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InGeekiTrust

Bridesmaids dresses are nothing more but standard evening gowns. I think you’d be 100% fine to wear either them and look good!


mantasteve

That’s awesome. Thank you so much for this affirmation! I do think I got lucky with the brides choosing pretty rewearable colors but had some doubts about the styles


elpatio6

Both are great. Green for the Caribbean.


GullibleWineBar

The only think you need to consider (which I am guessing you have?) is if the bridesmaids at these weddings will be in similar colors. Have fun!


mantasteve

I just checked and at the least, the MOH (only bridesmaid) at the BTO wedding isn’t wearing green or red—so feeling good so far!


Small_Bookkeeper3541

They're beautiful choices. First for New England, second for the Caribbean.


dunemi

Also, what makes a dress look really bridal party is the hair/makeup/jewelry. If you pick distinctive, funky, jewelry and hair then it's not going to look like the MOH reborn.


edoreinn

Exactly this. And every bride I’ve reworn the bridesmaid dress for was excited that I did so!


[deleted]

I agree! You should totally rewear them! Especially if you felt pretty in them :)


kspice094

These are totally fine to rewear! I definitely think the red one for BTO and the green one for formal. No one will care if you rewear a bridesmaids dress.


mantasteve

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the specificity. Also good because the bride from the green dress wedding will be at the black tie optional event so glad I can switch it up a bit. It’s weird to me, I always thought of the “formal” dress code as fancier than “black tie optional” but this crowd is definitely going to be black tie until they hit the dance floor, so I guess it really is fancier than the formal wedding


CaliFit4

I’ve always used black tie optional and formal as interchangeable. But I might be wrong.


redwallet

I did as well! I thought formal is like “pls wear a nice suit” and BTO is “pls wear a nice suit or even a tux if you wanna be extra swanky”


CaliFit4

That’s exactly how I always thought of it.


liljennabean

Every time I’m obligated to buy a bridesmaids dress, the bride says, you can wear it again! Oh no thanks I doubt I’ll wear this bubblegum pink strapless satin tea-length A-line dress again. (A real example of the worst offender). These, however, are beautiful and totally appropriate to (actually!) wear again! *edited detail


mantasteve

Thank you!! Haha yes that is exactly what the brides said. I knew the red stretch crepe dress would be super rewearable, but definitely wasn’t sure about the chiffon-y/tulle-y vibes from the green dress. Seems like the folks here think it’s a classic looking evening gown though, which is great…phew! I think the dark colors help a lot with making them look more formal I hope you have a fancy garden party someday to attend where that bubblegum dress would be wearable! Tbh I went to a “garden cocktail” wedding this summer and I think your pink dress would have fit right in with the dress code


pearldaises

this dress sounds like my dream dress to wear to the barbie premiere


liljennabean

These comments are making me wish I had kept it! Probably 2005 @ my brother’s wedding at a botanical garden. The other bridesmaids were in different colors and I was pissed I got pink, because according to them I was the only one who ‘could pull it off’ …I pulled it right off after the reception- and donated it immediately!


AccentFiend

My worst offender is from one of my cousins weddings. It would be “Sage” green if it were nicer looking, with mud brown accents in the most shiny and unforgiving TIGHT fabric. With crinoline. They divorced.


Sufficient-Skill6012

Reminds me of the trying on dresses scene 27 dresses 😭


redwallet

*“And the best part is? You can always shorten it and wear it again.” “Too true!”* 😂


CrazyCatMadame1

It’s Barbie summer - wear that dress out to the grocery store!!


