Help needed with last minute wedding

[Lastminutebride]

So after 15 years engaged we’ve just gone and booked our wedding for 1 months time!

We’re doing a register office with immediate family only and then no reception as we’re going g away straight after. Will possibly have a party with friends and family next year.

I’ve got absolutely nothing and don’t even know what I need so any help would be appreciated!

my biggest concern is that I need a dress. We’re do I get one that will be ready in 4 weeks? Bridal shops seem to have to order them in and if it needs alterations I don’t think I’ll have time.

Bouquet, photographer needed. Anything else? It’s an extremely low key wedding.

What size are you? I have been dress shopping the last few weeks and have been offered the sample in 2 of the three dress shops I visited, which meant I could take it away on the day. Worth calling a few to ask if it's an option?

Obviously you need to be the right size, most seem to be a 10 or 12 I think.

I went to the equivalent of wed2b before it existed, got an off the rack dress for £400. Top tip is to get one with a corset back so you won’t need adjustments.

If you aren’t too obsessive about the perfect bouquet, then book a “thank you” bouquet from a florist. Then wrap the stems in ribbon yourself. It’ll be much cheaper than a bridal bouquet.

How are you getting on now @Lastminutebride? Is everything booked?

I’ve still not got a dress!
I’ve been to wedding dress shops to get an idea of size/style but even if I buy one to take away the same day I don’t think I’d get alterations done in time. So I’ve ordered one online but it’s not arrived yet, should have been here this weekend. let’s hope it fits!
I’ve ordered rings and one bridesmaid dress and have a friend coming to take a few photos.

still need a flower girl dress and flowers. Thinking of making this myself from either fresh or artificial flowers, not quite sure
my dress is my main worry. The one I’ve ordered is second hand and measurements look to be exact, I’m just worried it might be a little too low cut for me.

Fingers crossed for you then @Lastminutebride

How about Wolf & Badger? 10% off at the moment with a code
Or The Outnet, Net a Porter - all have bridal collections

Have you come across Stillwhite? A second hand dress website, my friend shortlisted a few near-ish by, and we did a bit of a road trip trying them on in other people's houses. It was a surprisingly lovely afternoon, talking to all the brides about their dresses and weddings!

If you use facebook, there's buy and sell wedding pages where people sell dresses and all things wedding everyday.

Haven’t tried wolf and badger so will have a look now, thanks

have seen a few on stillwhite and Facebook market place so just trying to narrow those down. if I haven’t found anything by this weekend I’ll go and look at another monsoon store as the store I tried last weekend didn’t have many.

I work in a bridal shop, and we would definitely be able to provide you with a beautiful dress straight off the rail at a reasonable price. The bridal shops are currently waiting for their new 2023 dresses to be delivered, and most boutiques will have lots of good quality ex-sample gowns to clear that they'd be happy to sell at a good price (ours are mostly half original price , for example ). This time of year our seamstress is not busy, and could turn alterations around in a few days.
I think a bridal shop is definitely still your best bet, but sounds like you've not had good luck so far. I'm on a bridal retailers group - would be happy to put a request out on there if I know what area you're in and budget, I can post the shops who have stock available.

I think I’d just completely ruled out a bridal shop thinking I wouldn’t get alterations done in time

Im in Stafford and budget around 500-600 max for the right dress. Any help gratefully received!

If you're in Stafford I think the Dougie Mac Hospice used to have a bridal and prom dress shop. It might be worth checking with them. I think they get a lot of new ones donated.

Hello OP. I've had some replies The following independent shops have all said they are able to help with an off-the-peg dress in budget, and within your time frame. They're all about half an hours drive of Stafford or closer:

Roberts's Bridal, Stoke-on-Trent has dresses available from £400.

The Bridal Lounge in Newcastle-under-Lyme so about 25 mins from Stafford have sample dresses starting at £150.

Lucy Alexander Bridal Boutique in Stafford.

Jeneve Bridal Wear in Walsall.

Elegance Bridal in Market Drayton.

A little further afield, you can try Allison Louise Bridal.

Mention that you're the Mumsnet bride! I'm sure one of these lovely ladies will be able to find you a beautiful dress for your wedding. X

Monsoon, chichi London, and many other high street stores have online bridal offerings, call around local dressmakers to get the off the shelf altered if needed. It's not peak wedding season so florists should be ok for a bouquet, get a friend to take photos

Next used to have kids dresses actually

I just wanted to say that depending on the style of the dress, if it fits otherwise and you love it, then a bit of tulle in the cleavage can be added to stop you feeling too exposed.
I've known a few brides lately who have done that as not comfortable with the low cut style that is in at the moment.

@chocolatebrioche that's fab and lovely of you to do. Hopefully the OP will be back soon 😁

That’s amazing, thank you so much for all the info. I’ll have a look through and plan which ones to try. Thank you!

Ahh that’s good to know. I was wondering if I could add a bit of lace or something and whether it would look ok.

My DSis had her dress from the Bridal Lounge and it was stunning.

Have you sorted your readings and music for the ceremony? I found that quite difficult!

Shoes and underwear (although they will depend on the dress). Jewellery.

Groom's outfit?

Have a lovely breakfast delivered on the morning of the wedding?

Are you having something old, new, borrowed, blue?

Where are you based? I got mine from Off the Peg by Dotty in Holmfirth, I walked out with it the same day.