Dress dilemma

JenE_2

Hi again!
I'm not doing so well with dress shopping...
I haven't ever dreamt of the big wedding dress, was thinking more something like the dresses Monsoon do - long, floaty silk/chiffon types. And I only have a budget of about £300.

But none of the ones currently in Monsoon are quite right, Debenhams have ended their range (some still online at sale prices if anyone's looking).
We're getting married next June. :j
Should I hang on for the next Monsoon season or has anyone got other ideas for similar shops? I've been in normal bridal shops and not found anything I really liked - and not for the budget I've got!

Should I try and get a dress made for me? I'm no designer, so would someone be able to come up with a design from my waffle?! Could I get a dress like this made for this sort of money? How would I start finding a dressmaker?

I don't want to use Landy/Milly etc as I don't see how they can be so cheap and still pay their staff reasonably (not a comment on anyone else, that's just how I feel about it).
Any ideas gratefully received!
Thanks all x

moneymabel

Would you consider second hand? perhaps try ebay or local papers. If not a good dressmaker should be able to discuss with you and come up with a design you like-perhaps print out some photos of dresses you like different features on for reference? [EMAIL="Linda@no9"]Linda@no9[/EMAIL] who is a regular on here is a dressmaker and will prob be along with some advice soon!

lindaatno9

Hi JenE.

I'm a professional dressmaker and £300 is a good budget.
Of course you can have something made. Did you know silk chiffon is really cheap (about £4 a meter) so you could actually have something long and floaty made in 100% silk and stay on budget depending on the style?

Choosing a good dressmaker takes skill. There’s more involved than running a finger through the phone directory, choosing a name, and calling to ask, “How much does it cost to have my Dream Gown made?” That’s like asking someone “How long is string?”

The ink below is a directory and there is a facility to look for dressmakers in your area. (Or distance if you have the confidence in someone who lives out of your area)


http://www.weddingplanner.co.uk/

Always best to have a chat, look at current work they have on their rails, and their portfolio.

HTHxx

grastgirl

Have you tried Littlewoods? I'm sure someone round here had something like you describe from there. Alternatively there's the wedding shows coming up, you should be able to get a bargain there if you can pay on the day. Or you could always haunt ebay?

kazmeister

Hi JenE

I didnt want a traditional dress and didnt want to spend a lot either! I orderd my dress from sexyher.co.uk and everyone loved it. They have lots of different colours but you can search by colour - I wanted Ivory which makes it easier to find something. Mine cost less than £40. Pics on Gibraltar wedding pics thread. They do have a few traditional type dresses as well.

The only thing I would say is if you order more than 1 to choose from you only have 24hours to register that you wish to return one and then it must be received within 7 days (I think)

Hope you find what you are looking for

Kaz x

roxalana

My local debenhams still had bridal stuff in (even if the website doesn't).

You could always check ebay as they have older monsoon styles which are similar but not quite the same as current stock. Just select a distance e.g. 30 miles when searching so you only get local stuff and email them to ask to try things on.

frannyann

Hi JenE,
Have a little look at Linda's site, she makes lovely stuff and probably could sort you out with what you want!
http://dressesatno9.co.uk/default.aspx

crazydee

Hi & congrats,

I am the same as you about my dress. I never dreamt of a big dress either. I get married may 2010. I actually went dress shopping yesterday. I found THE ONE straight away It was the 1st one I picked up. (yes honestly!) It is made by foreverbridals. it is a straight dress floaty with a very small train. I saw a few of theirs like this different styles. It is under their informal gowns section got to be worth a look., then see if there is a stockist near u. best of all it is only 299 and that is made to fit me! but it does take between 16-20 weeks. Hope this helps and good luck
Dawn x

mollymunchkin

I'm after a Monsoon dress too and am going to look at them tomorrow. I've noticed that Phase Eight have similar styles for about the same cost.

http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/content/bridal_collection/content

HTH

bubblegumcola

Monsoon dresses are lovely, mine was from there 12 years ago and I loved it. I did look at other dresses but I just couldn't justify the price of nearly £1000. My Monsoon dress cost me £180 back then and the customer service to get my dress was fab, they phoned round loads of stores to get my size and also get one that was not marked etc. How about checking out newspaper ads, you could always take it to a dressmaker afterwards to be altered? There are also some charity shops which sell brand new frocks, designer samples,etc. If you use google you might be able to track some shops like this down. There is a place near Edinburgh or in Edinburgh which is Barnardos Brides by Appointment and no dress is over a certain amount. I wish they'd had a place like that when I was getting married. Sometimes charity shops have a special brides event as well if they get a large amount of donations. Worth a try??

I'm sure you will find the right dress soon, good luck and have a lovely day when it comes.

mollymunchkin

I tried on some dresses in Monsoon today and was disappointed at them on the racks. They looked like they had all been mauled being marked with makeup or had pulls in them. Also the bridal section was crammed in the corner, the Derby bridal section was much nicer and had huge mirrors etc.

Also tried on a Phase 8 dress and it was lovely. Now I can't decide between that one or the Monsoon one! argh.