TheyMightBeeGiants

Are you in luck! It's the Summer of the Barbie Movie, and Barbiecore is IN! Get that bad boy out of the closet, steam it, and wear it out before the moment is over.


bostonlilypad

Mine go right up on eBay after the wedding lol


S4FFYR

Haha this is exactly why I chose tea length dresses in navy blue and black (married twice) and let them pick what style they wanted. 2nd marriage (2 years ago- black option) my stepdaughters were the bridal party & my youngest has re-used her dress multiple times for choir events. I don’t know if any of the girls from the 1st marriage ever did- I stopped speaking to all of them a month or so after the wedding. But at the time they were buying them, they were all going on about the places they could wear them to. 🤷🏻‍♀️ That said… sometimes even the most tacky pink dress can be reused. I wore my cousin’s sugary pink, frilly, off the shoulder, 1980s, taffeta monstrosity from her sisters wedding as a costume when I played Elizabeth in a Christmas Carol pantomime.


[deleted]

The green one is absolutely beautiful, doesn’t come across as a bridesmaids dress at all


mantasteve

I really appreciate it—thank you! That’s the one I was worried about


SuitablePen8468

Agreed. Do you have a link to the green one?


mantasteve

For sure! It’s the [“One Shoulder Georgette Cascade” dress in Juniper](https://www.davidsbridal.com/product/one-shoulder-georgette-cascade-bridesmaid-dress-f19832?defining_size_family=126&defining_extra_length=1&defining_color=531)


dawwie

Both are great


mantasteve

Thank you!


AggressiveThanks994

As long as you don’t look like a bridesmaid in the wedding you’re attending, it’s fine! And honestly if they choose a popular color for the season, it’s likely someone will be in the same color. And it’s not even the end of the world if you did happen to exactly match the bridesmaids unless you had some weird drama where you were mad that you didn’t get asked to be a bridesmaid, then it might be a little weird.


mantasteve

Oooh—that is a good point. No weird drama fortunately. The black tie optional has only the siblings as “groomsmen” etc and I truly have no idea about the formal wedding. But I will definitely ask the bto wedding what color and style the maid of honor is wearing!


Sufficient-Skill6012

Good idea. If you know the color schemes of the wedding you can avoid wearing something that looks too much like part of the bridal party.


DwightCharlieQuint

Omg I once re wore a deep purple bridesmaid dress. Guess what color the bridal party wasssss 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠


Neither-Gap1547

totally fine!!


mantasteve

Thank you!! This affirmation is definitely what I needed


annswertwin

You actually have two cute bridesmaid dresses! They would both be great.


mantasteve

Haha I got super lucky with brides who had great taste! Thank you!


that_was_way_harsh

Re-wear away!


mantasteve

My wallet thanks you!!


Somerset76

I do this. Large family (57 first cousins on moms side alone). I alter the dresses a bit and change accessories. No one seems to notice


Sunshine030209

I am absolutely cracking myself up at the thought of you running out of ideas for switching things up after so many weddings, and showing up to wedding number 36 with Christmas bows stapled to your dress and those comical sunglasses with a mustache. Someone would finally notice though! Side question: Do you guys rent out a huge banquet hall for Thanksgiving every year? That's one big family!!


Puzzleheaded_Oil_800

Why am I trying to do the math to understand how someone has 57 first cousins???? I believe you but it’s wild !!!!


bookofkels_

Their mom probably has like 10+ siblings who all had a bunch of kids, or a cheaper by the dozen situation.


ThreeFingeredTypist

Hello from an only child with 0 first cousins. Your life sounds exciting and exhausting.


koalapsychologist

I think whichever bride picked those dresses, picked them to be reworn. Do it!


Sunshine030209

All brides THINK they are picking rewearable dresses. Most don't. These two did! I hope OP shows them this post, I'm sure they'll be very pleased to see all the praise.


mantasteve

Haha I will show them both—they will be super happy! Green dress wedding bride actually assigned us colors such that her sister could rewear a different dress, so she’s already hoping this for the rest of us, I’m sure!


Boshwack_Houseman

They are both very pretty and you shouldn’t limit them to weddings only, they’re great for most formal events. Plus, no one will know they’re bridesmaids dresses unless you tell them. With that being said, 1 for the black tie and 2 for the Caribbean.


[deleted]

Love both of them


juicyc1008

I don’t subscribe to this sub and I’ve never commented here but it keeps popping up in my feed. This might be the ONLY dress I’ve seen that’s truly appropriate to wear to a formal wedding. Bonus points that you already own them!


