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Original poster

Alternative to a wedding dress

37 replies

mostiquoes · 02/04/2018 18:02

I'm getting married soon and I still don't have a dress. I don't want a traditional wedding dress- I always feel really self-conscious and uncomfortable in anything really dressy. I'm petite, size 8-10, conscious of my tummy (thanks DD) & upper arms. Budget of up to about £300 max. Any ideas of where I could find something suitably dressy but not bridal?

OP posts:
peachweach · 02/04/2018 18:06

Whistles have some lovely dresses, jumpsuits etc! They're nice and dressy but not bridal, although they do have a bridal range. Some of the bridesmaids dresses are v nice and not what I'd say was traditional wedding style!

OlennasWimple · 02/04/2018 18:07

What sort of thing do you wear that makes you feel good?

Do you want white? Or a neutral colour? Or a different colour altogether?

Original poster
mostiquoes · 02/04/2018 18:21

I do like Whistles but not seen anything quite right yet, haven't been for a look for a few weeks though!

OP posts:
Original poster
mostiquoes · 02/04/2018 18:22

I feel good wearing sort of tea dress style. I like polka dots & floral prints. Green flatters me, I suit stronger colours more than pastels but anything red/yellow/orange washes me out.

OP posts:
SilverHairedCat · 02/04/2018 18:25

What about a silk dress?

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-sleeveless-tea-length-dress/p3347004

Justfred · 02/04/2018 18:26

That is gorgeous!

Original poster
mostiquoes · 02/04/2018 18:26

Ohh that is pretty but I really don't want my upper arms exposed! If I wear anything sleeveless I always cover up with a cardigan Blush

OP posts:
SilverHairedCat · 02/04/2018 18:30

You could easily wear a shrug with a dress like that. What time of year is the wedding? Do you need something light for summer or warm for winter etc?

Emelene · 02/04/2018 18:31

Have you looked at Lindybop?

www.lindybop.co.uk/dresses/wedding-shop.html

I used them for my bridesmaids dresses, and you can get lovely floral / tea dress styles.

SilverHairedCat · 02/04/2018 18:34

You could even look at bridal shrugs or boleros to put a little white into the outfit if you are so inclined... For example: www.bridalknot.co.uk/emily-lace-wedding-bolero--lace-bridal-jacket-4685-p.asp

SilverHairedCat · 02/04/2018 18:38

More options: www.wed2b.co.uk/accessories/jackets

Original poster
mostiquoes · 02/04/2018 18:51

I do quite like the shrugs thank you. Lindy bop I think would look a bit fancy dress on me Blush definitely suits other people though. It's a summer wedding but realistically won't be hot anyway so not a major concern that!

OP posts:
50sQueen · 02/04/2018 18:55

Vivienne of Holloway circle dresses and halter neck pencil dresses

OlennasWimple · 02/04/2018 19:04

Emerald dress

Long sleeved silk

Longer length printed dress that could have a wrap with it

Pretty but not too dressy

Strong pink

Green chiffon well in budget, so money left over for a bolero

OlennasWimple · 02/04/2018 19:16

Presumably you know that it is considered bad luck to wear green to get married in, unless you are Irish? It wouldn't bother me, as I'm not supersitious, but if you are - or have family members who are - maybe a white / neutral dress with some colour on it might be the way forward? Or a modern, non-puffy wedding-y dress?

How about

White modern dress - too dressy?

Long sleeve silk shirt dress

Ted Baker with good upper arm coverage

Not sure about the colour, would depend how it came out in RL, but if you wore it with lovely shoes and smile (unlike the grumpy model) I rather like this as a low key dress

SilverHairedCat · 02/04/2018 19:55

Lots of lovely bridesmaid type dresses out there in green shades.
m.asos.com/asos/asos-wedding-tulle-midi-dress/prd/8047095?affid=10607&transaction_id=1020bbde6eb604716ee08ee1320a25&pubref=1023

sailorcherries · 02/04/2018 22:07

I'm drawn to this for my own wedding - m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/ivory-bella-wedding-dress-7026235

MadMaryBoddington · 02/04/2018 22:52

This green dress is very pretty? www.prettyeccentric.co.uk/clothing-c3/dresses-c4/liza-dress-in-stretch-crepe-p2715#attribute%5B1%5D=3

Apileofballyhoo · 02/04/2018 23:06

That Ted Baker dress is lovely, Olenna.

HolyShmoly · 02/04/2018 23:11

How about a Ghost dress, although you'd need alterations as they always seem made for much taller people. I think they are beautiful.
www.ghost.co.uk/jada-dress-db22ck-p31#

Alternatively, do you have time to go to a good vintage shop? They may be able to find you something special.

MadMaryBoddington · 02/04/2018 23:16

Here is a really classy polka dot number: www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/breanna-polka-dot-wrap-dress?category=dresses-occasion-cocktail&color=015

nocutsnobuttsnococonuts · 02/04/2018 23:17

I bought my wedding dress from chichi London online - wasn't traditional it was knee length, fitted bodice and sparkly tulle bottom. I had a purple petticoat underneath for some colour. Got lots of compliments and only cost £65.

They had lots of different styles on there so worth a look! I wore with sparkly converse as heels are not me at all!

Jon66 · 02/04/2018 23:18

If you are near Oxford have a look at The Ballroom, it's on The Plain.

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