Things We’d Like to Put in a Haunted House for Curvy Brides
Spooky season is here, and while haunted houses are supposed to be scary, we have a few things that are way more terrifying than a guy in a skeleton mask jumping out from behind a wall.
We’re talking about the things curvy brides have heard while shopping for a wedding dress.
The outdated rules.The unsolicited opinions.The size limitations.The “helpful” comments that somehow make you feel worse instead of better.
So this Halloween, the Curvy Godmothers are building a haunted house.
And these things are getting locked inside.
“You Should Try to Lose a Few Pounds First.”
Straight into the haunted house.
Your wedding dress is not a reward for losing weight.
You do not need to shrink yourself before you’re allowed to shop for a wedding gown. You deserve to find a dress that fits your body and makes you feel incredible right now.
And if your body changes between buying your gown and your wedding day? That’s what professional alterations are for.
Your wedding planning checklist already has enough on it. “Completely change my body” does not need to be added.
“We Don’t Have Anything in Your Size.”
This one can haunt a bride before she even gets through the door.
Imagine getting excited to shop for your wedding dress only to discover that the boutique has very few gowns you can actually try on.
That experience can make you feel like your body is the problem.
It isn't.
The lack of options is the problem.
Curvy brides deserve to walk into a bridal boutique and have gowns available to actually explore, not be handed a catalog and told to imagine what something might look like.
At Ivory & Main, our 600+ samples range from sizes 10–32, so our brides can experience a much wider variety of gowns during their appointment.
“Just Imagine What It Will Look Like.”
Ah yes. The classic bridal shopping experience:
Here is a gorgeous gown you love.
Unfortunately, we don't have it in a size you can try.
But just imagine it!
No thank you.
Your imagination should not have to do all the heavy lifting.
We believe brides should have the opportunity to see, feel, and experience their gowns as much as possible.
Because there is a big difference between looking at a photo and actually seeing yourself walking around in the dress.
“You Probably Don’t Want Something That Fitted.”
Says who?!
Curvy brides can wear fitted gowns.
Curvy brides can wear ballgowns.
Curvy brides can wear A-lines, sheaths, mermaids, basque waists, strapless gowns, sleeves, plunging necklines, dramatic trains, sparkle, lace, satin and pretty much anything else they want.
The idea that there is one magical silhouette that every curvy bride is supposed to wear?
Please leave it at the haunted house entrance.
Your body does not determine your bridal style. You do.
“You Should Cover Your Arms.”
This one is getting buried six feet underground.
If you WANT sleeves, fantastic!
If you want a strapless gown, also fantastic!
If you want off-the-shoulder, spaghetti straps, cap sleeves, long sleeves, a detachable jacket, or absolutely nothing covering your arms?
Your arms are invited to the wedding. You don't need to hide them.
“That Style Isn't for Curvy Brides.”
This one has been haunting bridal fashion for far too long.
There are so many outdated ideas about what plus-size and curvy women are “supposed” to wear.
And we're over it.
Your size does not come with a mandatory dress code.
Want sparkle? Wear sparkle.
Want a giant ballgown? Let's get dramatic.
Want something sleek and fitted? Let's try it.
Want something completely unexpected? Even better.
The Fear That You’ll Be the “Hard” Bride to Dress
You are not difficult because you need a larger size.
You are not difficult because you have questions.
You are not difficult because you want to see yourself in a gown before ordering it.
You are not difficult because you have preferences.
You are not difficult because you want to feel comfortable.
You are a bride and you deserve to be treated like one.
Let’s Bury These Bridal Rules for Good
The haunted house can keep all of these outdated ideas.
Because your wedding dress shopping experience should not be about figuring out how to make your body acceptable for bridal fashion.
It should be about finding a gown that makes you feel like yourself, but maybe with a little more sparkle.
At Ivory & Main Curvy Bridal Boutique, we believe curvy brides deserve options, support, and an appointment experience where they can actually enjoy shopping for their wedding dress.
So this Halloween, we're locking these bridal nightmares away.
No body-shaming.No “you should cover that.”No “imagine what it will look like.”No shrinking yourself to fit someone else's idea of a bride.
Just gowns, choices, and a whole lot of celebrating the bride standing in front of us.
Happy Halloween, Curvy Brides.
May your only bridal nightmare be accidentally stepping on your train.
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