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Original poster

Dress to get married in (NOT for a wedding!)

84 replies

Nowedding · 27/05/2026 10:04

After over 25 years of being engaged we're getting married. Not telling anyone apart from DC who are now old enough to be witnesses.
I DON'T want a wedding dress, want something I can wear again. I'm 54, size 22/24, 5ft 8. DP may well just turn up in shorts...
Budget - under £150

OP posts:
Thread gallery
15
traitorstraitors · 27/05/2026 11:24

Nowedding · 27/05/2026 10:34

Have ordered these, but been told on caht thread that neither would be suitable

I like them both.

how are they not suitable? What does it matter what ppl on chat thread have said?

BloodySoddingFlies · 27/05/2026 11:31

Have ordered these, but been told on caht thread that neither would be suitable

I got married in one very similar to the blue one. I already had it so didn't have to fork out. I like the other one also. I think some are the ones being suggested are maybe a bit over the top for what I'd be looking for - and I think maybe for you too.

redskyAtNigh · 27/05/2026 11:41

Nowedding · 27/05/2026 10:34

Have ordered these, but been told on caht thread that neither would be suitable

I don't think there are any "rules" about what is suitable for a situation where you are getting married but don't want to consider it a wedding.

Wear what you want that will make you feel fantastic. Or comfortable. Or maybe even both.

wishingonastar101 · 27/05/2026 12:10

I really like a black summer dress - can be very stylish. Cos, Uniqlo - simple. Look on Vinted.

Historian0111101000 · 27/05/2026 15:59

Look around at the brand called Ghost — their dresses are already around £150 new, but you can find them on Vinted for as little as £30.

I wore a white dress and thought about dyeing it so I could wear it for other occasions. In the end, I decided to keep it as it is — maybe my daughter can wear it for her own wedding one day. Their dresses are so beautiful and affordable.

PhaedraTwo · 27/05/2026 16:36

Nowedding · 27/05/2026 10:34

Have ordered these, but been told on caht thread that neither would be suitable

They are much nicer than the other suggestions.

GinToBegin · 27/05/2026 17:47

Nowedding · 27/05/2026 11:21

Thanks all, have ordered a few. Really don't want to make a big deal out of this, and probably have something in my wardrobe which would be fine.

I hear you about not making things a big deal.

DP and I did something similar to you; for us it was about formalising things legally, rather than a big thing. We each bought something new, but not expensive, and things we could and would wear again. And actually, it turned out to be a wonderful day, (brief ceremony, leisurely lunch, back home for drinks) and it was a day that I look back on with a lot of fondness.

As much as you do not want it to be a big thing, the day itself might turn out to be one, so I’d say get a new dress, keep an open mind, and whatever you do, have a brilliant day.

StasisMom · 27/05/2026 18:39

I think your choices are fine OP - better you are happy in what you are wearing.

PS5Gamer · 27/05/2026 19:26

The black Monsoon dress is lovely.

steppemum · 27/05/2026 19:45

Nowedding · 27/05/2026 11:21

Thanks all, have ordered a few. Really don't want to make a big deal out of this, and probably have something in my wardrobe which would be fine.

you can treat yourself to a new dress that you like, in your style, without it being a big deal, and then when you wera it again, it will have happy memories.

Tabarnak · 27/05/2026 19:56

I love the black one with the red flowers that you originally chose!

Lemonade2011 · 27/05/2026 20:02

Does it even need to be a dress? I want to just get married in my normal clothes, no fuss
sister and family feel otherwise so just want to book it and take kids as witnesses and that’s that. It’s not about what I’m wearing (for me) I hope you find something you love and feel comfortable in

Jannieb18 · 27/05/2026 21:38

I'm getting married in very similar circumstances. I bought some bridesmaid/evening type dresses and hated them (I'm not a very feminine girl, I'm 5' 9" and a big framed size 12 and I don't have an elegant bone in my body).I got really stressed about it all but I found a super flattering neon marl leopard print dress and I'm going to buy some funky liberty trainers and I'm thrilled with my choice. I know that a lot of people will be horrified at my choices but I'm so happy.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 27/05/2026 21:48

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Browbeeton · 27/05/2026 22:25

I really like the Monsoon one you have ordered.

Chairoverthere · 27/05/2026 22:44

You are quite tall at 5ft 8 - these dresses are nice for tall curvy women, esp. the belted ones https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/women/lauren-curve/20102?prefn1=CategoryCode&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=websize&prefv2=22

tipsyraven · 27/05/2026 22:55

massivestress · 27/05/2026 11:04

I love the black monsoon dress you chose op, I think it’s gorgeous and easy to rewear.

Agree.

PerspicaciaTick · 27/05/2026 23:34

It might be worth looking at dresses from Karen Millen, they have a sale on so a lot are at or under your budget. Lots of choice of styles. They do some interesting skirts and tops too, with tailoring that doesn't usually appear in plus size ranges.

Ophy83 · 28/05/2026 09:32

Hope & Ivy have lots of options at the right price e.g.

Navy Hope & Ivy

Green hope & ivy

Morepositivemum · 28/05/2026 09:50

I’ll be honest the first one you posted, the black, is gorgeous! Whatever you choose and however much you want to downplay it congratulations and have the loveliest day x

Bulbsbulbsbulbs · 28/05/2026 09:58

We didn't want a big deal either, I was going to wear something I had because it was just a legal formality. But a few weeks before I decided I wanted to look a bit bridal so I bought a cream Ghost dress on eBay- worn once and a third of the price of new. I then decided to make myself a little bouquet with flowers from my garden before I knew it I had a bit of a bridal look!

This is just an example
ebay.us/m/8YKzJ4

Feawen · 28/05/2026 12:41

I really like the monsoon dress you picked out - it’s beautiful, and I think it would look best styled very simply, which works with your no fuss approach.

Congratulations, I hope you have a lovely low key day.

UnemployedNotRetired · 28/05/2026 14:20

Maybe wear shorts and a top to match the groom ...

hannonle · 28/05/2026 19:30

Nowedding · 27/05/2026 11:21

Thanks all, have ordered a few. Really don't want to make a big deal out of this, and probably have something in my wardrobe which would be fine.

Are you even wanting to get married?
I tend to downplay things that make me uncomfortable or I don't want to do. The fact that you don't want to get dressed up or have a wedding seems to me that you might as well stay as you are.

Original poster
Nowedding · 28/05/2026 19:47

hannonle · 28/05/2026 19:30

Are you even wanting to get married?
I tend to downplay things that make me uncomfortable or I don't want to do. The fact that you don't want to get dressed up or have a wedding seems to me that you might as well stay as you are.

Show quote history

Lol, yes we want to get married. Not wanting the fuss of a wedding doesn't mean I don't want to marry him! Marriage is about much more than a dress and a party.

OP posts: