Find me a wedding dress

[mitogoshi]

I'm going in circles! I kind of know what I want but I can't find anything I like in the boutiques at a price that I deem appropriate for something that you wear once!

So trawling through second hand etc I'm doing but suggestions from others really really appreciated.

The requirements: I'm a 16 so in bridal that's 18 typically, I like corset back which are a bit more flexible and I could loose a few pounds. I'm 5'6 and will be wearing flats or near enough, so second hand can't be altered too short (this is the problem I've had) but longer is fine, can alter. I don't want white but blush, ivory, champagne even a dark gold is fine. Not bothered by a train, will alter to reduce if it has one as I'm clumsy! Lace, chiffon a line sort of look but I need inspiration. Sleeves I prefer as I have a medical condition I'd rather cover, could add them though.

The new ones I've tried on are £1000 then a further £1000 to make it fit! My budget is £1000 all in. I'm near Bristol so can get to most places to pick up (heading up to Glasgow in 4 weeks for instance) if anyone is selling

Have you tried Wed2be?
DD was a "curve" size bride, they have a massive range of gowns and she paid £500 for her dress.
We went to one of their shops and she had the whole wedding dress shopping experience, I was really impressed (need to book an appointment).
They had different styles and shades.
DD bought a corset back and it just needed a slight alteration which a local seamstress did.
Have a look at their website and see if they have the styles that you like, DD rang and asked which shop had the largest range of "curve" sizes, we drove to Rotherham.
I was seriously impressed.

Why not hire? Then you could have something truly extravagant for a modest outlay.

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

Here’s a few
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/florence-embellished-bridal-dress-ivory-64637846.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/alexa-beaded-bridal-dress-ivory-64638346.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/julita-embroidered-lace-trim-bridal-dress-ivory-54075546.html

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/delilah-mesh-embroidered-maxi-wedding-dress-221413863.html#isSecondPage=false&start=0&sz=60&is=true&cgid=wedding-dresses&prefn1=size&prefv1=18&pid=221413863&pos=7

Do you have Tiktok?
This outlet shop (I've not been there) answers people posting 'find me a dress, size x, y style, budget is z'. It's really quite fun to watch and get ideas from, and obviously people post of a similar size/ requirements to what you might have, so you might get some inspiration. They don't tend to be super fashionable wedding dresses, but they do seem to have a lot of lace/ boho vibe, as well as lots of traditional style.
butterfliesbridalandprom on tiktok

Can you post some pictures of the sort of style you like?
Do you want Sleeves, Off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline, high neck, voluminous skirt or fitted etc?

dark nude and ivory
https://www.johnlewis.com/ghost-delphine-satin-maxi-dress/dark-nude/p5681674?size=L&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk6SwBhDPARIsAJ59GwdIlpLR2oGDb4sW9TmCDHwnW_38PauKQXNt3dfOY_ERGGwT16hm0ukaAu7uEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Have you had a look on Still White website-some lovely dresses and good filters to narrow down your search criteria. Does this fit the bill?

I would visit several bridal shops and try on lots of dresses to really narrow down what you want. Then look for those actual dresses on secondhand sites or sample sales

What kind of sleeve exactly is the minimum requirement? E.g. is a bit of chiffon enough or do you need coverage to the mid-upper arm or elbow etc.? Can the sleeve be loose?