top of page

It's A Curvy Thing

Welcome to the Ivory & Main blog.  Intended for the Curvy Bride, This blog will serve as a positive resource to help our fellow curvy beauties navigate the sometimes rocky waters of Bridal gown shopping.  We will also post some fun and interesting interviews and insight, along with stories from other brides like yourself,  you have options.  Looking and feeling beautiful isn't about size, it's a mindset.  

​

Home of the

Curvy

God Mothers!

​

Follow the ladies here for all their fun tips and Advice!

Search

Vow Ready, Weather Steady: Your Curvy Godmothers’ Guide to Dress Prepping for Any Forecast

  • Elle
  • Apr 16
  • 14 min read

Updated: Apr 17


Woman in a white wedding dress with bouquet, smiling outside a stone building. Green bushes and stone walls add a charming backdrop.

We've seen it all; Between gusts of wind nearly decimating a 3-hour updo, pre-ceremony pictures in a stunning but shade-free park on a clear 102 degree day, mud from a surprise storm that threatened to swallow heels whole, to a winter chill that had bridesmaids shaking more than the espresso martinis on the bachelorette trip–we've earned our stripes, steamer burns and a life-long relationship with boob-tape.


Mother Nature can be the ultimate drama queen. Like a flower girl without a nap or that special wedding guest you’re kinda worried about, no matter the location or season, weather has its own plans. One minute, things are sunny & serene; the next, you’re clutching your veil that’s suddenly become a flight risk & your eyelashes are leaving the venue before you do. 


Oftentimes, in case of wedding emergencies, creating solutions on the go via trial by fire has become part and parcel of the job. Well, we didn't simply survive the trial. We did the time, filed the appeal and showed up to the post-sentencing hearing with better fabric choices.


Being weather-ready isn’t just about the forecast—it’s about choosing a dress that suits your venue and season and/or having smart day-of tricks to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. From fabric choices to last-minute fixes, a little prep means you’ll remain stunning, rain or shine.


As always, your Curvy Godmothers are here with the hacks to keep you & your dress looking flawless, regardless of what the skies pull.  Stay Vow Ready & Weather Steady because the only tears your Godmamas will allow on your wedding day are happy ones. 



Staying Elegant in the Elements


A wedding dress isn't solely about style–a great wedding dress should be your perfect blend of comfort, practicality, and drama that will keep you fabulous from “I Do” to your last dance. The right fabric makes it so you’re not sweating through satin, battling a wind-blown skirt on the coast, or dragging a mud-soaked lace train through a botanical garden. Even if your look calls for materials that aren't exactly weather-friendly (think chiffon in a snowstorm or satin in a heatwave), a little smart prep can save your look and the remnants of your sanity. 


We may not be doctors, but the amount of wedding-day meltdowns we’ve handled can rival that of an ER, and we’ve been binge-watching The Pit. Therefore, we recommend a prescription for preparation*. 


*Warning: Skipping dress preparation has been linked to spontaneous sweat pools, ugly crying, and sudden bursts of expletives directed at a broken zipper or innocent in-law. However, following our regimens can result in the following:


Comfort & Ease

Compatible fabrics keep you cool in the heat, warm in the cold, and unbothered by wind, rain, or humidity. 


Effortless Movement

Walking on sand, cobblestones, or through a forest? Lightweight, flexible fabrics help you glide rather than trip or struggle. Frost got you frigid? All good–you packed a shawl. 


Photo-Ready All Day: 

Some fabrics wrinkle at the slightest touch or show every water spot. Sounds like something that would irk you?  Choosing wisely means you stay picture-perfect without constant touch-ups.


Theme & Aesthetic Perfection

A sleek satin ballgown may look stunning in a ballroom but be out of place at a beach wedding. Fabrics that match your setting enhance the overall vibe of your day.


Less Stress, More Fun: 

When your dress works with your environment—not against it—you can focus on celebrating, not adjusting, fixing, or worrying.


A little foresight means your dress looks stunning, feels amazing, and lets you enjoy every moment—sans weather woes. We understand that our betrothed probably aren't as fixated on fabrics as we are, so we’ll break down climate-friendly textiles as we go.  



Sunny with a Chance of Serenity


  • Warm & Sunny Weddings (Spring/Summer, Beach, Outdoor Garden)

  • Hot & Humid Weddings (Tropical, Summer, Outdoor)


We recall a New Orleans wedding in June, complete with the traditional second-line parade under a blazing Louisiana sun with the best live brass band you’ve ever heard, playing us in as we danced from the ceremony space to the reception. Needless to say, time was had and everyone amassed sweat in places that, surprisingly (to them), produced moisture, unbeknownst to them. Our tricks ensured makeup stayed on while perspiration stayed away, and we were some of the only guests to escape the inevitable sweat tundra of the underprepared. So, believe us when we say that these tips are clutch for perspiration-proofing in a sunny locale.


