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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
Hellohelga · 15/06/2025 20:55

I got married in a lovely monsoon wedding dress bought 6 weeks before the wedding. They have loads at £750 or less.

WhenITalk · 15/06/2025 21:07

StillWhite have similar to the one you had chosen. Quite a few, if you filter, including by UK.

This one is ivory over nude. A new dress.

https://www.stillwhite.com/325531-morilee

Morilee New Wedding Dress Save 67%

New Morilee wedding dress for . Save 67% on this size UK 8 floor length, dress.

https://www.stillwhite.com/325531-morilee

Idratherbebythecoast · 15/06/2025 21:07

There’s an AMAZING outlet shop in Northallerton which would be well worth the drive called Bee Bridal Outlet. Find them on Facebook or instagram. The sister shop to Bee Bridal in Harrogate. They have a huge range of stock and lots in smaller sizes ready to take home. Highly recommend. https://www.facebook.com/BeeBridalDesignerOutlet

Mmmmmmm123 · 15/06/2025 21:14

https://www.catherinedeane.co.uk/

Amazing dresses and separates you can put together ! I brought from them for my wedding and only needed my skirt altered for length, everything else got perfectly in my normal size

Wedding Dresses For Sale Online UK | Catherine Deane London

Explore our entire range of wedding dresses, bridal separates and accessories. Shop online or visit our flagship showroom in London.

https://www.catherinedeane.co.uk

GetDressedYouMerryGentlemen · 15/06/2025 21:17

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

Oh don't panic I did my whole 120 guess in 6 weeks from booking the venue to saying I do. There are beautiful dresses available off the peg. You will find something perfect for you.

PinkRose14 · 15/06/2025 21:41

I got my wedding dress from Next. They have lots like this - www.next.co.uk/style/ls206627/p41427#p41427

2025ismybestyear · 15/06/2025 21:43

I was so hoping I could help as I'm selling mine on vinted but it's a size 12. I really hope you find something.

WhenITalk · 15/06/2025 21:45

Sample dress in Chester. Looks like a shop, perhaps useful to contact them and ask about their range of available dresses @ThisMustBeMyDream https://www.stillwhite.com/392412-enzoani

Enzoani Sample Wedding Dress Save 68%

Sample Enzoani wedding dress for . Save 68% on this size UK 10 floor length, backless, dress with v-neck neckline & straps sleeves.

https://www.stillwhite.com/392412-enzoani

OhHellolittleone · 15/06/2025 22:01

They Catherine Deane!

TheCoralMoose · 15/06/2025 22:13

There is a bridal shop in Manchester not far from Heaton park called Swarbricks.

Its not a big store but seems very popular.
There is another on Oldham road Failsworth but it seems to get robbed a lot.

TheDowagerLadyUrsula · 15/06/2025 22:18

What exactly is the issue with the original dress? Have you had a second opinion?

Koala98 · 15/06/2025 22:19

Try bethany hannah in stockton heath. Proper bridal shop but might have ex displays or you could find one you like to search online. All their samples were far too small for my size 12 friend

Survivingnotthriving24 · 15/06/2025 22:21

I know you're saying you don't want to go to wed2b but they have several dresses very similar (or nicer) to the one you'd picked.
Honestly though, I think you can do better! Where are you location wise roughly and people might be able to tell you stores that have that size of samples?

ColinCaterpillarsNo1Fan · 15/06/2025 22:57

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/search/?q=wedding%20dress

Hall84 · 15/06/2025 23:02

Maybe try Copplestones in Liverpool? Good luck

monktasmic · 15/06/2025 23:30

I am going to pm you the details of a wonderful seamstress. Whether you buy off the peg or have her make it- you will not regret it.

Doitrightnow · 15/06/2025 23:47

JJ House? Are budget, quick and do custom sizing.

I got my bridesmaid dresses from there and they were very nice.

everybodiesdeaddave · 15/06/2025 23:53

I've got this op? I don't currently have a picture of the back as it's in storage and it's late, I know you wanted thin straps buy I'd be more than happy for you to have it?

No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
Italiangreyhound · 16/06/2025 00:55

I love the Suffolk place.

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

Liri Bridal 'Flora' Bridal Gown
UNWORN SAMPLE Ivory
Size: 6/8
£500
and
Agnes Bridal Gown
Diamond White
Size: 8/10
£500
and

LouLou Bridal ' Dorothea' Bridal Gown
UNWORN SAMPLE Antique Ivory
Size: 8/10
£500

Clearance

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

Italiangreyhound · 16/06/2025 01:18

This one is gorgeous...

JUSTIN ALEXANDER SIGNATURE '99033' BRIDAL GOWN
UNWORN SAMPLE
Size: 8/ 10
A stunning contemporary ballgown featuring a high neck beaded lace bodice, sheer side panels and a full satin ballgown skirt.
RRP £2200 You Pay: £900

https://www.suffolkweddingdressexchange.co.uk/sizes-4-6-8/

Sizes 4, 6 & 8

Photos and descriptions of all bridal gowns currently in stock in sizes 4, 6 and 8.

https://www.suffolkweddingdressexchange.co.uk/sizes-4-6-8/