ultimately, the seamstress will recommend the best bustle for your dress type at your fittings, and whoever will be securing your bustle should be present at your final fitting to learn and practice.

What if you plan a shoe change that's different heights?

It is recommended not to select shoes that are different heights, otherwise the dress will be too long or too short when you change your shoe. If you plan to change shoes to something more comfortable, our suggestion is always to select a flat/sneaker that is platform so that it's still similar in height to the heels once you change shoes.

What undergarments are recommended?

Most seamstresses use cups in the bust of the dresses instead of a bra. Undergarments are a personal preference and truly an individual choice. We recommend selecting something that is skin tone, breathable, and comfortable! Bonus if you can wear it again ;) Feel free to check out our blog post for suggestions from other brides: https://www.curvybrides.com/a-guide-to-shapewear-and-undergarments-for-your-wedding-day

Can I add sleeves to any dress?

Most often, but not always. If a dress already has a vertical strap, it's easier to add a sleeve. When it's a strapless dress, we have to build shoulders as well, which can be possible but more labor. The existing pattern and fabric of the dress will determine what types of sleeves and straps can be added. This should be discussed during your bridal shopping appointment to allow time to order the fabric that matches the dress.

Can I make my dress less poofy in the skirt?

When gowns have crinoline in the skirt, we can certainly remove some of the crinoline to make it less poofy. Sometimes, the structure of traditional ballgowns have pleats in the skirt, in which case it is difficult to make it less poofy. Also, taking out crinoline can sometimes make the skirt fall flat or cave between the legs, making it not ideal to remove the crinoline. The good news is that generally if you take out the crinoline and are not happy with it, it can be put back in!

What if I lose a lot of weight by the time I start alterations? Can I keep losing weight while I do alterations?

It is not recommended to continue losing weight after alterations begin. Dresses can typically be taken in about 2 sizes. If you plan on your measurements changing significantly, it is best to make your alterations team aware so they can potentially start alterations closer to your wedding date. Having to take the gown in multiple times could compromise the integrity of the dress and result in additional charges and labor.

Can a slit be added to any dress?

If there is a seam in the location of a slit, then usually this can be done. If not, it is best to consult with the seamstress to find out if it's possible based on the fabric, layers, etc.

Can you turn my gown into a Christening gown after my wedding?

Yes! Seamstresses can use the fabric/lace from wedding gowns to create christening or communion dresses.

Bride Spotlight: Katie

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 16:11:28 GMT

We are back on the blog today doing our favorite thing, featuring our gorgeous brides! Today on the blog we are spotlighting the lovely Katie.

Katie and Blake were married on December 9th, 2022 at The English Manor in Ocean, New Jersey. Their beautiful winter wedding was perfectly complemented by the impressive manor.

Katie was dressed in a stunning Stella York bridal gown. The classic silhouette and deep v neckline worked flawlessly with the sleek and sophisticated winter wonderland that the couple created. With a dress this dazzling, Katie had to make sure she got the very best for hair and makeup. She got Aimee of Top Knots by Aimee ( http://topknotsbyaimee.com/ ) and the team at Make Me Up Eva ( https://www.makemeupeva.com/ ) to highlight Katie’s beauty and make sure she was the center of everyone’s attention.

As a Monmouth County resident, Katie felt so lucky to have a plus size wedding boutique so close to home. She says, “I truly felt so beautiful trying on dresses and throughout the alteration process. Even when my dress was a little tight, there was no pressure to lose weight to fit the dress, I was assured the dress would be made perfectly to fit me no matter what. At my last appointment, when I picked up the dress, I remember feeling a little sad that it was my last visit there. The positivity and joy visiting the Curvy Bride throughout my planning process really made what could have been a stressful process, very enjoyable.” We are so thrilled to have been able to help Katie find the most perfect dress for her! “My favorite thing about my dress is its simple, classic elegance. I felt sophisticated, sexy, and sleek. The clean lines and stunning silhouette were so flattering. I also loved how the satin of my gown paired with my bridesmaids in black velvet. The Christmas and winter florals resulted in stunning photos.”

We have Kevin and Aly Photography ( https://kevinandalyphotography.com/ ) to thank for those photos. Just look at all the joy they captured!

Katie says this about the most memorable part of her big day, “The most memorable part of our wedding day was sharing our first dance, to our song (Live Forever by Kane Brown), surrounded by all of our family and friends. It was not lost on us how unique and special this day was and we just took that moment to really be present and appreciate the love between us and surrounding us.” This moment could not have happened without Tommy Monaco at Elite Entertainment ( https://www.eliteentertainment.com/ ), the DJ Katie calls “the best in the business”.

Katie leaves other brides with this piece of advice, “My advice to future brides is this – you set the tone for your entire wedding day. If you are anxious, and worried, and stressed – so will be the people around you. Try to let go of the small little details or things that go wrong. Let other people handle things that need to be done. Focus on your love with your partner and bringing that joy to your wedding. You only get to do it once- so soak it in and ENJOY every aspect of the day! I remember someone flagging me down during the cocktail hour to check on me, and they asked if I was doing okay. And I was so happy I just looked at them and said, 'I am having the absolute time of my life!' I promise your positivity and happiness will radiate from you both, and the people around you will feel it. We had the time of our lives, and that overall feeling is what I remember when I think back on our wedding day.”

Thank you so much to Katie for sharing your story and your glamorous photos. We love catching up with our brides and hearing all about their special day!

If you’ve bought a dress from our bridal boutique in New Jersey and want to be featured on the blog, please email TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight."

How to Prepare for your Bridal Appointment?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:56:15 GMT

Hi Future Brides!

So you’re engaged to your dream partner, you book your dream venue… what’s next?! Finding your dream dress of course! After you’ve booked your bridal appointment there can be a lot of questions that linger. The dress buying process can sometimes be overwhelming, but of course your friends at The Curvy Bride, your favorite New Jersey bridal shop, have some helpful tips to ease your anxieties.

The first thing you want to do to prepare for your bridal appointment is to think about your timeframe. Getting a dress could be a long process and you want to make sure that you have enough time to get the dress of your dreams. We recommend that you schedule your appointment at least a year out from your wedding date. This gives you ample time to order a dress and have any alterations made without getting too close to the wedding date, one less thing to stress about!

We also recommend that you make your appointment with the intention to find your dream dress and say yes! If you aren’t ready to purchase a dress yet, you run the risk of inventory changing or dresses being discontinued by the time you’re ready to order. We wouldn’t want you to miss out!

If you’re looking for a little more detail about when to order a dress, take a look at our blog post about timeframe here: https://www.curvybrides.com/how-far-in-advance-should-i-order-my-dress

It's important to set a clear budget before you come in for your appointment. It gives your stylist somewhere to start when pulling dresses, and ensures that they are only selecting gowns within your price point. We never want our brides to fall in love with a gown above the price point they are comfortable with. Don’t forget to include extras when planning your budget... things like alterations, veil, jewelry, and shoes should be taken into account as well.

Something we’re sure most brides are already doing before their appointment is gathering inspiration. We suggest perusing the inventory on our website and taking a screenshot of any of the stunning plus size wedding gowns that catch your eye. Your stylist can use these as a jumping off point when pulling dresses during your appointment. Consider things like neckline, silhouette, and fabric to help you narrow your search. While we can’t guarantee that every dress you see online will be in store, it still helps you and your stylist to find other options that you might like. Even if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, that’s okay! Your bridal appointment is the time to explore all the different options available to you and narrow down to your favorite dream dress.

You may be wondering what to wear to your bridal appointment! We suggest nude undergarments, and while underwear is required for hygiene purposes, a bra and shapewear is totally up to you. If you prefer to wear a bra, we would recommend a nude strapless bra, this way it doesn’t interfere with the neckline or color of any of the dresses. Most bridal gowns have cups in them, and brides often go braless in order to get a snug fit. There is also no need to bring any special shoes. You will be standing on a pedestal in order to get the full effect of the dress. Something to remember is that comfort is key, so however you will feel the most comfortable is how you should come to your appointment.

If you’re interested, we have a list of some highly recommended shapewear on our blog:

https://www.curvybrides.com/a-guide-to-shapewear-and-undergarments-for-your-wedding-day

The last and most important tip is to bring a stellar group of people who help you feel your best. Invite those who will support you and know you, so they can help you find the dress of your dreams in a comfortable setting.

If you are in the New Jersey area you can book your bridal appointment with us and see the incredible collection of plus size bridal gowns we have in stock. Head to our scheduling page for more information. We can’t wait to meet you!

Bride Spotlight: LaChell

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 21:11:27 GMT

We are back again on the blog today with another bridal spotlight! Today we are featuring a very special bride named LaChell.

When LaChell and her husband Anthoney decided to get married, they dreamed of a destination wedding with family roots, so they chose Jamaica. The plans were made, LaChell got her dress from The Curvy Bride, and they were all set to have their dream destination wedding. Unfortunately COVID happened and changed all their plans. The couple decided instead to postpone Jamaica, “With so much uncertainty and older parents, we decided to move forward getting married in 2020 to make it official, while postponing our Jamaica wedding to the following year. Within 2 months, we planned a wedding at a local restaurant and worked with nearby vendors to celebrate our love.” The couple celebrated their official wedding on September 3rd, 2020 in North Brunswick, New Jersey and one year later on October 23rd, 2021 celebrated their anniversary with a huge party in Jamaica.

