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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

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WhatdoesitmeanKeith · 19/06/2025 16:52

How’s this? https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/lise-dress/salina-print#size-10

Appreciate it’s a mini but at 5’ 2” might be okay. I’m 5’ 4” and find minis are not too short length.

Motheroffive999 · 19/06/2025 17:31

What colour would you like ?

BIossomtoes · 19/06/2025 17:41

If it were me I wouldn’t go for anything bridal. A good trouser or jump suit would be my choice. I’m so sorry for those hideous links! I particularly love the Monsoon one.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/mara-wide-leg-bridal-trousers-ivory-1000439669.html?utm_content=nonbrand&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A20252672844%3A%3A&nb_adtype=pla&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=12198991&nb_pc=online&nb_pi=1000439669&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20261716288&gbraid=0AAAAADjtA_GlIHOOXeO0gHPBoZdef350J&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQckg3V7Wekjp8I6PL6oD0xqWoaADAw9T1OHMNH4aQ0S8vh8i4Th2ShQxoCyx0QAvD_BwE

https://www.whistles.com/product/210682.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17999921653&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17999921653&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17347183346&gbraid=0AAAAADtW8dtOSKXfATgsSfhR0dFhz7uX_&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQckt17nt7d63z4J5EpzoVV44O3315eyEsxVZ956RnLdtn2gL2Gb48fLxoC3YkQAvD_BwE

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/vanessa-jumpsuit-100012147926.html?istCompanyId=c38fe7a0-ffd0-4925-94b3-cff8df449484&istFeedId=5a41320b-c741-4d1e-b90d-1091450d147c&istItemId=qipxmlxir&istBid=t&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=21744775086&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21744775086&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21751088156&gbraid=0AAAAADumyC-frCEF5gCml8SzFlvB_XRP8&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQcklo_b4I4ifLcEZGB7r0XYyyElO4OgLyxdrp4OsWjGCuurUrYSaJqaRoCUHQQAvD_BwE

MrsPositivity1 · 20/06/2025 19:39

Me & Em

Papyrophile · 20/06/2025 19:53

More beautiful than anything Me&Em have ever made, but also there is usually a resale section on Vinted of people who bought one for an investiture or a wedding and spent so much to feel great. So you can sometimes get lucky with a second hand worn once deal. They run true to size, not generously cut TBF, but Italian summer glamour writ large.

JeanGabin · 22/06/2025 21:45

So many ideas here, I'm blown away. Alot to go and look at, and will probably plan a trip to london so can try a few on.
Sorry I've been away - a busy weekend - but really, it's so appreciated.
I'm avoiding white (trousers or dress), and aiming more fitted / tailored - alot of the longer dresses look beautiful but would swamp me and make me look like I'm dressing up, or wide. So the vintage options look really good. Dresses I've loved before are that style, or classic / a bit cinched at the waist, though I've tried (and loved) some beeded or heavy materials (think missoni style) and loved them too. It must be about the weight of the fabric, making it hang nicely.
I will definitely make a trip to rixo - so many recommendations, and have a proper browse through the others.
Thanks again to everyone, I really appreciate it

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