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Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony

57 replies

JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 11:12

I'm getting married, in my 50's at a small registry office do followed by a party.
I don't want a wedding dress, but something i can wear again, but is still a bit special.
I'm size 12, short (with short legs) and generally suit either knee length or long. Not totally averse to trousers. Most things I can see in the usual shops are midi or mini, neither of which really suit me. I've bought stuff before in Hobbs / Phase Eight (feels a bit boring), M&EM (often too long in the body), Checked Whistles and Reiss but don't see anything that would really suit. Jigsaw is probably my 'go to' for nice clothes but again, nothing that suits just now.
I don't usually buy expensive dresses - any ideas of other places to look? I've thought about 'vintage' on vinted, but am not terribly good at selling things and I guess if things don't fit it means selling on. Alternatively a quirkier smaller outfit? Where do people even go for stuff like this anymore? When I've been to the shops, I rarely see anything different to the usual brands and don't think I'm up to speed with internet shops for this kind of stuff.
Should say budget prob around £200-300 but less or even a bit more for something just right is fine

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
MuddlerInLaw · 18/06/2025 11:14

Please say how tall you actually are!

OneLoudTiger · 18/06/2025 11:20

Rixo, LK Bennett, Self Portrait, Kooples

Papyrophile · 18/06/2025 11:21

Have a look for Sara Roka dresses on Vinted or Vestiaire. They are beautiful and very glamorous but also £££ new.

JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 11:22

MuddlerInLaw · 18/06/2025 11:14

Please say how tall you actually are!

5ft 2!

OP posts:
TheSmallAssassin · 18/06/2025 11:26

I bought mine in Coast, but it was, a while ago now.

JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 11:27

@Papyrophile @OneLoudTiger thankyou - will definitely browse through these, they look great and apart from LK Bennett hadn't heard of any of them. I'll definitely keep an eye on vinted too

OP posts:
OneLoudTiger · 18/06/2025 11:28

I’ve always thought this one in particular from Rixo would make a lovely low key wedding dress - rixolondon.com/products/corrine-tulip-fields-cornflower-blue

JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 11:30

TheSmallAssassin · 18/06/2025 11:26

I bought mine in Coast, but it was, a while ago now.

Edited

I'd forgotten about Coast - that used to be my go to for party dresses. Shame they have no shops any more

OP posts:
JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 11:36

OneLoudTiger · 18/06/2025 11:28

I’ve always thought this one in particular from Rixo would make a lovely low key wedding dress - rixolondon.com/products/corrine-tulip-fields-cornflower-blue

That's a really beautiful dress. Although being on the short side I don't think the hemline would work for me, sadly

OP posts:
sashh · 18/06/2025 11:39

I would book a personal shopper in a department store for this.

InvolvedMe · 18/06/2025 11:43

Always remember that you can get dresses shortened ( check hemline for frill etc).

The Outnet has a wide range of choices. The filters, size, price are really useful.

What about this DVB dress?

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg/dresses/maxi-dresses/shawn-tiered-printed-woven-maxi-dress/46376663162895310

InvolvedMe · 18/06/2025 11:46

This is the link with filters applied. Just over your budget. Is there anything you like?

. The Outnet - sz12 - upto£400

ToadRage · 18/06/2025 12:09

At my registry office we wore jeans and t-shirts with bride and groom printed on the back.

Sgreenpy · 18/06/2025 12:44

Book a personal shopper at John Lewis x
Scamp & Dude, Saint & Sofia or Wolf & Badger worth a look.

MrsSkylerWhite · 18/06/2025 13:04

Mum and stepdad finally married about 10 years ago (then around 75 and 69).
Mum went to an Indian fabric shop with the most amazing array of beautiful fabrics. They made a beautiful embroidered skirt and plain silk top.

Congratulations !

OverlyFragrant · 18/06/2025 13:07

Pretty Dress Company https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/

The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
https://theseamstressofbloomsbury.co.uk/collections/dresses

Bombshell HQ did some stunning dresses which can come up on Vinted.

As with anything, get it altered to fit you!! Very rarely off the peg dresses fit perfectly. If you want to feel extra special, that's my go to piece of advice.

The Pretty Dress Company | Designed & made in the UK

Discover figure flattering dresses and designs to suit every occasion. From sophisticated workwear, to the perfect ladies day dress

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com

Suffolker · 18/06/2025 13:08

Would something 50s style perhaps suit you? These are specifically ‘wedding’ dresses but there are lots of other styles
www.vivienofholloway.com/women-c70/dresses-c10/wedding-dress-c228

MummaChocChip · 18/06/2025 13:08

What about this, might need tailoring slightly due to height but it’s rather lovely and could be dressed up more if needed.

https://mintvelvet.com/products/cream-pleated-knit-maxi-dress

Cream Pleated Knit Maxi Dress

Sleeveless maxi dress with a knitted bodice and a pleated semi-sheer skirt.

https://mintvelvet.com/products/cream-pleated-knit-maxi-dress

Houseofpainjumparound · 18/06/2025 13:10

Monsoon or phase eight do some nice frocks

Koolandorthegang · 18/06/2025 13:23

Club L London have some gorgeous dresses, sorry I tried to link but they were too big

Lilactimes · 18/06/2025 14:06

JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 11:36

That's a really beautiful dress. Although being on the short side I don't think the hemline would work for me, sadly

Rixo is lovely brand @JeanGabin and maybe you can get it altered with them or there may be others that suit?
otherwise maybe book a personal shopper at John Lewis or even Selfridges?

Lindy2 · 18/06/2025 14:18

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/cora-embellished-floral-midi-dress-green-20002930164.html

I rather like this one from Monsoon for a summer wedding. I'm assuming that you're going for nice dress rather than a white dress that's not actually a formal wedding dress. It looks like the length could be adjusted to whatever suits you best.

Cora Embellished Floral Midi Dress Green | Evening Dresses | Monsoon UK.

Shop the Cora Embellished Floral Midi Dress Green from the Evening Dresses collection at Monsoon UK.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/cora-embellished-floral-midi-dress-green-20002930164.html

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