For her official wedding in New Jersey, LaChell wore one of our beautiful mikado bridal gowns by Essense of Australia. This stunning dress features a simple silhouette with sleek off-the-shoulder straps. The graceful style of this dress was a perfect fit for the intimate and cozy wedding ceremony.

For her anniversary party in Jamaica she wore a lace wedding dress by Rebecca Ingram. This dress is covered with delicate lace, starting at the bodice and flowing effortlessly down the gown. This dazzling dress was the perfect combination of fun, sexy, and elegant for a lively celebration.

LaChell says this about her shopping experience, “Before I found The Curvy Bride, I went to several different bridal shops in New Jersey. As a plus size woman, I quickly became discouraged by the limited number of plus size dresses and often found myself trying on smaller size dresses that didn’t fit, but was told that they could order a larger size. When I made an appointment with The Curvy Bride, I was excited to see that they had plus size dresses in all styles. Immediately upon arrival, I was the only bride booked in the shop, which made me feel comfortable knowing that I was being solely attended to. Next, I sat down and told the consultant an idea of what I was looking for, but she immediately gave me a “run down” of the different styles available. I had a basic idea, but she gathered from my style some great selection of dresses within my budget. The dresses at the shop were very reasonably priced and gorgeous. They also had a selection of veils and headpieces that were available to accompany the dress. They provide privacy in the dressing rooms and offered help when asked. After I selected my dress, they were quick to order the dress and offered onsite tailoring services. The process was incredibly seamless and they were really a fun shop to work with. It was the least stressful part of the process, so when we had our 1-year celebration party – I went right back to pick out another gown that was part of their sale selection!” We were so honored to be able to help LaChell TWICE with her dress shopping experience!

It might be hard to remember special moments from your wedding, especially from two weddings, but LaChell was able to recall a few moments, “The most memorable part of our first wedding was exchanging our vows in front of our closest family members and friends. Our 30-person celebration was officiated by my best friend, and she personalized the ceremony for us. The most memorable part of our second wedding was the party thrown on the beach in Jamaica under the stars. It wasn’t as formal and a chance for everyone to kick back and have fun.”

LaChell’s advice to other brides is this, “It’s YOUR day! Surround yourself with people that will be in your life for the good times and bad and HAVE FUN.”

We completely agree! There is nothing more important on your wedding day than enjoying every second with the ones you love!

LaChell would like to shout out the vendors that made her special days possible. For photo and video, Phollow and Co ( https://www.phollowandco.com/ ); Florals were Dee’s Flowers and Gifts ( http://www.deesfloristgifts.com/ ); The cake was Scala Pastry Shop ( http://runinout.com/Scala-Pastry-Shop-North-Brunswick-NJ ); Her NJ venue was B2 Bistro and Bar ( https://www.b2bistro.com/north-brunswick.html ), and last but not least was the venue in Jamaica ( https://www.iberostar.com/en/weddings/jamaica/ ).

Thank you so much to LaChell for allowing us to be part of not just one but both of your special days!

Bride Spotlight: Kaitlyn

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 21:08:36 GMT

You already know that we at The Curvy Bride love to spotlight the wonderful brides that come through the doors of our bridal boutique in New Jersey! Today on the blog we are featuring Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn and her husband Lou were married on November 10th, 2022 at The Grand Marquis located in Old Bridge, New Jersey. The outstanding venue’s backdrop was no match for this beautiful couple.

Kaitlyn was dressed in a stunning plus size bridal gown by Stella York. Her dress features a sweetheart neckline and delicate lace throughout. The dazzling form-fitting dress was perfectly complemented by her hair and makeup artists, Spark Hair Design (@SparkHairDesign and @LetMeHookYourHairUp) and Megan DiGuilio (@MeganDiggs).

Kaitlyn had this to say about her shopping experience with us, “The Curvy Bride made me feel so special and beautiful. They took the time to listen to my needs and found dresses to fit my style. The dress I got was my dream dress. It was the first dress I pinned on Pinterest and they had it in the store.”

It is always our privilege to help beautiful brides find equally beautiful dresses!

We know every moment of your wedding is special and it’s impossible to pick a favorite moment, but Kaitlyn managed to pinpoint one special moment that stood out the most, “It’s so hard to pick just one part, but probably our first look.” Thankfully the wonderful photographer Alex Kaplan (@AlexKaplan) captured many heartfelt moments for the couple to look back on for years to come.

Kaitlyn has this advice for fellow brides, “My advice is the day goes so fast so make sure you take it all in. Take moments to look around and truly appreciate all your planning.” We agree! All your hard work has paid off and it’s finally time to just enjoy it.

Thank you so much to Kaitlyn for sharing your experience with us. We are always so thrilled to feature our brides.

If you bought a dress from us and would like to share your story, you can email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight” to be featured!

Destination Wedding Q&A

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:36:22 GMT

There are so many options when it comes to your wedding, one of the most important ones being where to hold your wedding! Do you do something lowkey and local, or something vibrant and exotic? The decision can be daunting, and that’s why we’re here. We had the opportunity to ask one of our lovely brides, Danielle, about her destination wedding and we are happy to share her feedback with you!

Danielle and Michael were married on February 11, 2023 at the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Danielle wore a stunning dress from the Allure Romance collection. This dazzling dress features a sweetheart neckline, delicate lace, and off the shoulder straps.

So, tell us a little bit about your dress shopping experience at The Curvy Bride:

“I was nervous to find a wedding dress because I didn't want it to be a negative, internal body-shaming experience. I did a lot of browsing to find a store that not only had a dress that I would like, but that also had my size. I really appreciated my experience at The Curvy Bride because it was all about making me look and feel like a beautiful bride.”

That is exactly our goal with every single bride that comes through our doors! A stress-free appointment can make all the difference in the dress shopping process.

What did you like most about your dress?:

“ The team really listened to what I was looking for - romantic, strapless with the lace sleeves, lacy but still somewhat simple. The first dress I tried on ended up being it for me! I tried on others that were also gorgeous, but I was so drawn to the dress we picked and it made me feel like a beach princess!”

There is no denying that this dress was made for Danielle and her destination venue, just look at how gorgeous she looks!

What made you decide to have a destination wedding and why did you choose your location?:

“ Jamaica is our favorite tropical place to travel to! We took our first vacation as a couple to Jamaica and even though it was early on in our relationship, we looked at each other on the beach one day and both said "we should get married here one day". So once we got engaged, we took a trip to go look at venues!”

Take a look at that view, the most perfect place to say “I do”!

Were there any ways that you incorporated the location into your ceremony/reception, or overall style of the wedding?:

“ I went with a strapless dress because of the warmer location. In terms of decor, we used only tropical flowers and candles! The flowers were so vibrant and really stood out, I'm so happy we chose something colorful because at first I wanted to go with all neutrals. I really loved using the island's orchids in the decor. For food, we went with a full blown jerk BBQ and I can’t lie, my guests said it was the best wedding food they ever had!”

Local flowers are such a stunning way to incorporate the location into your special day!

How was the experience of traveling with your dress?:

“ I was scared to travel with my dress! I bought a garment bag on Amazon that fit multiple hanging clothing items. We packed my husband's suit, my dress, my afterparty dress, and his afterparty shirt in the garment bag. This was a somewhat steep investment but it was worth every penny - my items were safe and secure and I used it as my carry on bag. When I arrived at my bridal suite the night before, we hung the dress and steamed it around 5 times to get it fluffed and beautiful!”

A good garment bag is essential in making sure your dress stays pristine until you're ready to walk down the aisle. We suggest looking for one that is vinyl type of material so it's waterproof, and that folds up into a carry-on size. We found this link that highlights some options! We also recommend making sure the venue has a steamer or bringing one yourself. (Pro tip: Place a white washcloth over the head of the steamer so that any water that gets spit out is absorbed).

Any tips for other brides doing the same thing?:

“ My advice would be to make sure to bring boob tape, pins, and Spanx! I didn't really need the Spanx for smoothing, but it was helpful for the thigh rub and chafing because it was so hot.”

If you’re getting married in a warmer climate, planning ahead is definitely a must! If you personally deal with thigh chafing, we love Danielle's suggestion of shapewear shorts - we hear this one a lot!

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?:

“ Truly the most memorable part was sharing vows with my husband in front of everyone we love and then chopping it up on the dance floor! So many crazy dance moves, it was the best party I've ever thrown.”

It sure looks like the party of the century, don't you think?! Danielle also changed into a more casual party dress for the reception - another fun idea!

Any advice for brides thinking about a destination wedding?:

“ Don't be afraid to plan something destination! I was worried my guests would feel burdened but it was the exact opposite. Our friends and family were so happy they had a chance to go on vacation, celebrate our wedding, and share a whole weekend together. We didn't overplan the weekend for our guests, I noticed other destination weddings I've been to tend to force you to go to plans 4 nights in a row. My guests loved that we only had a rehearsal toast and then the wedding. Everyone was free to enjoy the resort and their well-spent money.”

Such wonderful advice! The ease and flow of a destination wedding is surely part of the allure.

Thank you so much to Danielle for answering all our questions, we are always so happy to hear from our wonderful brides!

We hope this post gave our destination brides a little more insight into a destination wedding, or gave you the inspiration to finally book that venue!

