Oh please help. I'm crying as I write this..
I'm getting married in 4 weeks. Made the fatal mistake 6 months ago of buying a vintage dress that I needed to slim 2 sizes into. I've only slimmed down 1. Now a 14 from a 16. Ordered a couple more dresses from Ghost but they had to be dyed to order so delayed receiving them/ trying on : until today, and both look absolutely horrific. I have arms that a butcher would rub their hands in glee at and after having a baby a year (or so) ago I still have a bit of a tummy. So the upshot of today was more Ready for the Abbotoir than Ready to Wear.
I'm a total and utter Bridal Failure. How on earth have I got myself into this nightmare? Any shop I call tells me it's too small a time frame to help. I desperately need something slightly informal with
LONG sleeves, perhaps a v neck and something going on that means I don't look 4 months pregnant.
Oh god. I fear I'm quite frankly fucked with a capital F.
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In total panic and despair..
TheFantasticFixit · 05/04/2013 23:38
First of all: calm down, love. 
Remember this, whatever you end up wearing: you will be the bride, therefore everyone will think you look stunning anyway.
Not sure about specific dresses, and I'm sure more regular frequenters of S&B will be far more knowledgeable than me. But - will you have a bouquet? You could just hold it in front of your tummy all day... What about the colour of the dyed-to-order dresses - is that ok? If so, what about a shrug/shawl of some kind? It's still a bit chilly anyway, so it would make sense to cover your arms.
Other than that... how about sparkly/attention-grabbing accessories in strategic places to distract from the bits that you're uncomfortable showing too much of?
To be honest, your wedding dress is such a big thing, it's an agonising decision and you would probably question your choice and whether it'll look exactly right whichever way you feel about your body.
You could always do what I did and marry pregnant. 
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Oh you lovely, lovely people! I'm really crying now at your amazing kindness! 
for you all!
I would prefer actual sleeves to a shrug etc, and ideally floor length. Very tempted to hold a bouquet in front of me for the whole day but suspect people may start to wonder if I'm disguising a bump!! Almost tempted to actually BE pregnant just to have an excuse.. (Only half joking)
I'm actually totally open to the colour. I almost bought a navy dress earlier out of sheer shame but the colour has stuck with me. I've had a baby pre our wedding so obviously the whole white 'virgin bride' dress is a bit of a stretch when my gorgeous DD will obviously be there!
I love the monsoon suggestions. I'm going to run to Monsoon tomorrow and try them on!
As for shoes, I've already got those.. They are the Coast Nikki shoe in blue (something blue) I would like a veil I think.. But honestly, I'd wear anything that doesn't make me look like a pregnant sausage right now nd so the veil is the least of my priorities.
I've just seen on Phase Eight the Evelyn dress (sorry I don't know how to do links!). I'm just a bit worried that the lace might be a bit on the matronly side. Any thoughts?!
Yes! I have spanx so will fish those out of the drawer! I'm going to try the Evelyn as well then. Thank you everyone but please don't stop with the suggestions! I'm so grateful for your help.
Tethers: budget is about 1k I think - perhaps a little more for the right dress. I guess preferably ivory and yes definitely floor length.. I think!
LegalAlien: I'm not sure why you might think I don't realise the most important thing about our marriage is well, the marriage. After 5 years together I can assure you that my relationship is absolutely the priority here in this wedding but that doesn't mean I can't fret about what in the world I'm going to wear! 
Cheese - yes am having hair and make up done so that's lovely to hear hat it really gave you a boost on the day! I'm definitely going to try both the Carlotta and the Evelyn this week. Will let you know how I get on
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You can wear 2 pairs of spanx you know (or m&s versions etc). Adele does and apparently it's twice as effective 
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