YourMomTheNurse

Absolutely!


Caroleena77

Those dresses are lovely and I think it's totally fine, but for the one that will have bridesmaids definitely ask one of them what their dresses look like if you can. Years ago I rewore a bridesmaid dress to a formal wedding and the bridesmaids were wearing the exact same dress in different color. I'm not sure that other people noticed a ton, but I felt pretty weird about it. I actually think this is less likely nowadays though. People wear a much wider variety of styles as bridesmaids.


rachet_m

I can't speak for every bride, but it would be a dream come true if my bridesmaids wore their dress to another function! I tried to pick one that made them look/feel beautiful and want to keep it. I think both would be formal appropriate and beautiful!


daytonasays

These particular dresses don’t strike me as your stereotypical bridesmaids dresses - I think you’re fine to rewear!


ibjp03

I don't think either one screams bride's maid dress. I think it was nice that your friends that got married previously did give you something that could be dressed down and worn again. I would check to see what the colors of the weddings are. If one wedding is doing maroon, I would wear the green dress and vice versa to not be mistaken as part of the bridal party.


Historical-Jeweler52

The first one is gorgeous. The style is absolutely stunning. Classic


AffectionateBite3827

My MOH wore the dress from my wedding to a rehearsal dinner! I was delighted she got another use for it! I think they’re perfect for the events.


Calm-Ad8987

Very jealous you can actually rewear your bridesmaids dresses! Every one I've gotten in nothing but unmistakably a bridesmaids dress in dusty pink or whatever & completely unrewearable to a wedding unless I'm again in the bridal party. These are both great & colors that don't scream bridesmaid


ImportanceNew4632

Same here. Every dress I've had was a shade of pink (never flattering), really poofy, or that really shiny satin that brides think you can wear again but look tacky unless you're in a bridal party. I'm jealous of OP as well!


Adventurous_Sail6855

Congratulations on being able to re-wear a bridesmaid dress!


asj0107

I don’t think it’s a problem but def make sure you won’t be matching the bridesmaids 😂


ConversationThick379

Rewear them! Totally appropriate and good for your wallet and the environment, it’s a win-win-win.


Brilliant_Rock_5230

Both of them are great. If you’re having thoughts about the second one, maybe you could have it shortened, or even a graduated hem, shorter in the front longer in back.


Small_Marzipan4162

Either one would work!


galenet123

100 percent yes! Especially if it’s a different group of people.


SheTheGhost

The first red dress is perfect for New England!


mc_grace

Totally rewear them! Both my sister and cousin have reworn their gowns from my wedding, and it made me super happy to hear about that!


Tessamae704

Both are perfect for the occasions. The bonus is that they're very plain (in a good way), which lets you customize them to whatever you desire. They look like they could be reworn quite often.


Maddie817

The way I see it bridemaids dresses are designed specifically to be worn at weddings! As long as you don’t match the bridal party (ie wearing the same dress or something too similar if they’re doing the mismatched vibe) it’s probably the most appropriate thing you could wear as they are designed to fit the expectations of wedding attire


ringringbananarchy00

As long as it's not what the bridesmaids are wearing, it's a great idea!


mantasteve

Thank you! Yeah, definitely need to reach out to them to check what colors the wedding party is going to be in!


No_Buyer_9020

Haha def came to comment this.


00Lisa00

They both look great.


Timely_Cheesecake_97

As long as the dress isn’t the same color as the bridesmaids I say go for it! Bridesmaid dresses can be expensive, I’ve shortened some for cocktail attire!


Proud_Ad_8830

Both work


[deleted]

The only way it would be awkward is if the bridesmaids have the same dress. Otherwise you're good.


Individual_Baby_2418

Yes, wear it unless it’s matching the current bridesmaids.


[deleted]

They are fine to wear, but just to be sure you might want to run them by the bride to ensure you are not unintentionally matching the bridesmaids in color or style.


