Can anyone help me find a wedding dress?

[Gettingmarried21]

I’m getting married in September! I know it’s very strange to ask strangers on the internet for help with a wedding dress, but I really do need help!
It’s all being planned very last minute so I’ve really no idea what I’m doing.

So, I’m currently a size 14 (I’m dieting so I’m hoping to lose a bit before September!).
I do not want my shoulders on show. I have a massive bust (34HH), fairly slim upper waist but a biiiig post c section belly (that I’d like to disguise).
I think I’d like a fairly traditional dress but I’m open to suggestions. I’m thinking white/ivory.
My main problem is covering my shoulders… I have a few stretch marks up there that I’m quite self conscious of so I obviously don’t want them on show (though they’re probably not obvious to anyone else). My problem is, I need to wear a supportive bra and all the dresses I’ve seen are quite sheer, so bra straps would be on show. I really don’t think I’d get away with a strapless bra, I pretty much need scaffolding for my bosom
Can anyone help me here? I’d really appreciate it!
Budget wise, anything up to about £300 but with a bit of wiggle room.

www.asos.com/maya-petite/maya-petite-bridal-v-neck-maxi-tulle-dress-with-tonal-delicate-sequin-in-ecru/prd/22157059?colourwayid=60377770&SearchQuery=wedding%20dresses&irgwc=1&clickid=_invww1zld9kfqk900ctiwv3kfm2xuu61g3jf2exz00&affid=25376&pubref=10078

www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-linda-bridal-dress-ivory/p5310035

£300 isn’t massive for a ‘traditional’ wedding dress. Are you willing to shop second hand or similar?

The wed2b preloaded page has a lot of people selling dresses they bought pre-lockdown and haven’t been worn as they no longer fit. Seems like a good way to get a brand new dress at a discount.

I’ve attached one example which I think would meet your requirements if it’s got enough shoulder coverage?

A good seamstress can tweak a dress you like. And add material to be like a cold shoulder effect. Would that work?

Or add straps to a strapless dress and do the same.

Could you use a lace vape over the top of your dress?

Cape ffs. Not vape

It sounds like a very similar figure to mine - I can imagine this might work?

www.chichiclothing.com/products/chi-chi-bridal-ivy-dress?variant=32224326418507&currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2q3y44GT8QIVy34rCh0zoQvvEAQYHSABEgIXXvD_BwE

I've this dress, although it is overbudget.

www.virgoslounge.com/collections/bridal/products/valeria-wedding-dress

Or this?

www.frenchconnection.com/product/woman-collections-sale/71hcz/manzoni-3d-floral-lace-maxi-dress.htm?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=comparsionshopping&utm_campaign=googleproducts&utm_source=AWIN&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=0&utm_campaign=GenieShoppingCSS&awc=3208_1623532740_2d4cd17e01529e7bacb38a460d50e59c&sv_campaign_id=259955&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax3=Genie+Shopping&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=259955

This is nice. Fully lined so would hopefully help disguise the belly, maybe with some "suck in" underwear? On sale at £35.

www.chichiclothing.com/collections/wedding-dresses/products/chi-chi-bridal-shauni-dress

www.chichiclothing.com/collections/wedding-dresses/products/chi-chi-bridal-harriet-dress

BHLDN: Tadashi Shoji Didion gown in the sale, with a good bra with the straps replaced with transparent ones. Buy the size which fits your largest measurement and see a seamstress for fitting.
It'll take a couple of weeks to come but for that quality at that price it is worth waiting and getting it fitted.

Have you looked on eBay? There are lots of brand new or ex sample dresses and they offer returns within 30 days?

This one is £199, traditional, covers shoulders, would hide tummy but still give a lovely shape to your waist.....

Thanks for all your suggestions! Will have a look through your links now.
Sorry, I should clarify, by traditional I didn’t mean big & poofy, just something that’s obviously bridal and not like a colourful maxi dress

See if you have an oxfam occasions and brida

Pressed too soon! Oxfam bridal section, or a local hospice shop may have a bridal branch, the one I volunteer for does. You can get a seamstress to alter including adding straps. I have a suitable dress in fact, due to drop at oxfam! Very plain but I'm the same bust so had the same issue - getting divorced so needs to go!

Look at Monsoon.

This is from Shein. I swear by their clothes.

OP try this bra: www.wonderbra.co.uk/shop-our-collection-c4/bras-c18/ultimate-silhouette-wonderbra-ultimate-strapless-bra-p13

I have a bigger bust than you and this works for me. You could try this with a lace / chiffon shoulder covering.

@Gettingmarried21 why don't you pm @motogogo and see if the dress she wants rid of would be suitable ? Wouldn't that be a fantastic solution for both of you ?
Good luck , I've loved all the suggestions I've seen here especially the first one at £85 quid .. which would spare for any alterations and then some shoes ?

Try stillwhite.com. There are 187 options for £300 or less in a size 14. Don't rule out the ones with light coverage. You can get some beautiful lace or mesh toppers that look like part of the dress.

OP, I have a similar figure. I made the mistake of getting my dress before I got underwear. I knew I had to factor in a bra, but forgot that I'd need to consider neckline, bra showing at back and the fit of the bodice to accommodate a bra underneath. And having a bra size which is less common than many 'off the peg' bridal styles (we're not all 36C FFS) , my underwear choices were limited.

I ended up with the dress front gaping at the front and I can see my underwear in some pics. And I was worrying all day that the bra line at the back would be visible through the lace upper bodice.

It might be worth investing in a fabulous, once in a lifetime bra or corset, then taking that when you try on any dresses.

Or, make sure you know a great seamstress to do alterations to make your underwear and dress work together.