African wedding attire is renowned for its vibrancy and allure, standing out from traditional Western-style wedding dresses. The aesthetic appeal of African wedding outfits is a cherished aspect of their culture, showcasing the beauty of vibrant colors and elaborate designs. The essence of African weddings lies in the stunning garments that radiate an air of elegance and festivity, making them truly unforgettable.
Latest African Bridal Dresses for Curvy Women
It’s time to challenge the stigma surrounding plus-size individuals. Instead, let’s celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of traditional African wedding attire. These stunning dresses aren’t just for brides on their special day, but also for bridesmaids, guests, or even couples looking to make a statement at a cultural celebration. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and bold patterns are a testament to the rich heritage of African culture.
By embracing these beautiful dresses, we can promote self-acceptance and confidence in all body types.
Where To Buy Plus Size African Bridal Outfits?
For those looking to incorporate African fabrics into their wardrobe or special occasion attire, there are several options worth exploring. One such option is Exclusive Wears, which has a diverse range of fabrics on offer. In fact, Kelly Augustine, a popular plus-size blogger and bride-to-be, recently had the pleasure of working with Fame and Partners to find her perfect wedding dress.
She highly recommends the store for its affordability and inclusive sizing options, making it an excellent choice for those who value both style and practicality.
↓ 27 – Bright Ankara Prints
African wedding dresses are renowned for their vibrant, rich hues that capture the essence of the special day. The palette is incredibly diverse, with blue, orange, mustard, emerald, and purple being some of the most beloved colors. It’s not just the individual hues that make these dresses stand out, but rather the bold and beautiful prints and textures that come together to create a stunning overall effect.
Many dresses feature an A-line silhouette with a fitted or asymmetrical upper portion, while others take on a mermaid-inspired shape that flares dramatically towards the hemline. No matter the style, however, it’s the perfectly coordinated accessories – think gleaming jewelry and intricately tied head wraps (gele) – that complete the look. The result is a visual spectacle of colors and patterns that leaves viewers eager to see more.
↓ 26 – All White African Wedding Dresses
The allure of a traditional African white wedding outfit is undeniable, with intricate details that add a touch of luxury. Geometrically-arranged hemlines and statement pieces create a striking visual effect. The most popular choices often feature bright colors and subtle embellishments that follow the silhouette of the dress. Exquisite in every way!
While there are various styles to choose from – A-line, mermaid or princess shapes – each dress boasts clean and simple lines, drawing attention away from the outfit itself and onto the beauty of the bride. The finishing touch is often added by a vibrant head-tie, infusing life into the overall look.
↓ 25 – White Wedding Dress + Colored Tinged = Beyond Perfection
African wedding dresses often blend elements from both traditional and modern styles. Characterized by white bases with rich, subtle prints in a variety of colors including cream, dark, and bold hues. The printed embellishments are strategically placed along the hemlines to accentuate the dress’s silhouette. However, there are also bolder embellishments that take center stage, giving the outfit an extraordinary flair!
Prints often become the focal point, such as on a printed bustier or covering the lower half of the dress.
↓ 24 – Makeup For Curvy African Brides
↓ 23 – Head-Turning Shweshwe Dresses
For centuries, the iconic African print has been a staple in South African fashion, dating back to the 1840s. Its unique blend of traditional patterns has made it a popular choice for many garments, with Shweshwe being one of its most recognizable features. What’s particularly noteworthy is its recent incorporation into wedding attire – this bold and striking design has the ability to elevate any wedding look, making it a truly unforgettable addition.
↓ 22 – Matching Bride and Groom Outfits
↓ 21 – Colorful Wedding Dresses
As brides-to-be prepare for their special day, they shouldn’t be afraid to add some flair to their traditional African attire. What we love is how these stylish ladies have incorporated bold colors and vibrant prints into their dresses, taking the overall look to the next level. The addition of accessories like jewels and makeup only elevates the aesthetic further.
↓ 20 – Traditional Ghanian Bride
↓ 19 – African Couple Goals
Accentuate your natural beauty by pairing a strapless ball gown with a voluminous underskirt that creates a stunning silhouette. This combination not only draws attention to your curves but also accentuates your physique, making you feel confident and radiant. For some inspiration, check out our collection of 30 adorable matching outfits for black couples.
