Looking for a colourful structured wedding dress that still feels bridal

[Losingmymind85]

Hi

I'm getting married at the end of the year. It's second time for both of us so it's at a registry office then hotel for the reception.
I know I don't want to wear white but I'm struggling to find something fabulous that looks 'bride', not guest or bridesmaid.
It needs to be:

1. Colourful. I suit bright, jewel tones like emerald green and cobalt blue. Also black. A solid colour rather than patterned. I don't suit reds, yellows or pastel tones.
2. Fitted and structured. I'm 5ft 1 with a pear shape. My hips are wide and my lower half is chunkier than my top half. Probably a size 8 up top and a 10/12 on the bottom. I need something that really nips the waist in. I have a very short torso so the waist coming in just under the bust tends to flatter more.

Nothing floaty as I look like I'm playing dress up.

Necklines and sleeves I'm open to everything but would prefer no one shoulder dresses.

I don't mind about length but midi and short suit better than long as more fabric tends to swamp me and make my bottom half look bigger (which I want to avoid). No pockets either as they are designed to hit at my widest point.

No skirts/top combos. Really don't have the shape for them.

Please help. Budget is under £500 and id love to be able to wear it again after the wedding.

Oh God no - that would petrify me!!! Suggesting (what I think are) beautiful dresses online to strangers is one thing, doing it IRL would be very nerve-racking. I will offer advice to friends who ask for it, but I really don't think of myself as a style guru! There are other people on MN who sound much more knowledgeable & experienced than me. Thank you for the compliment though - it is very kind!!

And I think you'd be disappointed in the reality, @madaboutpurple - I am frequently to be found working from home with ginger cat fluff all over my top or - even worse - still in my dressing gown by lunchtime!!! I often lose track of time when I am focussed on (or - even more so - distracted by!) something ...

I did scrub up quite nicely last night though, which was fun ... 😁

This is well under budget and patterned, but I think it’s the right colour and shape for you? I’m a similar shape and I tried it on recently and it’s really flattering. It’s so pretty, could easily be weddingy!

I would also add, @madaboutpurple , that I don't think I managed to suggest anything that the OP liked, as she didn't comment on any of it - so though you & I might think those dresses are splendid, I assume she didn't!

I just get a bit fed up, every so often, with the same stuff being posted all the time - I'm guilty of it myself sometimes. I was going to post new stuff as usual, but thought I'd try vintage suggestions first.

I love true vintage & don't really understand why they're not worn more than dresses from Coast etc (which are often vintage-influenced anyway). Especially by women like the OP who are petite in height & size, as the choice is much greater &, as women were smaller back then, the cut of clothing will work so well for them. I used to wear vintage clothing a lot (not in a retro way - mixed in with other contemporary stuff), but sadly I am fatter these days so don't fit into much of it!!

Is this sort of shape an option?

https://www.vestiairecollective.com/women-clothing/dresses/erdem/green-polyester-erdem-dress-53864729.shtml

That would be a criminal thing to do!!!! Firstly, that dress is beautiful just as it is & secondly, it's £500!!! Chopping off the ruffles at the bottom of a Liberty silk dress (& the sleeves too I assume since it's the ruffles the OP dislikes), just to end up with a shift dress ...?? 🙀

Far better that the OP had a dress made up in that fabric in her preferred shape. Or buy another Liberty dress that she likes in its entirety! There are several styles in that fabric ... this one is properly high-waisted too! And no ruffles ...

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/peacock-manor-jacquard-astra-midi-dress%C2%A0-R756136006.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shoppingiq&utm_campaign=shoppingiqfeed&utm_content=shoppingseo&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20031110607&gbraid=0AAAAAD4IbFE7m8li_xOKETjPdjw8mqvRh&gclid=CjwKCAjwwL_UBhAjEiwAEhuT5BuIT-rrWRF_yexhaMVRV-WkgQnVIJwj8o7Jyr_NmZkmTQHlR5I4pBoC8LAQAvD_BwE

If you suit bright jewel tones and black (probably also white and navy), you probably suit "ice-y" tones. These are different from pastels. They often have some sheen - icy silver-blue, icy blue, icy blush/pink, icy lavender, icy mint sometimes.

In the colour system House of Colour the colour type Bright Winter suits vivid jewel tones, black, white and navy and also these icy tones. I am this type and have personally found it true.

If this makes sense to you then it could open up a palette that is more bridal whilst not being white or cream.

At 5'1", OP definitely needs a Petite fit, which few of the suggestions are.

Rixo was a good call. I wonder if this would suit your taste, @Losingmymind85?

As you don't want separates, what do you normally do about dress size? Rixo doesn't add inches to their size, as far as I know, so would you need a 10 or a 12 - or have we got to find styles with wider skirts that can spread over your hips?

