Attention All Curvy Brides! Pretty Pear Bride Has All Your Wedding Needs Covered!

Shafonne Myers is a wedding and event planner who longed for bridal inspiration geared towards curvy women like herself. Not finding what she was looking for, she went ahead and created Pretty Pear Bride – the world’s only website and magazine that brings bridal inspiration to plus size and curvy brides. She’s been featured in Brides Magazine, Buzzfeed, and the Huffington Post. She frequently does speaking engagements and appearances educating the world about plus size brides and self confidence.

Check out our Q&A with the multi-faceted Shaffone Myers!

Natasha: What is the story behind the name Pretty Pear Bride?

Shafonne: When I started the business I wanted people to know that the magazine and blog was dedicated to plus size or curvy bride. 

Natasha: How did you decide to start your own bridal plus size magazine?

Shafonne:  When I married my husband in 2004, there was NOWHERE to go to find resources that I needed for my own wedding. When I started blogging about bridal, I knew there was a lack of information for the plus size bride. 

Natasha: What are the services you currently offer?

Shafonne: We offer the blog and a quarterly printed magazine that provides the resources and imagery needed for plus size brides. Additionally, we offer virtual consultations.

Natasha: What are some things curvy brides should be mindful of when shopping for a wedding dress?

Shafonne: 1) Go to a place that actually has your size. You should not be trying on dresses that can only stay up with clips or having the dress held up in front of you to “see” what you would look like in the dress.

2) You need to do your research! Don’t go into a store blind. You need a basis for what you are looking for ahead of time.

3) Know the prices. Wedding dresses are not cheap! When you do your research you will see the prices immediately. Are there some deals? Absolutely! But most likely you need to be prepared to pay what it costs to get the dress you want.

Natasha: Do you think there are enough options currently available for curvy brides?

Shafonne: YES! There are plenty of options available for the curvy bride if you take the time to look. If you go to a salon that caters to the plus size woman you will find hundreds of options. But, if you go to a place where they only have a plus size section you will have a lot less options.

Natasha: What are the average costs of a wedding or wedding dress? Do plus size dresses typically cost the same as straight size dresses?

Shafonne: The typical range for a wedding dress is $1,200 – $8,000. Can you find a dress at $1,000? Yes, but it is really hard! Plus, that range doesn’t include the costs for alterations. And, there are some companies that do upcharge for certain larger sizes offered. The average wedding costs currently range between $25,000 and $28,000. 

Natasha: What are your top retailers for plus size bridal dresses? 

Shafonne: I absolutely adore Watters! They really offer wonderful options for the curvy bride. Callista really offers designs for the actual plus size woman. And, I also adore the delicate and feminine options by Roz La Klein who is also based in Australia. 

Natasha: As a wedding planner, with all the stress involved in wedding planning, how do you help calm the nerves of the bride to make sure she’s enjoying her big day?

Shafonne: Typically, the stress that is created is by certain people. You would be surprised how you can eliminate stress by getting rid of people or negative imagery in your life.

Natasha: What are some of the most interesting themed weddings you’ve come across?

Shafonne: Recently, I saw some very tasteful and cool Halloween themed weddings. I have also seen some cool Game of Thrones or Medieval themed weddings. Now, more weddings are personalized and incorporating interests of both the bride and the groom. I am really liking this new trend.

Natasha: How was your wedding day? Would you have changed anything?

Shafonne: We celebrated our 11 year anniversary this year and we were just talking about our wedding and possibly doing a redo. I loved my dress but there are definitely things I would have done differently.

I still remember when I got engaged to my college sweetheart and I was completely frightened of the idea of planning a weeding. Thankfully, my boo and I opted for a nontraditional option. BUT….for those of you in the midst of the wedding craze Pretty Pear Bride can be your resource and saving grace! 

XOXO 

Natasha