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

[IcyBlonde15]

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

I am also in the lose the bow camp & if long dresses are going to be worn by many, do it - but I would check with bride. Without the bow I think it just looks like a posh frock - especially if the colour is completely different to the wedding party.

Anyway of removing the bow?

Even if it is a bit bridesmaidy you were asked to be a bridesmaid, so not like you are turning up in a bridesmaid dress in protest in not being asked

I think it depends on the wedding and how grand and dressy it is, and what the actual bridesmaids are wearing. If you're going to look more bridesmaidy than them I'd say no, and if its a casual wedding.
I think if its a very formal dressy wedding you'd get away with it. I'd investigate having it shortened though.

I'm pretty sure a decent alterations person could use part of the bow to make the band go all the way round the dress. We have a church at the end of our road and a lot of weddings have women in floor length dresses. If that is not going to be true of this wedding , then yes have it taken up a tad @IcyBlonde15

Show her the dress. Not just a photo.
Let her decide.

It may look less bridesmaids if shortened, maybe to ballerina length.
It is lovely.

Talk to the bride perhaps? Her wedding so surely her opinion is the one that matters

The best person to ask is the Bride surely. Personally I think it’s a bridesmaid dress that doesn’t pass for a guest dress, but the Bride is the only person who can answer you really

I think it's nice. It's not as if you're trying to muscle in on the actual bridesmaids or anything. I'm sure nobody will be that worried about what you wear.

Oh my god really? Last time I went to a wedding was 2022 (I was MOH) to be fair so my info might be outdated 😂

I don't think it's very bridesmaidey from the front. As long as hair was done without an elaborate updo or obvious braid and you had a shawl then would be fine

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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