I think I'm going to go with an Empire Waist Gown. With all the research I've done, this article: Empire Waist: The Ideal Dress helped me make out my mind. Did any other plus sized brides out here select an Empire style, and do they look as good in person as they sound?

I'm plus size, and I reallllly wanted empire! I tried 'em on in the shop and PEE-EWE! A lot of the empire wedding dresses are fitted in some form for you don't get that jane austin thing. And the ones that are NOT fitted made me look fatter, thicker waisted. I much preferred the fitted waist with A-line (not empire style though) because I like having some shape, especially in the place I didn't think I had shape! I have a FAT gut, and you couldn't tell in the dresses except the empires. I was PISSED! Those were supposed to HIDE my gut and it just made it look like I was trying to hide my gut, which made it look bigger! i tried on empires over and over and over until the store had none left for me! Finally I realized that empires were just not my style. I think a taller person could make it work but being short and plus size looked exaggerated in the empire dress!
Also, a lot of the empires i tried on had a rouched bust, and that makes boobs look huge. I don't know about you, but my boobs are Es, and they don't need to look any bigger!

My advice is too go in and try on more than one style. try on the empires! they might be your thing, but if you are feeling so so about the ones you try on don't be afraid to go to A Line, ball gown or mermaid!
One dress I loved looked and felt like an empire, but it wasn't. It defined the waist. here's the link. you can change the sleeves/straps!
Venus Bridals
And actually when I was looking I saw this:
Venus Bridals

Here is my fave dress so far, and i found it on accident! It does have the band under the waist which IS slimming. But as you see, a fitted bodice CAN work!!! (this dress doesn't fit me so it doesn't look perfect...plus I didn't know the pic was being taken).

I too am plus size and chose an A-line dress. The A-line is an all round good for just about any figure design. BTW...gorgous dress deecake!
I agree with deecake...I ended up buying a dress style I thought I didnt care for. Try them all on...you will know when its right.

thanks!! I was about to order it when the designer called and said they discontinued the dress! They were like "no no no, this bride wants to buy it right now!" So we have to alter the sample. It's a sign that it's MY dress though!!

Yeah, but if you are tall and plus size, it doesn't hurt to try them! I'm short so they didn't work.

That dress looks great on you.