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Feeling gorgeous on that most special day – that’s what every bride wants to experience. Unfortunately, the goal can be difficult to accomplish.

Studies suggest that few brides feel confident in their skin. Numerous ladies go on a pre-wedding weight loss journey. Both men and women feel pressured by society to conform and achieve a certain body ideal that may be far from realistic.

Luckily, body positivity is starting to change the rules of the game. While feeling super comfortable in one’s skin takes time and a change of mindset, body positivity is having a massive influence on numerous industries. It is transforming the world of fashion. Bridal fashion specifically is becoming more inclusive, offering representation for all shapes, sizes, and body types.

Why Body Positivity Is So Important

By age 13, 53 percent of girls in America are already dissatisfied with their body, research by the National Organization for Women (NOW) shows. When it comes to adult women, 28.7 percent feel dissatisfied with their body and 32.6 percent are self-conscious about their looks.

Media have shaped unrealistic expectations of beauty and the perfect body type. This ideal is unachievable for the vast majority of women. Body positivity is attempting to change this narrative one step at a time.

A positive body image empowers, inspires, and allows for a healthy, fulfilling existence.

Few people know that the body positivity movement dates back to the 1850s. Women first started rebelling against corsets and other contraptions meant to change the appearance of their natural bodies.

Body positivity has become particularly prominent ever since the 1990s. The official establishment of the movement occurred in 1996. Connie Sobczak undertook the important task of changing society’s perception of beauty after struggling with a serious eating disorder.

Today, body positivity is pushing for inclusivity and respect for all kinds of bodies. It has had a massive impact on fashion, forcing brands to start offering their designs in a wider range of sizes. Body positivity’s mission, however, expands beyond such inclusivity. It pushes for an end to body stigmatization, improved healthcare access, and better opportunities for everyone (regardless of their experience).

The Sad Facts about Body Dysmorphia

Being dissatisfied with one’s appearance and having unrealistic ideals is often linked to a problem known as body dysmorphia.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that has a person fixating on their appearance flaws (whether these are real or perceived).

The causes of body dysmorphia are numerous. Bullying, perfectionism, a fear of being rejected, unrealistic self-perception, and some genetic/individual characteristics can all contribute to the condition.

BDD supposedly affects 2.4 percent of adults in the US. The numbers, however, could be more significant than that. There’s a simple reason for the phenomenon – many people dealing with body dysmorphia will never get an official diagnosis or professional assistance.

Embracing a Positive Body Image on Your Wedding Day

Feeling confident and happy are both prerequisites for a stellar wedding day. To embrace body positivity and be the star of the show, you can do a couple of simple things.

For a start, don’t start stressing out and considering massive body changes. Starting the diet and intense exercise cycle will only make you feel more dissatisfied and pressured to perform in a certain way. Instead, look for a wedding boutique that caters to all body types and has flattering creations meant to make a girl feel like a princess.

To get the most perfect dress, experiment with different styles and discover the one that feels most flattering. Decide which feature you’d like to accentuate – your long legs, waist, curvy body, or beautiful neck. There are designs meant to make these beautiful features even more appealing.

You should never shop for the wedding dress size you’d like to achieve – choose the dress size you are right now. Even if your body changes by the time your special day comes, there are easy options to make adjustments and tailor the gown.

Finally, surround yourself with positive influences. Your bridal party should consist of women who uplift and inspire you. Set clear boundaries for parents, in-laws, and relatives. Let people know not to cross lines, as far as weight loss and your body are concerned. If everyone is on the same page, you’ll find it much easier to have a positive experience.

The Bridal Fashion Industry Is Responding to Body Positivity Trends

The good news is that many designers and bridal boutiques are starting to shake up the industry and give all brides exceptional choices.

Numerous young designers have started creating wedding gowns for plus-sized and more curvaceous brides. These designs accommodate individual characteristics and make all bodies look spectacular.

These brands are registering exceptional success, which is inspiring other fashion brands to become more inclusive.

The inclusive sizing revolution started a few years ago. More and more brands are joining, creating plus-sized collections, as well as designs meant to fit other individual characteristics (petite ladies, curvaceous ladies, etc.).

There’s still a long way to go, especially when it comes to bridal fashion. According to The Knot, out of 35 events that occurred during New York Bridal Fashion Week, only one featured a curvy model. The narrative hasn’t been completely changed yet but we are taking steps in a positive direction. Hopefully, brides will soon feel incredible by default when doing dress shopping. They’ll also have a bigger range of models and sizes than ever before, easily pinpointing the perfect wedding dress.

Tips for Body Positive Wedding Dress Shopping

Shopping for the body you have now is the number one essential for a fulfilling wedding dress shopping experience.

A few other things you can do to have a great time include:

· Stop comparing yourself to other brides

· Stop comparing yourself to images you see in magazines and on social media

· Let your bridal consultant know what you’re looking for and what your main insecurities are

· Do your hair and makeup (or anything else that makes you feel good) before going wedding dress shopping

· Have some idea about the problems you may encounter while shopping (having to spend too much on a properly tailored dress, not looking good in some of the most popular bridal designs, feeling disappointment when having an ill-fitting dress on)

Doing some research, being prepared, having supportive friends, and choosing the right wedding dress boutique will all be the keys to an amazing experience. Remember – it’s ok to lose confidence every once in a while. Still, knowing what you look like and accepting your body the way it is will help you shine bright and look spectacular when saying your “I do.”

Author Bio:Jonah Levine is the Creative Director of TheDressWarehouse.com. TheDressWarehouse.com was launched in 2018 as the go-to online source for amazing designer dresses at affordable prices. With 10 years of experience in the industry, Jonah works daily to scour the markets to find the hottest styles and negotiate the best prices for special occasion wear on the internet.

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