No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...

[ThisMustBeMyDream]

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!

I don't like any of the online places to order from. They just aren't my style. I'm a very young 40, and all I've seen online at JL, Monsoon etc are totally not my style.
Nothing so far has been right. Vinted and FB marketplace are too time consuming, I don't have time to travel to lots of different places. Ideally, I need one or two bridal shops which stock size 8 on the peg. And not more than half an hour away, again, due to time limitations.

@MarianwallaceThe OP has already said she is not interested in Monsoon or Debenhams. I’d imagine she feels the same about Phase Eight - and any similar brands.

That’s so beautiful

the budget is £750 apparently

I'm in work both days that weekend - typically. But also, it's a bit far to go to on a hope and a prayer.

It might be worth a telephone call to them to discuss your requirements and schedule an appointment at a time that suits you.b

Try Wed2b they have one in Liverpool and you walk in.
Got my bridesmaid dresses from here and it was great.

How tall are you op? I am selling my essence of Australia dress in blush. I was breastfeeding at the time so was a 30 dd at the time I think, it’s a small size 8.

Needle & Thread I think suits your budget.

I’m further south but wed2be also have a really good reputation round here, suits your budget and you buy off the peg, on the day and take it home there and then so would allow you to judge whether it fits and take it home instantly!

@ThisMustBeMyDream shame you won’t try an outlet, given the time and budget constraints, imo it’s a good option to be able to try loads on over different sizes as many stock the same dress in different sizes unless things have changed in 9 years, was such a pleasant experience without a boutique trying to upsell me a dress so horrifically fit on me saying it’s perfect. Im a size 8 but needed a 10 in the dress I actually bought

@Iizzyb it’s called Elite bridal and I was going to suggest the same - well worth a trip. OP if you go then call first to book as they can’t always take walk in’s.

I went there as I also didn’t have a dress 6wks before my wedding. They have a normal bridal section and also a discounted section where you can take them away on the day. The cheapest dresses are the size 6s and 8s and I think started at £199. The staff were very helpful.
I also tried wed4less which was a horrible experience.

I ended up buying from vinted in the end as I found a dress which needed no alterations.

@ThisMustBeMyDream have you actually looked at the Luisaviaroma and Net a Porter links? They’re nothing to do with shitty department stores.

What’s the use of being a very young 40 (whatever that means) with such an old fashioned attitude? If you are not able or prepared to travel all over the country, you will find the best choice online. You asked for advice and we’re giving it. None of us can find you the perfect dress within half an hour of your door.

Selfridges have some nice ones online. I think your best ordering some online to try on. I would ring around bridal shops and ask if they have any size 8s in

I feel like we are prepared to put more effort in than the OP so I'm out.

Can you show us a picture of the dress that you originally bought (or something similar) so that we know what your style is?

I’d look for a pre loved dress.

Could you share a photo of what your original dress was so that people can see the style you’re after?

@ThisMustBeMyDream Apologies. I missed the bit 🤦‍♀️ about you not liking Monsoon etc. I’ll get my coat…

I'm 5ft2 (and a half!) Your dress looks lovely. The only thing I can see what might be an issue for me is the straps, I have a very narrow width from shoulder to shoulder and anything other than spaghetti straps so far has been a no go. But I'm willing to try styles on that I've previously discounted, just in case!
Your dress is very very similar to my (no longer!) dress BTW.
If you wouldn't mind, would you PM me pictures of you in the dress (blurred out faces of course!).

This is my dress (when it was clipped, not altered, it did not look like this afternoon alterations).

If you are on FB, can you do a shout out for help/support on your local page, as people maybe able to help. FB also has wedding dress/mob/mog dress site which has a lot of options - can put your original dress on and others can then see and hopefully find one.
I know it's very stressful but have faith that you will have a special dress for the day! (FWIW, I had a homemade wedding dress and it was only finished the night before......but we got there!)

Errrrr, yes. I've looked at every link people have posted. None are right or my style. I was being polite.
I asked for ideas on how to find a dress, but I also said I have a lack of time. Ideally I'd like shops that stock several size 8s in a few styles so I can try on - which as I'd need to fit going to them in a 5 hour window, cant be too far. I also have a life outside of the wedding, such as work, children and other commitments so I am time poor. I know about wed2be etc, but these places aren't great, and having been before I don't wish to go again unless I've no other choice. I've got 1 day this week with 5 hours to go to a shop (preferably two for variety). So I'm hoping of some suggestions of places I can reasonably get to within half an hour to maximise my chances of finding something.

I've done this, but no joy. I just can't see myself in any of the dresses people have offered for sale etc. Also some people want crazy money for 2nd hand wedding dresses! 🙈

https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-bridalwear-shop/warrington/

So work your way down this list, call them ask if they have 8 in stock if they do book an appointment if the don't move on.

Harvey Nichols has a sale on. I found this on the site https://www.harveynichols.com/needle-and-thread/ophelia-floral-print-tulle-ruffled-maxi-gown-20831-mult-moonshine-blue-210463/?_gl=1jmhd0e_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkNGN44T0jQMVC4dQBh2BDRTIEAAYAiAAEgJk5vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADiGUefisRhf80FMFKAtjBtbilPEf

I didn’t have a dress a week before my wedding due to various reasons. Hired one and it was fabulous and much cheaper.

www.harveynichols.com/needle-and-thread/celia-sequin-embellished-ruffled-tulle-gown-20820-blot-dusk-blue-gold-210462/?_gl=1fcitjd_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkNGN44T0jQMVC4dQBh2BDRTIEAAYAiAAEgJk5vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADiGUefisRhf80FMFKAtjBtbilPEf