Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Silk dress for daughters wedding

204 replies

Namechangefor2026 · 02/01/2026 11:41

I am 5ft 4 and 10.5 stone. I am really not very stylish but want something spectacular for my daughter’s wedding in a hot country. I have recently lost weight and will lose more beforehand i will be around 10stone hopefully. I don’t mind what the cost is as I am quite frugal usually. I would love something in bright colours and maybe for example raw silk. But open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance. Xx

OP posts:
Thread gallery
41
iamnotalemon · 02/01/2026 13:13

LevelHed · 02/01/2026 12:59

Silk is unforgiving in a hot country. Sweat marks under the arms comes to mind. Silk is also very warm to wear. I'd look for cotton. That red dress is lovely.

I was just about to say, I’d be worried about sweat marks.

Whatbloodysummer · 02/01/2026 13:20

Something like this pattern?

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1596869296/flared-midi-dress-sewing-pattern?gpla=1&gao=1&

Just Google for a dressmaker near you, there's lots around. Often they advertise doing clothing alterations or making bridal dresses?

mcmuffin22 · 02/01/2026 13:31

LevelHed · 02/01/2026 12:59

Silk is unforgiving in a hot country. Sweat marks under the arms comes to mind. Silk is also very warm to wear. I'd look for cotton. That red dress is lovely.

I find the same and I am not a sweaty person! I prefer cotton or a cotton linen mix.

InfiniteJester · 02/01/2026 13:33

LevelHed · 02/01/2026 12:59

Silk is unforgiving in a hot country. Sweat marks under the arms comes to mind. Silk is also very warm to wear. I'd look for cotton. That red dress is lovely.

This was why I asked the dressmaker to make me a strapless dress! In the end it was fine. The bolero was lined so no marks.

OP, I went to a shop we have here. They had done my DH’s silk waistcoat for our wedding and they had rolls and rolls of beautiful silks. They took a different dress owned and cut the silk dress to that shape.

isthismylifenow · 02/01/2026 13:40

I'm in a hot country OP.

The idea of silk is great. But it isn't awfully practical in the heat.

If you have your heart set on the fabric, I would suggest something patterned. As the slightest sign of dampness is going to show on a plain fabric that isn't dark blue or black.

Gonegrey31 · 02/01/2026 13:43

Another vote for Shibumi . Get a made to measure dress in a glorious colour .
I also have a Favourbrook dress in floaty navy silk ( £££ unfortunately) but it was my dd’s wedding! On an extremely hot day and it was perfect .

eggandonion · 02/01/2026 14:01

I had a Max Mara silk dress in patterned silk. But it was about 25 degrees so not hot.

EvelynBeatrice · 02/01/2026 14:21

I’d be inclined to get on a cheap flight to Malaga or Rome or the like in the spring and look there. Far better quality and style usually and you’d be more likely to find something weather appropriate.

Defiantly41 · 02/01/2026 14:24

can you say a bit more about what shapes suit you? Sleeves or no sleeves? Would you entertain strapless or asymmetric?

have a look at Net-a-Porter, The Outnet, Wolf & Badger, Needle & Thread for less staid MoB ideas, and also bear in mind that the main spring/summer drops will not be in yet (but soon will) so keep looking

a few ideas from Wolf & Badger to start off with

cheekaa · 02/01/2026 14:29

I recommend checking out Terry Macey.

Grizelina · 02/01/2026 14:41

Try Shibumi as they have off the peg and bespoke. Loads of pics of customers so you can see what they look like on different body shapes. They are based in Gloucester I think. Princess Anne often wears their dresses.

Namechangefor2026 · 02/01/2026 14:49

This is gorgeous!

https://katyawildman.com/products/stevie-luxe-velvet-ruffle-dress-in-bright-red?variant=52959113380180

Stevie Velvet Ruffle Dress in Bright Red

Meet my Stevie Nicks-Inspired Velvet Maxi Dress – Bohemian Glamour that's magically flattering. Channel your inner bohemian goddess with my Stevie Nicks-inspired Velvet Maxi Dress. Crafted from luxe stretch velvet, this stunning dress combines comfort...

https://katyawildman.com/products/stevie-luxe-velvet-ruffle-dress-in-bright-red?variant=52959113380180

OP posts:
TheCosyViewer · 02/01/2026 14:49

When is the wedding ? If you could wait another few weeks/months, all the winter sales stuff should be out of the shops and the spring/summer ranges will be flowing in.

If you’re near London, would you look in Liberty, or maybe book their personal shopper if they offer that service. You should definitely find something there that would be fabulous. Expensive but for a once off event maybe.

Namechangefor2026 · 02/01/2026 14:53

TheCosyViewer · 02/01/2026 14:49

When is the wedding ? If you could wait another few weeks/months, all the winter sales stuff should be out of the shops and the spring/summer ranges will be flowing in.

If you’re near London, would you look in Liberty, or maybe book their personal shopper if they offer that service. You should definitely find something there that would be fabulous. Expensive but for a once off event maybe.

Wedding isn’t until September so I’ve loads of time. I’m in NI so not near any liberty shops.
I hadn’t thought of the sweat issue with silk. I don’t tend to sweat much but mightn’t take that risk. Another thing to think about!
I don’t think I want to go custom made. I’d rather find something premade but maybe get it adjusted if necessary.
Thanks everyone! Xx

OP posts:
Neitherherenorthere · 02/01/2026 15:00

I had a dreadful experience shopping with Shibumi. Dress I received was nothing like the one I tried on in the showroom. Last minute rush and had to buy a back up outfit…. Poor customer service. I thought I was in good hands at this price but I would never recommend after the disappointment I suffered.

TheCosyViewer · 02/01/2026 15:08

If you live in NI, I’d get the train down to Dublin and look in Brown Thomas or Arnotts.

cupfinalchaos · 02/01/2026 15:14

When is the wedding (sorry haven’t seen of someone else asked) as the new spring/summer collections start coming in around end Feb. Stella McCartney had some amazing silk dresses last summer. There’s Missoni but not silk and even if strapless will be hot. Definitely nothing beaded in heat.

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread