Dress for Civil Ceremony

[stinkingbishop]

Style counsel please. Getting married. Third time around (two ill-considered marriages in my 20s, swore off it for life, but been with DP for 13 years, so has worn me down!) Very small registry wedding, just closest family, and DDs as bridesmaids, then private room in local gastro pub for lunch. Summer, likely to be hot. Day before my 50th. Had just wanted to do it in jeans but DP persuaded me to treat myself to something nice and, frankly, excuses for getting dressed up are increasingly rare! I've justified it to myself that I can then wear for other people's weddings, races etc.

I've got a personal shopping session booked with DDs at John Lewis. Was going to give them the wedding/races/mature but elegant brief, and then Monsoon or equivalent for the DDs to coordinate. But then I saw the thread on the Coronation here (that would be ideal, really, Sophie Wessex/Zara type outfit) and got some Self Portrait dresses on the off chance. So, what do we think of any of these? Obvs with the right underwear and shoes!! Possibly even miraculously toned arms...And sorry for pics, have yet to master the mirror selfie 😆

The first one is the nicest but does need adjustments in the bust area. It shows off your lovely figure.

Not keen on the second one, the combination of the odd pocket flaps on the hips and the one shoulder make it look like someone learning dressmaking hasn’t followed the pattern correctly! The middle seam also cuts you in half.

The third one is too mumsy and is swamping your lovely figure.

Go to JL anyway and see if they come up with something magical. T sounds like a lovely wedding you have planned.

I like the first one for the cut and colour. The square neckline seems to suit you.

Of the three, number 1 is by far the best but as pp has said, needs adjusting. No 2 does nothing for you and no 3 is mumsy.

With your colouring have you thought about brighter colours (eg emerald green or royal blue)?

I prefer the third, the other two look very stiff and I'm not sure what the designer was thinking about no. 2.

Are they a little too big?

This is very helpful, thank you. I have been relying on the opinion of two 11 year olds, who just go 'oo, fancy!'

con on your upcoming wedding. I love dress one. I think the shape looks fantastic on you. The pockets on dress 2 are in an odd place. Dress 3 is nice but less special.

Agree that one is a great shape for your figure

The first one looks stunning, really suits you

Not keen on the other two at all.

Don't like 2, I like 3 and more rewearable but 1 is more special.

1 doesn't fit you properly. The pleating/ folds/tucks over the bust look really odd.

2 is weird and not in a good way and also looks too tight at your waist.

3 fits you beautifully and doesn't have anything weird about it but it's a bit bland but of the 3 it's the best because it fits.

First one looks is really lovely and shows off your great figure. Second one I don't like the neckline or the pockets. Third one is really nice but not as special as the first.

Congratulations!

Love the first one!

I vote for the first one. It just needs a few alterations. But it shows off your lovely figure and has a "this is a special day" vibe to it. Number 2 is a bit too casual and 3 is blah and mumsy.

Thank you everyone! Will have another try of Dress 1 then, with the question being, can I move around and sit in this without MIL audibly tutting about the slit...

Dress 1 is best. All the dresses look quite big on you, perhaps try a smaller size before you contemplate alterations.

Enjoy your special day, and the big birthday too!

Congratulations!

The first is head and shoulders above the others. Suits you well, (though I would check sizing and the darts with a seamstress).

The second is … messy, and in wintery fabric.

The third is A Very Pretty Dress - for another day. (Or a going away / honeymoon outfit.) It’s not grand or unusually memorable, as the first is.

Dress 3 is pretty but a bit ordinary
Dress 2 is ... sorry but no
Dress 1 just doesn't look like a great fit and not sure if the colour is really doing anything for you.

The JL personal shopper experience is usually great and can bring you things you would not normally look at

Otherwise try Wolf & Badger?

These are from The Fold

Bolder colours and a bit more fitted

If you wanted to shout a little louder - these are all from Solace London:

It's not my wedding obviously but I like your idea of something bold and dramatic. The OP's dresses are all a bit "mother of the bride". I'd see it as an opportunity to have the most fabulous day dress in the budget, rather than a "wedding dress"

Dress No 3 is beautiful!

Dress No1 is ok, a pretty colour, but that's about it.

I don't like No 2 at all.

Targeted advertising keeps telling me I need to buy these.

Zimmermann

Zimmermann 2

Looking at them again, I'm definitely in favour of number 3.

Dress 1 is by far the best although needs a slight adjustment.

2 doesn't fit you and doesn't work. 3 is a bit ordinary- like that Zara dress everyone wore a couple of years ago.

Love the second dress @NatashaDancing posted but it's quite a different look to these.

Dress 1 is lovely on you. 2&3 look too big. Congratulations on getting married 👏

Congratulations !
dress one is lovely but agree with others it needs adjusting. The other two don’t flatter your slim figure .
I got married last month and am 50 and wore this dress from Pretty Kitty with a stole.