Mother of Bride Dresses help please

I know, I am a bride and should not be posting here, please don't tell! But, I am trying to help my mom get a dress and have gone to most of the places that were recommended on this site. She is shorter, like 5'3' and is heavy around her waist so she has been given size 18 or so to try on. It fits around the area that is big on her waist but the rest of the dress hangs on her like a curtain because she is smaller everywhere else. The places told her she would just have to order the dress if she found one she likes but won't be able to try her correct size on. The shops have like a size 14 or so and they sort of put it up against her if it doesn't fit or if it is too big they say they will do major alterations. Does anyone know where they sell more petite sizes for shorter moms who are a little heavier?? She wants a dress that will say 'wow' when she comes in, not one that makes her look old and matronly. Thanks for the help!

I am a bride too but wanted to respond for you. Did you try Estelle's on Rt. 110. They have a Plus section there. But honestly most places carry sample sizes and then order the dress, similar to bridal gowns. It isn't easy to know how the dress will look on, but it is how most places do it. Also, try department stores like Macy's. They carry a lot of each dress in different sizes.

I got my bridesmaid dresses at My Daughter's Wedding in Great Neck!!!!! The dresses were Gorgeous!!! They were wonderful there!!! They altered the dresses (We had 8 of them) perfectly, they were in on time and they were all so nice!! Good Choice!!

Lord and Taylor...i know lots of MOB that got their dresses there including my own and they have a great selection