Rubenesque Bridal was inspired by my own experience buying my wedding dress.

Like many other woman over a certain size, I put off looking for my dress so that I could lose just one more pound! Some how losing one more pound would mean that I wouldn't be so embarrassed trying on dresses and the shop I chose might just have something I could try on.

I knew that I didn't want to have a dress made for me. I had a dreadful experience getting a bridesmaid dress made and didn't want the same thing to happen again!! So I had no choice but to venture out into bridal shops.

The first shop I tried was not a good experience. Like many other bridal shops they can order certain dresses in larger sizes but do not have any in the shop to try on. Out of approx 50 dresses they only had 6 available in larger sizes. Not a huge selection. Trying them on was a nightmare. Some of the dresses were a size 12 and I wasn't allowed to even try and squeeze into them and had to stick my head through the hanger and imagine what they would look like!! Hardly the way I thought I would choose my wedding dress.

The second shop I tried was even worse. You had to sit in a chair and not even touch the dresses unless an assistant brought the dress to you!

I soon realised that many bridal shops say they cater for all sizes but don't actually have any larger sizes in the shop, but are more than happy for you to pay for a dress that you have not been able to try on!

Finally I found a shop that had 10 dresses ranging from size 20 to 32 and I managed to find something that I liked. The assistant explained that they sell to a considerable number of plus size brides but yet they didn't stock that many plus size dresses.

My experience got me thinking. Why just because you are size 16 plus, should you not have the same experience shopping for your wedding dress, as someone who fits the sample size dresses they have in the stores? So, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and start my own boutique.

The aim of Rubenesque Bridal is to give brides and bridesmaids who are size sixteen plus, the same shopping experience as those size 16 and under. All the dresses in the boutique are size 16 and up. I have worked with some of the best known names in bridal wear to put together a collection of dresses specifically designed for those over a size 16.

I promise that no one will be made to feel awkward trying on dresses at Rubenesque Bridal, all you will experience is excellent customer service. I want everyone who shops with me to feel that they are special and valued, and to have a wonderful experience shopping for their big day!

Jan