Fab Frocks – Plus Size Bridal & Formal Gowns

One of the things I get a lot of people asking me about is plus size bridal and formal gowns. And I can understand why – how often do you walk into a store looking for a formal gown or a wedding dress and are able to just try something on at a size 26? Or even a size 16? In New Zealand, buying plus size formalwear off the rack is pretty rare, so when I found out about the wonderful Kelly Sefton’s Fab Frocks in Rotorua, I had to pay her a visit. For blog research purposes, of course!

Fab Frocks is located in rural Ngongotaha, just outside of Rotorua. When you walk into the barn (I realise how much this is sounding like a fairytale, but it’s true!), you’ll see that Kelly has created a lovely space filled to the brim with stunning gowns. On the left are formal gowns – ball gowns, prom dresses, mother of the bride outfits, bridesmaid dresses – she has it all. And on the other side are the most exquisite bridal gowns, in a sea of taffeta, lace and chiffon. Of course, there are comfortable spots for your ladies in waiting to sit (by which I mean your mum, your nana, your BFF, your … who does one usually take wedding dress hunting?). And the thing that really sealed the deal for me and made me realise just how much Kelly has this nailed – the double changing rooms. I don’t mean one for you and one for your friend (although they can be divided like that), I mean one that’s big enough to have a few people in so that they can help you in to your dress, without you standing on delicate lace and tearing it, or falling out of the too-small changing room in your sucky-innie-undies that are effective but not so sexy.

The best part about Fab Frocks? Their dress sizes range from 4-40. That’s right. Four to forty. Now obviously they don’t have one of every size in every style of every dress (because really, that would take a crazy amount of space), but they have a lot. At a size 24-26, I never thought I’d be able to walk into a store to try on a wedding dress – I sort of resigned myself to the idea that I would find styles I like and get one made, or something. So to walk into Kelly’s fit rooms and find that there are plus size mannequins wearing dresses in larger sizes blew me away. Kelly took me on a tour of her store, and I spent a lot of time stroking the beautiful gowns (shush, don’t judge me, I love feeling fabrics!). Then I nervously asked Kelly if she might have anything in my size that I could try on – for research purposes, all right? Guys, I tried on four dresses. One bridesmaid dress and then three wedding gowns.

This was my favourite of the gowns I tried on – I love the neckline and the dress was so comfortable! Then Kelly told me I needed a veil and a bouquet of peonies, so this happened… Bridal Meagan.

If I was getting married, I would absolutely travel down to get my gown from Kelly. Not just because she has a great collection (which she does – I found at least 20 dresses that I would love to wear!), but because no one has ever had me that at ease in a fitting room. And I think that as a bride, that’s important – not feeling stressed about preparing for your wedding, being able to choose a gown that you look and feel beautiful in that won’t cost you the earth.

So if you’re getting married, book an appointment with Kelly. Do it as far in advance as possible (like, I would personally allow six months) so that your dream dress can be ordered and altered as needed, and it will be ready and waiting for your big day without too much fuss or stress. Make a girls weekend of it – book a motel in beautiful Rotorua and come with your bridesmaids and your mum, and you can get their dresses too! With options from size 4 to size 40, it makes it easier to find bridesmaid dresses!

You can get in touch with Kelly Sefton through the Fab Frocks website, through their Facebook page or by phoning 0800 322 376.