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Help! I need a wedding dress

84 replies

TheThermalStair · 19/04/2021 11:41

Wise MNers I'm in a pickle, I need to find something to wear at my (rather short notice) wedding in June. I don't want a white wedding dress, something colourful (a colour or several colours) but still long/ish and "special".

Due to the time it'll have to be "off the rack" and then maybe tailored a bit to fit me. (I've got a slightly plump hourglass type figure)

Any idea where to look? I'm a clueless person who needs all the help I can get. Thank you!

OP posts:
ShortShrifter · 19/04/2021 16:18

Stillwhite.com sells second hand and ex sample dresses. Mainly white/ivory but you see the occasional thing that's a bit more interesting.

TheThermalStair · 19/04/2021 16:21

@MadamBatty

It’s beautiful though...I have 3 Suzannah dresses(bought in sale). I sometimes just take them out to admire them.
Totally! I may actually try and go to the shop and see what they're like in person...
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MadamBatty · 19/04/2021 16:23

Warning you may fall in love...

TheThermalStair · 19/04/2021 16:39

Sadly think I'd look enormous in any of those Ghost ones, they're cut for a slim figure. Also realised there's a problem with actual wraparound dresses in that they WOULD DEFINITELY blow open and show everyone my pants. Repeatedly. I do have quite a high humiliation threshold but why tempt fate.

That purple one is a lovely shape @slug but can already sense it clinging to every curve.

Going to check all the dynasty ones now - and lyst. Thanks again for giving me so many more ideas. Flowers

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TheThermalStair · 19/04/2021 16:54

@CallforHecate

For £2k could you go bespoke? You would probably get it cheaper than official wedding dress prices if you commission it as just a formal dress rather than a wedding dress, since you don’t want white ...
I like this idea @CallforHecate but I wouldn't know where to start and I'm a bit paranoid that EVERYONE is getting married and dressmakers are already working 24/7 weeping into their tulle.
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CallforHecate · 19/04/2021 16:55

I will PM you my tailor. No worries if she doesn’t suit you though. But she’s very nice.

Cocksinsocks · 19/04/2021 16:56

www.net-a-porter.com/product/1271122 love this

TheThermalStair · 19/04/2021 17:03

@Cocksinsocks

That's gorgeous but sadly wouldn't suit my figure at all...

This is making me realise @Graphista is so right and I really need to get to a shop and try some stuff on.

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Londonmummy66 · 19/04/2021 17:11

It's worth a look on ebay as many boutiques are selling off stock there.

TheThermalStair · 19/04/2021 18:15

Thanks @Londonmummy66 - would I search by name of shop or what?

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Graphista · 19/04/2021 18:42

Also realised there's a problem with actual wraparound dresses in that they WOULD DEFINITELY blow open and show everyone my pants

Shouldn't happen with a well constructed dress. If you are concerned you can ask seamstress to add in a modesty stitch or weight the hem

You really can't know until you try them on.

I've had brides say "x style/colour absolutely wouldn't suit me" and I've had them fry on said style or colour and it's been perfect! And they've said "I honestly never would have thought that would suit me"

We simply don't have the everyday experience of wearing such items to know.

Be guided by the sales assistants (to some degree) on this, they know the stock and they know their trade and it won't hurt just to try it on, if you don't like it no harm no foul.

The bride I had that ended up wearing a deep purple iridescent, hooped, full ballgown with corseted lace up bodice and sweetheart neckline had initially thought she would suit an ivory column dress with a boat neckline.

Because she was tall, hourglass figure, redhead (like me) she had been persuaded by others she needed to "keep things simple" aka try and be sodding invisible! Groom as a result was able to go full top hat and morning suit - which he had wanted to do but again people around them were going "oooh no keep it simple" with matching cravat etc

They were totally subjugating themselves to others tastes.

You should have seen the photos - stunning!

TheThermalStair · 19/04/2021 18:57

That sounds stunning @Graphista!! So you think I should pick a couple of local bridal shops and drop them a line?

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Graphista · 19/04/2021 22:14

Yes give them a call or an email - what have you got to lose?

Dinkydoos · 19/04/2021 22:28

The pretty dress company do fab dresses- nor really wedding’y but v nice and v flattering. The hourglass ones are fab but they also do bespoke stuff so maybe something like this but not in white?
www.theprettydresscompany.com/shop-c1/dresses-c2/the-pretty-dress-company-fatale-hi-lo-gown-p147#attribute%5B1%5D=36

JM10 · 19/04/2021 22:53

[quote ISpeakJive]dynasty.london/islaa-champagne-evening-dress-style-2012504/

dynasty.london/kourion-silver-long-dress-1013012/[/quote]
I love these.

Good luck finding a dress op and thanks for starting the thread - I am loving all these dresses!

TheThermalStair · 20/04/2021 12:28

Thanks everyone for the ideas, have dropped a few messages to local shops and also planning a trip to a dept store with a friend who can encourage me to get outside my usual "zone".

Still looking for ideas though!

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lobsteroll · 20/04/2021 12:32

@TheThermalStair the Selfridges website is hideous but in-store is much, MUCH better. Would definitely recommend a personal shopper there 👍🏼

Agree with others though, Net-a-Porter, thé Outnet will give you lots of inspiration too.

The first thing that came to my mind was Needle and Thread though

TheThermalStair · 20/04/2021 12:40

Honestly I love the sort of dresses Needle and Thread have, but if you look on there right now, it's 100% ruffles, high necks and smocking e.g. www.needleandthread.com/products/avery-bloom-smocked-gown-champagne - and if you have a curvy figure you'll be able to imagine just how absolutely horrible that'll look on me. Sad

I love some of the embroidered type dresses they used to have, I wonder if there are similar brands?

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TheThermalStair · 20/04/2021 12:41

And thanks @lobsteroll for the advice - had rules out selfridges due to crap website.

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ElizabethTudor · 20/04/2021 12:56

I see what you mean Op.
About 80% of the current Needle & Thread dresses look bloody awful on the tall and willowy models. So they’d look terrible on us mere mortals. All frou frou fills, ruffles, too much material. Not good.

TheThermalStair · 20/04/2021 13:02

Exactly! Looks like someone went mad at a haberdashery wholesalers. @Graphista a few wedding shops got back to me but most only have ivory dresses (or pretty crappy bridesmaids dresses) but I'll persist.

Thanks again all. Meant to say I am in London so if anyone has recommendations for actual physical SHOPS that do this kind of thing, I'd love it.

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dontcallmelen · 20/04/2021 14:05

@TheThermalStair Candy Anthony are a bit different, not sure if they are your style though my dd had one & it was beautiful on her might be worth a look (shop is in London by the oxo tower)

ElizabethTudor · 20/04/2021 14:41

This is available to order in different colours.
Says standard order time is 8-12 weeks, but you can pay for a rush service.
You can try it on in Bexkey.

www.cuttingedgebrides.com/short-knee-tea-length-wedding-dresses-c22/loulou-bridal-thea-calf-ballerina-length-vintage-style-v-neck-wedding-dress-in-colour-p216

ElizabethTudor · 20/04/2021 14:45

Looks like all of these are available in colour

www.cuttingedgebrides.com/available-in-colour-wedding-dresses-c28