Help needed to find a non-wedding dress wedding dress

[GettingMarriedAgain]

I hope you lot can help me - I'm getting married for the second time this summer and don't really know what to wear. We're going to have a relaxed informal wedding party a few days after we get married in a registry office so I'm not looking for a proper wedding dress but I'd like to wear something special.

I'm early 50s, 5 foot 5, and size 12 - my middle is much bigger than it used to be so am a bit confused about what suits me these days. I'm hoping to lose a bit of weight by the summer but probably best to avoid things with a skinny/fitted waist. My legs are ok.

I'd like something that I feel comfortable in, that makes me feel like it's a special day and is ok for my age without being frumpy! I'll post a few pictures of things I like but I'm not sure if they'd be ok. Some of them are more money than I want to spend. Budget ideally no more than £300.

Thank you!

Getting on, not getting in

www.debenhams.com/product/Coast-Tiered-Hem-Ruffle-Maxi-Dress_ACC00191?colour=blush

I just found this by chance - there are lots on the Debenhams website that might be suitable?

@bluejelly

How are you getting in, *@GettingMarriedAgain* ? Any contenders?

I’ve looked at so many different options that I got a bit confused! So I’ve decided to order the Vivienne Westwood (with 15% discount) just to see what it looks like on/whether it fits. I’m sort of hoping that it doesn’t suit me so I can let it go and buy something cheaper without thinking that it might have been amazing.

I quite like this Silk Fred one that Candyss posted:

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/beryozlondon/nila-dress-in-white

And then if the Westwood does work I’m sure I can sell it on afterwards which might help justify the £££!

I got married aged 51 first time for me but not DH very quiet church wedding I chose a dress from a designer and shop I wear a lot I was comfortable the style suited me but I still looked like a bride .I chose to wear cream as very few people suit white and I'm not one of them Start where you would if you were going to a smart event then choose something bridal in colour is essentially my advice It's important that you are wearing the outfit not the outfit wearing you Good luck with the search

This was me on my second wedding some years ago.
I'd already had the full on wedding (with ex). We didn't want a fancy thing & I didn't want another wedding dress.
I just went to Harvey Nichols & chose something I liked

@Bec21

This was me on my second wedding some years ago. I'd already had the full on wedding (with ex). We didn't want a fancy thing & I didn't want another wedding dress. I just went to Harvey Nichols & chose something I liked

Aw, you look lovely - and very happy! Your daughter looks very sweet.

I don’t really want a full on wedding dress either and it is only for a party rather than a ceremony. But, I do still want to feel it’s a special day.

Update on the Vivienne Westwood- it’s not the one. Wasn’t too clingy but didn’t look quite right on the top drapey bit so I’ve returned it and will get something cheaper. I think I’ll order a few options and see what looks best.

Thank you to everyone for your very helpful suggestions x

I’ve decided I’m going to go with one of the Nancy Mac dresses (as long as they fit ok). They have a few styles that I think will suit me. And I’d be able to wear it again!

Pretty Kitty have some lovely styles.

prettykittyfashion.co.uk/collections/cocktail-dresses/products/black-silver-vintage-40s-party-wiggle-dress

om your age I think the needle and thread would look abit odd unless your I. your 20s

[quote Diva66]Pretty Kitty have some lovely styles.

prettykittyfashion.co.uk/collections/cocktail-dresses/products/black-silver-vintage-40s-party-wiggle-dress[/quote]
Diva66 there are some lovely dresses on that site - thank you. I’ll keep it in mind if the Nanny Mac dress isn’t right

How about this one from Monsoon?

www.monsoon.co.uk/bardot-bridal-midi-dress-3441164622.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAlrSPBhBaEiwAuLSDUGL56ZroGtmSsnK_oAxk6l3D9mjucS8Q35Ym8UlDi4-r6LIrzlsY1RoCcGsQAvD_BwE

If you have yet to try a bombshell dress then do. They are so much more than a dress-they make you feel fabulous the tailoring is 2nd to none . Honestly try one you won't be disappointed & if its not right for you then you can return for a full refund. Even better is to have an appointment in their studio where you get one to one attention to help find the perfect dress. Can't recommend enough

@Noni123

If you have yet to try a bombshell dress then do. They are so much more than a dress-they make you feel fabulous the tailoring is 2nd to none . Honestly try one you won't be disappointed & if its not right for you then you can return for a full refund. Even better is to have an appointment in their studio where you get one to one attention to help find the perfect dress. Can't recommend enough

Noni123 thank you - I do think the Bombshell dresses look lovely. I just wonder if they would work as my figure isn’t particularly curvy. I will keep them in mind though if nothing else works!

This is not quite the same as the Westwood but similar vibe I think... £150 reduced on the sale
www.lkbennett.com/product/CDDEEPOLYESTERVISCOSEELASTANCreamCream~Dee-Crepe-Shift-Dress-Cream

Congratulations 🎉 I’m getting married next month. Like you, it’s a low key affair. It’s not our first time! I didn’t know where to start but my sister sent me loads of links and I liked the look of this but imagined it might look a bit cheap. www.boohoo.com/bridesmaid-hand-embellished-long-sleeve-maxi-dress/FZZ69844.html?color=131
I ordered it on the off chance and loved it as soon as I seen it in the bag but thought it wound look terrible on. It looks amazing! I just love it. I have a faux fur silver coat to go over it and went nuts on Jimmy Choo sparkly shoes. I can’t wait. 22.2.22 💕

Also this for some vintage silhouettes ....

www.vivienofholloway.com/women-c70/dresses-c10/wedding-dress-c228

www.digforvictoryclothing.com/sabrina-wedding-dress-in-3d-butterfly-lace-and-champagne-silk-dupion

Brighton based shop with some lovely unique dresses....

Have a look on the Chesca website , there's a lot of very flattering designs on there

So glad I have found Nancy Mac website from this thread!

Some lovely options, I would steer clear of the floral pattern ones as I think you might look too mother of the bride. Doesnt need to be white but I think a block colour will make you stand out/ feel more special.

A cheaper option
www.chichiclothing.com/collections/wedding-dresses/products/bardot-crochet-bodycon-wedding-dress-in-white

[quote Babamamananarama]How about something from Nancy Mac?

www.nancymac.co.uk/#[/quote]
Thank you Babamamananarama! I am not the OP, but I am in the same position (age 52, possibly getting married in the Summer, to my partner of 20 years) and the Summer print dresses on Nancy Mac have my name all over them!

Good luck @GettingMarriedAgain - perhaps we'll pick the same dress!

Oo, thank you for all the new suggestions! Will have a look.

Am still planning to go with a Nancy Mac dress and will see how I get on. I like the summer print dresses too @Mousemollie2. I think one of the little lace jackets that are designed to wear with them might make it a bit more special. And then the dress would be something I could wear again.