Shannelle Armstrong-Fowler is an award-winning communications and retail executive with almost 20 years of experience managing the public relations of major brands including McDonald’s, Sears, and Kmart. She is also the founder and chief stylist of Haute & Co. Bridal™ Boutique, Chicago’s leading plus size bridal destination. Additionally, Armstrong-Fowler is a faculty member at Columbia College Chicago, where she teaches social media and digital strategy, PR strategy, and fashion PR.

Rolling out had the opportunity to speak with Armstrong-Fowler about the three must-knows for curvy women when searching for the perfect wedding gown.

“We must realize the average size of women is a size 16 and if we know that bridal sizes are 2 to 3 sizes larger than what the women usually wear, why isn’t this market being serviced?” Armstrong-Fowler pointed out.

Here are her tips to brides.

1. Proper garments are the most important. There is nothing like a little bit of contraction to smooth things out. Armstrong-Fowler recommends a long line bra, which can be bought at her boutique.

2. Alterations will be needed at some level because most curvy women are curvy in the hip area with a smaller waist. It is important not to skimp on alterations.

3. You have to be comfortable and confident in what you see in the mirror. If you do not feel absolutely confident in it, do not buy it. Nevermind what other people think about your look, if it doesn’t bring your vision to life, do not buy it. One of Armstrong-Fowler’s most popular silhouettes is the trumpet silhouette to provide that wow factor to her brides.

Catch Shannelle and her team on her hot, new show airing Jan. 9, 2018 on PeopleTV.