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Original poster

Wedding Dress for Petite 46YO

36 replies

ReadyForSeason · 11/12/2023 22:37

So, I have lots of time until next Sept, and tempted to wait until new season options.

But struggling with height and do not have anyone trusty to alter, plus a lot of designs have feature hems.

I have found a couple that look suitable but they are very sensible… Will they make me feel old?

https://www.lkbennett.com/product/DRLILAPOLYESTERCreamCream~-White

https://www.whistles.com/product/loretta-sequin-wedding-dress-35854.html#isSecondPage=false&is=false&q=WEDDING%20&srule=new-in&start=0&sz=60&pid=loretta-sequin-wedding-dress-35854&pos=36

Lila Off-White Lace Wedding Dress | View All | Clothing | Collections | L.K.Bennett, London

A wedding dress with a feminine, Fifties' feel, our Lila bridal dress is in our first-ever Bridal Collection. Crafted from a classic floral lace in off-white, it has a round neck, delicate puff shoulders, long sleeves, a slip layer, a nipped waist with...

https://www.lkbennett.com/product/DRLILAPOLYESTERCreamCream~-White

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
gotomomo · 11/12/2023 22:50

I share your pain, same issue here, not overly short here but they are all designed for 6ft I swear.

Also they seem to either be for 20 somethings or old women (coat over dress type thing) ... I'm not looking properly until new year.

Original poster
ReadyForSeason · 11/12/2023 23:14

Yep. I was looking at Phase Eight and felt properly aged bracketed…

OP posts:
Mumofoneandone · 12/12/2023 07:29

Really like the first one! And I'm a petite ish 43 yo! Whilst my wedding dress was special, I am sad it was quite plain.😔
Probably worth trying on a variety of dresses to get an idea of what might suit or feel comfortable. Also see if any companies do petite ranges.....
Is it worth seeing if you can find someone to make a dress in a style you like but the right length.

diddl · 12/12/2023 08:44

I love the first one.

Like the 2nd apart from the back.

KCandtheSunlightBand · 12/12/2023 08:59

I am older than you OP, but to me the first one looks like an odd combination of my grandmothers old lace tablecloths and a demure first communion dress, and I think you will feel old.

Like others, I wouldn’t consider the second as I have to wear a decent bra!

With the prices of these dresses, I think you could have something made to measure by a local dressmaker at similar or even less money. I did this for my wedding dress, and I can honestly say I have never felt more stylish but also comfortable as it fitted so perfectly.

Alondra · 12/12/2023 09:14

I don't like the first. Too much lace and the style will swamp you if you are petite.

I like your second choice if you are slim enough to wear it.

Being petite you'll look best in a structured dress without too much lace.

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 12/12/2023 09:32

Have you been to an actual bridal shop OP? They should be able to guide you, and if a dress has a feature on the hem etc. when it's ordered in your size it will be made with the hem and all the seams in the right places for you.

Clarinet1 · 12/12/2023 10:34

TreesWelliesKnees · 12/12/2023 10:14

Do you want an actual wedding dress, or would an evening dress in a different colour work? Ghost have some lovely satin ones in a midi length.

Or this, which is in the Petite range at Coast:

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-petite-embroidered-long-sleeve-maxi-dress_bcc02565?colour=blush

Looks like they have lots of other options too.

29 quid! You'd pay more than that in a charity shop! Other than that, I like the OP’s second suggestion.

minipie · 12/12/2023 11:27

What size are you OP? This is gorgeous.

I tend to agree that lace may swamp you- I wanted lace but am petite and found plainer dress styles looked a lot better on me.

No substitute for trying stuff on really.

martinisforeveryone · 12/12/2023 11:36

@ReadyForSeason what kind of venue are you having and how big’s the wedding and bridal party?

Cas112 · 12/12/2023 13:08

noooooooo · 12/12/2023 11:50

Dress No. 2 is actively gorgeous, really timeless

No.1 is slightly giving holy communion, although I could see it looking gorgeous on the right person - if you wanted something full length and fancier there’s this but I actually think I prefer Dress 2 in your OP.

https://www.karenmillen.com/petite-draped-crystal-embellished-maxi-dress/BKK11532-133-18.html?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY_Bltsddvu4Aa27ZWSU-5AC8&gclid=CjwKCAiApuCrBhAuEiwA8VJ6JpaM80gHHQNQA8ta6N5h003gnEnr8C6wKKzIFLTGs7xVnBmfxPQxnBoCrQsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Can’t help thinking a proper bridal shop must be used to seeing petite brides and could advise re: alterations. Congratulations!

