Welcome to Plus Size Bridal Week—a celebration of the latest, greatest, and most game-changing options in plus size bridal fashion. All week long, we’re spotlighting the brands, resources, and expert tips that are helping plus size brides (and their besties) walk confidently down the aisle.
And when it comes to outfitting your bridal party in something that’s actually cute and genuinely size-inclusive, one brand has quickly become a favorite: Bridal Babes. Known for their fashion-forward designs, commitment to representation, and sizing that runs up to 5X, they’ve created a bridesmaid experience that celebrates curves without compromise. Whether you caught their Shark Tank appearance or are just discovering them now, Bridal Babes is a brand every bride-to-be should have on her radar.
When it comes to outfitting your bridal party, finding dresses that are actually cute and size-inclusive can feel like mission impossible. But this brand is changing that narrative with curves, confidence, and couture-inspired style—meet Bridal Babes, the game-changing bridesmaid company that’s as committed to inclusivity as it is to bold and playful style.
A Brand Born From Real Bridesmaid Struggles
Bridal Babes was founded by power couple Ashley and Charles Young, who knew the bridal industry needed a serious shake-up. After watching loved ones struggle to find modern, flattering bridesmaid options—especially for her plus size bridesmaids—they decided to build something about it.
“We wanted to create a brand that celebrates all women, regardless of size or skin tone. Our goal is to make every bridesmaid feel confident and beautiful.” —Ashley Young, from her interview with Hampton University.
And they meant it: Bridal Babes carries sizes from Small to 5X, and they’ve been thinking about inclusivity from day one—not as a marketing strategy, but as a mission.
Ashley shared that creating a stylish, size-inclusive line wasn’t as simple as scaling up straight sizes. “From the beginning, we set out to create gowns that actually fit curvier women—without compromise. One of the biggest challenges was breaking away from the traditional fashion production model, where “plus size” was often treated as an afterthought. We knew we had to go deeper—rethinking design patterns, proportions, and fabric choices from the ground up.”
That approach led to a signature breakthrough: “The breakthrough came when we developed our signature stretch satin fabric. It gave us the ability to create gowns that hugged and honored curves, without sacrificing comfort. Suddenly, our customers weren’t just settling for what fit—they were choosing what made them feel beautiful. That shift in confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.”
Bridal Babes Making Moves on Shark Tank
Bridal Babes didn’t just quietly drop into the market—they showed up and showed out on Season 14 of Shark Tank, where they landed a deal with none other than Emma Grede, co-founder of Good American and a leading voice in inclusive fashion. That partnership added fuel to their mission and helped spotlight the need for better options in the bridal space. With Emma’s backing and guidance, Bridal Babes gained more visibility—and even more momentum in leading a body-positive revolution in bridal fashion.
Why Size-Inclusive Bridesmaid Fashion Is Non-Negotiable
Let’s talk facts: 67% of American women wear a size 14 or higher, yet the vast majority of bridesmaid brands still stop at XL—or worse, charge extra for extended sizes. That disconnect leaves too many bridesmaids feeling like an afterthought.
Bridal Babes is flipping that script. With styles that go up to 5X (comparable in fit to Torrid’s 3X), they’re showing that plus size fashion and style doesn’t mean compromising on fashion or fit. It is important to note that bridesmaid dress sizes often run differently than your everyday clothing. Don’t be surprised if you measure into a size or two above your typical off-the-rack fit—it’s completely normal in formalwear!
Bridal and bridesmaid sizing is based on industry-specific size charts, not standard ready-to-wear measurements. The most important thing is focusing on the fit, not the number on the tag. Always measure yourself carefully (bust, waist, and hips) and compare your measurements to the brand’s size chart before ordering.
Ashley offers thoughtful advice for plus size bridesmaids navigating their first bridal party: “First, you deserve to feel just as beautiful and celebrated as anyone else in the bridal party. Confidence starts with fit—don’t settle for a dress that wasn’t made with your body in mind. Seek out brands (like Bridal Babes!) that specialize in inclusive sizing and understand the nuances of curvy fashion.”
