Short, sleevey wedding dress ideas?

[SamaSama]

Hello! This is my first ever thread although I am a long term and very hard-core lurker. I would very much appreciate some help with my hunt for the perfect wedding dress as I am a bit stuck and options seem very limited.

I have quite specific requirements but I'm also very open to the non-traditional. It does not have to be a "wedding dress". I want short, empire line, preferably lace and shoulders covered- definitely not strapless. Budget is £1000. Any ideas?

Thank you! (I'm very excited to have started my first thread, it feels like a very big and important step into the world of Mumsnet so please don't let me down!)

You have quite a large budget, may be easier to look for a local dressmaker? I couldn't find my ideal dress (as it only existed in my mind!) but have found a designer who can make it, it's coming to a little over £1000 but that's mostly due to me being tempted by some very extravagant fabric, otherwise it would have been around £800.

Given your budget and quite specific list of wants, I would also consider a dressmaker. You aren't going to find many short dresses that match your criteria, I fear!

have a look at candy Anthony

Clearly this is a fakey copy, as the original is ££££, but it is lovely.

www.benefitbridal.com/103166/Monique%20Lhuillier%20VIGNETTE.aspx

www.onewed.com/wedding-dresses/blog/from-city-hall-to-the-altar...-monique-lhuillier-spring-2014-wedding-dress

Real.

Is this anything like you are imagining?

So many dresses are strapless, especially the shorter ones. Would you consider a lace jacket/bolero kind of thing, which could look like part of the dress?

Third one on this page? www.adoringdress.com/short-wedding-dresses.html

How short is short?

Ah thank you so much for all the suggestions, I really don't want a bolero/ jacket and not so into cleavage although a little bit is ok. Trying to get as far away from top end of budget as possible hence looking mainly at ready to wear but I will consider going to a dress maker if all else fails.

I really don't mind if it's not particularly bridal, I'm even open to other colours. I keep finding things I really like but they're all sold out or not my size!

www.theoutnet.com/en-AU/product/Mason-by-Michelle-Mason/Paneled-lace-and-silk-mini-dress/430330

www.lyst.com/clothing/alice-olivia-jayna-metallic-cotton-blend-lace-dress-white/

www.polyvore.com/maria_lucia_hohan_lace_sienna/thing?context_id=2842720&context_type=lookbook&id=75059927

Thanks again for the ideas. You've given me some very viable options to mull over!

I wore an empire line shift dress when I got married. It wasn't lace but silk with raised bits (very descriptive) that almost made it look like lace.

I have no idea if the have anything relevant these days but it was from Max Mara Pianoforte, came in at about £1000 with a really fine coordinating scarf.

Have you thought about a really good dressmaker? You could buy the most wonderful fabric, have something made and still come in under budget.

Also, mine wasn't bridal, a very pale yellow gold with raised white/cream bits which means I have worn it quite a few times.

www.minna.co.uk/shop/product/valerie-dress

Most beautiful and unusual wedding dresses, I have tried this one on (a couple of years back) and it was lovely.

Ooh I'm liking the look of Minna, thank you!

I think I would do what others have suggested and find a good dressmaker. A friend did that as the dress she loved was around £3000 - much more than she could afford. She got a fabulous dress in gorgeous fabric and could have it just exactly how she wanted it. It cost her much less than £1000 in the end.

Good luck!

Is this too cheap? www.rotita.com/comfy-round-neck-short-sleeve-white-dress-with-lace-g112482.html?utm_source=polyvore&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=140709124

Nice but not quite special enough. This is a rare excuse to wear something I would never normally spend the money on. Thanks for taking the time to look though. It's really very much appreciated.

Going to second Minna www.minna.co.uk/shop/bridal-dresses

They will tweak styles to suit you as well. I had the Johanna dress but with slimmer and slightly longer sleeves and a bit more empire line.

Definitely give minna a try - they were so nice to deal with too! Where are you based?

I like the Minna ones as well.

Have you looked at Monsoon? This is a nice one, but doesn't quite fit your suggested remit uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_4.1/7457064608

this is better in real life. i love this company especially if you are near brighton. the quality of the fabric on the dress in the shop is stunning

Have you looked at "House of Mooshki"?

structured

simple

available in lots of colours and three lengths

topshop

Thank you all so much! Have ordered a couple to try , some cheaper, some v pricey. Need to work out if it's worth spending a lot!