Photography: Team DWP Studios

Venue: Half Moon Luxury Resorts, Jamaica

Bride Spotlight: Priscilla

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 21:02:06 GMT

Hello everyone and welcome to The Curvy Bride blog! We are a bridal boutique in New Jersey specializing exclusively in plus size bridal gowns. We LOVE to showcase all of our beautiful brides here on the blog. Today we are featuring the beautiful Priscilla!

Priscilla and her husband Jonathan were married on January 22, 2022. Priscilla wore a stunning dress from Allure Bridals. The elegant silhouette is adorned with delicate lace and a simple off-the-shoulder sleeve. The classic and romantic feel of the dress is perfectly complemented by all the captivating locations that the couple took their photos.

Priscilla shared the following about her dress shopping experience: “My experience at The Curvy Bride was nothing short of amazing! I was greeted with helpful, kind, and knowledgeable staff. I would have never imagined I would find my perfect dress the first time searching, but after one appointment at The Curvy Bride I was able to find it! The entire experience was so relieving and enjoyable. I was looking for a unique ivory lace dress. I fell in love with the stunning lace design and its breathtaking train. I knew my dress was the one when I couldn’t stop smiling and didn’t want to take it off!”

At The Curvy Bride, our goal is to ensure that everyone feels beautiful and joyful after their experience with us.

Priscilla’s most memorable part of her wedding was after a speech by her father, “My father gave a heartfelt speech about how proud and happy he was for my husband and I. After his speech he surprised us with our favorite Freestyle group; TKA! We spent the rest of the night having our own private concert with all our closest friends and family. It was more than we could have ever imagined for the finale of our wedding day.”

Priscilla’s advice to other brides is this, “Slow down and soak it all in! The day goes so incredibly fast and there will be things that go wrong, but the most important thing is to be present in the moment with your partner and loved ones. Take a moment during the reception and just stand off to the side with your partner, watching as your friends and family celebrate your love!”

No wedding is complete without the special people that make it all happen... the vendors of course! Priscilla says, “My wedding day would not be possible without my incredible wedding vendors. They truly are the best in the biz!” She would like to give a huge shout out to all of the people who made her big day run so smoothly. Abigail Gingerale Photography who captured the unbelievable photos in this post ( https://abigailgingeralephotography.com/ ), Cam Vitale ( https://camvitale.com/ ), AMV Weddings ( https://www.amvweddings.com/ ), Glitz Glam and Gore Makeup ( https://www.glitzglamandgoremakeup.com/ ), Lanie Max Hair ( https://www.laniemaxhair.com/about ), Calandra’s Bakery ( https://calandrasbakery.com/ ), and Barbara Bell Designs ( http://barbara-bell-9jbk.squarespace.com/ ).

As we approach our 10 year anniversary, our plus size bridal shop is so honored to share in so many people’s special day. Thank you to Priscilla for sharing your story with us!

If you bought a dress from us and would like to share your story you can email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with subject “Bridal Spotlight” to be featured.

Bride Spotlight: Leanne

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Sat, 13 May 2023 17:47:40 GMT

At The Curvy Bride we absolutely love showcasing all of the beautiful brides that come visit us at our plus size wedding boutique in New Jersey. It’s such a privilege to be able to help brides find the dress of their dreams. Today on the blog we are featuring the wonderful Leanne.

Leanne and her husband Devin were married on November 12th, 2022 at the beautiful Rockfield Manor in Bel Air, Maryland. This incredible and sprawling landscape was the perfect backdrop for this amazing couple to start their married life.

Leanne wore a stunning dress from the Allure Couture collection from Allure Bridals. This strapless gown features delicate lace appliques effortlessly flowing down the length of the dress. The classic cut of the dress results in a stunning silhouette for Leanne.

Here’s a closer look at all the dazzling detail on the dress and Leanne’s stunning bouquet. Thanks to K.J photography for all these gorgeous photos.

Wedding shopping can be hard, especially if you’re shopping for a plus size bridal gown, which is why we try to make the experience as seamless as possible. Here’s what Leanne had to say: “I loved my experience at The Curvy Bride! I felt so comfortable in the shop and trying on all of the beautiful dresses. Not having my mom for my wedding dress shopping experience was really difficult for me, but all of the staff made me feel so comfortable, calm, and excited about shopping for my dress. I love trying on all of the lace and sparkly dresses. Going into my shopping experience I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but I was able to try all the different styles because there were so many options. I don’t think I could’ve gone to another bridal salon and had the same great experience.” Our shop is dedicated to making dress shopping a fun and enjoyable experience for every bride!

While her dress shopping experience was truly unforgettable, Leanne says the most memorable part of her wedding was “Just being able to dance on the dance floor with all my family and friends, with our foam glow sticks and our favorite songs blasting.”

She leaves other brides with this piece of advice: “The advice that I would give is to go into your shopping experience with an open mind. There are so many different styles that you don’t even think and knowing what fits right on your body is unknown until you actually start trying on those dresses.” We definitely agree! We find that a lot of brides end up with a dress that they never thought they would.

The perfect wedding cannot be accomplished without the help of vendors. Leanne wanted to give a quick shout out to some of her amazing vendors: Crossroads Bistro , After The Tone , and Stonehouse Cakery in Taneytown, Maryland.

It’s always such an honor to share in a bride’s special day. We are so thankful for all of our delightful brides that share their stories and time with us. Thank you!

If you’ve bought a dress from our bridal boutique in New Jersey and want to be featured on the blog, please email TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight.”

Current Dress Trends

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Thu, 04 May 2023 21:52:51 GMT

Dress shopping can be one of the most overwhelming things that a bride has to do. There are so many styles and colors to choose from and at every turn there is a choice to make. You want your wedding dress to be unique to you and show your personality, but also be on trend. This is hard to find in any dress, but especially for plus size bridal gowns. Thankfully your friends at The Curvy Bride are here to show you five current dress trends that can spice up any bridal look.
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Bishop Sleeves
The first trend we’ve been seeing are bishop sleeves. If you’re not sure what those are, let us explain. Bishop sleeves are a long sleeve that is narrow at the top and fuller on the bottom, they are also gathered into a cuff at the wrist to create a puffed look. If you’re looking for a little bit of extra coverage but aren’t a fan of lace or don’t want a tight fit, these flowy light sleeves are perfect for you. This style would work for a bride that is looking for something a little more whimsical than a classic sleeve, something to blend romantic and bohemian styles. They are perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

3-D Lace
The next big trend is lace. Lace has always been trendy in wedding dresses, and for good reason, but this new wave of lace is a fresh take on some old trends. One new thing we’re seeing is 3-D lace. This style is perfect for a bride who is looking to add some texture to their dress. The lace literally pops off the dress and is sure to stun your guests. 3-D lace is such an easy and fun way to add some dimension to your gown. This is perfect for a bride looking to make their dress more unique without straying too far from the classics. The possibilities are endless!

Colors Other Than White/Ivory
Next up on the trend train is a wedding dress that isn’t white. Now, this trend may not be for everyone but colorful wedding dresses are gaining popularity everyday. This trend is the most effective way to make a statement on your wedding day. It’s a perfect way to show your big personality and make sure you stand out. The best part about this is that you can make it as subtle or as loud as you want, it’s all up to you. You can even add just a splash of color if you’re not fully committed to the wildness of a colorful dress. No color is off limits, the world is your oyster!

Tiered Skirt
Another trend is a tiered skirt. This skirt style can be paired with different bodices to create so many different looks. The layers add fullness and volume to the bottom of the dress and give a generous flourish to different silhouettes. This style is especially stunning as it has a fun, playful vibe with tons of movement!

Sparkle + Shimmer + Glitter!
One trend that will never go out of style is sparkle. The current trend with sparkle is something like a "more is more" vibe. Having sparkle is perfect for brides that are looking to SHINE! The addition of sparkle adds a stunning touch of glamour to any dress. If you feel like your dress is missing something, it might just need a little sparkle ;) The way that sparkle is used in wedding gowns now may be different, but sparkle itself will never go out of style.

There are so many ways to make your wedding dress your own, and these five trends are just the tip of the iceberg. Every bride should be able to show their personality and style through their wedding dress. We hope this gave you some inspiration while you’re on the hunt for your perfect dress.

If you’d like to see what we have in stock at our bridal boutique in New Jersey, you can check www.CurvyBrides.com to see our selection or to book your appointment.

A Conversation About Sizing

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:33:38 GMT

Clothing size is a point of contention for a lot of women, especially if you are plus size. It’s hard enough to find regular plus size clothes in stores, let alone plus size bridal gowns. There are very few dedicated plus size bridal shops which makes it even harder. There are so many decisions to be made, from style, color, size, and even price. The whole process can be very overwhelming. But have no fear, because at The Curvy Bride we are here to help and give you all of the knowledge you need to pick the perfect dress for you! Today we are going to talk about bridal gown sizing.

Something that is distressing to a lot of brides is the label size of wedding dresses. If you have never done research on this topic before, it can be very intense when it’s finally time to try on a dress. Something that is important to keep in mind through the whole dress buying process is that wedding dress sizing is very different from street-wear sizing. Wedding dresses tend to run small because most designers base their sizes on a European size chart, even if they are an American brand. This means that, depending on the style, your dress size could be between 2-4 sizes larger than your standard clothing size. For example, if you are a size 20 in pants, your bridal gown may be a size 24. But we always say not to worry about the number! Our goal is to help you find a gown that you feel beautiful in, regardless of the size on the tag!

