Plus size wedding guest dresses, made to your own measurements

Shapes that feel good all evening

A wedding means hours of sitting, eating, standing for photos and maybe dancing, so comfort matters as much as looks. These shapes work well for most plus size figures, and all of them can be made with full sleeves.

• Anarkali: close through the bust, with a flare from a high waist seam that skims the hips. See the anarkali suits.
• A-line frock: a long frock that widens gently from the chest, easy to sit in and very forgiving after a big meal
• Kaftan: one wide line from shoulder to floor, the most comfortable choice for a long dinner
• Long kameez with straight trousers: a clean, long line that looks smart and lets you move freely

Sleeves cut for your arms

Tight sleeves are the most common complaint with ready-made dresses. Because we cut to your upper arm and elbow measurements, the sleeve fits the arm you actually have, with room to lift a plate or hug a friend. If you want your arms covered but cool, ask for a sheer sleeve with a lining, or a looser bell sleeve.

Tell us how you like a sleeve to feel. Some people want it close and neat, others want some air around the arm. Both are easy when the pattern is drafted for you.

Colour, embroidery and the neckline

Wear the colour you love. Deep jewel tones such as emerald, royal blue and wine look rich at an evening event, and soft colours such as blush or sage suit a daytime nikah. Embroidery around the neckline and down the front draws the eye up and along, which many people like; work scattered all over the dress gives a fuller, more festive look. Neither is right or wrong.

A V neck or a deeper round neck tends to be more comfortable than a high, tight collar, especially in a warm hall. For more ideas, see our wedding guest dresses and our guides for the UK and the USA.

Measuring and ordering

Good measurements are what make a made-to-measure dress fit. Measure over the underwear you will wear on the day, keep the tape level, and ask someone to help with the back and shoulders. Our guide on how to measure for a plus size shalwar kameez goes through each one, and the size guide has the full list.

Then ask for a quote with a photo of the dress you like, or pick one of our designs on the custom frocks page. Making takes 5 to 7 working days once your quote is approved and paid in full, then we ship it to your door. Your quote includes delivery and any import duties and fees, and we cannot promise a delivery date, so order early.