so back to the start...dress help, AGAIN! (UPDATE page 2)

I think numbers 2 and 3 are gorgeous.... 3 would be lovely if the seller could put a floral fabric in the top part. 1 is a bit plain, especially considering it's more expensive.

Have you got a theme in mind for the wedding? Would any of the dresses go better with that theme?

Hellie x

Hi I don't really have a theme as we're just having the ceremony and nothing else. It's only as very small affair which is why I've always been reluctant to spend silly money on a dress to be worn once. ?

I'd say the first question to ask your self is if you want a 'wedding' dress or a completely alternative/non-wedding dress?

I think from your previous choice you do want a wedding dress, but a slightly informal, swishy, easy-to-wear, 50s-style-take on a wedding dress?

I LOVE the Lauren one, from Honeypie. I'm not a huge fan of strapless dresses, mainly because EVERYONE has a strapless dress this decade, and that look will look as dated as the puff ball sleeves of the 70s and 80s in time.

As you're a bit of a whizz with the sewing machine, would you consider adding tulle straps, lace illusion neckline or a lace bolero? I think that would would look gorgeous.

This is exactly what I'm after something informal but still a bit weddingy. I'm not overly keen on the strapless style and would probably add a elbow length sleeve/strap in a lace/chiffon/tulle.

You need to go try them on Honeysparkle, it really is the only way you are going to find one you love. They might look awesome online but then not look so great on.

I vote for number 2 the fairygodmother one, looks good all in cream but would also look good with a coloured petticoat underneath! Not a full on wedding dress but it's something special and with a touch of weddingness about it! Looks amazing for swishing in!!

WSS!

I was looking at the wrong dress on the fairygothmother site... it looked as if the model had no ribs.

Now I am looking at the right dress, that is also very lovely! Do they offer returns? Just in case? If they do I would buy it and try it on.

I agree try number 2. It's lovely all in cream but could look really pretty with a brightly coloured petticoat.

FGM offer reutrns but the other 2 are no returns no refund. Thinking I might try the FGM 1 and send back if I don't like. I'm so worried about getting stung, I'm still waiting for a refund for my no show order...it's not looking good ?

Where abouts in thou country do you live HS? I really honestly think you need to try it on before you buy it, it s the only way not to get disappointed again.

Sounds like a good plan! Do you have a credit card you could buy it with as it will offer you extra protection should you require it - could pay off the credit card straight away but at least you'll benefit from the protection.. I sometimes find ringing them up and asking some basic questions give me a good idea and reassurance (or otherwise) about the company I'm buying from, gives you an idea of how helpful and easy to deal with they'll be if you do need to return or exchange.

I'm in colchester, essex but have little chance of getting anywhere since I don't drive. Most annoying thing is untill about a year 18mths ago the town was full of these sorts of boutiques but now it's just the usual highstreet brands ?

nutella unfortunatly I don't have a credit card neither does oh, don't think even my parents do. The last purchase was made through paypal so I shoud get it back it could just take some time.

Number 1 - I'm biased cos I have a Lauren from honeypie boutique, with a purple petticoat and a button bouquet

I love all honeypie dresses (the Marilyn was always going to be 'my' dress until I fell head over heels with another one, but I have it firmly in mind in case of disaster with the one that's on order as I designed it myself and so have never actually seen it as it's never existed before!) but I also LOVE number 2. I'd probably go honeypie because of the lace up back whereas no. 2 has a zip from what I can see.

Honey sparkle - have you seen Vivien of Holloway? They have a halter neck circle dress is ivory for £89. They are a large well known company too so you should have no problem with customer service and returns if necessary.

This link won't be clickable as I'm on my phone, but if you copy and paste you'll be taken to the dress I saw:

http://www.vivienofholloway.com/en/category/50s%20Halterneck%20Satin%20Dress/1950s-halterneck-satin-dress/73/

Or in lace but a bit dearer;

http://www.vivienofholloway.com/en/category/50s%20Halterneck%20Luxury%20Dress/1950s-halterneck-luxury-dress/705/

Hi thank for these. I had seen them before but I'm not sure about the halterneck. I do love the lace though. it's deffinitly another option.

Scrap what I've just said cause I do actually quit like the halterneck ? one of my favourite tops is the same style so don't know why I was trying to make myself think other wise. Think I'm going to order a patterned one now so it can be worn again but can't decide which pattern. I really am completely usless? http://pinterest.com/mambosteph/my-diy-wedding/ link to my pintrest...feel I might be getting somwhere. "Hooray!" I can hear you all shouting ?

Number 2 is my fav ?

Having looked again, I LOVE the ivory lace.

But if you are set on a patterned one my favourite pattern in this one (rose garden blue):

https://www.vivienofholloway.com/en/category/50s-halterneck-floral-dress/50s-halterneck-floral-dress/1085

I absolutley LOVE your number 2 option and think im going to order it and have it as my reception dress. x

Honeysparkle I promise tos top hijacking your thread.

I know you said your wanted a patterned dress, so I have ignored that fact (sorry) but you also said you liked lace. I saw this and thought of you(would need a petticoat to add volume):

I also think you could get away with wearing this again, to a posh dinner or if you ever went on a cruise (we can dream!).

And it 's FREE delivery if you order in the next errrr hour and 20 minutes!

I would never buy anything online that had a no returns policy especially something as expensive as these dresses. You have no idea what they will look like on , better if you can sew to buy a 50s pattern off ebay and make your own

Not sure if you got this sorted but have just found these from Phase Eight. Not sure 100% of your budget but worth a look:

https://www.phase-eight.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-P8-UK-Site/en/Product-Show?pid=201575102

https://www.phase-eight.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-P8-UK-Site/en/Product-Show?pid=201632106

Have finally got one ? voh and I went for pink in the end...Ever since I was little I've wanted a pink dress https://www.vivienofholloway.com/en/category/50s+Halterneck+Satin+Dress/1950s-halterneck-satin-dress/1390

gone with a white belt and petticoat I'm so happy. needs a few adjustments on the bust but I'm so glad I've found my dress ? x

That's a lovely dress Honeysparkle, glad you got it sorted ?

Excellent news. Glad it all worked out and the dress is beautiful!

Looking forward to your report already, just to see everything in action ?