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Below, we have answered some questions regarding sizing that we often get asked:

"What if I end up losing weight before my wedding?"
If you think your weight might fluctuate before your wedding, bridal shops will always suggest that you buy for the size that you are today, as it is typically much easier for a dress to be taken in than it is to be let out. It is not recommended to order a smaller size dress, because if it is too snug when it arrives, you may have some trouble on your hands. You could risk the integrity of the dress just to make it fit. This could lead to a whole other host of problems, like having to find another dress last minute or having to find

"What if I am planning on getting weight loss surgery?"
If you plan on losing a significant amount of weight with a weight loss surgery, for example, then it is in your best interest to wait a little bit longer to get your dress and then do alterations as close as possible to the wedding date. This way, you can choose a size accordingly and not have to "guess" on sizing.

"What if my dress is too snug?"
We suggest assessing this situation as soon as possible so we can get a plan in place. Some options are to order fabric to build out the dress, or build a corset in the back for additional room. Matching dress fabric can sometimes take months to arrive, but if we don't have time to order we can always try getting similar material from another company or using extra fabric we may have. We will always work with you alongside our seamstresses to find the best solution.

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Ladies, please note - there is no need to try to get yourself into a smaller size dress for your wedding! The size is only a number. You just want to feel beautiful and comfortable on your wedding day, and having dress stress is certainly not going to get you there. You don't need to change your body to fit into a gown; you want the gown to fit your body and feel comfortable on you! That's why we are here at The Curvy Bride in Manalapan, NJ - to help you find a dream dress that you love and feel good in!

If you are in the market for a plus size wedding dress and want to shop at the first and finest plus size bridal shop in New Jersey, visit us online at www.CurvyBrides.com for more information or to book a private appointment. We can't wait to meet you!

How far in advance should I order my dress?

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 20:02:43 GMT

Hi Future Brides!

We know that when planning a wedding, there are so many deadlines and decisions to be made. It can be hard to find all the information you need to make sure your special day goes smoothly. Luckily, at The Curvy Bride we are dedicated to making the bridal process as seamless as possible. Today we are going to give a brief rundown of when to order your dress, and what options we have available.

Since bridal gowns could take 6+ months to arrive, starting the process as soon as possible is always the best choice. Our recommendation is ordering your dress 9-12 months before your wedding. The earlier the better to give you the most options available! The 9-12 month window gives you enough time to find the perfect dress and get it shipped, complete alterations, and get any accessories. This also ensures that your wedding dress is ordered and off your mind, so you have more time to focus on other wedding details!

If the 9-12 month window is not enough time, our shop does offer some alternative options. The first option is a rush order. This option is best for those who still have a little bit of time but may not have an entire 9-12 months. Keep in mind that not every designer offers rush options, and the ship time will vary depending on the designer and specific dress you choose, but we work hard alongside our vendors to find a gown that works for your timeframe. Our bridal boutique in New Jersey is stocked with some of the most stunning and dazzling plus size bridal gowns. There is no shortage of beautiful dresses to try on, and we would be happy to do whatever we can to get you into the dress of your dreams.

If you need something even quicker and don’t have time to wait for an order to come in, The Curvy Bride is here for you! All of our gowns are available for purchase off-the-rack, which means you will find your dress amongst all of the breathtaking plus size dresses our showroom has to offer, and go home with the exact dress you fell in love with! We keep our samples in great condition, so this is a great option because you don’t have to wait for shipping, AND you get a sample discount! It’s a win/win!

If you’re in need of a dress quickly, you will have to work within the limits you have, but that doesn’t mean you need to settle for anything less than spectacular! We are happy to offer options and alternatives to make sure your wedding day is perfect.

If you’re interested in visiting our plus size bridal boutique in Manalapan, New Jersey, simply use our scheduling link at www.CurvyBrides.com to book your appointment. Your dream dress is waiting for you!

Bride Spotlight: Madeline

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:54:30 GMT

The Curvy Bride LOVES to highlight all the amazing brides that come through the doors of our plus size bridal shop in New Jersey . We are so lucky to get to meet some incredible brides as they plan their special day. Today on the blog we are featuring the gorgeous Madeline.

Madeline and her husband Joseph got married on August 20th, 2022 at Anthony’s at Paxon Hollow Country Club. She was dressed in a stunning Essense of Australia bridal gown. The fit and flare style and plunging neckline were a dazzling addition to the charming atmosphere of their venue.

There's nothing better than hearing positive feedback from our beautiful brides. Here’s what Madeline had to say about her experience at The Curvy Bride: “When I got engaged I was so excited to begin the dress shopping experience with my mom, but I was also extremely hesitant due to the fact I have a larger chest. Previous experiences shopping for any type of formal dress usually resulted in tears due to the fact I never felt comfortable without a bra and a lot of dress styles aren’t made to hide bra straps etc. To add to my hesitance was the fact that so many of my “smaller” friends had even expressed THEY had bad experiences at some bridal salons due to the fact the sample sizing is so limited... they were told to “just imagine it” if they could not get the dress over their hips etc. If they had trouble - how would I, a size 14/16 with DDD breasts, fair? I was so nervous to begin the process until I found The Curvy Bride while doing a Google search for size inclusive bridal shops. The only problem - it was 2 hours away from where I live! I called my mom, and she said the trip was worth it, so I made an appointment which was super easy to do online. We took the day off from work and made the journey from Philadelphia to North Jersey. It was worth every mile!”

We understand how hard it can be to find plus size wedding gowns so we are so excited that Madeline was able to make the journey out to meet us! Some more about her experience: “From the moment we walked into the salon we felt so taken care of. I gave a brief description of what I was looking for and Pervin, my sales associate and Operations Manager, pulled some dresses. Each dress sample was big enough to fully try the dress on and have it clipped if needed to see what it would really look like. No imagining! Pervin not only listened to my style preferences but also stayed within our budget with no pressure or pushing to try anything outside of it. I tried on about 8 to 9 dresses and had it narrowed down to my top 2 choices. Since this was such a big decision I wanted to think about it and bring out my best friend and Matron of Honor, Kristen, to see the 2 styles in person. Pervin did not pressure me to decide that day and even took the time to set up a follow up appointment for the following week so I could bring Kristen. I left my first appointment so relieved and happy.

Appointment #2 was where the real magic happened. When we walked through the door not only was I greeted by name but so was my friend Kristen. It was like we were old friends stopping in for a visit. The 2 dresses I was between were already out and ready for me to try on. I decided on the Essense of Australia gown and Pervin held my iPhone up so we could Facetime my mom for my final decision. I had a few questions on the way the bust sat, and Pervin on the spot called the seamstress to check on my question. It was top notch service. I filled out paperwork, got the dress ordered in my correct size and was on my way. The entire process was stress-free and easy. What I like the most about my dress is the fact it has a little bit of everything I asked for! The bottom is very traditional with some appliques and the top has a slight illusion with glam. The best part is the structure - it held me in without the need for any supportive undergarments and showed off my curves without revealing too much. I felt beautiful and sexy while also timeless and elegant.”

Madeline says the most memorable part of her wedding was the first look with her husband, “I was so excited to have a private moment with him prior to the ceremony. Just us, a time to reflect and enjoy each other’s company before the chaos of the reception!” Thankfully Carly from Carley K Photography ( https://carleykphotography.com/ ) was able to snag some amazing shots of the couple during this moment.

No bridal look is complete without the help of some spectacular vendors. Madeline’s hair and makeup were done with the help of Blush Salon ( https://blushlooks.com/ ) to ensure no one could take their eyes off her. Her stylish and elegant bouquet, which perfectly matched her gown, was from The Bouquet Shop ( https://www.thebouquetshops.com/ ).

Madeline would like to leave other brides with this piece of advice, “It is YOUR day, so stay true to your vision. If you want to nix some of the “traditions”, do it. If you want an adult only event, stand your ground! When it comes to dress shopping, my advice is to keep an open mind, you never know what might look good until you try it on. Also do a sit test haha!” We couldn’t agree more!

Thank you so much to Madeline for sharing your words and experience with us. As a small bridal boutique in New Jersey, we are always so happy to be a part of someone’s special day and share their joy. Your positive feedback means more than you know!

If you bought a dress from us and would like to share your story, please email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight” to be featured.

Bride Spotlight: Cynthia

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:44:42 GMT

We are back again with another installment of our bridal spotlight!

You know by now that at The Curvy Bride , New Jersey's first & finest plus size bridal boutique, we are pretty obsessed with our brides ;)

We want to show them off any chance we get! Today on the blog we are featuring Cynthia.

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Cynthia and her husband Julian got married November 16th, 2019 at The Sterling Ballroom in Tinton Falls New Jersey. She was dressed in a long sleeve bridal gown from Essense of Australia. This dress was nothing short of stunning! The floral applique runs along the sleeves and down the bodice to give an elegant flare to this classic silhouette.

It can be hard to find a wedding dress for a plus size bride, that’s why The Curvy Bride is here! We are committed to making sure every bride has the experience of a lifetime while dress shopping. Here’s what Cynthia had to say about her experience at our boutique: “My experience shopping here was a breath of fresh air. All the employees are wonderful and so sweet. I explained to them what type of dress I was looking for and they had just that! I felt and looked like a princess, I knew it was the one. I loved my dress! I cannot pick and choose just one detail. This was my dream dress.” We absolutely LOVE to hear this!! So special.

