Real Bride Sara | Shopping as a Plus Size Bride
Sara came to Bijoux feeling anxious about wedding dress shopping as a plus-size bride, and here’s how she found not just a dress, but an experience that changed everything.
a look back at sara’s “say yes” moment
Let’s be real, wedding dress shopping can feel so intimidating, especially when you’re not seeing your body type represented. That’s exactly how plus-size bride Sara felt before she found us.
In her own words? “I felt horrible, like I wasn’t worthy to be a bride at my size.”
Heart-breaking, and sadly, she’s not alone. So many plus-size brides feel that same anxiety walking into stores that don’t stock inclusive sample sizes.
But then Sara came to Bijoux, and everything changed!
She found a space where she felt celebrated, not judged. A team that hyped her up. And most importantly? She found the dress.
Want to see how it all unfolded? Read her story below.
HOW DID YOU FIND SHOPPING FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS?
“Wedding dress shopping was the part of the experience I was least looking forward to, which makes me so sad to say now!
I’m a plus size girl and shopping for dresses just showed me dresses on models that would not compare to how I look. I was never able to get a true picture for how a dress would suit my body shape. It also reiterated this idea of brides must be skinny, which is so harmful.
It made me feel horrible, like I was not worthy to be a bride if I was to be the size I am.
I looked in some other stores that had on the rack dresses in Glasgow, but never tried any on as it was the same old story – only smaller sizes available. So I avoided the dress experience for as long as I could…
Until I found Bijoux!”
HOW DID YOU FEEL BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT AT BIJOUX?
“I was so nervous before my appointment at Bijoux. This was only due to negative feelings of low self worth from before the appointment.
But I had read the reviews, watched the Instagram stories, and seen other real brides to know that I was going to be in good hands here.
Rachel was a breath of fresh air from the moment I met her. She reassured me when she could see I was feeling nervous, and was so confident she knew what I was looking for. She pulled some dresses for me, of differing styles, fabrics, necklines and so on.
From the first 3 dresses I explained what I liked and disliked on each, and Rachel seemed to understand the assignment, as my dress was number 4!
I couldn’t believe it after so much nerves that I would choose a dress that quickly!
I left the appointment SO excited to try my dress on again, and anticipating the final look.”
If YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
“My first piece of advice is visit Bijoux Bridal!
You will not be disappointed with the dresses and the spectacular service they provide.
I would research different places and figure out your vibe, look at the models – do they represent you? Are you able to picture yourself in a dress from what is advertised?
Go with your gut feeling!”
Inclusive sizing is so important to us at Bijoux Bridal. We want every bride to have a stress-free time shopping for their wedding dress without the worry of whether dresses will fit. Which is why we stock sample sizes in store from 6-36, meaning brides like Sara have the experience they deserve! Book your own experience here, or read more of Sara’s story below.
Bride Spotlight: Sara MCBAIN
Wedding Date: 01 June 2024
Wedding Dress: Style 7585 | Jovie (with added sleeves) by Stella York – Everybody/Everybride
Wedding Venue: Cornhill Castle
Photographer: Madhouse Weddings
SUPPLIER RECOMMENDATIONS
“Cornhill Castle is an INCREDIBLE venue! It’s obviously very beautiful inside and outside, which was a big selling feature for us. But the team that helped bring our day together are just amazing at what they do.
Sam at Madhouse Weddings (and second shooter Andy Hamilton photography) was the best decision we made relating to the wedding. She gave us the best vibes from the moment we met her. On the day she was like an extra wedding coordinator in how she helped to keep things on track. She also kept the mood so high, fun and encouraging the whole day. The best in the business!!!
Erin at Your Day Unplugged was our content creator, and she just added even more value to the on the day team, especially alongside our photographers. She was so friendly and comforting, and captured everything we were looking for!
Hair and makeup were done by the amazing ARK Bridal team. Amy and Nikki are just the dream duo! They perfected our look and had us ready ahead of schedule!
Our celebrant was Mark Reilly from Humanist Society Scotland. He would have been the first supplier we booked with but turns out his earliest was 2 years before… can you tell we were keen? He hit the mark on the vibe we were looking for. We liked the informal, funny and down to earth feel he brought to the ceremony. It was all laughs, love and banter for a solid 45 minutes! Our favourite part of the day was the ceremony thanks to Mark.
Vows Including Pets (Pauline) helped look after our crazy rescue Spaniel Cooper. She helped bring him down the aisle to give us the rings, said hello with wiggles and kisses to everyone before having some photos with us, and then had a sleepover at her house afterwards! Not a bad end of the bargain for him!
Kaleidoscope Duo were our drinks reception acoustic entertainment – a husband and wife guitar and singing duo. They were fantastic for our guests!”
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING
“I loved the humour and funny stories of our life together so far which were featured in the ceremony.
Cooper the Spaniel being our ring bearer.
Playing a mixture of punk rock and country music throughout the day.
The confetti throw in the sun.
The fun and candid style of photos being taken.
The acoustic music whilst guests drank cocktails.
The singing waiters got the party going during dinner.
Our moments alone for a walk around the grounds during sunset.
The photo booth fun and yummy crepe cart in the evening.
Special mention to the bath being run for us coming upstairs, my sore feet were very thankful!”
