White high end dress for a city wedding

[GK1987]

Hi I’m hoping the members of mumsnet can help with this task!

My best friend is getting married soon and is looking for a wedding dress. The wedding date is a few months away but too close to order through a bridal boutique. Any high street wedding dresses have been disappointing. She suffered a tragic 2nd trimester loss before Christmas and is carrying weight around her tummy, generally bigger than she would be so would need something that would make her feel good rather than self conscious.

I’m spending all my spare time searching for dresses for her but if anyone had come across any, or any suggested brands, it would be very much appreciated.

Have you considered second hand? I had an amazing dress from Bridesdress Revisited, an amazing shop in Kent.

It was brand new and had never been worn, and was a third of the price new!

When you say ‘high end’ is there a budget?

What is the budget? do you mean High End High Street or Designer?

Have a look on Net-a-Porter if she’s happy to spend £500-£2000ish. They have a wedding edit I think. Halfpenny and Galvan are nice I think. Reformation does some for £700ish. A lot of these are quite city appropriate.

How about Needle & Thread? Or Rixo? Also Max Mara have a bridal range.

Is she looking for a traditional wedding dress or a white occasion dress but not classic weddingy?

We need to know a lot more about her look. Is she tall or short? Slim, average, plump? (Apart from what you've already described) What are her best features.
What kind of dress would she go for - simple and sophisticated? Arty or floaty? Full length, midi, on the knee? 50s ballgown, 60s Hepburn chic, 70s Biba drapes , 80s meringue?

Also have a look on Still White. I just read what you said about her tummy, I’m a big girl and I’m still in shock about how nice Halfpenny gowns looked on. They used to have one of their off the shoulder dresses in a stretch satin on Net a Porter and let me tell you, no belly will be seen

Also, don’t write off boutiques. They can arrange rush orders depending on the designer.

Is this Jenny Packham net-a-porter dress the sort of thing? or the right price?

Or this alessandra rich dress?

On the high street - she could look at Monsoon

I have no idea if it’s her thing but I love this https://app.houseofcb.com/delphine-ivory-draped-corset-bridal-gown-limited-edition (I would sew some of the split up mind you) and think it would be forgiving on a tummy, it has a corset too.

I suggest a trawl on the Outnet in particular for Halston and Badgley Mischka dresses, filter by colour, this dress for example could be great for a city wedding and the bow hides a tummy.

I also like this one

This with a faux fur or velvet bolero jacket:
https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-lettie-wedding-dress-ivory/p111522708

That's by far the nicest suggestion. I don't like wedding dresses, but that's a lovely elegant shape.

Designer Bridal Wear | Bridal Outfits & Accessories | LK Bennett
a couple nice ones

What’s her budget and preferred style? If she likes minimal chic then Valentino could be amazing (try the outnet or matches sale sections for white options); classic boho bridal then temperley London often has great off the peg options; Giambattista Valli for something flouncy.

I absolutely LOVE shopping for others (and your friend sounds like she deserves the most perfect day possible after such a sad loss) so I would be very happy to get googling for her! Also, you are a very good friend and she is lucky to have you to help her through such an awful experience x

Have a look at Cutting Edge Brides.

Bear in mind that many boutiques have sample dresses and emergency appointments so its always worth a chat.

Also Bombshell.

Nearly all boutiques can get dresses quicker or have samples

Where is she based? Can recommend Chilham Bridal Boutique in Kent. It’s all sample or second hand and you take it away on the day but get the same sort of fitting experience as with a normal bridal shop. There’s also a seamstress next door to them you can book for alterations.

Lots of places sell sample dresses, worth a look?

Otherwise what about this

www.thereformation.com/products/ronda-silk-dress/1311444IVO.html?utm_source=gcdL%2FATRVoE&utm_medium=15&utm_campaign=LinkShare&sid=LS298X102&ranMID=40090&ranEAID=2523611&ranSiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-KTDGSJMP_8P0cML420h34w

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/roksanda/clothing/gowns/elinia-cape-effect-tie-back-cady-gown/36093695688869197

Personally I love this but know it's not for everyone!

Maybe look at Marchesa Notte for a lower price point

Selfridges have a wedding shop with ready to wear dresses. That could be a good option for her.

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/wedding-shop/bridalwear/wedding-dresses/

There are some bridal boutiques that specialise in off the peg dresses so will have a good range.

There is also wed to be, but that might not be hight end enough.

I hope she finds something fabulous.

Whistles off the peg bridal is lovely. Reformation dresses in white also lovely.