Wedding dress for obese, short mid-50s

[SilverVixen101]

Hiya

After over 20 years together DP and I have finally decided to get married. Originally for tax/inheritance reasons (we have two kids) but we've agreed we want to have a great party for all our friends.

The only other bit I know I want is a splendid wedding dress. I am well known for having a very glamorous/avant garde approach to fashion. The problem is my figure is quite a challenge these days to present attractively - so please can I have some advice.

I am 5ft with an obese BMI. I am almost completely spherical and with big boobs (32H) My waist still goes in at the sides but at the front I look heavily pregnant (though at mid-50s that is obviously not the case). Even for my stature my legs are disproportionately short (I can't wear long boots because the cut into my thighs at the back when I sit down). My wrists have become very chunky and so my arms don't look good. I can't show my back because I have a long row of birth marks between my shoulder blades that I hate. My cleavage is quite nice but I am getting very wrinkly there these days and my neck folds are awful.

Please can anyone suggest a flattering style? Any colour will do - white/red/black/pink/green. I'm keen for it to look over the top/bridal. My ideal dress is Carrie's Vivienne Westwood one in SitC. I think I want a massive veil or maybe hat as well because I am balding.

I have presented a rather unflattering portrait of myself here but I know I can still look fabulous - as I manage it all the time - I just wanted to be realistic about what I am dealing with!

I knew it was your BOB size op. Since you're short with a big bust it will push you into the 'obese' category unfortunately. But at least you'll have a correctly fitting bra to support you under whatever dress you choose!
@Doggymummar you probably aren't actually a 32 if you measure around your rib cage and pull the tape really tight. More like a 28, and then a bigger cup size than you currently wear.

This group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1620002781587645

I'd love to now what size you come up with using their method. NB once you have the measurements you also need to chec out where the fullness of your boobs lie to understand what style you need and note which brands are recommended and miss cup sizes (M&S do this).

What about something like this from Needle and Thread London? Their dresses are so flattering and their ankle gowns can look just as good as floor length gowns on more petite people. https://www.needleandthread.com/products/rosalie-ankle-gown-cream

The op has answered this further up.

Wow! What a great suggestion.

So many fabulous suggestions the further the thread goes on.

Didn’t Bombshell go out of business?

https://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/products/darlene-burgundy-roll-collar-circle-dress

They do loads of bright dresses up to a size 26 at a reasonable price. I've never ordered from them so not sure of the quality.
Congratulations!

I think on your wedding day you should have what you really want, and I think you really want Vivienne Westwood.

All excellent advice in this post op!

I'd quite like to buy that and put it on at about 3pm in the afternoon to eat macarons and drink tea.

Dig for victory in Brighton

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1567751530/?ref=share_ios_native_control

https://www.marybenson.london/products/elizabeth-in-ivory-with-flaming-heart-applique

I've always coveted a dress from here if I were to do it again!

fairygothmother.co.uk/collections/ready-to-wear-corsets

Katya reopened under her own name:

https://katyawildman.com/products/gold-sequin-swing-dress

https://www.digforvictoryclothing.com/

Just stop. The poster had said she was giving an example.

My last one:

https://rosieredcorsetry.com/wild-roses-plus/

Curves and couture bridal boutique will definitely have a dress for you, I've tried to post a link but can't so give it a Google x

Agreed.

Wow, you look absolutely stunning, her dresses really are magical 🩷

Agree good advice here. Try on some dress shapes initially (doesn’t matter what design), to see what works best on your body shape and go from there. Though OP from your initial description, you made yourself sound a lot bigger than you are, and you can find lots of dresses that could work.

there’s a website called ‘Rock my Wedding’ for dress ideas https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/fashion/wedding-dresses/alternative-wedding-dresses

also some avant garde dresses on Etsy

Potentially because they are the scammer!

OP says she wants an OTT wedding dress and people are posting sack-like day dresses and twee 50s style stuff. Why??

@SilverVixen101 I’d google “plus size” or “body confident” bridal boutiques in your area. My daughter got married last year and we drove over two hours to one in Minehead that promised to make her feel fabulous, and they did.

Alternatively try Pink Butterfly Brides in Bridgend. They design your dress with your full input.