Along with her dream dress, Cynthia had her dazzling hair and makeup done by NJ Glam ( https://www.instagram.com/njglam_/ ) and her spectacular photos taken by Box Of Dream Photography ( https://www.boxofdreamsphotography.com/ ).

Your wedding day is about making memories and enjoying the people around you. Cynthia says, “The most memorable moment was dancing with my grandfather. I am so grateful that he was able to share my big day with me.” How meaningful! We are always so thrilled to be even a small part of these special memories.

Cynthia leaves other brides with this amazing piece of advice: “Do not stress on the day of the wedding. Do not let anyone or anything get to you. All that matters is who is at the altar waiting for you.” Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your story with us. You looked absolutely beautiful!

Thank you so much to Cynthia for sharing your wedding day with us!

Wedding Dress Shopping: Set your Budget

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 23:26:32 GMT

One of the hardest things to keep in mind while dress shopping is budget. It’s easy to get swept away in the moment and forget that there’s a price tag attached to that beautiful gown. The price of accessories and alterations are two aspects of dress shopping that might not cross your mind while looking for your perfect gown. Good thing we at The Curvy Bride , your favorite plus size bridal shop, are here to help. We are going to break down the basics of your dress shopping budget so that you can plan accordingly for your special day!

As you can expect, the main item to consider is your dress! The typical price range for our wedding gowns is $1,200-$3,500, with the majority falling in the $1,800-$2,500 range.

The dress selections we’ve gathered today are designers we carry in our bridal boutique located in New Jersey . So, if you’re looking for some gorgeous plus size wedding gowns, you can visit our website at CurvyBrides.com to schedule an appointment . Now, let's jump into these dresses!

If you’re looking for something more budget friendly, we would recommend a Rebecca Ingram dress. One dress that we carry is the Lorraine. This flowy dress features a beaded bodice and a sweetheart neckline that is sure to make a statement. The soft and breathable fabric makes it the perfect dress for any kind of weather.

Price: about $1,200

If you would like something that falls more in the mid-price range, you can try a Stella York gown . We currently carry style 7169 in both long sleeve and sleeveless (pictured below in sleeveless). One of our favorite gowns! This dress has a stunning A-line silhouette with gorgeous floral lace and a beautiful train. This elegant gown is perfect for a classic yet modern inspired wedding look. The lace adorned skirt will have you floating effortlessly down the aisle.

Price: about $1,800

If you'd like to splurge a little on your dress, you can consider our gorgeous Allure Couture line. One dress we have is style c625. This dazzling strapless gown is covered with chic floral appliques that start at the bodice and flow down the tulle A-line skirt. This classic silhouette is the perfect base for any sparkly additions.

Price: around $2,500

Other than your gown price, there are a few other things to be mindful of when considering your budget. One is price of alterations. Unless you are extremely lucky, your dress will most likely need some alterations. We would recommend keeping around $650-$950 in mind. The actual price will vary depending on what needs to be done and the complexity of your dress, but this is a good range to keep in the back of your mind while shopping. If you get your dress from The Curvy Bride and choose to do alterations with us, you have the added benefit of working with our incredible seamstresses. They work out of our boutique and will do everything they can to make sure your dress fits you perfectly. Alterations generally include shortening the hem, adjusting the bodice, and adding a bustle. We also specialize in various customizations, which are priced accordingly at the time of alterations.

You also want to consider accessories, such as veils and headpieces. The price range for these depends on the style, material, length, and your personal preference - but most fall between $200-$600. See our veil blog post for more detailed information about our veil styles.

Lastly, you'll want to budget for undergarments and shoes as well. Undergarments can typically range from $50-$150, depending on what your dress necessitates and your personal preferences. See our undergarment blog here for some suggestions from past brides. For shoes, of course the sky is the limit! It all depends on personal preference.

While this isn’t everything to account for in your budget, we hope this quick guide gave you some much needed information on your journey to the perfect bridal gown.

To book an appointment to try on one of the stunning gowns featured in this post, you can visit our scheduling link at CurvyBrides.com.

**Always note that gown inventory consistently changes and we cannot guarantee that any specific gown will be available at the time of your appointment.**

Bride Spotlight: Jeanine

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 20:41:00 GMT

It warms our hearts to hear from our amazing brides after their weddings have passed! Which is why we love to showcase the stunning brides that come through our bridal boutique in New Jersey. Today we are featuring the lovely Jeanine. She and her husband George were married on October 8th, 2021 at the Running Deer Golf Club in Pittsgrove, New Jersey.

Jeanine was dressed in a flowing Stella York wedding gown with elegant off the shoulder straps. The gown features large floral appliques that move from the bodice and straps down through the rest of the dazzling skirt. Jeanine fell in love with the large lace appliques on her gown along with the off the shoulder straps - unique and beautiful! The florals tie in with the scenic view of their spectacular venue so well. Truly breathtaking!

When shopping for your dress, sometimes your first instinct is the right one. Jeanine recalls her dress shopping experience at The Curvy Bride, NJ’s first plus size bridal boutique. “A few days before my dress shopping appointment I browsed The Curvy Bride's website, saving photos of dresses I liked. Michelle herself (the owner) was my bridal consultant, along with Pervin's help. Both ladies were wonderful to work with! Michelle got a good idea of what I was looking for after showing me a few dresses; she also pulled the dresses I saw online. I really liked the first dress, but knew I had to try on some others. After the 8th or so dress I went back into the first dress. I gave myself a few moments alone, without my family/friends, to collect my thoughts and feelings. A few minutes later, after listening to myself, I emerged from the changing room, in tears, saying that this was my dress!” We love this tip from Jeanine… it’s so special to have your family/friends at your bridal appointment, but you really have to listen to yourself and how YOU feel when saying yes to your gown!

Jeanine’s advice to fellow brides is “Wedding planning is going to be stressful, but just remember, on the day of - just enjoy each of the moments! You already planned everything out, IF anything goes wrong, you will be the only one who knows so don't stress about it! Live in the moment!”

All of the details of Jeanine’s big day were taken care of to make sure she felt her best. We can thank Debbie DeAngelo ( christophermooresalonnj.com ) for the stunning hair and Nicole DeSimone ( belvisophilly.com ) for the beautiful makeup. Nothing beats that wedding day glow!

We get to see all the moments they enjoyed thanks to their photographers, Karin Belgrave Photography ( katinbelgrave.com ). Her stunning florals in the above photos were by Flowers By Dena ( flowersbydena.com )

Thank you so much to Jeanine for sharing your wedding day bliss with us. As a small plus size bridal boutique in New Jersey, we are always so happy to be a part of someone’s special day!

If you bought a dress from us and would like to share your story, please email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight.” Lots of love from The Curvy Bride!

How The Curvy Bride Came To Be

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 20:56:43 GMT

When we opened our plus size wedding dress boutique in August 2013, The Curvy Bride was New Jersey’s first bridal shop that catered exclusively to plus size brides. We have since been the recipient of various accolades and awards, including Monmouth County’s Best of the Best Bridal Shop, the knot Best of Weddings, and the 2020 Patch Business of the Year. Over the last 9 years, we have consistently done everything we can to provide the best service and the most beautiful plus size wedding gowns to every bride who walks through our doors. But how did we get here? Let’s back up to August 2011, when our founder Michelle was planning her own wedding.

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When shopping for the perfect dress to wear on her special day, Michelle was struck with the sudden realization that most bridal shops in NJ didn’t have anything for her to try on. Since bridal dresses run about 2-3 sizes smaller than a street size, her size 16 self didn’t have many options. The local bridal boutiques in NJ didn’t carry anything over a few size 16s, and while the chain bridal shops did have more of a plus size selection, there wasn’t the same quality found as with the designer dresses. Michelle’s options were slim, and if she wanted to order her size, she wouldn’t be able to see what it looked like on her body until it was already paid for and shipped (not ideal for a day as big as your wedding!). Another bump in the road with these other bridal shops was that all of the brides were out in the open together, meaning Michelle had to watch as other brides got to try on the dress of their dreams while she scrounged around for something that fit. After much heartache, Michelle did end up finding a beautiful dress to get married in, but the lack of options for plus size brides really stuck with her.

Fast forward to Michelle as a savvy business woman putting her Business Administration degree and MBA to good use in New York City. While she liked the job she was doing, her ever-present entrepreneurial spirit was growing, so she reached out to the owner of the nearest plus size wedding dress boutique (which was in Cincinnati) to pick her brain. The two became fast friends, and Michelle learned everything from dressing a bride to meeting representatives from the top bridal designers. Not long after, Michelle spotted the perfect retail location right near her house and she knew this was her moment. She saw a gap in the market and saw how she could fill it. With some help and confidence from her new friend and mentor, The Curvy Bride was born!

When Michelle opened The Curvy Bride, she wanted the experience to be the complete opposite of the wedding dress shops in NJ that she had visited when she was dress shopping, first starting with the size range offered. The Curvy Bride offers wedding dresses for curvy plus size ranging from size 14 to 34. Plus size brides can be certain that when they step into our boutique they can find something to try on from our selections of over 200 designer gowns. We offer a private appointment setting with an experienced consultant, so brides are guaranteed an intimate and personal experience for their dress shopping event. Since many plus size styles can often be out-of-date or unflattering, we make sure to only have the latest styles and designers and the highest quality of dresses so no bride will feel like they’re compromising style for size. We also offer dresses with competitive pricing, as well as in-house alterations with expert seamstresses.

