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No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...

240 replies

ThisMustBeMyDream · 15/06/2025 17:22

I need help, and quickly!
My dress has been unable to be altered to fit. It was purchased off the peg and the bridal shop assured me it would be made to fit by the seamstress (I'd not have purchased otherwise!). It can not fit. It isn't possible.
So, here I am, 6 weeks before the big day with no dress (I do, however, have my money back - for the dress at least, but not the cost of the alterations!).
I am struggling. I'm around a size 8. I need off the peg. This seems to be difficult. Most stores stock 14s and 16s, then pin to fit and say it can be altered - this is how I've ended up with no dress, so I really don't want to be doing big alterations. 12's are the smallest I've found in store, but this is simply too big and too much altering. I also want the dress to fit me on the bust in the right way - which was the challenge in the previous dress. I wear a 30F bra, and due to weight loss, they are more loose skin than anything, but can look great with the right support. The dress I had couldn't give any support even though it had straps (mermaid style).
I don't want anything from Monsoon, Debenhams etc. They just aren't my style.
I'm in the north west, between Manchester and Liverpool. Where would you go to find a dress off the peg that is a size 8. I don't have lots of time either due to work and other commitments. So if anyone has any good ideas, I'm all ears!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
53
Spanielstails · 15/06/2025 17:26

Could you have a look for a dress on still white or vinted that’s in a 8 or 10 and find a seamstress (I’m sure it won’t be that easy this close to the wedding but maybe if you get calling round). What make and name was the original dress maybe someone on here could help find it in a closer size?

BlackSwan · 15/06/2025 17:26

There are lots of online sales on at the moment. Do not panic. What's the budget?

Frankie789 · 15/06/2025 17:28

Have you tried a big outlet store? Just googled wed4less? One near Stockport.
9 years ago I went to one or a similar one and got one, admittedly size 10 but there was loads in all sizes. It was a branded dress but about £600 instead of £2500 and I tried LOADS on more than a boutique

GetDressedYouMerryGentlemen · 15/06/2025 17:29

Can you make it to the Wirral? There seems to be plenty in stock here.

harmonybridesbridaloutlet.co.uk/wedding-dresses-size-6-10/

WTHJH · 15/06/2025 17:34

White dresses, filtered for size 8. Take your time.

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/search/white%20dress?facet=ads_f20009_ntk_cs%253A%2522UK%2B8%2522

N-a-P provides a prompt service, but if you find yourself drawn to a particular brand you can obviously check out their own sites, or visit their shops.

(I don’t see the panic. The country is hardly short of clothes - and you could walk into a shop the day before your wedding and find something. It doesn’t have to have a neon label above it screaming ‘I am a wedding dress!’)

BlackSwan · 15/06/2025 17:38

Luisa Via Roma is also great and have extra 20% off sale items:

Sale - Women's Bridal Dresses - SS25 | Luisaviaroma

ThisMustBeMyDream · 15/06/2025 17:45

WTHJH · 15/06/2025 17:34

White dresses, filtered for size 8. Take your time.

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/search/white%20dress?facet=ads_f20009_ntk_cs%253A%2522UK%2B8%2522

N-a-P provides a prompt service, but if you find yourself drawn to a particular brand you can obviously check out their own sites, or visit their shops.

(I don’t see the panic. The country is hardly short of clothes - and you could walk into a shop the day before your wedding and find something. It doesn’t have to have a neon label above it screaming ‘I am a wedding dress!’)

I've lost 7st, and look the best I've ever done in my life. I suppose now it's my wedding day, I really want to feel the best I ever have in my dress. It's really important to me after 2 years of really damn hard work.
(I didn't lose it for the wedding btw)

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 15/06/2025 17:48

Spanielstails · 15/06/2025 17:26

Could you have a look for a dress on still white or vinted that’s in a 8 or 10 and find a seamstress (I’m sure it won’t be that easy this close to the wedding but maybe if you get calling round). What make and name was the original dress maybe someone on here could help find it in a closer size?

Morilee Piper. Although I'm not convinced even in my size it would be right, as it just doesn't have bust support due to how backless it is. But I'd love to know! So if anyone has it in blush, size 8 (or maybe a 10) I'd love to try!

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 15/06/2025 17:49

BlackSwan · 15/06/2025 17:26

There are lots of online sales on at the moment. Do not panic. What's the budget?

£750 is my budget.

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 15/06/2025 17:51

Frankie789 · 15/06/2025 17:28

Have you tried a big outlet store? Just googled wed4less? One near Stockport.
9 years ago I went to one or a similar one and got one, admittedly size 10 but there was loads in all sizes. It was a branded dress but about £600 instead of £2500 and I tried LOADS on more than a boutique

I've had a really bad experience at these type of stores. They have a really bad reputation. If I've no other choice, I'll go. But hoping not to due to my own experience and horror stories from a LOT of people (I also don't like anything they have online at wed4less or wed2be but I know that you can't be sure without trying on - but they have very minimal in the style that seems to suit me, none of which I like the design).

OP posts:
GetDressedYouMerryGentlemen · 15/06/2025 17:59

The OP has said she needs good bust support and that her original dress didn't work because it was backless.

WTHJH · 15/06/2025 18:00

I imagine everyone wants to feel their best on their wedding day, @ThisMustBeMyDream! And that is perfectly possible to do in six weeks.

I’m afraid I hadn’t seen your budget until after I’d posted my links. With £750 I’d suggest looking for something simple and really well tailored, rather than with acres of cloth.

MikeRafone · 15/06/2025 18:02

Have a look at Manchester designer Nadine Marabi

lots of very modern design wedding attire- but might not be your style

WaltzingWaters · 15/06/2025 18:03

Try finding charity shops that have a bridal section. Some have whole floors dedicated just to wedding dresses. Or Vinted (although obviously that’s a risk with not being able to try on first). Or FB marketplace. It’s definitely possible to find something in 6 weeks so don’t panic too much.

MikeRafone · 15/06/2025 18:19

https://www.suffolkweddingdressexchange.co.uk/clearance/

it’s a bit of a drive but maybe worth looking to see as they have some great clearance bargains on dresses

Clearance

https://www.suffolkweddingdressexchange.co.uk/clearance/

BathshebaB · 15/06/2025 18:24

I would get something from Rixo, Needle & Thread or Whistles Bridal. They will deliver next day, easy to return and then you still have 6 weeks for alterations to make the dress fit you perfectly and look more expensive

Marianwallace · 15/06/2025 18:27

Brands like Phase Eight, Monsoon and Whistles sell off the peg dresses. Especially online. If you use a credit card you could order several online to try at home xx

Iizzyb · 15/06/2025 18:27

There is an enormous bridal warehouse place just off the m62 at Pontefrsct it’s at the entrance of where Xscape is and a big outlet (junction 32 I thunk it’s called. I’d have a drive over & have a look there - have seen some gorgeous brides from there (don’t be put off by the exterior)

maybe search McDonald’s or B&Q Glasshoughton for a postcode/directions they are just about opposite it