ARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH The pitfalls of being a petite bridesmaid over 30

[queenoftheslatterns]

I am nearly 32 and my lil brother is getting married in June. I am a bridesmaid despite barely knowing his DF. I am happy about this, I love my DB and his DF is lovely. However, I am very petite. only 5'1", a size6-8 and very small frame with dark red hair. she picked out this dress for the 3 adult bridesmaids. they didnt have an 8 online so i thought I'd pop into the local store to check stock there. they didnt have one, but did have a size 10 which i thought i would try on to get an idea, could i get away with a 6 etc... and the dress was WAY, WAY too long. the cross-over bit was dragging the floor.

so I called my mum (never a good idea, if anyones going to make me feel this is my fault for being so damned short its her) she huffed and puffed, said "we shan't find another red to go with that funny coloured hair of yours" and said she would see what she could do with a sigh that would out-martyr St Joan of Arc.

she then emailed me to say theyve orderedthis lovely dress. really, really nice. but once again it will be too long on me. will make me look like mutton and will clash with my hair (much redder in rl than the other one) so I will be celebrating my DB's marriage with clashing hair and a dress reminiscent of that bleddy Gabrielle from HSM. BTW, am paying half for it.

I know I am being a tad unreasonable, I know that. the wedding is not about how good i look etc, but as an adult i rather hoped to at least have a say!

In terms of style- you will look much better in the prom length than full length, especially being petite. Have a look on my profile at the last picture- the smaller woman is about the same size as you.

DI, thanks. lovely dresses! with the netting it should bring it down to just above ankle length and i could get some vertigo-inducing heels. i think im really moaning about my mum making me feel like a freak!

Could you maybe find a shrug or similar to go with the shorter dress, if you're worried about the thin straps? (They're not my favourite look either so I know what you mean.) Perhaps there's a colour that could help to manage the clash between dress and hair...

cyteen's idea is a good one. The only things making the dress "mutton" are the spaghetti straps and short length, and I think the short length will actually be good for your height. The slight flare on the skirt will also be more flattering than the shape of the first dress.

A shrug or knitted/crochet bolero will cover the spaghetti straps and, as cyteen says, reduce the clash of the red with your hair.

Also, if you could maybe get your hair done so it's all swept up in a bun high on your head? That way it wouldn't be right next to the red of the dress iyswim?

How about saying stuff the straps for a more mature feel to the dress?

if your mum does say that you are odd, tell her you know you get it from her

thanks. i do like the idea of taking off the straps, could maybe add some boning or sew my basque inside it to keep it up. think I shall have to wear my hair on top of my head, although it is currently cut into a jaw length bob. I could just dye it before the big day i suppose....

tbh my mum always makes me feel like that. nowt new

differnt id - you look REALLY happy and relaxed in your wedding photos

tried the dress on and it actually looks quite nice. not as red in rl and lovely shape. taking straps off though.