Accessorizing is a huge part of making brides feel spectacular as well, so we also carry a variety of veils, jewelry, and headpieces to complete the look. Another personal touch we extend to brides that purchase their dress from us is a beautiful bridal tote bag that includes their paperwork and various resources, including references for seamstresses outside of the local area and shops for undergarments. Everything we do is to make a memorable experience for every bride.

Plus size brides are so often overlooked, and Michelle wanted to make sure that never happened at The Curvy Bride. Each part of the experience is thought out to make sure every bride feels beautiful and special - and based on the feedback from our brides, we think we accomplish just that! Our plus size wedding dress boutique has something for everyone - so we hope you will let us help you find your dream dress!

If you are searching for your dream dress, you can get more information by perusing through our website www.curvybrides.com, and feel free to call us at 732-536-6100 with any questions!

We can’t wait to meet you!

Winter Wonderland Dresses by Essense of Australia

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 21:52:03 GMT

It can be hard to narrow down your dream dress, but at The Curvy Bride we are always looking for ways to make that process simpler for you! This time we’ve rounded up some of our favorite winter gowns, all from Essense of Australia, in anticipation of our Essense of Australia Trunk Show on Nov. 19-27, 2022. These dresses are perfect to capture the spirit of any winter wonderland wedding!

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The first dress we have is the D3596 . This gown is perfect for a bride looking for something elegant yet classic. The matte satin finish adds a sleek look to a modern silhouette. The simple bodice is accented with beaded lace appliques that add a much needed touch of sparkle. Beyond the bodice is the full ballgown and pleated skirt, with included pockets, that is perfect to keep warm for a snowy winter wedding. To accentuate the ballgown skirt you can pair this dress with a lace cathedral veil.

The next dress is the D3280 . This A-line ballgown features a stunning full lace bodice that is a romantic take on a classic silhouette. This dress also features lace sleeves to add a little warmth during your winter wonderland wedding. The floral lace from the bodice floats down in varying sizes to add dimension and layers to the skirt. The elegance of the v-shaped neckline and low back are sure to turn heads. You can also add glitter tulle to incorporate some drama and sparkle to this traditional gown.

Next we have the D3445 . This dress is perfect for the daring bride who isn’t afraid of some sparkle. This A-line gown features a sexy plunging illusion neckline that adds drama to this simple silhouette. Surrounding the bold neckline is a sequin beaded bodice that is grounded by the elegance of the modern lace trim and wide straps. Right at the natural waist is where the lace really gets to shine, the semi-sheer fabric shows off the delicate lace and makes the glamour of this dress seem effortless. The regal train and sparkle tulle will have you shimmering and shining like fresh snow all the way down the aisle.

Next up is the D3372 . This gown features contoured seaming in the bodice to add wearability and structure to the simple sweetheart neckline. The scalloped edges along the train are an unexpected and elevated take on a traditional style. The entire dress features an elegant and shimmering floral lace. The three-dimensional lace lines the dress and adds an eye-catching texture. The trumpet style of this dress hugs your curves in all the right places and is the perfect combination of sexy and sweet. All the dazzling details put into this gown make it the ultra-modern dress for the ultra-modern bride .

Last, but certainly not least, we have the D3461 . This beautiful gown will invoke fairytale vibes any time of year but especially at a winter wonderland wedding. The defined bustline and sweetheart neckline are precisely the canvas for the romantic embroidery. The timeless swirling pattern lines the front and back of the bodice giving everyone a chance to enjoy its elegance and beauty. The bodice then opens into a full pleated ballgown skirt with pockets, elevating this simple shape. This dress does an excellent job of putting a modern twist on a classic silhouette and making it something straight out of a fairytale.

So, there you have it: 5 of our favorite winter gowns! But don’t forget, accessories really finalize your look, so don’t be afraid to adorn yourself with the most decadent pieces on your wedding day. These accessories are an opportunity to add your own flare to your dress. If you're planning a winter wedding we would suggest adding some faux fur to keep warm and add some glamour to any of these amazing gowns.

We are excited to announce we are having an Essense of Australia trunk show next month from November 19th-27th 2022! For more information and to schedule an appointment you can visit www.CurvyBrides.com. **Please note that gown inventory consistently changes and we cannot guarantee that any specific gown will be available at the time of your appointment.**

Bride Spotlight: Jessica

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:17:16 GMT

We love showcasing all of our lovely brides! Today on the blog we are featuring beautiful Jessica. She and her husband, Brian, got married on October 20th 2019 at The English Manor in Ocean New Jersey. The couple didn’t let a little rain stop them from enjoying the beautiful garden estate at The English Manor. Even on an overcast day the photos of the couple turned out gorgeous thanks to the beautiful backdrop. Photo: Cheyanna De Nicola Photography

Jessica was dressed in a stunning strapless Allure Bridals gown with removable cap sleeves that matched the traditional and modern mix of the venue. Like many brides she left her appointment with something she didn’t think she wanted, “I went in looking for something completely opposite of what I chose. I came in with the intention of sleeves and came out with a strapless.”

She decided to add something extra to her dress that would give a similar look to sleeves but add more versatility, “I added a cape to cover my arms a bit more. I loved how I could remove the cap sleeves and add the cape and veil for different looks!” This just goes to show how easy it is to personalize your wedding dress. With just a few simple changes you can make your dress truly your own.

In addition to capturing spectacular photos of the couple, their photographer, Cheyanna de Nicola , also captured the breathtaking detail of Jessica’s dress.

Jessica says nothing compared to The Curvy Bride“ The Curvy Bride made everything so simple and easy with a ton of options. It was the first place I went to shop. I went to one other place because I thought I should at least look at others but nothing compared!”

Jessica, we are so glad you enjoyed your experience at The Curvy Bride and thank you for allowing us to share your wedding story!

If you bought a dress from us and would like to share your story please email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight”.

A Quick Guide to 5 of The Most Popular Veil Styles

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:49:56 GMT

Like all wedding shopping, veil shopping can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t know anything about it. Here at The Curvy Bride we are dedicated to making everything as simple as we can for our brides, and that includes picking the perfect veil! While there are many factors to consider when getting a veil (length, style, lace, embellishments), we are going to focus simply on length and style. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just an intro guide to help steer you in the right direction. Here we’ve compiled a short guide to 5 very popular veil styles to help you on your wedding journey.

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Fingertip:

The fingertip veil is just that, fingertip length. It measures around 38-40 inches and typically lays slightly below where your fingertips rest when your arms are at your sides, but can vary depending on your height. Since this veil falls just below your waist it’s perfect for someone who has details on the back of their dress and wants to show it off. The versatility of this veil is also a selling point with a lot of brides, because it works with so many personal tastes. Depending on how you accessorize or embellish this veil it can work with formal, casual, traditional, modern, or alternative styles. This lightweight mid-length veil gives you the best of both worlds, you get a classic veil aesthetic but eliminate the difficulties of a long veil.

Waltz:

A waltz length veil, also known as a ballet veil, is longer than fingertip, but should fall a bit shorter than floor length, typically mid-calf when worn. The average length of these veils is approximately 60” from the comb to the end of the tulle, lace or beaded edge. Waltz veils are a great option for brides looking for the drama of length but with the functionality and ease of a fingertip veil. These go well with dresses that have a shorter train.

Chapel:

For a little more drama you have the chapel veil. This veil comes in at 90 inches and drapes all the way to the floor and sweeps out a bit behind the dress (depending on the length of the train on your dress!) If you’re someone who wants a train but doesn’t want to deal with all the extra fabric, this veil will give the illusion of a train without any of the extra bulk. The length trails nicely behind your gown and adds a bit of cascading drama but requires less assistance to manage than a cathedral veil. Depending on your personal style you can add lace for some detail, beads for sparkle, or get a raw-edge for a minimalist look. Either way it adds impact in a more understated way. The chapel veil works more for traditional or formal gowns but pairs nicely with most styles.

Cathedral:

Cathedral is the ever-so-popular long, dramatic veil - ranging from 108 inches to 120 inches. The veil often extends a foot or two behind the dress creating a regal and romantic train behind you. This veil pairs well with all styles of gowns, but ballgowns look especially stunning with a cathedral veil if you’re looking for a more royal vibe - think Princess Diana. One thing to keep in mind about a cathedral veil is that because it is so extravagant you will need assistance when posing for photos and walking down the aisle, but you are guaranteed to get some show-stopping photos.

Royal Cathedral :

Within the Cathedral veil category is the Royal Cathedral length veil. Talk about REGAL and dramatic, this veil extends a standard cathedral, measuring at 120” - 144.” This option is definitely a statement veil and best for someone who wants an extremely dramatic and romantic entrance to their ceremony.

We hope this guide is helpful! What veil style did you choose?!

What Do I Do With My Gown After My Wedding?

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 21:11:00 GMT

Something you might not think about while you’re planning your wedding is what you’re going to do with your dress once the wedding is over and that’s why we’re here! We’re going to show you a few different ways you can keep loving your wedding dress long after your special day. Besides keeping your dress in storage, where no one can appreciate it, there are so many ways to repurpose your gown so that it gets the love it deserves.