↓ 18 – Peach Tinged Wedding Goal
Swap out traditional mermaid-style wedding dresses for a sophisticated bohemian-inspired gown that showcases your shoulders and arms. The fluttery, off-the-shoulder sleeves on this stunning design draw attention to your upper body in the most charming way. Meanwhile, the dress’s velvety texture and ruching at the waist create a flattering silhouette that accentuates your curves, giving you a hot and stylish look.
↓ 17 – Plus Size & Pretty
This stunning sheath wedding dress boasts a scalloped ribbon detail that creates a flattering silhouette, drawing attention away from any petite frame. The lower neck area is also accentuated by this design feature, which can help elongate the wearer’s figure. Furthermore, the thicker ribbon can be tied at the back of the dress to create a dramatic flourish, ensuring the bride remains secure and confident throughout her special day.
↓ 16 – Wedding Head Bands
A midriff wedding dress is designed to create a flattering silhouette by drawing attention away from the waistline, while accentuating the abdominal area. Opt for one with delicate trim sleeves for a whimsical touch. The combination of a figure-hugging ribbon bodice and an undone organza skirt creates a romantic expression that exudes elegance as you make your way down the aisle.
↓ 15 – Modern Attire
Elevate your style by pairing bold studs with intricate lace sleeves. Create a head-turning look by combining this with statement-making hoops and an arm adornment. The result is a subtle yet striking addition to white African-inspired outfits. Check out our curated selection of 24 Gorgeous Kitenge Dresses for Plus Size Women, perfect for making a fashion statement.
↓ 14 – Minimalist Trends
An off-the-shoulder ball gown can be thought of as a blank slate, inviting the addition of dazzling embellishments that add an extra layer of sophistication and glamour. The simplicity of the design allows for creative freedom to experiment with different textures, colors, and patterns, transforming the overall aesthetic into something truly show-stopping.
↓ 13 – Pink Gown
When it comes to adding shading to a wedding dress, intensity is key. Take this stunning example where the designer has opted for an bold, vibrant orange hue that evokes the fiery tones of the Saharan sunset. The matching orange coat worn by the groom-to-be only serves to amplify the drama and romance of the overall look.
↓ 12 – Pearl African Wedding Jewelry
The pièce de résistance of this stunning outfit is undoubtedly the flowing, floor-length cloak that can be easily wrapped around the wearer like a cape. The dress itself is a masterpiece, boasting dazzling gold accents and a striking headpiece. A thick pearl necklace adds an extra layer of sophistication, evoking memories of classic pearl jewelry.
Meanwhile, the long-sleeve sleeves and knee-length skirt provide a perfect counterbalance to the boldness of the harvest-inspired top, creating a sense of harmony and balance that makes for a truly stylish ensemble.
↓ 11 – A Blast of Flaunting Blues
↓ 10 – Flared Wedding Dress
↓ 09 – Evergreen Red And White
Incorporating darker colors into a wedding dress can be challenging, as it often results in a dull look. However, this exemplary design successfully pulls off the darker hue, making it youthful and vibrant. Unlike traditional African wedding dresses that typically cover more of the chest area, this outfit strikes the perfect balance between modesty and exotic flair. The semi-Rastafarian color palette adds a delightful pop of color, while the tall headpiece is truly regal-looking.
This dress serves as a great starting point for exploring the intersection of fashion and culture.
↓ 08 – Unique Wedding Outfit
↓ 07 – Light Aqua Colored Dress
The vintage charm of the 1940s-inspired cover art is undeniable, perfectly capturing the exotic essence of the tropical theme. Moreover, the subtle yet elegant addition of pearls brings a sophisticated touch to the overall design, harmoniously complementing the wedding attire.
↓ 06 – Look Pretty, Feel Pretty
The youthful charm of this dress is undeniable. The crisp white hue creates a striking contrast with the natural tones, making it perfect for a grand day celebration. The fantasy-inspired catcher trimming adds an extra layer of whimsy, while the girdle top shines with elegance. While traditional Western wedding dresses may be more widely available and therefore less expensive than their African counterparts, the rich cultural heritage behind African prints lends them a unique allure.
