The dreaded dress!

Hi Michelle,

First off... calm down! If you had twins 19 months ago and are an 8 your doin bloody brilliant and I'm sure any dress would look crackin on you.

But I think you need to go and start shopping around. The dress fitters will be able to tell you how easy a dress is to alter if your shape changes anymore. And remember that not every bride buying there dress a year before is the same size when they buy it and on the day.... dresses are made to accomodate that.

I think that by the sounds of your wedding you could go for something elegant that drapes rather than a hoop dress...thats what im planning for... im the same height and size as you and I'm imagining a v vintage wedding with a long floaty elegant dress.... that will hide any lower body bumps (with the right material) and make you look quite glamourous without being too formal.

Not sure if this is your taste but have a look at this pic:

I love the brides dress here and teamed with the fascinator its real understated glamour.

I really think you need to get out looking... even if you go to places that are over your price range your not obliged to buy anything! But it will def give you time to decide what bests suits you.

Hope this helps somehow. xoxo

Sorry... didnt work first time xo

Naomi

Hi,

Im not sure what a hoop dress is but the vintage floaty style are the ones i liked the look of - i was imagining that i would wear a knee length dress though due to summer and the children it would be easier to manage. Did you take people with you when you went dress shopping? Is a fascinator like an attached bow etc?

I would defiantly want to hide lumps and bumps - my tummy is so full of stretch marks just doesn't feel like me and completely knocks my confidence which i used to have. I couldn't see the picture im afraid. Thank you for your advice i sound like a complete nutter just got to pluck up the courage to go out.

Thank you, Michelle x

Yes that dress is lovely, elegant and not over stated, would def be something i would consider trying on - like the hair too. just wasn't sure i could wear something like that for a registry office. x

You get everything at the registry office from jeans and t shirts to full on wedding dresse so have what you like.

I phoned all the shops I went to first to discuss budget and check I could afford the dresses.

Also, you don't need to be shopping just yet so if you want to wait a while, then you've got plenty of time x

Michelle sorry to hear that your worried about what should be a lovely part of planning your wedding. I agree with what others have said that you just need to make a start on looking around.

If you're not feeling to confident about going to bridal shops why not start of looking at dresses in Monsoon and Debenhans as they both do a selection of bridal and bridesmaids dresses. Also some department stores (House of Fraser and Selfridges?) have bridal departments. Hopefully by starting at one of these places it will build your confidence and give you an idea of what looks good on. You can also see the prices before you try things on so there will be no surprises.

After that you could try going to one or two bridal shops just to see what's on offer. I would suggest taking some one with you as a second opinion is always good to have. Whay not ask around on here for recommendations in your area so you know that the service will be great?

As for lumps and bumps I can personally vouch for magic knickers - I wore two pairs when I was bridesmaid at my sisters wedding! They aren't the prettiest form of underwear but the were a confidence booster for me. I'm a size 12 and just wanted somthing that would hold the wobbly bits firm if you know what I mean! You can alway change in to 'something more comfortable' later.

Fingers crossed for you that you can turn shopping for your dress in to a positive.

Susan ?

Heya, I was in the same kind of state as you about getting a dress, I didnt have a clue what style or colour I wanted. So I made appointments and had a whole day of trying on, I soon got over the embarrasment of standing there in my keks, but the ladies honestly dont bat an eyelid, I came away that day with a shortlist and an idea of what colour and style suited me the best. It was stressful but looking back I wish I hadnt worried so much! Go for a trying on session, even if its just for ideas!!

Oh and Vanilla, 2 pairs of magic knickers!!!! ? I can hardly get the one pair on before near on passing out ha!!!

X

Yes one pair for the tummy and another for the legs - looked hideous but worked a treat

?

Oh Ok!! Mine go from underneath my b**bs to knees!! By the time ive got them on Im sweating!! Amazing things though!

Could do with one from my neck to my ankles tho lol!! ?

Or I could just exercise more.......................................... na!

Lol thanks ladies - i was thinking about some magic knickers for the tummy area as i take on water like a sinking boat and end up feeling more blobby - i know what you mean about wobbly bits, my skin got so stretched that its lets just say limp! now.

I think im going to take my mum and my sister with me and try a few things on, i'll just make sure the night before that i've shaved all the right places and plucked the brows to try and feel a little glam! I just hope that i look and feel pretty in something.

Thank you, chatting it through i feel less tight chested. Do you know if they let you take photos?

Michelle x

Mine didnt for copyright reasons................................. ☹️

I don't think many of the bridal shops do until you have put down a deposit in case you pass the images to a dressmaker to copy for a lower price, but if someone with you is crafty the may be able to get a sneaky one. I think in the department stores it wouldn't be a problem.

Susan.

Hi, if I was you I'd go to some bridal shops before you go to a dressmaker. What I ordered in the end was completely different to what I thought I wanted! In fact the lady in the shop picked mine out and I pulled a face but she said to try it on as she thinks it'd be great, and it was! It was the one! I'm sure you'll end up really enjoying the process once you start, I must have tried on a 100 dresses within a few weeks. Most dresses take about 6 months to be ordered so i think it's better to start sooner so you don't feel rushed. Good luck! x