Looking for a non-white dress for (my) wedding

[Somerville]

I'm getting married early next year. It's my second marriage (I'm widowed) and my fiancé's first.

Between my father in his uniform (retired from armed forces), my DD's in huge, meringue-style tulle and sequin bridesmaid dresses, and my gorgeous and very tall fiancé in his morning suit, I don't want to let the side down. But neither do I feel it would be right to wear a traditional white wedding dress again. And certainly no veil.

I spent a few weeks designing a dress with a friend who is a (professional) dressmaker and we came up with a plan for a long, silk bias cut dove-grey dress with a cape back. But my sister has put me off it by saying I'd look like a nun, and my friend has a lot of work on and if I want to commission anything else I'd need to confirm it with her quickly. However she has pencilled in time to do alterations to something off the peg, which feels more sensible at this stage.

So I'm looking for long dresses that are silver or blush pink. I want at least a short sleeve and certainly not strapless.

We're getting married in a church and having our reception in a rather grand library. I'm just turning 40, 5'6 and size 10 but big norks and broad shouldered so sometimes have to size up if it's high necked and tight across the top. I'm short waisted (if I put on weight I'm an apple) but slim hips/long legs. Pouffey skirts don't look as good on me as slim-fitting skirts. Oh and we're TTC so I don't want something super tight across the waist just in case.

I've budgeted up to a thousand pounds but I'd rather spend as little as possible less. If I couldn't get something at that budget I could increase it but I'd rather not.

I've ordered a returned a few things that were too shiny or a weird shape. And I've pounded the pavements at a designer outlet village this afternoon. I tried on a gorgeous fuschia and cream Temperley dress that I loved but it didn't feel bridal somehow.

Any ideas gratefully received.

[MrsLettuce]

Maybe something like this?

Would love to see the Temperley dress

[Blueisthemagicnumber]

How about this here. I found it in the occasion wear at John Lewis.

[MrsLettuce]

same dress in silver

[Somerville]

That was quick, thanks!

The John Lewis one is nice but doesn't really grab me. I can work out why, though. Maybe I should order and try it.

I really like the pink Ghost but in silver I think I'll have the same problem as I've had with another silver dress I've tried and returned, and feel too shiny. I'm starting to think I like the idea of silver more than the reality.

I'll see if I can find the Temperley in Google image.

[Scoose]

this one isnice

[ethelb]

I was going to say Ghost and then saw the first link. Maybe worth a trip to a store?

[BillSykesDog]

How about this Biba one:

m.houseoffraser.co.uk/Biba+Embellished+waist+maxi+dress/244174835,default,pd.html

Would look great with big norks.

[Scoose]

?

[Somerville]

Yes I think I'll go to Ghost the next time I'm in London. We don't have one in my city.

That Karen Millen won't work as I don't like the way my shoulders are emphasised by halternecks. And I also find strapless bras uncomfortable.

[MrsLettuce]

way too glam and shiny?
I like this a lot but it's probably too far from traditional

[dancemom]

How about this?

[Potkettleblack2]

I can vouch for the fit and luxurious feel of Ghost dresses. I have this one www.ghost.co.uk/salma-dress-boudoir-pink-dz64ca-n27. I guess it is shiny but not cheap looking on at all.

[Somerville]

I can't find the Tenperley dress online. Makes me wonder if it was made specially for the outlet.

But I think it was made in the same season as this one as very similar cut and pattern. But fuchsia and cream rather than blue.

[Scoose]

any good?

[MrsLettuce]

That Temperley dress is amazing

[saffronwblue]

No dress ideas but congratulations! I was on the thread where you first started dating your DP. So glad it has all turned out like this!

[BillSykesDog]

The Raishma one at John Lewis is stunning.

[closephine85]

Have you tried visiting bridal boutiques but looking at the bridesmaids dresses instead?

Or how about this one on asos? m.asos.com/maya/maya-v-neck-tulle-maxi-dress-with-tonal-delicate-sequins/prd/6373203?iid=6373203&affid=14179&channelref=product%20search&mk=abc&currencyid=1&gclid=CJjM1sqZus8CFfMV0wodSQ0BQQ

Or this m.asos.com/asos/asos-wedding-lace-top-pleated-maxi-dress/prd/5901581?iid=5901581&clr=Blush&cid=15156&pgesize=50&pge=0&totalstyles=235&gridsize=2&gridrow=17&gridcolumn=1

[BillSykesDog]

The Ghost one is stunning too, it's rather like the one Wallis Simpson wore at her wedding.

[Somerville]

Ooh, there are a few good 'uns at John Lewis, Scoose. I love the first you linked but don't know if it's too high necked for me. And also like the second but perhaps not quite enough shape for me. I'd like to try them both though. Don't know why it didn't even occur to me to look there.

And that's another nice Ghost dress. Will definitely go there too.

Mrs Lettuce I've actually tried something very similar to that first Outnet link - a long sleeved sequin Jenny Packham, also from the Outnet. I've just returned it and when they've received it I could try another from there.

The second would be lush for another occasion but yes, too far from traditional for a church ceremony for me I think.

Whereas that one is too traditional for me, dancemom, or rather - too much like what I wore first time round.

[WannaBeDifferent]

What about this one m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008010640397?CMP=SSH&tmcampid=28&tmad=c&sku=8059606&placmp=SSH_2826109765_274468610_17050224770&mkwid=sJJeEq9WV%7Cpcrid%7C69400326050%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cpdv%7Cm%7Cprd%7C8059606&gclid=CPfD2qqPzM8CFRc6Gwod8oEB_Q

[BillSykesDog]

m.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-floral-beaded-gown-silver/p/2533142?s_dscid=ct_B&category=Women

[Somerville]

Thanks saffron - so am I.

[MrsLettuce]

Might this work for you?

[WeeM]

Ted Baker might be worth a look-they did start a bridal type range and the stuff was lovely.