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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
unsevered67 · 18/06/2025 10:03

The second dress with the straps and lace back looked beautiful on you.

Bowies · 18/06/2025 10:05

Good luck with your dress hunt today OP!

I agree PP who thought the lace back is pretty on the 2nd dress, but the 3rd strapless dress gave better support at the front in the bust and defines your waist better. We couldn’t really see the back on the 3rd dress.

The 1st dress didn’t fit properly.

The lace back dress (edited to clarify) IMHO the dress wearing you, this isn’t the case with the 3rd (strapless), where you are clearly the beautiful bride wearing the dress.

I would put a lace long veil with the 3rd dress, if you otherwise loved the skirt etc and wanted to bring the lace element in.

Otherwise hopefully will be wowed today!

LonelyMom123 · 18/06/2025 10:52

Are you the mumsnetter that found a ring and your DP proposed towards the end of your holiday?

ThisMustBeMyDream · 18/06/2025 20:11

LonelyMom123 · 18/06/2025 10:52

Are you the mumsnetter that found a ring and your DP proposed towards the end of your holiday?

Yes, that's me!
Almost a year on, where did that time go!

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 18/06/2025 20:29

I HAVE A DRESS!!!!
Well, I have three. But, I've now chosen one!
I went back to try the lace back on. Still loved it.
I then went to wed2be as I wanted to try the very booby dress on again, but with a strapless bra.
I did, and I loved it! And then I also tried on another dress, and loved that too!
So, here are the three! (Well, two, the third, I'll have to do another post as too many photos!)
Can you guess which I chose?! I won't be offended if people don't like my choice, don't worry 🤣.

No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 18/06/2025 20:29

And the third one!

No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
No wedding dress 6 weeks before the wedding...
OP posts:
mnahmnah · 18/06/2025 20:35

The strapless one looks so much better with the bra!

But… I love the third one the most!

Fairnair · 18/06/2025 20:36

@ThisMustBeMyDream you look great in all three, but I think you have chosen dress 3!!

Doggielovecharlotte · 18/06/2025 20:37

Oh yes I can see how you’d like the third one

is definitely the winner

Bowies · 18/06/2025 20:41

You chose the 2nd? It looks lovely if so!

WhenITalk · 18/06/2025 20:42

You chose 1.

englishandelegant · 18/06/2025 20:49

I like them all so I’m not sure which one you’d pick, they are all beautiful on you! And I’m so happy you have your dress. Wishing you a very happy married life ahead!

Luckypinkduck · 18/06/2025 21:10

I know your not keen but I would try wed2be. I think they look a lot better in person and you can actually try a size 8 on and walk out with it. It's worth a go for a couple of hours of time- they aren't pushy. It's your budget too.
Having been to both wed2be was much nicer than the Stockport one. Especially the one inside next in the arndale if it's still there.

2025ismybestyear · 18/06/2025 21:11

Dress three is lush. Classier than the booby one tbh.

zaxxon · 18/06/2025 21:17

I'm going to guess 3 because it's the most fairytale. But in fact they all looked amazing, really beautiful. Congratulations!

ThisMustBeMyDream · 18/06/2025 21:24

I did go for number 3 🤣. Although I did love the 2nd with my bra on it was SO much better!
I'm going back in the next 2 days to get it as I refused to rush in to it! I just need to pick a veil, and try and find 2nd hand accessories (underskirt etc) because it was over budget and the alterations for just length and bustle have come in at £175 🤢.
I've also no idea how I'm going to do my choreographed dance in it 😂 so I might need another (cheap!!!!) dress for that... I'll see after the alterations. My poor budget. Food shop is going on the credit card for the rest of the month 😱😵‍💫.

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 18/06/2025 21:24

I'm still a teeny bit gutted that I don't have a fitted dress after all the weight loss. But having a dress that does the sad sacks justice is my priority, so I'll suck it up!

OP posts:
Fairnair · 18/06/2025 21:30

The third dress has more drama going on with the skirt ruffles, and I must admit I like it much more than your original dress, as I not that keen on very lacy dresses. Congratulations on saying “Yes to the dress”!!!

englishandelegant · 18/06/2025 21:49

Dress 3 is gorgeous. I love the top part especially but it’s all beautiful. Properly princessy.

LonelyMom123 · 18/06/2025 21:57

Dress 3 is fabulous and I am so glad you have set a date, I loved your threads when you'd found the ring and were waiting for the proposal. Wishing you all the best for a wonderful wedding!!

makingthecut · 18/06/2025 22:01

The dress you have chosen is absolutely gorgeous. It’s my favourite of all the ones on the thread including your original choice. Really pleased for you!

Please say you’ve reserved it though, don’t let someone else buy it!

ThisMustBeMyDream · 18/06/2025 22:05

makingthecut · 18/06/2025 22:01

The dress you have chosen is absolutely gorgeous. It’s my favourite of all the ones on the thread including your original choice. Really pleased for you!

Please say you’ve reserved it though, don’t let someone else buy it!

I've not, but fear not! I'll be going to get it. Wherever I have to go to!

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 18/06/2025 22:07

LonelyMom123 · 18/06/2025 21:57

Dress 3 is fabulous and I am so glad you have set a date, I loved your threads when you'd found the ring and were waiting for the proposal. Wishing you all the best for a wonderful wedding!!

Thank you! We set a date straight away. I say we, I mean, he! After waiting so long, he wanted to be married within the year! 5 weeks 5 days to go! Bring it on (now I have a bloody dress!!!).

OP posts:
MikeRafone · 18/06/2025 22:09

Love dress 3 and it looks fabulous on you

B est wishes

Serenitewobble · 18/06/2025 22:09

I’ve read this all evening and remember your other threads.
I’m delighted you got your dress - and what a dress, much more WOW that the original one.
Your waist is teeny tiny and the skirt is fabulous, floaty, bridal, bit edgy and the neckline is sexy but elegant and interesting, it’s a fantastic dress 💗
I hope you update with accessories as you get them. I love the softest powder blue shoe with a wedding dress. Are you leaving your hair down?
Love love love it - exciting!!!!!