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

[Purplehearts9066]

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!

@Purplehearts9066 oh love, yes you sure did pick it. I am currently going through a total EDS suckfest atm and am so very pleased to be living vicariously through your wedding right now. Fairytale elopement is much more exciting than my present reality which involves trying very hard to stay off the heart transplant list for the time being.

I did think this dress was worth you looking at. Classy and warm looking and you can make it more of less alternative with accessories for plenty of re-use potential.

https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-velvet-tuxedo-maxi-dress-black/p110827792?size=6&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhtWvBhD9ARIsAOP0GogBjilqZLceY1EUdgpVgSd1DVBjkdFQ6AaI4wqBxSqvJgsyyjJ2HSgaAuhwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wear it with a black lace cape or cloak etsy from £70

but if the budget has wiggle room I love the neckline on this one
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1614515571/elegant-black-gothic-cathedral-length?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=black+lace+wedding+cloak&ref=sr_gallery-1-14&frs=1&local_signal_search=1&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1

but this black lace hooded capelet is also fab and may be more practical on a boat
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/266710686/black-lace-hooded-capelet-with-double?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=black+lace+cloak&ref=sr_gallery-1-12&sca=1&sts=1&local_signal_search=1&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1

if you went for the cowl back satin dress @Workingmytickettoparadise first suggested you could have this rather spectacular beaded cape which I think would look amazing with it
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1324497551/black-fantasy-wedding-cape-beaded-back?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=black+lace+wedding+cloak&ref=sr_gallery-1-23&frs=1&sts=1&local_signal_search=1&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1

Re: midgies - oh trust me this played a BIG part in my choice of month
I loathe the things and get eaten alive!!

fingers crossed then 🤞. DHs first suggestion was tweed, and he's the least Tweedy man going.. Long story but for my island elopement I ended up with a choice of bare feet or jodhpur boots and ski socks to go with my fifties style dress, so I'm loving the style choices here.

Amazing dress choice!

I do have one further question though. The dress has a slit in it so I'm wondering what to do about shoes as I'll need something fairly practical. Maybe combat boots or lace up leather boots?!

what about forest green tights?

https://www.heist-studios.com/products/the-eighty-colours?currency=GBP&variant=44056352325792&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=e6bd1da2b27b&campaign=20300400695&content=&keyword=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhtWvBhD9ARIsAOP0GoiKi4fSYYGr_feU5Q0u6LNkFwaJKC8HmUHLy-lcX-lp-o9PWX-zdQMaApd8EALw_wcB

and the vivianna hush puppy ankle boot https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hush-Puppies-Vivianna-Womens-Leather/dp/B002MRS0SS/ref=asc_df_B002MRS0SS/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=208035572560&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6946943933449716231&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046041&hvtargid=pla-337667247330&psc=1&mcid=2c81e0a547723446b14f6f3524c1b416

Very Lara Croft⬆️

saw these and thought of you
https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/voss-ii-hydro-leather-strap-sandals-black/p/26799001?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwzN-vBhAkEiwAYiO7oO1N5YKHda2tkyqraxf_CU-1a1Gp4h8tM5vcGEtfqGDRlB_IigBreRoCrK4QAvD_BwE

I live in a very hot, humid part of Australia and can confirm that I have been wearing something virtually identical (DM flatforms that don’t cross over at the front.) every single day since August. If the weather gods shine upon us and calm their tits, it will cool down enough to wear some boots again in July. I hate it here.

Oh bless you ❤️ sending you love and empathy. I'm lucky my heart hasn't been affected but it has been incredibly disabling & I've had some really rough times with it. Hope you feel better soon!

That is STUNNING!

So an update - the Reiss dress fits perfectly! It was actually lucky there was only a 6 left in stock as I think the usual size would've been too big.

Anyway I feel amazing in it and adore it, thank you all so much for your contributions, I wish I could buy them all 😍

thanks for the update @Purplehearts9066 I'm so glad you managed to get what must have been pretty much their last one.

