Choosing a wedding dress a little help please

[Manica]

Hello everyone,
Just a little context. I'm about to get married. Me and my parter are together for 9y and have a toddler and a baby. We are getting a church wedding together with the christening of our kids. Our aim is simplicity and we are doing just for close friends and family, 50 invites in total. We will host a lunch post cerimony in a villa with no traditional wedding stuff like first dances etc. We see it more as a family celebration. The main point is, nobody knows that we are getting married. Our invites been asked to come to the christening only. Now, when it comes to my dress I couldn't ask anyone for opinions and sadly I can't use my dream dress due to body change after pregancy. So got stuck with two options. I like both in a way but beeing so different I have no idea what to choose. The lenght on the first to be adjusted and I thought a stone belt on the second.
So, looking for your opinion in which one fits better and which would you choose.
Thank you

You have a great figure and could look nice in anything. I would not wear plain white, tbh.

I think they are both «okay». Neither of them stands out to me, they are very plain. What is your dream dress? Could you post a picture of it? Then it might be easier to find something along those lines, but which is nicer than those two.

Have you seen this? On a recent thread, absolutely beautiful.

go.skimresources.com/?id=470X756&isjs=1&jv=15.7.1&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mumsnet.com%2Ftalk%2Fstyle_and_beauty%2F5103004-am-i-too-old-for-this-wedding-dress%3Fpage%3D13%26reply%3D136547627&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.net-a-porter.com%2Fen-gb%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fself-portrait%2Fclothing%2Fmidi-dresses%2Fguipure-lace-midi-dress%2F31840166392379754&xs=1&xtz=-60&xuuid=2e91f361cc81a6df32d687e6c9abfe14&xjsf=other_click__touchstart%20%5B%5D

Both look lovely. The second one is more "wedding-y". But if you're not feeling it, why not find something you love? It's not a traditional wedding so you could choose anything!

I too think you have a great figure post kids.
I agree, both dresses are a bit plain, unstructured dare I say they look cheap. I don't mean you need a massive meringue or to spend thousands. The material just looks thin and almost see-through and like something cheap from shein or those online places 😬
I assume you can get away with a strapless bra? Can you we see your ideal dress, or a pic of something similar? Do you have a budget? We might have other suggestions, or have you already bought both those dresses?

Second one is my favourite. But you have a lovely figure and could wear whatever you want - get your dream dress if you want it - even just try it on - but don’t limit yourself.

This dress was chosen by another poster. It’s beautiful.
OP- neither of the dresses in the photos do anything for you. They are not special enough, too plain. There are so many much nicer ones. Have you looked at Monsoon or Debenhams wedding dresses?

Second one is lovely. Maybe add a belt with some sort of colour/flower motif and add the same colour to the christening outfits. I like simplicity, but I know not everyone does.

Have a very happy day and congratulations.

Op, I like the second one but with hair makeup and plain gold jewellery and lovely sandals, those dresses will not look plain but elegant. I’d not do a belt though, embrace it.

Both dresses are too plain and nothing special. A special dress is needed, and there are thousands!

Both dresses fit your aim of simplicity. I think the second one is a little more special. Hope you have a perfect day. How lovely that your guests have ni idea they are sharing your special day x

I agree with previous posters. They are a bit too plain. Not that you need anything too fancy, as plain can be elegant, but unfortunately these two don’t quite achieve that. Of the two, the strapless one shows off your great shoulders, so it’s better than the single off the shoulder one. Maybe it could be dressed up with a diamanté belt (not stone!) to add a little ooomph, but it needs something ideally.

This is the back of the dress, I also thought about the belt but got doubt about how it would like in the back.

Thank you for your opinion

This is the back of the dress, I too thought about the belt for this one but was not sure about the buttons in the back

They are both Debehams, Reiss and Coast respectively.
I tried others from there as well but I can't see myself in pure white and most of the dresses they have (beautiful I may i say) are strapless or sleeveless and that is what I can't use. I have axillary breast tissue and really need to hide it.
The dress you show is nice but in my head it's too much? I know I'm very boring with my choices 😩

2nd one for me, I love the shoulders. Both look lovely though.

Number one is more sophisticated and to my eye more subtle in its elegance not quite as wedding as the second. You have a lovely figure and look great in both. Jewelry shoes painted nails hair and makeup will elevate both looks. Congratulations on your wedding

Just shows how styles differ Op, I like your choices and I find the one in the posted link way too fussy.

I prefer the one-shoulder style of the first one on you as it gives you a longer silhouette.

I do like the second one from the back though.

Sadly I only have these options, long story short we just got the ok from the church last Friday, I was so defeated that I had given up on finding something. The first one is lighter, while the second is a tick satin. First is Reiss, and second is Coast, not Shein but not far from it 😅

i think this goes along with my thought, im not used to have my shoulders exposed, and i like the twist on the first one, but from the back def the second.

To me, the first (one-shoulder) looks much nicer, better fabric and more "special ". It looks like the neckline could do with adjusting slightly, it would look better pulled away from the neck a bit more on the "high" side and lifted up on the drapey lower side so that it doesn't show the armpit area (not that there is anything wrong with your arms/armpit area, it just looks like it has slid too far down that arm rather than being placed there). The top edge should cut across the crease of the armpit!

See the difference between these 2 examples, the Justin Alexander one looks like it fits properly

You look gorgeous in both!! And many congrats - what a lovely day you’ll have.

I would really encourage you to get a desss - of whatever kind - that you absolutely love and feel completely amazing in … maybe even one you migtlht wear again. Take this opportunity to to treat yourself to something a bit special ….. you’ll only do this once

I like the off shoulder one better but you're right that the length is a bit awkward and needs to be altered. I'm sure you'll look lovely on the day. Congratulations 🎊

I like the first one best, I think it creates the feeling you describe about laid back. If you dress it up with gorgeous shoes, lovely earrings, no necklace, and do your hair and make up you'll look amazing.
Congratulations 🥂

I like the first one best.

I know of someone who had their wedding at their baby's christening too.