A wedding dress challenge...

[SugarMiceInTheRain]

My wheelchair-bound friend has asked me to help her find a suitable wedding dress. She is very petite (probably a size 6 I'd guess), her body is slightly twisted due to her condition, and she doesn't want to look too 'marshmallow-y'. Dress obviously has to look good when she is seated in her chair. I'd describe her usual style as slightly hippy but not outlandish if you know what I mean. Also, I strongly suspect, she can't afford to spend a small fortune on her dress, as the whole day is going to be quite low key. I haven't a clue where to start... would any of you lovely ladies be able to help me please?

Hippyish?

Beaded

Lace

Flower Power

Short This would need taking in.

Any good?

This is cute, the petticoat looks pretty and it's not too flawy and meringue like, what do you think?
coast
flower top
phase 8 too ££?
bhs lace

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-isadora-wedding-dress-ivory/p1365279

There isn't much available in a six. This is really pretty and she could go for funky shoes and headpiece

Ok, first thing first - congratulations to your friend!

Second, as she is twisted any dress will PROBABLY need alterations to make it look right so I would start with a cheaper dress and budget for a seamstress.

The shape and style of the wheelchair will make a difference, is it low back one? if so then you can get away with longer dresses as they can be hung over the back.

Would she prefer a high back style dress?

Chiffon style dresses would work well as the fabric will sort of flow more easily.

50´s style could work too, but make sure it is below the knee not above and again you would want the chiffon petti coats as they don´t fold up like the cheaper ones.

Would your friend consider second hand / vintage or trail dresses as at her size they are a fare few things about that might fall into budget?

Ok here you go

This is quite lovely, little different and being a corseted back should be very comfortable all day, tea length so long enough to not rest on the knee but short enough to show off a fab pair of shoes Vintage teal length size 6

What about something like this? It is a marmite dress, but the ruching would look flattering in a seated position and the hem is just a wee bit different www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JOHN-CHARLES-VINTAGE-IVORY-ROUCHED-WEDDING-DRESS-SIZE-6-8-20s-style-LACE-HEM-/161357778782?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&hash=item2591ac4f5e

Think this could look stunning pink lace over lay might need taking in and it a little more "conventional" than hippy.

Lace and beads again corset back,

One shoulder dress Ex sample and the fabric would be oh so flattering would be worth enquiring about the measurement as wedding dresses are OFTEN 1 or 2 sizes smaller than "normal"

This website might be worth checking out too they do shop sample and second hand wedding dresses

Hope you find something she loves and that everyone has a wonderful day.

Ooh some of these look fabulous, thank you. I will show her the links. The shorter length with a fab pair of shoes sounds good. Phase 8 dress is out of her price range I expect. I think she would be happy to buy a second hand/vintage dress. Which has reminded me of the fact that there is an Oxfam in town with a whole floor of wedding dresses. I love the vintage style ones newname linked to. Hadn't thought about the height of her wheelchair back, will make sure we take that into account. Thank you thank you

Sugarmiceintherain.

Sorry had to add this mermaid dress slightly different and I am not certain if it is a "proper wedding dress" but the skirt fabric looks lovely and flowing and the top could look stunning but it depends if your friend like this sort of look. Had to add it simply because of the price!

Really hope you find something that she loves, you sound wonderful

Would second Oxfam. They have some lovely frocks. And a good seamstress could shorten many different styles to fit into wheelchair, as well as adapting them to fit.

Many congratulations and best wishes to your friend.