Yay! When I first posted the link to that dress the size 6 was out of stock and they only had size 8. It was obviously fate that you should have the dress @Purplehearts9066 !

Thanks for the update. I’m thrilled for you. You will be a stunning bride. Avon’s skin so soft is a good shout just in case there are midges.

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/pre-order-c15/the-pretty-dress-company-tilly-velvet-prom-dress-p346#attribute%5B1%5D=1

I know it’s not long, but their dresses are stunning 🤩 they look amazing in the flesh too. Much better than online

I thought of you op. I had drama channel on the other day and there was a wedding on monarch of the glen, her dress was white but seemed to have a similar vibe to the one you want and it suited that gorgeous scottish backdrop.

good luck and enjoy

Most of these dresses are too long - think about getting in/out of a boat, trailing across rocks/sand. Also, the lightness and laciness look a bit out of place with the mountains and loch backdrop. Think of the whole thing as a scene from a play - what would your heroine be wearing? I'd be going for something a bit "Outlanderish", or, even better if you can find one on eBay in your size, a Droopy and Brown Riding dress (like this)

Ah thank you, it's undoubtedly a stunning dress but unfortunately I've never been able to pull that style off, I think its better suited to someone with a bit more curve. I can imagine someone making a stunning bride in it though and I'm going to keep an eye on some of their straighter styles for future events, thank you x

I do really like the styles and I considered some very similar dresses but the cut doesn't really work for me and believe me, I've tried! A-,line and anything with a very emphasised waist sadly just doesn't look that great on me. I appreciate the practical thinking I really do! I think we'll be ok with a longer dress though - I've looked through a lot of elopement photography and long dresses are the norm. As I haven't gone with anything too expensive I don't really mind if it gets a bit messed up 😊 the red dress is truly gorgeous though!

Ahh thank you for thinking of me and the good luck wishes. Getting very close now, eek!!

Ladies I am once again asking for your thoughts! I'm wearing the black Reiss dress with a cape. My partner is wearing burgundy tweed with a black tie.
I want a headpiece to wear - I'll go with simple silver jewellery.
I've narrowed it down to these - although my choice may be limited by time!
Keeping in mind I have black hair and quite strong facial features (so i tend to look better with dramatic, bold, simple rather than very fussy, ethereal girly pieces)...
What do you all think of these? I'm minded to go with the simple silver Celtic one with silver garnet drop earrings to match the suit? I like some of the others but don't want to veer into looking too costumey...
What are your thoughts? 😊

Thank you for suggesting Ghost. I didn't go for Ghost for my wedding dress but I have a friend's wedding next weekend & ordered a stunning navy Ghost dress which I'm going to wear with silver shoes & a silver clutch. I got it at a bargain sale price too! Id always been curious how these dresses would look and hang on me - wasn't sure if they'd cling in the wrong places or not! But it hangs beautifully, I love it, it's very classy and versatile and I'm sure I'll get a lot of wear from it. Thank you ❤️

I love the garnet and red crystal one!

I think the asymmetric design could be really interesting here depending on how you want to do your hair.

It's worth being aware most 16-18inch necklets can be worn in your hair like this if fixed with hair pins. How many pins you need depends on your hair and the planned style.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/514389106/scottish-thistle-necklace-silver?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_a-jewelry-necklaces-other&utm_custom1=k_Cj0KCQjwk6SwBhDPARIsAJ59GwdSHyZKYq1s5hTE_OqgLFWJ7tRyN1UxA8gJGcprvpusp_JDKOoVHmsaAgayEALw_wcB_k&utm_content=go_12604174237_120630397820_508814446526_pla-307090668619_m__514389106engb_171184522&utm_custom2=12604174237&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk6SwBhDPARIsAJ59GwdSHyZKYq1s5hTE_OqgLFWJ7tRyN1UxA8gJGcprvpusp_JDKOoVHmsaAgayEALw_wcB