Fabric Forecasting: 

Consider the time & place of your nuptials. Flowy fabrics like chiffon & tulle can be great for a beachy vibe, where you may opt for the structure of cotton, linen, and organza for a garden shin-dig. 


Chiffon

  • Lightweight, Airy, 

  • Soft & Breathable  (won’t feel as heavy as other fabrics in the heat)

  • Tons of Movement

  • Classic


Fitted for the Forecast: Best for Beach, Garden, or Outdoor Weddings with a Relaxed Vibe


Handle with Care: Chiffon wrinkles faster than a stressed-out wedding planner. We recommend steaming out any deep, stubborn creases before your event, keeping your garment hung up properly, and having a hand-steamer handy on the day-of.


Chiffon has also been known to snag jewelry and accessories. Try to leave all your accouterments off until you’re ceremony-ready, or try opting out of chandelier earrings and dangly jewels to avoid catching 


Tulle

  • Lightweight & Sheer, but can hold volume better than chiffon

  • Semi-Sheer for Buildability & De-layering options

  • Breathability with Structure

  • Perfect for Alternative Hems (ex: High-Low Dresses)


Fitted for the Forecast: Works for a floaty, whimsical look, romantic and grand without the weight


Handle with Care: Multiple layers can trap heat, so think about that during your bridal boutique appointments. There are three different types of Tulle (silk, nylon, and polyester), and layers of fabric can usually be removed without taking too much volume away from the dress. For even more ventilation, you can also discuss illusion panels or slits with your bridal stylist, ensuring you stay cool in Tulle.


Organza

  • Crisp

  • Elegant & Structured

  • More Breathable than Tulle

  • Adds Sheen without being Shiny


Fitted for the Forecast: This romantic fabric is a summer staple as it adds movement and dimension without the weight. Organza is ideal for overlays, flutter sleeves, and luxe layers. It’s a gorgeous choice for those warm weather weddings that still call for the drama of a ballgown or some elegant whimsy at a Garden Party.


Handle with Care: Organza can feel scratchy if not lined. If wrinkled, always steam on a low setting, never iron!

Make-Up Matters


We’ve had brides swear by refrigerating their day-of-skin care and make-up. We know the cold is great for the de-puff so if it can give you a cooling boost during a crazy morning, why not? Here are some other makeup tips to keep you fresh without having your makeup artist on call.


  • Doing a full make-up trial guarantees you don’t spin around to see your soft boho-makeup is more shabby-eek! than shabby-chic. A lot of makeup artists offer incentives for booking them for you and your bridal party. Some offer free or discounted trials. Either way, this means no surprises on your wedding morning   AND an excuse to make dinner plans with a full beat.



  • Prime That Face. Aside from your regular primer, mattifying gel is the secret day-of weapon to add to your arsenal. OC8’s Professional Mattifying Gel goes on after sunscreen and moisturizers and uses micro-particles to trap facial oil through some anti-sweat science stuff (for up to 8 hours!) that we totally, definitely understand.



  • Several pumps of setting spray and blow dryer (on a low-setting) will help laminate your look. For extreme humidity, we recommend airbrushed makeup.


  • Think about an up-do/partial up-do if having your hair loose is prone to making you sweaty & uncomfortable.


Beat the Heat


Preventing sweat before it is cascading down an area you simply cannot reach, is more than half the battle. Talc-free cornstarch/powder or chafing gel for those thick thighs that save lives! We love Monistat’s Chafing Relief Powder Gel. It goes on like a silky gel, dries like a powder, and works pretty much everywhere.


Albeit dramatic paper or personal battery-operated ones, fans are a must on hot days. We live for a custom parasol or foldable fan. Making these available for guests during your ceremony turns sweet heat relief into a uniquely useful wedding favor. 


  • Chafing Gel/Powder (Talc-Free!)

  • Body Deodorant 

  • Fans

  • Parasol/Small Umbrella 

  • Sweat-absorbing/resistant Undergarments 



Spare Those Tootsies! 


Your wedding is a marathon day where you'll be on your feet for most of it, and all that standing leads to swelling. But if you want those pretty puppies to make it to the afterparty, lean toward open-toe sandals, espadrilles, or breathable low-heels. Strappy sandals, block heels, or ballet flats are a good alternative when you need more coverage in a warm-weather shoe.  We highly suggest breaking in your shoes beforehand. You can speed up the stretch by wearing your shoes around a carpeted area with thick socks. Going up half a size could help too!


