Off-the-peg wedding dress - any ideas?

[IggiBurns]

Hello, getting married in April and had no idea I needed months to buy a dress in a "regular" wedding dress shop!

So, a ready-made one (perhaps an evening dress type) looks like my best option - trouble is, I haven't a clue which shops to start looking in, which is where I hope some of you might help!
I live in a city so have a lot of choice, if anyone can suggest the right shops, or indeed has seen a dress..?
I do want long, cream/gold/silver fine, not meringue type but not too figure hugging as I'm too big (16 - prob 18 post Christmas).
Fingers crossed ..

iggi - its not unusual to have snow in april, you could certainly have icy winds

there is often a lot of standing about , waiting for cars, photos, annoying relatives

when i was in my 20s i went to a wedding in april, we were all in floral dresses and straw hats ( i know, but it was the fashion then) and it snowed

geordie is right - shrug/shawl/ bolero thingie just the job

GEORDIE, would you mind telling me more about your experience with your photographer? If you want to (don't feel obliged please) I have an email account at (my MN username) at gmail.com

Email sent.

Would check you junk mail just incase as my email has an _ in so sometimes gets treated as spam.

Thank you! Have replied.

Hello, update, and thanks to everyone who helped me in my search! Have put deposit down on dress today, from regular bridal shop place, but one they are getting me from stock. Tis an A-line skirt, strapless (though I plan on changing that!) top that pulls you in nicely with lace-up bits, loads of sparkles on top and repeated in various places on skirt. Kind of asymetric ruched waist thing too. Off to stick pic (just on hanger though!) onto my profile.