Ideas for a relaxed civil ceremony outfit that still feels bridal

[NorthernLass50]

I’m getting married in October. It’s a small civil ceremony with a private function room afterwards and about 30 guests.

We are both over 50.
We’re aiming for a very relaxed day and I’m not sure what to wear. The dress code is smart casual.

I don’t want a traditional wedding dress but I want something that won’t make me look like I’m a guest (if that makes sense).

I like the idea of something tailored, perhaps a midi length with 3/4 or long sleeves. My budget is up to £750.
I know I’ll maybe need to wait until the autumn clothing comes out but wondered if anyone had any recommendations?
I’m a size 10 and 5ft 6.
thank you.

Trouser suit in pearl grey ? What’s your normal style like?

Have a look at Katya Wildman Op…

https://katyawildman.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqIbL6-aR4fd_-8nwwlyQj2pGQTsWN3lN57aPAkGzdXYQ8YwfQr

John Lewis have a few options.

Have you looked on The Outnet?

Lots within your budget. This isn't tailored as such - I just thought that velvet would be lovely for October!

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/saloni/dresses/midi-dresses/embellished-metallic-velvet-midi-dress/46376663163061675

This is more structured.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/jenny-packham/dresses/gowns/lotus-cape-back-crystal-embellished-cady-bridal-gown/23841192565774816

Or maybe a skirt suit? With a lovely silk top/blouse underneath?

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/clever-crepe-doppio-caselle-jacket-stone/?glCountry=UK&setCurrencyId=0&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=19782960643&utm_content=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19783005286&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7LSBhB3EiwAjcodxOxZ83sKHLo0SYC3YL8CQj9fYHMU9Ss4QFWY-61-9TnD1VYj4bEQ5xoCcgsQAvD_BwE

A trouser suit in a matte silk-feel crepe?

https://www.thereformation.com/products/lea-two-piece/1318814.html

This Toteme dress is beautifully simple.

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/toteme/clothing/maxi-dresses/garderob-gathered-crepe-maxi-dress/46376663162936250

Another elegant simple dress. Fabulous shoes & earrings & flowers - & a hat/head piece if it's your thing - & you will definitely look bridal in any of these simpler dresses or suits/co-ords.

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/clever-crepe-doppio-salerno-dress-stone/?_gl=19nf2yj_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gbraid=0AAAAADvgiGow7Z0bRK6zNK1QAY4HrOGp3

A silk skirt-suit from Rixo.

https://rixolondon.com/products/adeline-ivory

Or a skirt-suit from Beulah? Looks fab with the hat in one of the pics!

https://www.beulahlondon.com/products/arabella-ivory-skirt

Another dress from The Fold.

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/palmerston-tweed-dress-winter-white/?glCountry=UK&setCurrencyId=0&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=19782960643&utm_content=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19783005286&gbraid=0AAAAADvgiGow7Z0bRK6zNK1QAY4HrOGp3

A Roland Mouret dress?

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/roland-mouret-scoop-neck-pleated-wool-and-silk-midi-dress_R04635775/

I love this Zimmermann one - tailored but with beautiful details too.

https://www.zimmermann.com/uk/trim-utility-midi-dress-cream.html

Thank you so much Eleanor for all your suggestions… they are all lovely and have definitely pointed me in the right direction xx

You're most welcome! There are lots more beautiful skirt suit/trouser suit options out there, as well as lots of fabulous dresses. Not necessarily marketed as bridal - but IMO much nicer & more elegant than a big white frou-frou frock! And lots of options to wear again afterwards too ...!

Fabulous suggestions from @EleanorMc67. I’d also suggest a browse of Self Portrait https://www.self-portrait.com/collections/dresses?filter.p.m.custom.filters_colour_wip=Champagne&filter.p.m.custom.filters_colour_wip=Cream&filter.p.m.custom.filters_colour_wip=Gold&sort_by=manual&page=2

Terry Macey has some lovely options
terrymacey.com/weddings/wedding-outfits/