  • Avoid heavy materials that trap heat (i.e. leather,suede)

  • Consider Foot Antiperspirant 

  • Use Thin Gel Inserts between Straps

  • Pack Comfortable Back-up Footwear



Last Minute Logistics


  • Spritz Hair w/ Anti-frizz Spray 

  • Stay Shine-Free w/ Oil-Blotting Sheets

  • Stick Antiperspirant Along Your Hairline (it's a newscaster’s trick we've used with great success and a perfectly dry forehead)



Chilly, but Make it Chic 


  • Chilly & Cozy Weddings (Fall/Winter, Barn, Castle, Ballroom)


We know a few teas & hot toddies will warm up any winter’s day, but you’re probably not planning on double-fisting mule mugs before you exchange vows (unless you are, and in that case–no judgement). But staying warm for photos is imperative, so you don't speed through any “must have” outdoor moments from your wedding vision board…the one you made when you were probably a lot warmer.  

When it comes to winter wedding fabrics, you want warmth without bulk, elegance without overheating, and structure without stiffness. Some fabrics are perfect for glamorous ballroom vibes, while others shine in a cozy, snow-dusted elopement. Let’s break down which ones will have you looking stunning—without freezing!


Velvet 

  • The Regal Showstopper

  • Luxe & Heavyweight

  • Plush

  • Ultra-warm

  • Rich Texture

  • Old World Glamour

  • Drapes Beautifully with Structure


Fitted for the Forecast: Royal Inspired Gowns, Long sleeves, and Dramatic Winter Ball Gowns. Think of 1996’s Happy Holidays Barbie.


Handle With Care: Velvet can be heavy (not great for overheating indoors) and hard to steam if creased. The time it takes to get your dress aisle-ready could be unpredictable—we suggest you task this out or have it done before your wedding day. If all-over-velvet makes you feel too much like George Costanza draping himself in it, you can easily go more minimal. Velvet is a fantastic fabric choice for all of those small wintery details: overskirts, muffs, caplets, gloves, etc.


Satin

  •  The Timeless Classic

  •  Sleek, Glossy Finish= Quiet Luxury

  • Holds Structure for Fitted or Dramatic Silhouettes

  • Works Beautifully for Indoor or Outdoor Winter Weddings


Fitted for the Forecast: Classic Ball Gowns, Structured Mermaid Silhouettes, or Elegant A-lines.


Handle with Care: Satin– in all its beauty–is a stain magnet. Its simple elegance means it could be high maintenance in cold, damp, and snowy/muddy terrains. Think about a petticoat for lift if you're doing a ball gown, vintage hem-protector, or have a train wrangler ready to hold/bustle your dress during photos. Keep baby wipes, powder, or white chalk for covering stubborn stains that could spread if treated. 


Curvy Godmother Pro-Tip: Take a video of how your dress is bustled for reference.


Brocade

  • The Textured Stunner

  • Embossed/Jacquard-like Texture Feels Rich & Couture

  • Warmth & Drama without Looking Heavy

  • Less Common/Unique Winter Choice


Fitted for the Forecast: Brocade shines when structured!  For those blustery months, it offers warmth without losing its luxurious appeal. Calling all Brigerton Babes! Picture an off-the-shoulder ball gown that screams royalty without going full costume. Perhaps a boatneck a-line gown for simple sophistication or opt for romance-novel-realness with a brocade corset met with tulle, crepe or chiffon skirt at the waist.


Handle With Care: Brocade can feel stiff and less flowy than other fabrics. If you love the impact but crave more movement, go for a brocade blend, low-relief patterns, or strategic structuring with brocade as an accent or bodice. 


Crepe 

  • The Chic & Modern Minimalist

  • Soft, Lightweight but Warm—Perfect for a Sleek Look

  •  Drapes Beautifully/Minimal Clinging

  •  Matte finish = Timeless & Elegant


Fitted for the Forecast: While fab on its own, crepe also makes the ideal base for layering. It’s wrinkle-resistant and thinner of the warm fabrics, so your lush overcoat or ornate accessories won’t feel bulky over it.  A sheath dress with clean lines or a fitted silhouette with ruching that hugs your curves for a touch of modern drama? Chef’s Kiss


Handle With Care: The crisp-dry air of a winter wonderland may make crepe cling. Consider a slip underneath your dress or anti-static spray. 