More guidance welcome. And congratulations! 🎈

https://rixolondon.com/products/eleanora-black

https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv284605/735800

Wrap bodice, ties below bust with a long drape.

https://goddiva.co.uk/products/goddiva-multi-sequin-velvet-bardot-maxi-emerald-green?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1131807&utm_content=Comparison+Engine&awc=2894_1787895807_0c957fe85f53f5452624605ab82aaac3

clubllondon.com/products/fay-bottle-green-velvet-corset-style-knot-maxi-dress-cl128016047

clubllondon.com/products/sadine-black-scoop-neck-fishtail-maxi-dress-cl137218001

This does not fit your brief at all (sorry-ish!) It's not petite; length is 88.5cm.It isn't high waisted, and I don't know how the cut would sit on you in real life. And it's cream.

It really struck me as bridal but way more confidently powerful than a 'wedding dress'.

https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/cape-georgette-cocktail-dress-100067559.html

Could this work? Seems more wedding dressy but could be shortened as well
under budget - green and black versions
https://www.glamlora.co.uk/elegant-a-line-v-neck-1-2-sleeves-appliques-lace-asymmetrical-satin-corset-mother-of-the-bride-dress-glmm0899.html

asymmetric navy one
https://www.glamlora.co.uk/a-line-tasteful-bateau-3-4-sleeves-satin-asymmetrical-mother-of-the-bride-dress-with-applique-glmm0574.html
Could fit nicely under bust with the drape - loads of colours
https://www.glamlora.co.uk/tasteful-sheath-scoop-1-2-sleeves-pleated-tea-length-satin-corset-mother-of-the-bride-dress-glmm0940.html

These are all gorgeous!!

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-coast-muse-long-sleeve-embroidered-maxi-dress_bcc10854?colour=multi&size=16&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=Genie+Shopping&utm_term=259955&utm_content=coastuk&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=259955&awc=57411_1787898513_83232436ccae555ec38307d1faa56261

how about this from coast xx

Karen Millen Petite Figure Form Bandage Strappy Tassel Hem Knitted Dress in Teal
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-figure-form-bandage-strappy-tassel-hem-knitted-dress_bkk29612

Karen Millen Petite Soft Tailored Colour Block Detail Midi Dress - no-one will overlook you in this!
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-soft-tailored-colour-block-detail-midi-dress_bkk30016

Karen Millen Petite Crystal Embellished Fringed Woven Midi Dress in Blue
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-crystal-embellished-fringed-woven-midi-dress_bkk28356 Sparkly!

Karen Millen Petite Contrast Stripe Viscose Strappy Dress
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-contrast-stripe-viscose-strappy-dress_bkk29804

Karen Millen Petite Soft Tailored Halter Neck Open Back Maxi Dress in Green. Nice colour, clean lines, but I don't think this says "It's my big day". YMMV.
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-soft-tailored-halter-neck-open-back-maxi-dress_bkk27887

All of these are in the sale, around half price, and an extra 20% off at checkout.

Oh, fgs! 🙄 Five links to Karen Millen dresses in a single S&B post is not spam! Going to Site Stuff to confer ... OP, hope they're back by the time you arrive.

Scam site.

This ruby red would be gorgeous for the time of year.
www.helenmcalinden.com/collections/dresses/products/shiv-ruby-red-satin-dress

Don't buy anything from 'Glamlora', it's a scam.

https://www.lightinthebox.com/p/black-gold-a-line-evening-gown-elegant-gown-formal-wedding-guest-floor-length-3-4-length-sleeve-shirt-collar-pocket-stretch-satin-with-shouder-flower_p10243658.html?currency=GBP&sku=1_7015%7C20_56&country_code=GB&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22828548460182222077585pla-2563114621117&adword_mt=&adword_ct=765460042020&adword_kw=&adword_pos=&adword_pl=&adword_net=g&adword_tar=&adw_src_id=9304383642_22828548460_182222077585_pla-2563114621117&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22828548460&gbraid=0AAAAAD7vwYcnx4qC1xNF6ugGs2x3V69dN&gclid=CjwKCAjw48TUBhBREiwAK0GnQZmJ7t9PazOI2VK1PEolyX5EnWZVcAnEZNqrcvR0HhklXzR7HqC4thoCoFMQAvD_BwE

This fits your description, is great quality (and reduced by loads).

https://theoutnet.com/en-gb/products/duchesse-satin-gown?Apparel+Size=38

Sorry for delay-got caught up in something.
@Lotsofsnacks I really like the green suit style one. I think the green isn't quite the right shade though. Like the simple blue one too.
@owlpassport Ghost is now definitely a contender. I wish I was as wispy as the models so will need to try on to make sure they don't cling to my hips.
@EleanorMc67 I really love the green peplum style and the shape of the patterned one youve shared.
@GarlicAnything I wish I was brave enough for the blue one with the beaded bottom. I love the Ralph Lauren ones (especially the cape) but not sure about fit.
@WasShocked Perfect colour but I think there's too much material for my size. Same issue with dresses @Mullaghanish has suggested.
@1989STAR about as far away from my style as you can get, am afraid!
I think I've got some ordering to do!
Thanks for all your help-loads do think about now.

@Losingmymind85, I would SO go for the blue beaded bottom! I'd need all the shapewear in the world and an event to go to, mind.

I agree on the green peplum, too. Have fun trying stuff on!

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-viscose-linen-floral-print-woven-prom-dress_bkk29309?colour=blue&size=6