Dream event - Is this a bonkers idea?

[MrsCurmudgeon]

I have been on cloud nine all morning because I have been invited to a fancy ass event in a years time.

Now I normally hate parties, people or events but this is a full drama masquerade ball in a beautiful location. The fantasy reader in me is thrilled.

Where does someone get a Victorian ball gown for a short fat lass? (I will be slimming down a bit for the event)

All I have found online are some dodgy etsy shops and some very lacklustre party costumes.

Anyone got insider knowledge?

Ooh how exciting! What’s your budget?

Do you want to buy or rent?

Niiiiiice.

Have you looked at Angels?

https://angelsfancydress.com
You probably need to contact them. They do some amazing costumes you can rent (or at least they did a few years back!)

I've not been able to find a dress to work out what budget I should consider.

I would be I would like it to be in the region of £500 to £700 - but I not sure if that would even be realistic.

https://www.devilnight.co.uk/41-victorian-ball-gowns

Any good?

This type of style would be amazing.

I wish I could sew - there seems to be a wealth of patterns. but I am terrible as my spatial awareness is off. I once ended up with a set of pj bottoms I was making.... sewn together with one leg put on inside out!

Prior Attire is worth a look but you'd probably have to stretch the budget a bit as you also need all the foundational bits underneath.

I've been lusting after some of the dresses on Devil Night suggested by @Doseofreality

and a dose of reality is what I need as they are all beautiful and slim and I am not - but I have worn a Victorian white shirt and black dress with all skirts, hat and boots before and it suited me. So here is hoping!

Are you near any theatres? Sometimes they rent out their costumes and may have some period dresses in stock.

Thank you @botemp - I think I am outside of their deadline. Also, they deal with perfect historical accuracy (which is gorgeous!) that I feel that i would be squandering their time and talent for a one-off event

@bigdecisionaboutwork - we do have a theatre wardrobe nearby (it was where I got the schoolmistress outfit) but they don't seem to have this more formal style. More street urchin, less ball gowns.

I was playing the role of an 18th century Duchess (amateur production). I visited a theatrical costume warehouse and picked out a sac dress, which was the style of the time, for a very reasonable charge.

They had loads of costumes of different kinds for a variety of dates/styles, some with signs on the rails, showing the name of the tv programme they were being used for. I assume they were being used by the BBC, theatre productions etc. Perhaps there are warehouses like this in other major cities.

I used to do theatre costuming. You want the RSC costume store, they have incredible stuff: https://www.rsc.org.uk/costume-hire