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One very popular option is gown preservation, here at The Curvy Bride we are an authorized dealer with Wedding Gown Preservation Company and can help you get your dress professionally preserved. Gown preservation is perfect for someone who doesn’t plan on using their dress again but wants to keep it on display. When your gown is sent to be preserved it will be cleaned with the best cleaning process for that particular dress, then dipped in an acid-neutral preservation chest to keep it in pristine condition. This process will ensure the gown color will stay as fresh and beautiful as the day you bought it. It is then sent to you in a display box, which you can display however you want! For more information on gown preservation feel free to call us at (732) 536-6100 or visit the Wedding Gown Preservation Company.

Another approach is to turn your dress into something totally different. One way to do this is to re-imagine your gown into home décor or accessories. For someone who wants to enjoy their dress everyday, you could cut a swatch of fabric and put it in an ornate frame, create a throw pillow, table cloth, or anything else your heart desires. This allows you to have some completely unique and one-of-a-kind items in your home and ensures that your wedding day memories can continue to bring you joy.

You can also reach out to independent artists and small businesses to have pieces of your gown turned into jewelry, The Lace Studio has been in business for 10 years and specializes in custom wedding dress jewelry. With this option you have the opportunity to get several pieces made and give them to friends or family turning your wedding dress into an heirloom piece for generations to come.

Another repurposing you can do is through Unbox The Dress . They offer a service where you can send in your dress and have their team design it into an array of different items! They have everything from holiday items, christening outfits, decorative pillows, clutches and even anniversary clothing. Upcycling your gown is a creative way to keep your dress alive long after your wedding day. It gives fresh life and memories to your dress and creates an heirloom piece that could be passed down from generation to generation.

Not feeling sentimental value towards your dress? Here are two options for you: the first would be to donate your gown through a site like Cherie Sustainable Bridal . Their entire selection is made up of generous donations from former brides and their profits are put towards funding their non-profit organization, Success in Style. The other option is to sell online. There are numerous websites that are specific to selling wedding gowns, such as Nearly Newlywed and StillWhite , or you can use standard selling sites like Ebay or even Facebook Marketplace.

What did you do with your gown after your wedding? Anything you wish you would have done?

Let us know what you think!

A Quick Guide to 5 of The Most Popular Wedding Dress Styles

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 22:38:29 GMT

Wedding dress shopping can easily become overwhelming for many brides! The amount of options are staggering and it can be hard to pinpoint what kind of dress you actually like. While it’s very common to leave your appointment with a completely different dress than you envisioned, it’s still helpful to go into your appointment with some idea of what you like. Doing this will give your consultant a jumping off point so they can help you narrow down your options and find your dress. We're here to help! Here we’ve compiled a short guide to 5 very popular dress styles (with example photos) to help you on your journey to the perfect gown. Happy shopping!
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Ball gown
A ball gown is a fairy-tale style dress that gives a classic shape and is perfect for someone that is looking for that princess feeling on their wedding day. While this style may be overwhelming on smaller or petite frames, it is perfect for someone looking to accentuate their waist. The cinched waist and fitted bodice gives excellent bust support, so you aren’t worried about anything moving on your wedding day. The tulle-and-crinoline-packed skirt gives immense volume and balances the tight torso with the full skirt.

A-Line
The A-line, like the ball gown, features a fitted bodice but, unlike the ballgown it doesn't have a very defined waist. It is fitted above and around the hips which creates a streamlined and slim silhouette that resembles a capital A. The cascading skirt gradually widens towards the hem and gently flares toward the floor. This is a universally flattering cut which is ideal for all body types. A selling point for this dress is that it can be made with different kinds of fabrics to match your wedding and personal style.

Fit and Flare
The fit and flare falls somewhere between an A-line and a mermaid cut, so you get the combination of a streamlined look with the addition of body definition. This combination gives you the opportunity to show off your figure without the dress being too tight. The fit and flare hugs the body throughout the bust and waist, which makes the dress slightly more forgiving through the hips, bottom, and thighs. This less dramatic cut gives you a much softer silhouette. Since it flares out mid-thigh you will also have enough room to dance, sit, and move comfortably through your whole wedding.

Mermaid
If you’re looking for something red-carpet ready with a sexy and sleek vibe the mermaid cut might be for you. Mermaid dresses are fitted throughout the body from chest to knee and flare out close to the knee. This tight shape mimics shapewear which is ideal if you're looking to show off your curves. The way the dress contours the body emphasizes the waist and hips and is perfect for an hourglass figure. The silhouette of this dress brings all the volume down to your knees where the flare starts, because of this the dress can be slightly restrictive which is important to factor in when choosing your dress.

Sheath
One of the most comfortable dress styles is the sheath dress. This cut is narrow and flows straight down from the neckline to the hem, with a very minimal flare below the waist. This cut makes the dress effortless and easy to move around in. It can also be made with so many different kinds of fabrics to match your wedding and personal style. The snug fit contours the body from head to toe which makes this dress flattering for a wide range of body types. It isn’t overwhelming for petite figures, gives definition for taller figures, it plays off the natural curves for hourglass figures, it shows off lean bodies for more athletic figures, and for more boxy figures all you need to do is add a belt for a defined waist.

Which Appointment Is Right For Me?

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 21:22:00 GMT

Hello lovelies!

At The Curvy Bride we know that all brides are unique, which is why we offer 4 different types of appointments to create four different experiences for our brides to choose from. During all of our appointments you will be in a private bridal suite with one of our outstanding consultants to guide you through the process and help you along the way. Our consultant will chat with you and get a sense of your personal style, wedding theme, and budget to help you pick out your perfect dress. Now, which appointment is right for you? Let’s get down to the details.

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The first appointment we offer (and the most commonly booked) is the Signature Bridal Appointment . It’s best for brides with a budget of $1,200-$3,500. During this complimentary appointment you will have 1 hour and 15 minutes to try on beautiful, eye-catching dresses until you find the one! As with any appointment type, you will have the opportunity to order a new gown or shop off-the-rack. The guest limit for this appointment is 4 guests + Bride and is available Tuesdays-Sundays.

The next appointment type we offer is the Brides on a Budget Appointment . This complimentary appointment is the perfect option for brides with a budget between $1,200-$1,600. This appointment is 1 hour and 15 minutes and is offered Tuesdays through Saturdays, allowing 4 guests + Bride. During this appointment your consultant will focus on gowns within your price point. Keep in mind options are limited in this price point but you may want to consider a gown off the rack as this is a great opportunity to get a discount!

Our latest addition is our Saturday Upgraded Appointment. There is a $100 non-refundable booking fee for this experience and you will receive a $50 credit toward your gown purchase if purchased the day of your appointment. This appointment allows up to 6 guests + Bride, and is an additional half hour for a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes. You will be served non-alcoholic bubbly as well as a tray of fresh baked cookies.

Our most exclusive appointment type is the VIP Experience Appointment . There is a $125 non-refundable booking fee for this experience and you will receive a $50 credit toward your gown purchase if purchased the day of your appointment. These appointments can only be scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays because the boutique is closed just for you for the duration of your appointment! It’s also our longest appointment lasting 2 hours, and allows up to 6 guests + Bride. You will be called by one of our knowledgeable sales consultants prior to your appointment so you can get acquainted and ask any questions you may have.

Now that you’re an expert on all things appointments at The Curvy Bride, use this LINK to book your appointment. You can also click HERE to see our FAQ page, call us at 732-536-6100, or email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com if you have any specific questions.

We can't wait to meet you!

Bride Spotlight: Adrianna

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:28:43 GMT

Here at The Curvy Bride we absolutely LOVE to show off our lovely brides! Today we are featuring the beautiful Adrianna. She and her husband, Kevin, were married on September 28th 2019. The couple used the historic backdrop of Gettysburg Pennsylvania to celebrate their love with family and friends.

Adrianna was dressed in a stunning strapless Maggie Sottero, provided by The Curvy Bride of course, with hair and makeup done by Gettysburg Day Spa ( https://gettysburgdayspa.com/ ).

There is nothing more pure than the look on her husband’s face when he saw her for the first time! Thankfully Creative Force Photography ( http://creativeforcephoto.com/ ) caught that moment for us all to see! Adrianna says his reaction was met with a few key phrases, “He turned around the corner and the first words out of his mouth when he saw me were, “Holy sh*t” quickly followed by “You look gorgeous” and “I’m so lucky”. His reaction was priceless.” Priceless is right, the look of love and awe is something we hope all of our brides get on their wedding day.

Adrianna wants to leave fellow curvy brides with this piece of advice, “Do some research into styles you think will look best on you and don’t be afraid to try things outside of your comfort zone. I went in saying, “I don’t want a strapless dress” and I ended up with one.” This is something we hear from our bides so often, sometimes what you think you want isn’t what you end up with. Come in with an open mind and your dress will find you.

Big thank you to Adrianna for sending us her story and all these amazing photos.

If you bought a dress from us and would like to share your story please email us at TheCurvyBrideNJ@gmail.com with the subject “Bridal Spotlight”.

A Positive Twist on a COVID Wedding Story

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 16:42:11 GMT

Hello beauties!

