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Original poster

To wear this bridesmaid dress when I’m not a bridesmaid?

137 replies

IcyBlonde15 · 24/06/2025 14:49

I was meant to be bridesmaid for a friend 2 years ago, long story short the wedding didn’t happen but I still have the dress I was supposed to wear. I was gutted I wouldn’t get wearing as I loved it. My brother is getting married this summer, and the bride asked me to be bridesmaid but I have chose to just be a guest based on having young children with me etc. I have been wondering about possibly wearing my bridesmaid dress for this occasion. Her wedding party are all in black so there’s no chance I will clash with them or be mistaken for a bridesmaid. Do you think I could wear this dress or is it just to bridesmaidy? Opinions welcome

To wear this bridesmaid dress when I’m not a bridesmaid?
To wear this bridesmaid dress when I’m not a bridesmaid?
OP posts:
susiedaisy1912 · 24/06/2025 15:53

Oh and get it shortened.

susiedaisy1912 · 24/06/2025 15:53

Definitely remove the bow. But other than that I’d wear it with a little jacket of some sort

Flamingoknees · 24/06/2025 15:53

Shortened, bow removed, and some sort of cover up, and it will be fine.
Otherwise, I'd say don't do it.

MyDeftDuck · 24/06/2025 15:53

Please don’t………just don’t!

HelenCurlyBrown · 24/06/2025 15:50

It screams bridesmaid. And as the actual bridesmaids will be in black, it will scream ‘I’m pretending I’m a bridesmaid’ 😂

CottageGoblin · 24/06/2025 15:50

I’d wear it.

I think it’s perfect for a wedding

CopperWhite · 24/06/2025 15:50

Get it taken up.

Tessiebear2023 · 24/06/2025 15:50

IcyBlonde15 · 24/06/2025 14:49

I was meant to be bridesmaid for a friend 2 years ago, long story short the wedding didn’t happen but I still have the dress I was supposed to wear. I was gutted I wouldn’t get wearing as I loved it. My brother is getting married this summer, and the bride asked me to be bridesmaid but I have chose to just be a guest based on having young children with me etc. I have been wondering about possibly wearing my bridesmaid dress for this occasion. Her wedding party are all in black so there’s no chance I will clash with them or be mistaken for a bridesmaid. Do you think I could wear this dress or is it just to bridesmaidy? Opinions welcome

If you had the skirt adjusted to on or just below the knee, and had the bow removed from the back, I think it would be fine.

Or sell it on vinted and get a new dress.

Dryeroo · 24/06/2025 15:50

I think the big bow is what makes it bridesmaidy really. Could you get it altered?

AprilShowers25 · 24/06/2025 15:48

I think it is too bridesmaidy and wouldn’t wear it but if I were they bride I wouldn’t care if someone did wear it.

Delphiniumandlupins · 24/06/2025 15:38

Take the bow off. Maybe get it shortened to midi or knee-length. But ask the bride's opinion (in a low key way) before spending money on alterations.

NotTheRealStacy · 24/06/2025 15:35

It's a very obvious bridesmaid dress. Can you get the bow taken off and the length changed to either mid calf or just below the knee. That would certainly help.

MageQueen · 24/06/2025 15:34

That didn't work, let me try this again.

To wear this bridesmaid dress when I’m not a bridesmaid?
MageQueen · 24/06/2025 15:32

Here is a mock up of a different belt with ear rings and clutc from Chat GPT.

Jonesboot · 24/06/2025 15:28

If it's going to be a dressy wedding then wear it and keep the bow! Ask the couple.

OneFineDay13 · 24/06/2025 15:28

If you got the bow taken off it might be ok.
But it does look like a bridesmaids dress still

harriethoyle · 24/06/2025 15:27

have you asked your SIL? I don't think she'll mind because it sounds very different from her vibe

MageQueen · 24/06/2025 15:26

Is it a very formal wedding becuase I'd consider that either very bridesmaidy or very formal so inappropriate in most setting.

I am not that good at "styling" but I'd think if you do want to wear it, there would be ways to do so that makes it feel less bridesmaidy? Swap the bow out for a statement belt perhaps and maybe adjust the length? Jewellery?

strawlight · 24/06/2025 15:26

x2boys · 24/06/2025 15:24

I think the front is fine but the bow is too much.

I agree, lose the bow. Also consider getting it shortened.

Doingmybest12 · 24/06/2025 15:25

I think you can dress it down with little make up, casual hair, more casual sandals and then it'll be grand especially as a close relative.

QuickPeachPoet · 24/06/2025 15:25

if you like the dress wear it OP. One less expense

x2boys · 24/06/2025 15:24

I think the front is fine but the bow is too much.

HappilyDivorced89 · 24/06/2025 15:21

I would wear it...is the bride from the original wedding going to be there/aware of it or have an issue?
Ask the bride...I suspect she'll be fine given her bridal party will be in black dresses.

JustAnInchident · 24/06/2025 15:21

BankHolidayMonday · 24/06/2025 14:56

I think it's unfair to ask the brides - what do you expect them to do? Even if they would mind, they won't tell you, you put them on the spot and dont' actually resolve anything.

Not many people would say "I would prefer you'd wear something else", no one does that, unless you are on full bridezilla mode.

Show quote history

Agreed!! I wouldn’t op, it’s ever so bridesmaid-y!

dragonbear · 24/06/2025 15:20

If you love it and feel good in it then wear it and gave a great time x

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