The Guide to Being a Plus Size Wedding Guest (or MOB)

I used to think that buying a dress that I'd probably never wear again was a requirement for attending a wedding. How else will the bride know how happy I am for her? It would be rude to show up in a dress I'd worn before. It's one of those things that seemed absolutely true until I realized how ridiculous it is. 

At my own wedding, I barely noticed what the guests were wearing. All I cared about was that they were there. I was an especially laid back bride, but I have to assume that most of them don't really pay attention to what everyone else is wearing. Some brides may have definite opinions on what the Mother of the Bride or the Mother of the Groom wear, and others (like me) just want the moms to wear something they like.

You may still feel the need to wear something new to a wedding. It does feel a little less special to wear a dress you've been wearing for months. Though I won't tell anyone if you just dive into your closet for an outfit.

The key is to wear something in a classic style that you can wear again and again after the wedding. Vikki Vi's Maxi Tank Dress with a matching Kimono Jacket makes a stunning outfit that's perfect for attending a wedding. Mothers of the Bride or Groom may want to add some glitz in the form of fabulous jewelry or a statement jacket. Later, you can wear the dress on its own, with the Kimono Jacket, a Shawl Collar Jacket or even a contrasting Blazer. 

Several customers have told us that their Mother of the Bride outfits were Vikki Vi classics - their outfits looked great in photos and were a much better investment than a fluffy or beaded dress.

If you wear a different size on the top and bottom, just substitute a Straight Maxi Skirt and Sleeveless Shell. 

If you're going to a wedding, you'll be posing for photos. Not in the wedding party? You're still having several cameras pointed at you over the course of the event. These photos are going to show up on social media, in the bride and groom's wedding album, and in picture frames on the mantel.

Obviously, you want to look your best at photo time. It's all about the posture. Resist the temptation to lean into other people in an effort to fit more people in the photo. If someone in the photo is sitting, don't lean down to get your face close to theirs. I don't know about you, but my double chin is much more likely to make an appearance when I don't stand up straight. Stand tall and you'll look elegant. 

Anyone who comments on what you're eating at any catered event is a monster. Teams of chefs worked hard to make those hors d'oeuvres a reality. The bride and groom selected each dish. Someone is paying a fortune for it all. If anyone comes up to you and asks if you really need to be eating that crab puff, you have my permission to answer "yes!" and shove the whole thing into your mouth. 

Food shaming is about the person speaking, not the person eating. Don't let it keep you from the cheese tray.

Have Fun

Wedding are such big events that it's easy to forget that you're supposed to be having a good time. You're wearing the perfect outfit, you know you'll look fabulous in all the photos, and you get wedding cake at the end. Relax and enjoy the party.

Check out our other posts about plus size wedding guest dresses.