It's no secret that planning a wedding throughout the pandemic brought along some challenges for so many couples. We are honored to have been able to support and guide so many of you through this unprecedented time. So many couples had to change wedding plans, cut back on guest lists, and shift their mindsets regarding their "dream wedding." However, in speaking with one of our lovely brides during alterations, she shared a positive perspective that really resonated with us. We are pleased to welcome our first guest blogger, Mallorie!

"I was equal parts excited and nervous to go from a structured ballroom wedding to an in the woods DIY affair. Every time I went in for a fitting, the Curvy Bride team hyped me up and made me feel confident in our decision. I also want to thank you for your personalized customer service. Knowing that Michelle knew me as her “Maine Bride” and mentioned it at each appointment made me feel special and well cared for. I felt like a bride and not just a number. That little bit of customer service made me feel so confident, and really had me looking forward to my day. I can’t thank The Curvy Bride enough for helping to make my wedding dreams come true ❤️"

Oh thank you Mallorie, you are so sweet! We are so happy to feature you and your wedding on our blog. Congratulations again!!!

What was your initial wedding plan?
We planned to get married in Spring Lake, New Jersey. We booked our venue in December 2019 before covid was even a blip on the radar. We both wanted a beach wedding so we were incredibly excited to get married at the Jersey Shore!

What is your current wedding plan?
We made the change in January 2021 to do a destination wedding. (tomorrow- AHH ��) we will be getting married at Acadia National Park on the east coast of Maine. We are hosting a back yard reception for our 25 guests.

Why did you change your plan?
We were so disheartened that our original vision would not come to fruition. That was a bitter pill to swallow. At the time we made the switch, restrictions would not allow for a cocktail hour, dance floor, or even the ceremony we originally planned. We also faced tight restrictions on masks, and head counts. We also couldn’t get a permit to secure our ceremony spot due to the executive order, and we were unsure how long it would remain in effect. This meant no beach wedding, and that was 1 part of our vision we were not willing to budge on.

It was so hard to plan around the what if’s in this unprecedented time. it was also challenging to put more of our savings into a wedding that no longer felt like our vision. Much like so many couples, we sat back and waited to see what the world would be like and we were not confident we would have the day of our dreams with 200 guests in June of 2021. Taking all things into consideration (health, safety, and financial) we decided to plan a small destination wedding with immediate family and close friends!

How and why did you chose to get married in Maine?
We sat down and did a lot of research! We wanted our wedding somewhere within a drivable distance. We also wanted a naturally beautiful location that our guests would enjoy. Going back to our initial vision, we wanted a beach wedding too. We looked at many places but Maine had so much to offer. It hit all our boxes and then some!

How did you plan the ceremony?
After deciding on a location, we researched our next steps. We contacted the national park and booked a permit for our slot. It was a very easy process.

How did you plan the reception?
We decided from day 1 we did not want to book a hotel/banquet hall. We wanted an intimate backyard reception on a nice property. We spent a lot of time researching online listings and found the perfect house on Vrbo. It is AWESOME! We are right on the water and the house has so many wonderful amenities. The owner allows events on the property and has been so accommodating and accessible to answer questions, and provide guidance for our rental company.

What are you most looking forward to on wedding day?
The ceremony. For me (Mallorie) the hardest part was not having the ceremony I wanted. That’s the most important part of the day. I could have lived with many other restrictions, but it didn’t feel right to compromise on our ceremony vision. At the end of the day, we found our dream wedding venue that is safe for us, our family, friends, and vendors. We can come back to it at any time in our lives to honor that commitment.

What advice would you give other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
I might be biased but I say DO IT! It’s such a cost effective way to have your cake and eat it too. It might take more research and creative thinking but it’s worthwhile. I recommend joining wedding Facebook groups for the area you plan to get married. Look for elopement services, search for vendors on the knot, zola wedding wire etc. if a backyard tented wedding is your jam, do hire a day of coordinator and/or banquet staff to help with the set up and execution of the day. Even small weddings need assistance to ensure the food is hot, the candles are lit, and final deliveries are received. Our coordinator ensured that the cocktail hour and reception ran smoothly so we could sit back and enjoy our time with our guests.

Post wedding thoughts:

What was your favorite part about your wedding?
Honestly that our wedding was more than just one day. It gave us more time to spend with our friends and family, who we don’t often see in one place at the same time. Many of our guests took extended time off to enjoy the trip! The day before our wedding, the groomsmen went on a deep sea fishing trip while the ladies sipped mimosas, hung out, and got some last minute things together for the wedding.

Instead of a traditional rehearsal dinner, we took a private walking ghost tour of historic Bar Harbor. I was a-little nervous about doing something so unconventional, but it was fantastic! Our tour was personalized, and all our guests raved about it. It was a great ice breaker for a smaller group and gave everyone a chance to see the downtown area and enjoy its history in a fun and unique way.

Our guests also enjoyed exploring other areas of the park, some even taking a trip up Cadillac mountain to watch the sunrise! It made us happy to know our guests not only had a good time at our wedding, but also took some well deserved rest and relaxation.

How was your actual wedding day?
Our wedding was incredible! We had the perfect weather day and so many of our guests said it was the most beautiful wedding they’ve ever attended. We were nervous about little things like not having tastings, no trials, and booking our wedding venues sight unseen. We did it all without the help of a planner. It took a lot of time to locate vendors, but so many of the professionals we contacted gave us referrals from their network. The day came together like a puzzle and while it was not without its flaws, our guests didn’t notice the little things that were not picture perfect. Our wedding was spectacular and we would not change a thing!

Any advice for newly engaged couples interested in planning a destination wedding?
In retrospective, the day goes by so quickly. Make a plan, have a schedule, over communicate with your bridal party, vendors, guests, and friends and it will be a day to remember!

If you a a total DIY bride like myself, I strongly consider hiring a day of coordinator. While our ceremony was easy to coordinate, Our reception would have been a disaster if not for our coordinator, Mary. She made sure the cake was delivered and on display. She also handled any last minute preparations for our DJ. She ensured that the candles were lit, the food was warm, and that we kept to our schedule.

Were you afraid that your dress did not match your new venue?
Nope! I decided early on that my venue would not dictate my dress choice.

The wonderful team at The Curvy Bride made me feel like a literal princess. I never doubted that my dress wouldn’t fit the setting because at the end of the day, a bride is her most beautiful when she is feeling confident and radiating happiness. I stomped through the woods and climbed up part of a cliff in my ball gown and I would do it again in a heart beat. My dress was everything I ever wanted!

How was traveling with your dress?
It was fine! My dress held up well. I took it out of the bag and hung it in a dark closet 2 nights before the wedding. I also touched up some of the horse hair edges with a steamer. Michelle and the team showed me how to care for my dress which was so helpful. If you are planning to have a destination wedding, chat with your bridal dress consultant and they can help you pick out styles/fabrics that will hold up well in transit.

A Guide to Shapewear and Undergarments for your Wedding Day

orders.njlocalmarketing@gmail.com (Tom Sawyer) — Thu, 13 May 2021 16:48:22 GMT

Hello and thank you for being here! ��

Today we are sharing some Shapewear and Bra options for your wedding day!

So you said YES to your dress (Hooray! Congrats! ��) and now it's time to choose undergarments for your big day. If you're planning on wearing shapewear under your dress - it's important to find the best one for YOU! Lots of support, while still being comfortable since you'll be moving & grooving all night! ��

We find a lot of brides prefer no bra and/or cups sewn into the dress - this is an amazing option when possible!

However, if you prefer some extra support, we asked our very own brides to share their input! Scroll down to check out the suggestions along with links. (Please keep in mind every body is different, so what works for one may not work the same for everyone).

Thank you so much to all who contributed their favorites! We hope you find this helpful. If you have any other suggestions or questions, leave us a comment below!

Thanks for being here :)

xo The Curvy Bride ��

HighOh Breast Lift Tape:

https://ilovehighoh.com/shop/3-inch-boob-tape/
“I absolutely love this tape and it lasted all night when I was a bridesmaid! I found it after weeks of research & YouTube videos!” -Rose

Nebility Women Waist Trainer Shapewear:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XFN3P8H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_640ECWGFN8JSGGG865R3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
“I went through two others - including SKIMS. Skims were good but they didn’t go up high enough. This one was great! Was comfortable, sucked everything in, and didn’t move!” -Cori

Spanx OnCore Mid-Thigh Shaper Short:

https://www.spanx.com/shapewear/weddings/oncore-mid-thigh-short
“I sized down one size; I’m typically a 2XL, I got XL. They are life changing.” -Laura

HoneyLove:

https://www.honeylove.com/products/superpower-short?color=Sand
“Didn’t roll down or bother me once the whole day!” -Jessica

Women’s Jockey Slimmers High-Waist Short:

https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3874945/womens-jockey-slimmers-breathe-high-waist-short-4239.jsp
“I actually got my shapewear at Kohl’s! It was SO comfortable. It didn’t suck me in too tight and it was easy to take on and off which can sometimes be a challenge for shapewear.” -Katie

Brassy Bra:

https://www.brassybra.com/collections/brassybra-collection
“Planning on wearing BrassyBra! Wore one previously under a backless dress when I was a guest at a wedding. Amazing sticky tape “bra” for the well-endowed.” -Michele

Soma Intimates:

https://www.soma.com/store/

Lane Bryant Multi-Way Boost Strapless Bra:

https://cacique.lanebryant.com/multi-way-boost-strapless-bra/prd-360995