She also emphasized self-advocacy: “Don’t be afraid to speak up during the styling process. Whether that means asking for a different neckline, adding straps for support, or requesting extra room in the hips, your comfort matters. And finally—practice your power pose in the mirror, put on that dress, and remind yourself that you’re not just wearing a gown—you’re showing up in full glam for someone you love. That’s a beautiful thing.”
Fabric Matters: Stretch Satin Over Chiffon
One of the smartest design decisions Bridal Babes made? Choosing stretch satin over the traditional chiffon that dominates bridesmaid racks. Not only does it photograph like a dream, but it hugs the body in all the right places without clinging where it shouldn’t. Stretch satin offers structure and comfort, especially for curvier bodies—chiffon, by contrast, can be unforgiving and shapeless.
Image via Bridal Babes
“Traditional bridesmaid fabrics like chiffon and tulle may look delicate, but they’re not always kind to curves,” Ashley said. “They tend to cling in the wrong places or fall flat without structure.”
Instead, stretch satin delivered what curvy bodies needed: “It sculpts, supports, and moves with the body. It gives a luxe, red carpet feel while still being breathable and forgiving. For our curvy clients, it means no tugging, no pinching, and no sacrificing style for comfort. It’s a fabric that celebrates the body instead of trying to hide it.”
Styling a Bridal Party, the Bridal Babes Way
Mix-and-match bridesmaid styling is everywhere right now—and Bridal Babes has made it not only easy but empowering. Their coordinated colorways and fabric ensure every member of the party can wear what flatters them best, without sacrificing cohesion.
Ashley broke it down: “We launched our first mix-and-match collection in 2021 and truly believe in this approach because it allows each person to choose a silhouette that celebrates their best features. The key to keeping the look cohesive is unifying elements like fabric, color, and overall vibe.”
The Renee Gown at BridalBabes.com
“Our mix-and-match options are made from the same stretch satin in coordinated colorways, so every woman can shine in a style that suits her without clashing with the group. We always suggest that brides select 2–3 flattering styles and let the bridal party select from those. Our virtual and in-person stylists help guide this process to make sure everyone feels amazing—and the photos turn out stunning.”
Flipping the Bridal Industry Script
Despite the majority of U.S. women wearing a size 14 or higher, the bridal industry has historically sidelined plus-size customers—offering fewer styles, less access, and little celebration. On top of that, the bridesmaid dress market was valued at $2.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $3.5 billion by 2032 (DataIntelo). Despite this massive opportunity, few brands are meeting the moment with the size range, style savvy, and inclusivity today’s bridal parties deserve. Bridal Babes is carving out a lane all their own.
Ashley doesn’t sugarcoat the problem: “The bridal industry has long catered to a narrow vision of beauty, often rooted in outdated ideals about size and shape. For too long, curvy women were an afterthought—offered limited styles, unflattering fits, or asked to ‘make it work’ with custom alterations and uncomfortable fabrics.”
“At Bridal Babes, we’ve flipped that script. Curvy women are not an exception—they’re the norm. We start every design process with inclusivity in mind, using real customer feedback and body diversity as our guide. We don’t just ‘add sizes’ to a collection—we build gowns that prioritize comfort, confidence, and high fashion at every size.”
And it’s not just about dresses—it’s about representation: “Through our viral content, real-customer features, and size-inclusive designs, we’re changing the narrative of what bridesmaid beauty looks like. And the industry is finally starting to catch up because representation isn’t optional—it’s essential. And we’re proud to be leading a shift where every bridesmaid, regardless of size, feels like the main character.”
Learn More and Shop at BridalBabes.co!
With bold colorways, body-loving silhouettes, and mix-and-match options, Bridal Babes makes it easy to coordinate a bridal party that’s fashion-forward and figure-flattering. They take the guesswork out of styling and give every bridesmaid a moment to shine.
Ashley and Charles didn’t just create cute dresses—they built a brand that represents. And the industry is taking notes.
Bottom line? Bridal Babes is the bridesmaid brand to know. They’ve married inclusivity with style, and the result is a collection that celebrates every curve, every shade, and every story. Whether you’re styling your bridal party or standing in someone else’s, Bridal Babes has the fit, the fabric, and the fashion to match your moment.
This article, Bridal Babes Is Here to Level Up the Plus Size Bridesmaid Game—From Size 5X to Shark Tank first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Editorial Staff.
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