Non-bridal wedding dress

[DuchessMinnie]

I am getting married in June and have no idea what to wear. I am no spring chicken (50), divorced with children aged 12 and 14, it's a properly tiny ceremony in a room which holds 10 people followed by a meal in a lovely restaurant. So, a big white dress is definitely not the thing I'm looking for.

I love midi dresses the best, I am size 14-16 with a waist bigger than it should be but have nice shoulders so strappy or halter neck tops suit me. I would love to spend money on a lovely designer dress that I could wear again.

Has anyone done similar and can suggest something please?

I didn’t want a big white dress so had a dress made for me by a dress maker. It cost around £600 plus fabric which is a lot less than most wedding dresses and it was really unique. If you have an idea of what you want that might be worth looking into! Otherwise you could look at places like Net a Porter or the Outnet, Liberty and so on for some fancy evening dresses?

Have a browse at www.nancymac.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw38-DBhDpARIsADJ3kjnUwG8WScQkYkyo_jRES9bjfOKuUdoCA9JHl91KJRI4TsiuPwIfrk0aAuOpEALw_wcB

This any use www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/beatrice-dress-orchid-pearl/?result_index=62&query_id=f9f3f2eea2a7d51f2293809d261c9e81

What's your budget? Any colours you're keen to avoid?

How much do you want to spend?
Do you want plain or patterned - floral, embellished?
Any colours that look good on you?
Do you still want to look ‘bridal’ or cream or gold?

Not bridal at all and I love pale or sky blue, ballet pink or pale green or even cream as long as it doesn't look bridal. Budget can be up to £1,000 for the right dress.

Some lovely dresses on those links, thank you.

I ordered this from the Outnet- it was really lovely material, pure silk, and perfect except for a lack of material in the bust so I just sent it back.

That’s a lovely dress OP. Have you looked at Needle and Thread? I love their clothes. I saw this but after what you said about lack of material around the bust of the dress you bought, it might not be what you’re looking for. But heck, it’s so cute!

www.needleandthread.com/products/neve-embellished-bodice-maxi-dress-butterfly-blue

Not the right colour, but maybe this?

www.lilysilk.com/uk/sexy-fashion-silk-camisole-wrap-dress.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw38-DBhDpARIsADJ3kjm5pW-7VVRC403KtjFAe7UGSTkaTTsZ7JJU2sX_q7d-Is1xPwOzIwIaAhpqEALw_wcB#color=3497&size=2747?&campaignid=12086141254&adgroupid=115972067226&network=u&creative=491688588715&keyword=&device=m&matchtype=

A few nice pastel options

Prada

Zimmerman

Bogdar

Anne Etter (not silk)

Galvan

Helmut Lang

I realise some aren't in your size but with your budget I'd be tempted to get something made. Find the style you like, pick a gorgeous silk and get it tailored so the bust and length are exactly how you want

OMG you lot are amazing. Some gorgeous dresses and websites here. My favourite so far is the Prada that @floofycroissant has suggested.

The Prada one is gorgeous.

You are welcome! It makes my mornings procrastination feel much more productive.

What shoes are you thinking? Bouquet? A crisp, leafy and minimal post like this would be devine! nosey

*posy!

A bit over budget (!) but these are gorgeous :
Red
www.matchesfashion.com/products/The-Vampire%27s-Wife-The-Falconetti-ruffled-metallic-silk-blend-dress-1384546

Green
www.matchesfashion.com/products/The-Vampire%27s-Wife-The-Falconetti-ruffled-metallic-silk-blend-dress-1389409

@floofycroissant I have a huge shoe collection so possibly silver heeled sandals. That bouquet is stunning. DD is super critical of my simple tastes, her taste is somewhat more princessy.

Your style is chic AF. Love it. And major shoe envy

DD can save her well intentioned opinion for her wedding day!

@floofycroissant I ordered the Prada dress and got 10% off so it was in budget. Fingers crossed that it looks ok on a flabby 50 year old.

That is so exciting! I think you'll look fab op. Please let us know how it goes

Got my fingers crossed for you, and even if it's not the one, you still get to swoosh around in a bit of Prada for a while

So, my beautiful Prada dress arrived 5 minutes ago. It fits perfectly so that's my dress sorted. It is unlined and quite transparent so I have no idea how but it is the most flattering dress I have ever tried on. Even DD agreed with my choice. Thank you for taking the time to post links, we are a stylish bunch here x

Ridiculously exciting op! Hope you have the best day ever in your gorgeous dress

Thank you @PollyThePony

Oh, how exciting, thanks for the update @DuchessMinnie and yes, have a fantastic day!