We love crepe for its sleek modernity, but it’s not the warmest during chilly weddings. All the more reason to accessorize…


When in Doubt, Accessorize! 


  • Cold weather doesn't mean you have to get out your biggest parka for protection. Have items on hand that you can both layer for warmth & that wouldn't ruin your look. This could be a blazer, muff, shrug, faux-fur trimmed hood…you can live your best Mariah Carey and go full “All I Want for Christmas”-- or whatever other winter vibes you’re feeling. We loved a bride’s idea of using her grandmother’s vintage stole to surprise her wife with their new initials sewn on the inside lining. 

  • To keep those feet warm, try closed-toe pumps, velvet booties, or embellished flats & Consider fleece-lined insoles for warmth

  • Nude stockings/fleece-lined nude leggings can be an option to stop the draft of a dress

  • Keep hand warmers nearby for outdoor photos!


It’s Raining Zen, Hallelujah!


  • Rainy & Unpredictable Weddings (Spring/Fall, Outdoor, Destination)

  • Sun Showered Soirees 


Since water makes knots tighter, old wedding lore states that rain on your wedding day is actually good luck and not ironic like Alanis Morissette confusingly claimed.  While we love this sentiment over tying the knot, no one spends time and resources to have a rainout wedding rivaling the mud-pits of Woodstock ‘99. We can't think of many things worse than having to obsessively refresh the forecast report while you're trying to get into a celebratory headspace, and that’s why having a rain plan is so imperative. Planning for seasonal rain as a backup will allow you to give yourself a morning and mid-day rain report so you know what the day will call for. 


Don’t Let Rain Rewrite Your Reason 


All jokes aside, we know how terrifying it could be to wake up and see that your favorite local meteorologist is outright betraying you by predicting some rain on your wedding day. The first step is to take one of those deep breaths and hold it. Then let it go…the breath and your forecast fears. Your vision may undergo a small edit, but the most important part, where you’re sharing your commitment to one another, in front of the people who loved you both up into the couple that you've become. What’s a little rain when life is so sunny?


Romancing the Rain


Unless Charles Xavier and the rest of the X-Men are on your guest list, there’s nothing you can do to actually change the weather. So lean into the romance of it all: Soft Curls, misty photos, rain reflective shots–some of the most stellar wedding photos we’ve seen included a rain cameo that left us breathless.


  • Pack a Parasol/Umbrella 

  • Rain Boots/Shoe Protection

  • Have a rain plan for a completely outdoor space (indoor alternative/tent/awning)

  • Check out how prospective photographers shoot during inclement weather. 

  • Some Photogs. offer certain type of reshoots for important outdoor shots or alt location

  • Chat with your photographer as some offer a rain- alternative, that may include a reshoot for certain 


Dressing for Drizzles


Rain on your wedding day might be “good luck,” but mud-slicked hems and soggy skirts? Not so charming. Whether you’re walking down a garden aisle, a wooded trail, or a cobblestone courtyard, your fabric choice can save you from becoming one with the terrain. Here’s what holds up when the ground gets wet—and what to avoid if you like you’d enjoy your dress without a mud appliqué.


Mikado

  • Tightly woven and thick, so it won’t absorb moisture easily

  • Keeps Shape & Polish, Even Through Muddy Terrain

  • Weaving Makes Spot Cleaning Easier 


Fitted for the Forecast: Paired perfectly with Grand entrances on imperfect paths—think manor houses, historic venues, or cobblestone walkways. 


Handle with Care: Mikado is a structural stunner but not known for having a ton of fluidity.. If you want more bounce to your ounce in mikado, go full skirt with hidden layers or lightweight tulle or organza for some swishing and spinning. You can also choose a mikado dress with a bias cut or draped design or even aim for dresses that are mikado blends–these will have some give.


Tulle or Organza (Layered Smartly!)

Why it wins:

  • Light enough to float above wet ground when done in a shorter hem or layered with structure underneath

  • If the outer layer gets dirty, inner layers stay clean for photos

  • Dries fast and doesn’t cling like chiffon

  •  drama without dragging—works well with tea-length gowns, overlays, or detachable skirt


Satin*

We know what you’re thinking. Satin? In the mud? Are you ladies ok? Yes we’re fine but also hear us out!


Satin is ideal for drizzle, not a downpour. It’s ideal if you have both outdoor and indoor moments during your nuptials. Its finish still \ keeps its polish with some rain droplets.


Prep Work Takes Out the Guesswork!


  • Waterproof flats, dressy boots, or block heels. 

