Alternative Wedding Dress Inspiration

[DressMe24]

We have decided to elope in 6 weeks and so I need to buy a dress.

I've recently lost 30kg (115kg to 85kg), so still on the larger side.
I'm massively struggling with style after years of hiding behind the same skater dress (in various different prints) and leggings (now sold on vinted).

So I'm looking for recommendations of stores and styles I may not have considered or know about. Doesn't need to be traditional. Happy with traditional or alternative, traditional white or coloured.

About me:
Currently a 14/16 depending on shop
173cm tall
I do not suit long dresses at all
I need relatively easy access for breast feeding
I'm very hippy, and smaller on the top half.
Athletic/muscular build
Will not wear heals
Will continue trying to lose weight (goal is 70kg) so will buy a few once within returns windows.

I would like to be able to wear it again, so it isn't just a one off expense.
Happy to spend up to £150ish (and have available cash flow to buy a few to try and return later).

Would you consider a jumpsuit?
a v neck one would be great for breastfeeding especially if it’s a fabric with some stretch in?

@Stath
Yes I would, but my main concern with that is I predominantly baby wear and jump suits have caused me issues with going to the loo 😂

You mentioned you liked prints and this has sleeve detail
www.asos.com/prd/202537869?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

This is on sale in a 14 and bf friendly
www.asos.com/prd/205754020?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

Have you thought about what sling you’re going to be wearing if baby is going down the aisle too?
I think you should have the perfect excuse to get a beautiful wrap if you are as well as a dress 😂

What's the venue like? Indoor, outdoor, registry office, etc? Is there a reception? What's your normal/ideal style? I know you're struggling after weight loss, but any celebrities who have styles that you like?

Any parts of your body you want to show off/minimise?

@Stath I have a very lovely ring sling I will use I think. Although I'm not sure how much aisle walking I will be doing.

@JudgeBurrito it will be a registry office wedding. In, probably, Bath or York.
It will be just the three of us so no reception.

I don't pay attention to any celebrities so couldn't even hazard a guess. 🙈

The main thing I don't like is my tummy, it does need hiding or holding in place. I think I look worse with things that are baggier/friller as I think they make me look bigger (even if this is in my head, I don't know). I'm really not much help to myself!

We are also early 40s.

@Stath I like the style of the jump suit, it's unfortunately out of stock though. Not so keen on the second.

@DressMe24 You don't ever watch the TV and think 'oh she looks nice'? You're not giving us much to work with. Sleeves? Mini or midi? Do you have shoes in mind? You say you won't wear heels.

Does it have to be white btw?

Are you okay with your legs out?

Apologies, just re read your post and you’re fine with colour and nothing too long

A wrap neckline dress would be good for bf and they normally have a higher waist which skims over tums

I’ve added appliqué patches to dresses and clothes before that’ve made something rather plain more special

That probably sounds quite minging but I’ll try and find a picture to illustrate

Did the same to my friend’s wedding dress which turned out tres lovely

www.boohoo.com/GZZ16707-165-16.html

www.boohoo.com/PZZ10329-148-24.html

www.nobodyschild.com/products/white-embroidered-starlight-midi-dress

This dress has a neckline you could bf in and you could wear it after? Not too tight on the tummy and is similar to the jumpsuit you liked? There’s a choice of colours and isn’t too long?

I’m on hold on the phone atm in a very kafkaesque situation so am getting really involved in your thread 😂

@Stath love that dress!

@Stath I really laughed at your casual use of kafkaesque 😂

hopeandivy.co.uk/collections/sale/products/the-celia-embroidered-puff-sleeve-front-button-midi-dress hopeandivy.co.uk/collections/sale/products/the-celia-embroidered-puff-sleeve-front-button-midi-dress]]]]

This is gorgeous 😍

Monsoon may be another option (haven’t looked back to see if already mentioned)

Something like this could be really pretty

British Retro - got my wedding dress from there. Some lovely fabric and the fabric has gentle bones and a little stretch. I’m also hip heavy and the circle dress nipped in nicely at waist and skimmed over hips. Add an underskirt and it’s impossible to tell what’s intended shape and what’s hip!

also married at Bootham York registry office - wonderfully friendly and helpful people, would recommend!

britishretro.co.uk/product-category/50s-dresses/50-full-circle-dresses/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADEXC-OQrStitDefjM6H2mia4eZQj&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzJbWy_jvhwMVSItQBh3n3iy-EAAYASADEgID0vD_BwE

Blonde and wise trench dresses are fab 😊

www.mywardrobehq.com/clothing#?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver,white&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver,white&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver,white&sort=recommended www.mywardrobehq.com/clothing#?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver,white&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver,white&sort=recommended?category=2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008&color=silver,white&sort=recommended]]]]

rent a dress?

Thanks for all the replies will look properly later when little one isn't hanging off me after nursery.
And sorry by "not long", I meant it needs to be short. I look so frumpy in anything longer than my knees, unfortunately.
I do really love that dress though :)

Nobody’s Child dresses come up small, so go up a size or two if you take that option.