Unlike plain white or off-white wedding gowns often favored in the West, African prints burst with vibrant colors and distinctive features, setting them apart from their more subdued counterparts.
↓ 05 – West Inspired Wedding Dresses
The dress boasts a vibrant yellow and gold colour scheme, with meticulous attention to detail showcased through a golden trim along its exterior. The paisley print, a staple in African fashion, is featured prominently throughout the design. Unlike traditional Western weddings where white is the norm, and Eastern celebrations where red reigns supreme, there’s no singular ‘right’ colour for an African wedding – allowing brides to express their personal style on their special day.
↓ 04 – African Bridesmaid Goals
This stunning dress seamlessly combines two distinct yet harmonious styles – traditional African flair and 1960s mod sophistication. The chime sleeves are playfully delicate, while the intricate patterns on the sleeves and skirt create a mesmerizing visual effect. The regal blue hue along the hemline adds a touch of elegance, perfectly complementing the fitted silhouette that gradually flows from the bodice to the floor.
Inspired by Egyptian design, this dress boasts a slim, romantic fabric cascading down the skirt, paired with a striking gold chest plate that seamlessly transitions into an open back. For added glamour, the vintage-inspired beaded bodice is completed by a dramatic, finished skirt – truly fit for a show-stopping evening.
↓ 03 – Conventional Wedding Dress
This classic wedding outfit exudes effortless elegance. The bold, rich color of the dress is perfectly complemented by the designed skirt, which creates a flattering elongation of the bride’s legs. The silver headband adds a touch of sophistication without overpowering the overall look. The delicate details at the midriff and top of the dress create a youthful, modern vibe that would be perfect for a contemporary wedding.
The statement piece of jewelry is a thoughtful accompaniment to the straightforward outfit, while the grand skirt provides ample coverage – just in case those shoes need to come off after all those dance moves! The subtle gold weaving at the top of the dress adds an air of luxury, and the lovely headscarf serves as a reminder that sometimes less really is more for the bride.
↓ 02 – Sea Green Bridal Outfit
While traditional wedding dresses are breathtakingly beautiful, they often come with one major drawback: they can be cumbersome to navigate on the dance floor or during a night filled with celebrations. This unconventional design takes a unique approach to address this issue. The flowing tulle skirt may appear more laid-back than its traditional counterparts, but its separable nature allows for effortless transitions between dancing and mingling.
The attention to detail is still very much present, with delicate touches like pearl-embellished botanical appliqué and scalloped bodice that evoke an ethereal quality. This stunning wedding dress seamlessly blends form and function, ensuring the bride can focus on enjoying her special day rather than worrying about her attire.
↓ 01 – Trendy African Wedding Dream Dress
Elevate your big day with a show-stopping ivory fabric ball outfit that exudes elegance. The intricately etched articulation blossom adds a touch of sophistication, while the silk slip design provides a sleek and streamlined silhouette. The delicate texture and sweetheart neckline draw attention to your curves, making you feel like a princess on your special day. For a more understated approach, consider a fit-and-flared gown that creates a romantic, whimsical effect.
And why not add some drama with beaded or fitted details? Whatever your style, there’s an African-inspired look waiting to be discovered – and it’s yours for the taking.
Few More African Inspired Wedding Looks
African clothing is renowned for its inclusive approach, embracing individuals of all shapes and sizes. The vibrant prints, bold colors, and rich textures of traditional attire make them a standout in the global fashion landscape. Unlike Western styles, which often cater to narrow beauty standards, African fashion celebrates individuality and self-expression.
Men and women alike are unafraid to showcase their personal style, incorporating shimmering fabrics and dazzling patterns into their everyday wardrobes. In fact, those who dare to be bold with their fashion choices are often held in high esteem by society. Today, it’s possible to shop for the latest African trends online and have them shipped worldwide. The popularity of African designers has surged in recent years, with many now featuring prominently in international fashion shows.
