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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
HooverIsAlwaysBroken · 15/06/2025 19:22

What style do you like OP? If you post a dress you like (even if it is way to expensive) maybe some of the posters here can help?

GetDressedYouMerryGentlemen · 15/06/2025 19:22

Marshmallowbrain · 15/06/2025 19:20

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

The OP ignored my suggestion of hiring.

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 15/06/2025 19:23

Are you a normal size 8 or a wedding dress size 8 as those are 2 different things

Woodworm2020 · 15/06/2025 19:26

Have you looked a whistles? They have bridal and also ghost?

Ribenaberry12 · 15/06/2025 19:28

Oxfam online bridal get brand new samples as well as second hand/vintage. They ship pretty quick.

MonteStory · 15/06/2025 19:30

I’m 5 foot 4 but had my dress fitted for flats not heels. Was a size 8 then. But I am small chested so might be too small in that area?

Its a satin under dress with spaghetti straps and then lace over dress.

i wore a strapless bodice type bra but to be honest with the lace over you could get away with a good bra in nude.

id be happy to post

No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
ThisMustBeMyDream · 15/06/2025 19:32

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 15/06/2025 19:23

Are you a normal size 8 or a wedding dress size 8 as those are 2 different things

Both. So far, from the shops I've been to so far, I'd need an 8. I've been to 6 shops. The experience of people saying bridal sizes are different hasn't been true to me.

OP posts:
Mumof1andacat · 15/06/2025 19:42

Do you have an oxfam Bridal shop near you?

Punsandroses · 15/06/2025 19:44

https://revu.website/132150/
This shop shouldn't be do far from you, could you call them and ask if they have anything in end of line? know many do this

The White Dress Culcheth

https://revu.website/132150/

NotMeNoNo · 15/06/2025 19:58

Bridal Reloved shops are good, I was very impressed by the one in Beverley. They have all their dresses online so you can see what there is in your size. IKWYM about the dress warehouse places!

Windywuss · 15/06/2025 20:06

Hi @ThisMustBeMyDream

Someone I know has set up business and rents out designer dresses. She has a profile as part of the wider site.

The site is this https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/livia-strapless-maxi-dress-in-white

I was just browsing size 8 white, cream and beige formal gowns. They have got guarantee for fitting. If doesn't they'll refund. It's a thought?

Some beautiful dresses. The link isn't the lady I know but seems a legit site.

Rent Livia Strapless Maxi Dress in White - Elliatt | HURR

Rent this Livia Strapless Maxi Dress In White from Elliatt, available now on HURR — Europe's leading fashion rental destination.

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/livia-strapless-maxi-dress-in-white

TheWildZebra · 15/06/2025 20:13

Buy it on vinted. I bought two wedding dresses & a jumpsuit for the legal part for £150 and they were all perfect You still have time for alterations at a tailors

Greenkindness · 15/06/2025 20:21

This shop in Altrincham has some off the peg in size 8 https://bridalpathltd.co.uk/shop/

krustykittens · 15/06/2025 20:35

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

Ong, that Vivienne Westwood gown!!

Crazyworldmum · 15/06/2025 20:39

I just wanted to say I’m 5 weeks from my wedding and dress got damaged . I have no wedding dress myself . I searched online order a couple and hopefully one will be ok . It’s not a small wedding either as I’m more than 100 people and I’m freaking out

FirstDayonthePlanet · 15/06/2025 20:53

Harmony Brides in Wirral that someone mentioned upthread has dresses in stock, the dress you try on is the dress you buy, and as PP has indicated seems to have quite a few size 8 in stock.