Wedding dress size what to do!

[buzzmoon]

So I'm going to risk it and buy one of these eBay dresses but have no idea what size to buy.
My measurements currently bust 38in, waist 33in but started slimming world 3 weeks ago and lost 10lb! Hoping to lose 30-40lb before the wedding in July.
Options are
size 10- bust 36 waist 29
size 12 bust 38 waist 31
Size 14 bust 40 waist 33

What would you do? Thank you!!

[elephantoverthehill]

Go for the size 12. You can have a dress taken in but letting it out is very difficult. Well done on losing the weight, but weight loss can start to plateau and you never know which bits will shed more than others, or simply wait until nearer the time.

[SloanePeterson]

You have a long time before your wedding still. I'd hold off, and tbh if you're referring to ones made in China I'd avoid altogether, they're notoriously very different from the pictures and generally pretty awful. Do you have any wedding dress discount shops near you if budget is a major factor? My dress came from an oxfam bridal boutique, last years designer sample for £200! I had six months to get into it (lost about 1.5 stone and almost two dress sizes) and did it no problem.

[MrsLettuce]

I'd go with the 14. But I'd not order if it's the sort of thing Sloan mentions. Bet we could find you something fab for your budget.

[buzzmoon]

Thanks for your replys! I'm super nervous about ordering it Sloane, I've heard such mixed reviews about them- some say terrible some say amazing. I did think for the money though, it might be worth the risk.
I definitely will look at Oxfam though, the website is so uninspiring though I was put off- might have to see if there's a shop near me.

[MrsLettuce]

yy I know you're dieting, but still.

[MrsLettuce]

xpost

[buzzmoon]

I'm looking for quite a simple tea length dress, maybe lace but overall quite simple.

[buzzmoon]

I thought about trying it because I tried on some in a proper shop, were £1300. Checked the label and they were 100% polyester, made in China.

[TheLionQueen]

I bought my bridesmaids dresses from China. Was a bit sceptical as also read the mixed reviews but for 3 dresses posted it cost about £45 iirc- there was a discount on at the time- so I took the risk.
The quality was fantastic- better than those in the two dress shops we looked in. I bought standard sizes that were my BM's usual but they actually were too big (I thought they'd come up small if anything) but a seamstress took them in no probs.
Not a wedding dress I know but thought I'd share my experience!

[MrsLettuce]

What sort of style? Fitted? Floaty? Full skirt or straight? Could you maybe link to what you were thinking of ordering

[SloanePeterson]

I'd go and try some on in an actual shop. It'll give you an idea of what suits you. Jot down the designers names and trawl eBay. Secondhand wedding dresses don't fetch much it seems so you might get lucky and get an amazingly good quality dress for a fraction of the price. I can't bare to part with mine yet, we married last year and tbh as £200 doesn't owe me anything so I have no guilt about having it stashed at the top of my wardrobe. Monsoon might also be worth a look. They have started sending their unsold bridal stock to Age UK charity shops where I am, total bargains to be had, they were selling brand new wedding dresses for a fiver a few weeks ago. Can't go wrong for that.

[scaredofthecity]

If your in London I know there's a shop in Croydon that measures you up and orders the dress for you from China, obviously it's a bit more expensive but It takes the risk away.
I'm sorry I don't know the name but someone I know bought one from there and it was gorgeous, I think it was only about £250 ish. I would have used them myself but found one 2nd hand in the end.

[MrsLettuce]

this might be too simple and/or too pricey

[buzzmoon]

Thinking this style: www.truebride.co.uk/745/MaeW183
Tried a few styles on in a shop and that's deffo the style that suited me. Just way over my budget unfortunately. I'm definitely looking for under £200.
Had a look at all the high street shops and can't find anything. Do you think I'd be better off looking after Christmas when spring/summer stuff comes in?

[buzzmoon]

Where are you Sloane?! I need to find this Ageuk!
Do you think I'm being stingy though? My friend is adement that you have to spend like a grand to get something decent- maybe I've gone too far the other way with this eBay attempt

[chattygranny]

Check out a Facebook page called something like 'brides beware' there was a whole list of sellers to avoid, just stopped my DD buying terrible fake bridesmaids' dresses in time!

[MrsLettuce]

That's very pretty indeed!

one
two
three

[Thissameearth]

m.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-bridal-sally-tulle-wedding-dress-ivory/p/1121542

[buzzmoon]

Love number 1 Mrslettuce! And that you can try before you buy that's such a good idea!
Thank you chattygranny I shall see if I can find it!
I'd love to have an experience like thelionqueen!

[buzzmoon]

Oh my goodness some of them are awful on that Brides beware page!!

[MrsLettuce]

I saw they had that one in their sample sale (a 10) for 85. here you need to scroll through

[buzzmoon]

m.facebook.com/BridesBeware/photos/a.487124101379377.1073741829.475593509199103/1036776989747416/?type=3&source=54&ref=page_internal 😂😂😂

[buzzmoon]

Oh gosh yes Lettuce! Size 10! Do you think I'd get there in 8months? Would give me something to work for, for sure!

[MrsLettuce]

oh, forgot this one, thought I'd put it in

[RockinHippy]

Please, only by from China if you have a company recommended to you, otherwise there is a very high change you are throwing your money down the drain. Left to their own devices, they cannot get european sizing & fit right at all, its completely alien to them. If there are mixed reviews on the site, the good ones will be at best other locals, at worst, fake.

Some can produce lovely stuff that fits well, but they will be working with a european designer/pattern maker who knows the european market well - you will only know that if you know someone who has recommended it to you because they lived what they bought

I say that as someone with a hell of a lot of experience in design & garment construction & I have worked out there too