anyone have any ideas.... been to 2 places now and really no selection at either for size 20 willing to go SF, peninsula, east bay, san jose... would love to try on more than just size 12 and "try"to picture if it will look good on me

where have you gone?

David's Bridal almost always has a good selection of plus size dresses. I also looked at Group USA located inside the Great Mall in Milpitas. They have some there.

I ended up buying my dress from Trudy's Bridal in Campbell. If you go there, see if you can get an appointment with Tammy Bailey. She was my consultant and she was wonderful! Try to go in with an idea of what style you're looking for and your price point. It will help them.

Good luck! You WILL find the dress.

I went to Bella Mia Bride in San Jose which they are moving to Vallejo as we speak.  The owner gave me a size 12 to try on.  I couldnt even get it over my hips or past my shoulders.  It was the worst experience ever.  The sad thing was the dress was really pretty too, they just couldn't order it in a bigger size.

Awww....I'm sorry it was a bad experience. What I found helpful, when I was looking for dresses, I would see online if the dress is offered in plus size (that way you don't ask for it and they give you a small size to try on).

My dress was a Mori Lee dress and she has some beautiful gowns in plus size. I also tried on some Alfred Angelo designs and those were nice too.

Definitely try to check out Trudy's Bridal....and ask for Tammy. I referred my co-worker to her and she loves her.  Tammy really made me feel gorgeous even though I was intimidated by the size 2 brides around me.  The dress I chose wasn't my original choice, it was one that Tammy happened to pull along with the dresses I specifically asked for.  I hope it goes well!

J'aime Bridal in Pleasanton has TONS of them that is where I found mine....They are awesome, I would totally recommend you give them a call and make an appt.

http://www.jaimebridal.com/

Thank you all for the help!!!!

I went to Paper & Petals in Burlingame mostly 12s & 14s, Davids Bridal (great idea for trying on styles and actual sizes), Trudy's it was not great...and then J'aime Bridal in Pleasanton THANK YOU Sarah for being amazing there.  She pulled dresses prior to my appointment, she spent over an hour with me and came back in the next day when I came back with my wedding party and spent 2 more hours with us.  They didn't have the biggest selection in plus size but she does have every style (huge bonus) and they were priced perfectly.  I ended up getting my dress and bridesmaid dresses there. 

Thanks again for all that helped

Yay congrats on finding your dress!