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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:
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MoreThanOverwhelmed · 18/06/2025 14:42

I bought this to wear for my registry office wedding, but didn't actually wear it in the end due to circumstances 😢

Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony
Verite1 · 18/06/2025 14:57

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

Have you seen that it comes in petite as well (for those under 5ft3). I have a few Rixo dresses and they tend to fall beautifully

ThisZanyPinkSquid · 18/06/2025 16:09

Look at bridesmaid dresses that are tea length. They come in most colours too so you can choose to get married ima. Different colour if you wish

CaveMum · 18/06/2025 17:14

Another vote for The Pretty Dress Company. Something like this would be perfect, just accessorise with a little pill box hat and you’ll look stunning.

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/sale-c16/the-pretty-dress-company-myla-midi-dress-p183#attribute%5B1%5D=36

Take a look at barinovael on Instagram, she models vintage style dresses all the time. This is one of her posts with (I think) this very dress.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKKLkKlovwz/?igsh=eDQ2ZDQ1amJvNnQ2

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKKLkKlovwz/?igsh=eDQ2ZDQ1amJvNnQ2

JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 17:15

MoreThanOverwhelmed · 18/06/2025 14:42

I bought this to wear for my registry office wedding, but didn't actually wear it in the end due to circumstances 😢

What an absolutely beautiful dress! Sorry you didn't get to wear it MoreThan, but glad you have got married. I saw your other thread, and can't imagine the emotions you're going through 💐

OP posts:
JeanGabin · 18/06/2025 17:38

The Pretty Dress company looks great, and it sounds like Rixo is really worth a good look too, lots of recommendations. I'm a big fan of the 50's look so will look into those as well. Thankyou so much for all your suggestions, so grateful.

OP posts:
TheOnlyMrsW · 18/06/2025 19:03

Another vote for Monsoon, or depending on your style Disturbia - they aim for the alternative market but have some beautiful dresses. Chi Chi London used to have lovely vintage-style dresses but no idea if they're still around........

myrtle70 · 18/06/2025 19:15

Rixo Chelsea branch has petite range and also do onsite alterations. For 50’s style look at this shop in London King’s Cross palava.co/collections/womens-dresses

Cocomelonhauntsme · 18/06/2025 19:18

I would also look at the dress rental companies like rotation and owntherunway etc. You never really wear these things again and you can get absolutely stunning, designer pieces you'll feel amazing it for well within your budget.

I've done it a couple of times for weddings etc and have had brilliant experiences.

siucra · 18/06/2025 20:10

Rixo? Gorgeous dresses.

Or Essentiel Antwerp for a bright pink maxi.

MyPlayfulPuppy · 19/06/2025 01:39

Hey, I know this is a bit out of left field but have you ever looked at Temu? I’ve had a couple of red carpet / black tie events and bought beautiful cocktail and long evening gowns for under £50! Because I won’t get to wear them often it’s enough to pay and the dresses themselves are beautiful and well made. I included a photo of my favourite, currently selling at £33! Check it out, nothing to lose! Hope this helps and you have the most wonderful wedding day and happiness always x

Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony
MyPlayfulPuppy · 19/06/2025 01:43

Also try JJs House, their speciality is wedding, prom, MOTB etc. absolutely stunning and they will make any outfit to measure for you too 😍
https://www.jjshouse.com

The sounds of silence

The Five Towers rise majestically in the heart of

https://www.bing.com/?FORM=GPFAIL

GrabACoffee · 19/06/2025 08:23

Check out some of the FB wedding resale groups. They often have bridal or MOB outfits in white, some less fussy ones but very elegant.

Have had a few videos come up on TikTok recently of civil ceremonies & brides in lovely trousers suits.

Potentially buy a dress/trouser suit, cheaper or preloved and get it tailored or embellished in some way.

ViciousCurrentBun · 19/06/2025 09:15

Spend a decent amount on really good underwear, wear the bra your wearing on the day to try on, just look on it as scaffolding and wear the heel height if wearing heels to go and try on dresses, preferably the actual shoes.

Make sure the colour suits your skin tone, this a big mistake many people make. I love pale beige but I look horrendous in it so loads of lovely linen I see is not for me.

People have posted some nice frocks but because we can't see you none of us will know if they suit you. That 50’s style dress would suit more people than that very lovely Boho lace sleeve one for instance. I love that lace sleeve dress but it wouldn’t suit me.

My sister got married in her sixties a couple of years ago. She spent months looking for a dress. She settled on a very pale sage green dress that had a netted lace overlay with very small lace flowers on, floor length, structured bodice and long cap sleeves that were quite voluminous. She looked really lovely and the colour suited her olive skin tone perfectly. I made her a boquet of cream roses, sea thistles, willow tree fronds and rosemary. Her dress was only 75 on Amazon of all places.

Defiantly41 · 19/06/2025 12:07

Nobody’s Child have some lovely dresses - although they say they are “mini” they are 88cm which would be just to the top of the knee on me (also 5’2”), or the midi would be just above the ankle rather than mid-calf

Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony
Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony
Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony
User415373 · 19/06/2025 14:15

I wore this when I got married in a bookshop:

Chi chi London dress

I'm 5ft and it was perfect. I've never worn it again though - does that mean you're not keen on white?

I've also seen this which I think is lovely:

Club L London Dress

User415373 · 19/06/2025 14:16

Sorry I couldn't add pics after!

Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony
Where to buy a special (but not 'wedding') dress for registry office ceremony
Gunnersforthecup · 19/06/2025 15:26

I wonder if this would work as a low calf dress for you?

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/badgley-mischka/dresses/midi-dresses/cape-effect-stretch-crepe-midi-dress/1647597357360561