This is BEAUTIFUL!!!!

housethatbuiltme · 12/12/2023 15:04

Boohoo does a whole range of petite dresses, they get a bad wrap for being 'cheap' but some of there stuff is really nice, good quality and long wearing.

https://www.boohoo.com/petite-satin-occasion-rose-corsage-maxi-dress/GZZ56699.html?color=184

https://www.boohoo.com/petite-satin-pleated-halterneck-maxi-dress/GZZ17450.html?color=133

https://www.boohoo.com/petite-bridesmaid-satin-cowl-neck-maxi-dress/GZZ43996.html

https://www.boohoo.com/petite-diamante-trim-corset-satin-maxi-dress/GZZ23439.html?color=184

https://www.boohoo.com/petite-pleated-belted-maxi-dress/GZZ48896.html?color=133

Or ASOS... my wedding dress was from ASOS and was amazing, these are some petite range ones.

https://www.asos.com/beauut/beauut-petite-bridal-embellished-maxi-gown-in-white-with-contrast-embellishment/prd/204382356#colourWayId-204382403

https://www.asos.com/vila-petite/vila-petite-bridal-satin-mermaid-maxi-dress-in-white/prd/204006904#colourWayId-204006906

https://www.asos.com/frock-and-frill-petite/frock-and-frill-petite-bridal-premium-embellished-v-neck-maxi-dress-in-ivory/prd/203973359#colourWayId-203973360

https://www.asos.com/anaya-petite/anaya-with-love-petite-tulle-one-shoulder-maxi-dress-in-white/prd/22159677#colourWayId-60377999

Beauut Petite Bridal embellished maxi gown in white with contrast embellishment | ASOS

Beauut Petite Bridal embellished maxi gown in white with contrast embellishment at ASOS. Shop this season’s must haves with multiple delivery and return options (Ts&Cs apply).

https://www.asos.com/beauut/beauut-petite-bridal-embellished-maxi-gown-in-white-with-contrast-embellishment/prd/204382356#colourWayId-204382403

Original poster
ReadyForSeason · 12/12/2023 17:32

Thank you, all, especially for unpicking dress 1.
I am size with A cup bust, so can wear most things, and go without a bra.

The trouble with petite styles generally the clothes are often infantile. We are not large little girls, we are small women. So, I am not into swinging skirts that look like prom dresses. I want to feel like I am wearing a gown, even if not floor length.

I have also looked at Ghost dresses and love them, except someone I know said “this is very you” and it felt like a criticism, if that makes any sense.

OP posts:
TreesWelliesKnees · 12/12/2023 17:44

I'd take that as a compliment, OP! Ghost dresses are elegant and beautiful!

housethatbuiltme · 12/12/2023 17:53

ReadyForSeason · 12/12/2023 17:32

Thank you, all, especially for unpicking dress 1.
I am size with A cup bust, so can wear most things, and go without a bra.

The trouble with petite styles generally the clothes are often infantile. We are not large little girls, we are small women. So, I am not into swinging skirts that look like prom dresses. I want to feel like I am wearing a gown, even if not floor length.

I have also looked at Ghost dresses and love them, except someone I know said “this is very you” and it felt like a criticism, if that makes any sense.

I bought both a ghost dress and an Asos dress and sent the Ghost one back and got married in the Asos one.

The Ghost one was so incredibly heavy and stiff (near impossible to fasten it was that stiff) plus the fabric wasn't that nice feeling and it looked yellow not white. A lot of people say 'heavy is a sign of good quality' and Asos dress was 'too light' but I choose comfort which was the Asos one. My Asos dress was floaty, light and magical but the exact same cut/style as Ghost (and nearly £400 cheaper too).

Saz12 · 12/12/2023 18:51

@noooooooo , that one is beautiful!!!

LivelyBlake · 12/12/2023 19:41

Have you considered Rixo? https://rixolondon.com/collections/rixo-bridal/filtered?page=1

martinisforeveryone · 12/12/2023 20:19

ReadyForSeason · 12/12/2023 17:32

Thank you, all, especially for unpicking dress 1.
I am size with A cup bust, so can wear most things, and go without a bra.

The trouble with petite styles generally the clothes are often infantile. We are not large little girls, we are small women. So, I am not into swinging skirts that look like prom dresses. I want to feel like I am wearing a gown, even if not floor length.

I have also looked at Ghost dresses and love them, except someone I know said “this is very you” and it felt like a criticism, if that makes any sense.

I hear you. DD is a 4'11" size 6 and she tried on traditional wedding dresses which all, especially lace, made her look dumpy and decidedly frumpy and as though she could be popped on top of a vintage wedding cake. She ended up with a mail order heavy crepe dress that was super slinky with a bardot style neckline and she looked amazing and, dare I say, quite a bit taller than she really is. It was a million miles away from what she thought she wanted, but was perfect.

Keep an open mind.

disappearingfish · 12/12/2023 20:26

They are very demure, to the point of slightly boring. The necklines are dull and they have no style. It's like AI was asked to design a wedding dress for a 40 something.

If you don't feel like you want to go full bridal then maybe look for something with a bit of an edge, something more memorable.