  • Avoid Satin Shoes (Hard to Spot Clean)

  • Bug Spray/Avoid Perfume until the ceremony 

  • Heel Covers are a great secret weapon against quicksanding into wet terrain 

  •  Stick to waterproof metals like platinum or gold—humidity can turn softer metals. If costume jewelry is a must, clear nail polish or spray paint before hand helps slow tarnishing from moisture 

  • Keep your hem in mind, and bustle it!



Ain't No Mountain High Enough…to Keep You From Calm


  • Mountain Weddings (clearly), Woodsy, Ethereal Earthiness, Enchanted Forest, etc. 


True Tea? The Twilight Era didn't just give us three guilty pleasure flicks featuring a few curious relationship dynamics, it gave the mountain event industry a full-blown makeover. Before Bella and Edward exchanged vows in a misty fever dream, “woodsy weddings” used to conjure up images of bugs & backup generators. Now, it's moody florals and elopements at elevation. One ethereally mossy wedding scene, and couples were flooding to get married underneath the pines. And this regrounding wedding vibe is still trending. Honestly? We’re not mad one bit. And the moss? Oh, honey, she’s booked six-months in advance.


What had the bigger impact is still up for debate: Twilight's cinematic impact or the innocent chantilly veils sacrificed via twig-shredding, by a well-meaning woodsy bride without her Curvy Godmothers’ tips? Luckily, we're here to keep you green & serene with all the woodsy wedding wisdom you need, to ensure your wedding feels like a dreamy stroll through the woods and not a rescue mission in formal wear.


Getting married in the woods, mountains, or a rustic outdoor setting? Your dress needs to be elegant but practical—flowy enough for dreamy photos, sturdy enough for uneven trails, and resistant to dirt, twigs, and whatever nature throws your way. The wrong fabric can snag, wrinkle, or make you sweat, while the right one will let you move freely and look flawless. Here’s how to choose wisely:


Nature-loving brides need fabrics that can handle twigs, terrain, and temperature shifts—while still looking ethereal in golden hour light.


Crepe

• Smooth, sturdy, and unfussy

• Doesn’t snag easily on branches or brush

• Keeps its shape and flatters without overwhelming


Cotton or Linen Blends

• Breathable and great for warmer months

• Has a relaxed, natural vibe that suits the scenery

• Works well for boho, rustic, or vintage-inspired gowns


Lace with structure! (like Alençon or Guipure)

• Adds texture and romance without being too delicate

• Can layer over sturdy fabrics for warmth and coverage

• Photographs beautifully in nature’s dappled light



Consider Us the Wind Beneath Your Veil 

 

  • Windy & Coastal Weddings (Beach, Cliffside, Destination)


Imagine carefully curating your wedding look down to the rhinestone, only to have your sparkly fascinator flailing in the sky like a balloon release. But of course, there are some ways to avoid any unexpected take-offs. Consider a veil alternative like a flower crown or jeweled headband—wind likes to tangle veils and those veils then love to get stuck in a nearby tree during portraits. So, if any part of your bridal look is on the flouncy side, talk to your seamstress about a weighted hem. Here are some sturdy & purdy!


Heavy Satin/Mikado

  • Structured Yet Wind Resistant

  • Holds Shape without Cling

  • Regal, Timeless Silhouette


Crepe

  • Strong Enough to Stay Put

  • Drapes Smoothly for Sleek Modern Look

  • Less Likely to Cause a Marilyn Monroe-esque Blow-up or Fly-Away


Structured Tulle (Layered or w/ Horsehair Trim)

  • Provides Soft Volume without being Wind-Blown

  • Adds Fairytale Feel That Behaves in a Breeze

  • Works Well Under Overskirts or as Subtle Detailing


Silk Organza

  • Natural Fibers Have Enough Weight for Control

  • Soft Movement without Chaos

  • Perfect for Elegant Windy Pics


Stay Grounded!


  • Barefoot Sandals, Embellished Flats, or a Wedge

  • Lightweight and secure jewelry (avoid long dangling earrings that could tangle)

  • Sturdy clips, Secured Tiaras, or Combs in Hair (that won’t get blown away)

  • Use extra-hold hairspray/avoid loose curls that could get messy in the wind

  • Bring Extra Bobby Pins



Listen, Mother Nature loves a grand entrance, but so do you—and only one of you is wearing couture. Rain, wind, heat? Please, darling, we’ve got your back and now you’ve got the hacks, the prep, and the attitude to handle it all without breaking a sweat (literally). So, keep your cool—and if the forecast gets dramatic, just smile and say it’s part of the aesthetic.


Comments

bottom of page