Last time I went to a wedding was 1996, now my dad's getting married.

[VivaLeBeaver]

What do I wear and where from? I'm looking at jaques vert but am only 35 and always thought that was somewhere my mum went to. I'm 5ft 3" and could do with losing a stone or two. Wedding will be at the registry office and then a church blessing.

Late spring, early summer I believe.

No date set yet, so I know I'm shopping early but while the sales are on I was hoping to grab a bargain.

And ideally I'd like something which isn't too wedding guest dress so I can wear it at other times. I could dress it up with a shrug/bolero and fascinator or the wedding.

KEEP AWAY FROM JAQUES VERT it is for the over 70's at least !!.
I would try somewhere like L K Bennet, Hobbs, Mint Velvet or there is a wide range at John Lewis of quite stylish ranges at reasonable prices

Thanks, will have a look at mint velvet, Hobbs, etc now.

I've seen this on the coast website and like it. If I got a bolero or something to cover my arms do you think it would be ok?

www.coast-stores.com/FIONA-COLOUR-BLOCK-DRESS/Sale-Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2143414184

Coast is probably a good bet.

That dress is lovely and it's probably easy enough to find a dressy cardigan or little jacket to go with it.

I don't think that dress is very nice at all. In my view, it's unsuitable for a wedding.

What size and shape are you? How tall? What colours suit you?

I'm 5ft3", I'm a size 14/16. I have good sized boobs, d cup. I don't like my tummy so would prefer to disguise that ifpossible.

I think that green, brown, blue, orange suit me. Not yellow or pinks. Not White either. I'm brunette with pale skin.

I like the dress, especially with a smart little jacket or dressy cardigan.
MrsJAlfred - why is it unsuitable for a wedding ??

I've got it in my basket, undecided now what to do.

I'm going shopping tomorrow as well to see if there's anything in the sales. But I figure I have more chance of finding something I like online. Maybe I ought to wait for the new season stuff.

It very much depends on what sort of wedding it will be and how formal.

Viva, have you considered something more like this? www.coast-stores.com/CARLTON-JERSEY-DRESS/Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2334351115

or at least that shape.

If you have a decent bust the first dress and the block colours might make you look short and square. Might as well emphasise your best features and the ruching will disguise your tummy.

Isn't it red that dress you linked to? It looks like something suitable for a cricket match, worn with a little cardigan and a pair of ballet flats

I'm no expert on sale timings but I'd say you'd be better off hanging fire tbh. Anything you get now will be quite wintry and you'd probably be wanting something with at least a nod to summer by then.

Right am leaving the coast dress. I think it probably is a bit high cut for my boobs. I think Kirsty alsop style 50s type dresses suit my figure.

Gallic, I've never tried a dress in that sort of style so not sure what I'd look like in it. I'll look out for one like that tomorrow and try it on, see what I think. Thanks.

The wedding blessing will be formal high church (cathedral).

I like this as well but it's too black for a wedding isn't it?

www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&productid=0112-5345-3499L00&productvarid=0112-5345-3499L00-BLACK%20TOFFEE-12&refpage=1342

I think if you are 5'3" and wear something fit and flare (1950's style) then you could risk looking much bigger than you are. This is because the flare part would be low to the ground so you'll just look generally wide.
It would be much better for your shape to wear something fitted on the bottom half, that also emphasises waist. And also it's way more elegant to cover your arms.

here are some options:here

another one

and another

I see what you're saying, I think I must have seen GOk or someone say that a 50s style dress or skirt balanced out hips/tummy. I will definetly try more fitted styles tomorrow that I'd normally avoid and see what I think.

Yes go for it! Ignore Gok he totally over styles people and makes them all look draggy.
Just get some magic knickers and a good bra and you will do fabulously. Get leg-lengthening shoes also (no ankle straps)
Bon courage!

Well I'm back from sales shopping, tried on loads of stuff I wouldn't normally. Only thing I bought was this and I think it's maybe too casual for a wedding but it looked lovely on.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_003010630743_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EWomen%7EDresses

I tried this on as well and it looked really nice but think it is too casual, dark and wrong sleeve length.

www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&productid=0112-5345-3499L00&productvarid=0112-5345-3499L00-BLACK%20TOFFEE-12&refpage=1294

I tried something very similar in style but different pattern in phase eight, can't find that actual one on the website. It looked a lot better on than what I thought it would, I see what someone meant about ruching disguising a tummy. But it was too long on me, and then when I tried folding it up to see what it would like like actually on the knee I started worrying that at the right length to suit me it would be tight and a bit short for a posh wedding.

www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/warehouse/Dresses/Printed-Verity-Dress/201479000

I'm going to look again in the shops when new season stuff comes out but worse case I'll wear the debenhams dress and get a fascinator, etc to glam it up a bit.

Both of those dresses are lovely. As you say probably a bit casual for a wedding but so pretty. Good shopping!

While you were gone I found this which is in a petites range so proportionally should fit you well. You could wear it with a little jacket or card and a beautiful hat. Contrasting shade might work well if you fancy a pop of colour.

There's also this one which would only need a wrap and a plain pretty feather for your hair.

I don't know your colouring but I think they would both suit most people.

www.petiteaffair.co.uk/home/c-3-petite-clothing-dresses.aspx

This website is quite good too. there's not much at the moment because they have a sale on but keep checking it for the new Spring stock.

I love those first two dresses, Viva.

Tak1ingchances, I like both those dresses, especially the second one. Just a bit more than what I wanted to spend really. I know the second one is only a bit more than the Hobbs one I tried on today but with the Hobbs one if I did end up buying it I think I'd get a bit more wear out of it.

Gallic, I'll definetly check out that website again in a few weeks, thanks.

What's your budget Viva? I'll keep looking. I really love dressing people for weddings!