Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

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!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
41
Purplehearts9066 · 31/03/2024 15:27

That's a really clever idea and I do like asymmetric designs too - I mean honestly my facial features are not very symmetrical so it kinda looks more harmonious anyway! I'm trying to visualise how this would look - what kind of hair styles would it work with do you think?

OP posts:
CCN2012 · 31/03/2024 16:17

I found this one, I don't know if it's what you are looking for. Good luck with the search.

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
Purplehearts9066 · 31/03/2024 16:41

Viridianblue · 16/03/2024 10:27

Not sure if you’re still looking but I currently have a long black dress I’ve listed on my FB if you’re interested https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/277522362061771/

Edited

I've already bought something but this is gorgeous and exactly what I was looking for for a wedding I'm attending as a guest soon! Good find

OP posts:
stillplentyofjunkinthetrunk · 31/03/2024 19:57

what kind of hair styles would it work with do you think?
lots of options but clearly some need a certain amount of length
For long hair you could go with an asymmetric style with a braid curving back into a bun like this maybe...

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
stillplentyofjunkinthetrunk · 31/03/2024 19:58

or if you can face a bit more celtic / viking this

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
Antibetty · 02/04/2024 15:59

Purplehearts9066 · 31/03/2024 13:41

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? 😊

The simple silver Celtic one would definitely be my choice. I tried on the Iron Crown from GoT last year at the jeweller's who made it, and it was v similar. It looked so fantastic on me LOL! Of course it wasn't for sale, but now that Ive seen your Celtic one, I might just buy it for myself (and keep it for my 50th- yes, Golden!!! - wedding anniversary which is coming up soon!!!

Purplehearts9066 · 21/05/2024 18:50

Hello all! I know you were all keen to see pics so here you go:

https://ibb.co/qBjdnZW
https://ibb.co/BnG4qJV
https://ibb.co/Twsk9zH
https://ibb.co/kK5zG8Z
https://ibb.co/8Dkdc5j
https://ibb.co/YcRZXvz
https://ibb.co/5hR2W6J
https://ibb.co/bBFzWf9

Thank you so much everyone for your help. I LOVED my dress! It was a truly perfect magical day. We were blessed with the weather, and Skye is just something else. Otherworldly beauty. I'm so happy we decided to do it this way.

Thank you all for helping me feel beautiful!

katyanddarrenlochcoruisk-24 hosted at ImgBB

Image katyanddarrenlochcoruisk-24 hosted in ImgBB

https://ibb.co/BnG4qJV

OP posts:
Nicelynicelyjohnson · 21/05/2024 18:54

Congratulations to you both, you look fabulous.

CCN2012 · 21/05/2024 18:55

Huge congratulations to the both of ypu, you both look amazing. I wish you good luck and good fortune for your marriage.

DaffydownClock · 21/05/2024 19:24

What stunning photos, many congratulations to you both xx

OodlesPoodle · 21/05/2024 20:16

With your height Odd Muse will work well. I wanted to wear them for my elopement but am a shorty and a taller person would look amazing in them. They have a selection of black too. oddmuse.co.uk/

Net a porter on sale has good offers so worth a look (spenny without).

There is a brand Envelope1976 (Norwegian) that would suit your body type well. Can find them online or they ship to Uk and on net a porter too.

Rixo Bridal though if you want black the main section will be better.

Club L London - the quality of dresses is really quite nice, all colours. Very well priced.

OodlesPoodle · 21/05/2024 20:17

Eek ignore me!! Just saw your update. Dress is gorgeous. Congratulations!

CinnamonSweet73 · 21/05/2024 20:36

Absolutely stunning!!

NCForQuestions · 21/05/2024 20:40

@Purplehearts9066 Aargh, so beautiful! You look amazing! Love the look and, you both look so happy together! Huge congratulations 🎉💐

nonevernotever · 21/05/2024 20:44

Stunning! I'm so glad you got the wedding you wanted. Wishing you both a long and happy marriage .

Nicole1111 · 21/05/2024 20:57

You look amazing and the pictures are stunning. Huge congratulations.

EveryOtherNameTaken · 21/05/2024 22:08

Congratulations!!

excelledyourself · 21/05/2024 22:34

You look amazing, OP. And generally very beautiful, wedding day or any day!

Handsome groom and cracking suit too.

Congratulations.

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 21/05/2024 22:59

Wow, OP - you look like a model!

SleepPrettyDarling · 21/05/2024 23:22

Loved reading this thread in March, and seeing today’s happy update - congrats!

fizzandchips · 22/05/2024 05:09

Congratulations. So happy you found the perfect dress and had exactly the start to your marriage that you wished for. Wishing you health and happiness, always.

Whatineed · 22/05/2024 06:16

SparrowFeet · 07/03/2024 19:27

What about renting a vampires wife dress?
They've got a lovely black velvet one here which I reckon you could get a cape to match byrotation.com/designers/the-vampire's-wife

My first thought was to the Vampires Wife too! I hear she's closing the business down due to lower sales sadly.

She had a long dress in black for HM as a limited edition, you might find one on ebay or Vinted?

There are alternatives such as this one by Numph which might be available in the UK:

Artikel bei Zalando: Nümph-NUPENILLE SARA - Blusenkleid - caviar www.zalando.ch/nuemph-blusenkleid-caviar-nu121c0l0-q11.html

Please help me pick a nice evening dress for my elopement!
Tafelberg · 22/05/2024 09:52

You look incredible! And that scenery - absolutely stunning photos. Congratulations!

Swipe left for the next trending thread