Calling all *Curvacious* women!!

So I have a couple of questions for those of you who have already went dress shopping. I know I need to make an appointment to do this soon which is exciting but I'm also kind of nervous Being a bigger girl, I'm not exactly comfortable getting dressed/undressed in front of someone I don't even know, but I know a lot of dresses will require that I have someone helping me with corset backs, zippers, etc. Does the sales person actually stay in the dressing room with you while you are changing? Or do they just come in when you need help with the zipper, etc? I know it sounds silly, but I'm totally freaked out by this.

And what are you supposed to wear when you go to try on dresses for the first time - as in what type of bra, etc? I don't even own a strapless bra right now, but I know there are some strapless dresses that I want to try on. But I'd hate to buy a strapless bra just for this and then what if I don't buy a strapless dress? I'll never use that damn bra again, lol. Or will they tell me all of this when I make my appointment?

I'm just wondering what to expect

Heather- I have gone a couple of places now and at the higher end boutiques the lady was in the dressing room the whole time helping. When we went to David's bridal the lady was only in the dressing room part of the time, depending on the dress I suppose. I would just plan on someone being in there the whole time to help you. That said, I feel awkward too. You would think after having 2 children my modesty would not be an issue!

As for what to wear.. you are suppose to wear whatever type of undergarments that you plan to wear with your dress, like a strapless bra. But some of the places I went had some that you could borrow to try on dresses. So if you really don't want to buy one you could try that, however I would be worried about them having my size. KWIM?

Try to relax, these ladies have seem women of all shapes and sizes. Try and have fun and good luck finding your dress!

The lower end places I went took a hint from you and either let you get the dress on your self and came in to help you zip up etc. But at the higher end places they put the dress on you are in there the entire time. At first I felt a little modest but after dress like 20 I did not care at all. They see this stuff all day everyday, in all shapes and sizes.

One thing I did also when hunting for dresses was wear my hair up and makeup on and no sweat socks or such. I wanted to look as close to how I would look on my wedding day. I wanted to feel good and pretty so that when I tried on dresses I did not feel like a frump in a wedding dress! This helped a lot, plus after 20 dresses you are sweating and having your hair up helps!

Hi girls!

I have just been reading up on this forum! what greatadvice, I cant believe how many of my anxieties are shared by all of you,makes me feel so much better about everything!

I know I totally missed the boat onrecommending fashion stores for big girls - but there is an australian store (they ship internationally) who specialise in plus size for 18-30. their clothes are amazing... anyway, its name is City Chic - link below, just remember that if you guys are ordering - sizes in Australia are different to the US,UK and Canada (just to be difficult) I would look at their measurements on the website to be sure, but I'm and aussie 18/20 and in the US I buy 14/16.

City Chic - home - Australia?s leading high end plus size fashion retailer

anyway just thought I'd share!

I'm looking at gowns online - everyone I love they dont sell in Aujstralia! its so frustrating! Maggie S doesn't sell her destination collection here, and we can't get allure designs either! If I dont stop falling in love with thse dresses I'm going to have to face the prospect of ordering a dress ive never seen or tried on!!!

Heather - Unfortunately I can't give you much information as I had my dress made and didn't go through the dress shopping experience but I think the advice that the other girls gave was great!

Tata - that's good advice about the hair/make-up. Who wouldn't want to be all prettied up trying on dresses for the big day! I love that idea!

Jo - you'll love it here!! Thanks so much for the link. I'll have to check it out later.

Steph - thanks so much girl for the diet plan thing. I'm on day 2 and still alive! lol

Lisa- The first week is the hardest! By day 3 I would have killed someone for a Coke and French Fries! After the first week its easier! Good Luck!