A common question from readers that I get is, "I'm plus size and I have a wedding to attend. What do I wear?"  As plus size women sometimes what should be an easy fashion situation to figure out turns into an ordeal. I'm here to shed a little light on what you can wear to a friend or loved one's upcoming nuptials.  

First thing is that you need to figure out what type of ceremony the couple will be having.

 Generally, the invitation will give you insight as to what type of wedding it will be.  Be sure to check any sort of theme and take that into consideration as you are making your attire selection.   Themed weddings are extremely popular now.  For example, a country chic themed wedding may allow you wear cowboy boots and a sun dress, whereas a Cinderella themed would give you a sense that the wedding will be on the formal side.  

Evening weddings are generally more formal.  Full length and cocktail dresses are appropriate.  You want to choose a material that has a sheen or shine. Think silks, chiffon, taffeta, and satin.  These tend to look fancier and event appropriate.  Personally, my favorite place for evening dresses is LightintheBox.com.  They have a variety of beautiful dresses for all occasions.  Add in a sparkly clutch and you are ready.  

Then you have daytime weddings that are usually less formal. When I think daytime weddings.  I think cotton or a lightweight fabric in spring colors, unless it's a fall/winter wedding, in a knee length.

Something like the Modcloth pictured on the right, would be perfect for such a wedding. 

Destination weddings, especially ones held in the tropics, generally call for flow-y beach inspired attire.  Think maxi dress and sandals.  These weddings are generally very relaxed even when it comes to the bride and groom, so you can be as well. Beautiful plus size maxi dresses can be found at Igigi, Kiyonna, and SwakDesigns.    

Let's just say you still can't figure out what to wear.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a fit and flare dress knee length dress. This may be something that you already own and looks good on a variety of body types, but if you don't, this should be an easy score.  Although, I don't advise last minute shopping for your wedding guest attire, a quick trip to the plus size sections of Nordstrom, Macys, and Lord & Taylor would be excellent places to find such a dress. 

So you may ask, are dresses the only option.  No, you could do a skirt/blouse combo or you can even do pants. Some women don't like skirts and dresses, but may feel that pants aren't a "dressed up" enough option. I say if you are going to do pants, a pants/jacket is an easy option.  Talbots has the perfect example here.  The jacket has beaded detail and the pants are a silk/cotton combo, so it will give your suit a lustrous sheen. If you are doing a pants suit, you want to make sure that your look says wedding attire.  These are when beautiful details, liked jeweled brooches, beaded collars, and satin shoes can be added.  Since it's a wedding, make your pants suit as fancy as you like. 

I know I have a few coming up this next year, so I'll be searching these places myself for my looks.  Just remember to not make the task harder than it is.  Give yourself enough time to search, purchase, and possibly ship.  I always suggest at least a month before the event.  I hope this helps you decide on what to wear to that next wedding.  As always, happy shopping!