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Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!

157 replies

Purplehearts9066 · 07/03/2024 09:50

Hi all

I'm eloping to Scotland in May - it'll be just the two of us (plus celebrant & photographer), and we're getting a boat out to a stunning loch where we'll be getting married.

I'm looking for a dress to wear that fits my personal style and is within a budget of around £300. I want something long, and I'll be wearing hiking or lace-up leather boots underneath.

I'm unsure yet if I'm going to wear white or black. I'm leaning a bit more towards a black dress - I am a bit of a goth and I always feel my best in black. I love clothes and appreciate nice fabrics and good cuts. I'd rather spend my budget on a high quality "normal dress" rather than a very cheap "wedding dress".

I'm having a hard time finding something to wear though - even trying things on is challenging because in my city the department stores that sold that kind of thing have closed down and very few shops stock "evening gown" type stuff.

My shape/features:

  • Just under 5"7
  • Slim (size 6-8) with a small waist
  • Long dark hair
  • Boob deficient

My style:

  • Sharp lines
  • I like a bit of "drama" but I need this to come from shape/structure/fabric, unusual design features. I strongly dislike fussy details on myself.
  • High necks, sharp v-necks, halternecks, boat-necks
  • Nothing "booby" (i.e sweetheart necklines, padding) but I can pull off some plunging necklines as long as they're sharp.
  • Gothic/edgy/alternative elements
  • Fine lace
  • Prefer wearing one colour head-to-toe and my preferences are black, white and emerald green

The Wedding Look I want:

  • A dress that will look cool in photos with a mountain back-drop
  • Going for a slightly gothic look with my make-up
  • Would like a veil or cape

Please help me!!

In particular, I'd really like your thoughts on:

  • Retailers/brands/shops to consider
  • Any suggestions for dresses - hit me with your links!!
  • If you happen to know of any shops in the South Wales area where I could try on dresses

Thanks so much all!

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Purplehearts9066 · 08/03/2024 18:25

Oh wow I've just checked the response now, thank you all so so much, I've seen a lot that I LOVE! You people definitely understood the brief 😊 I like the idea of renting a Vampire's Wife dress - they are truly stunning - but I'm a bit scared of damaging it! Going to take a closer look at everything now, THANK YOU all x

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Purplehearts9066 · 08/03/2024 20:35

TwigTheWonderKid · 08/03/2024 19:22

What about this?

Oh my goodness I am in LOVE with this

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Delphiniumandlupins · 08/03/2024 22:52

ApolloandDaphne · 07/03/2024 19:03

This is nothing to do with style or dresses but won't you need 2 witnesses for your marriages ceremony? I'm assuming the celebrant can't do this.

Maybe boat skipper and photographer?

Purplehearts9066 · 08/03/2024 23:01

Delphiniumandlupins · 08/03/2024 22:52

Maybe boat skipper and photographer?

Yes, close! Photographer and the celebrant's sister will act as witnesses 😊 I'm really excited about it. I love going to friends weddings but I'm quite introverted and the idea of a big wedding was stressing me out a bit. This is much more "us" and I also feel more free to wear what I actually feel good in. I did try some "proper" wedding dresses and felt horrible in all of them. I'm not sure why, as every other bride I've seen has been beautiful in their dresses!

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Purplehearts9066 · 08/03/2024 23:04

Lucked · 07/03/2024 22:48

This is super gorgeous 😍

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GeordieLass02 · 08/03/2024 23:07

@Purplehearts9066 How far away from you is Manchester? Afflecks palace has so many independent and alternative stores, plus as a city there may be other options. You may also find some Afflecks Palace businesses online.

Purplehearts9066 · 08/03/2024 23:08

GeordieLass02 · 08/03/2024 23:07

@Purplehearts9066 How far away from you is Manchester? Afflecks palace has so many independent and alternative stores, plus as a city there may be other options. You may also find some Afflecks Palace businesses online.

Rather a long way unfortunately but I do have a good friend who lives there I keep promising Ill visit...

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Yogatoga1 · 08/03/2024 23:11

There used to be a website that specialised in gothic and alternative wedding dresses. Used to browse all the time then forgot about it for a few years and never found it again.

found this one which I love, the back is a fantastic detail:

https://www.flormiss.co.uk/a-line-princess-square-sweep-train-tulle-wedding-dress-f23w339.html

A-line/Princess Square Sweep Train Tulle Wedding Dress

https://www.flormiss.co.uk/a-line-princess-square-sweep-train-tulle-wedding-dress-f23w339.html

tigerbear · 08/03/2024 23:19

Georgia Hardinge

tigerbear · 08/03/2024 23:35

And another!

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
Cakey46 · 10/03/2024 11:32

Agree with @HolidayHappy123 the green metallic Vampires Wife would be amazing.

Cakey46 · 10/03/2024 11:39

Swoon

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
Cakey46 · 10/03/2024 12:16

I need to clean my house really but looking for dresses is much more fun

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
Purplehearts9066 · 10/03/2024 14:17

Cakey46 · 10/03/2024 12:16

I need to clean my house really but looking for dresses is much more fun

And I for one am very grateful for your work - these are amazing, you legend!!

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ineedtogoshoppingnow · 10/03/2024 14:25

https://www.stacees.co.uk

WirKindervomBahnhofZoo · 10/03/2024 15:12

Absolutely loving this thread. Full of kind, decent and helpful comments.

Purplehearts9066 · 10/03/2024 15:14

WirKindervomBahnhofZoo · 10/03/2024 15:12

Absolutely loving this thread. Full of kind, decent and helpful comments.

Me too!!! I'm so grateful for you all, everyone has been so helpful and lovely ❤️

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Purplehearts9066 · 10/03/2024 15:16

I'm feeling rather spoilt for choice but you've given me some amazing ideas. Very tempted to rent a Vampires Wife dress.....also loving all the dramatic dresses here, you all totally understood the brief! I'm definitely swaying towards a long black gown with a simple black veil. I do fortunately have a hair and make up artist too and will be going with a deep red lip....eek I'm getting quite excited now!!! I will keep you all updated (and post wedding pics so you can see what I decided on!)

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Purplehearts9066 · 10/03/2024 16:44

Ladies I've just seen this on Vinted and it's out of budget but..... 😍

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
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