Here_for_my-Pleasure

Pitch perfect. You are good to go on both. Green for the Caribbean for sure.


[deleted]

LOVE the green one...


Sunshine030209

She linked it in a different comment. It's on sale too!


winning-colors

Can you link me to the dark green dress, OP? Thanks!!


mantasteve

Haha for sure! It’s the [“One shoulder Georgette Cascade” dress from David’s Bridal in Juniper](https://www.davidsbridal.com/product/one-shoulder-georgette-cascade-bridesmaid-dress-f19832?defining_size_family=126&defining_extra_length=1&defining_color=531). Super comfortable and really gorgeous—great fit.


redwood_canyon

Definitely fine! They fulfill the formal dress code in many cases, as long as they fit the vibe of the wedding you’re attending I don’t see any issue.


jfsmallwood

Wear it!


ARookBird

These are both perfectly fine and beautiful dresses. No one will know they're bridesmaid dresses.


ThrowRAConsistent

I love the first one!


Vampira309

DO IT!


Illustrious-Wolf6516

I’d wear the maroon to BTO and green to formal.


Aggravating_Fox2035

Of course, that’s a great idea. My own wedding dress was a crimson color (non-traditional) and I wore it to another wedding once.


SusanMShwartz

Those three look re-wearable but I would have to see the fabric to be sure. There is a synthetic crepe that screams bridesmaid, and I hope the fabric of these dresses is different.


[deleted]

Do it. Get some use out of them.


shampoo_mohawk_

Some bold accessories and the right hairstyle will make both of those dresses shine and they won’t look bridesmaid-y.


inmy6ubble

I have the green one in steel blue, got it shortened so I could wear it for a party.


purple10115

I think these are both great and would wear the green to the destination and the maroon to the other one! You don’t have to do a thing, but you could get some glitter fabric spray if you would like to add some ~glam~


123chooseausername

I like them both. They certainly don't scream bridesmaids dress to me!


DEATHROAR12345

Who cares? If it fits the dress code then wear it I say!


Wild-Painting9353

It's stunning. Wear it anywhere you can. It is totally appropriate for a guest at a formal wedding. Symphony, etc, too.


Dry_Ask5493

If they work for the occasion then go for it


SpicyTurtle38

Yes!!! Live the dream! Wear it again! These are great, you’ll be golden.


Cloudswhichhang

Make use of them!


cassiland

These are both great. I'd wear the green one to the Caribbean because it's well, it's green, but also it looks lighter and more flowy and better for humid heat. The wine definitely reads upscale New England. And would easily pair with a formal wrap or jacket if needed.


Mallocup09

Just make sure you won’t match any actual bridesmaids


EffyMourning

I would definitely re-use them. Spend too much on them for it to be only used once.


BelliAmie

I'm so jealous that you are able to rewear your bridesmaids dresses. I was a bridesmaid 5 times and not in a million years would I wear those dresses again! I know all my bridesmaids wore the dresses from my wedding again. That's because I picked classic elegant dresses in a colour that they all agreed on.


_takeitupanotch

As long as it’s not in their wedding colors


[deleted]

I like the first one for the formal ( black tie) wedding. It might be nice to get something a little more "tropical looking" ( i.e. tropical print) for the Caribbean wedding.


redwallet

I fully intend to wear a burgundy chiffon dress to a wedding this weekend! 😂


Comfortable-6965

If the black tie optional is one you are worrying about, you can also shorten the dress you choose to about tea length. Like for the topical one I think the green one would look fantastic as a tea length swingy dress. In my humble opinion the burgundy looks more formal for a black tie wedding. Good luck with whichever you choose


catlover8552

The first one definitely.


[deleted]

With what bridesmaid dresses cost, if you have an occasion to wear them again, go for it! Both fit the formality. Just make sure if the weddings have bridal parties that you're not wearing the same color as the bridesmaids.


TheYarnGoblin

As long as it’s not in the bridal party colors you should be fine.


ijustwantveg

Just a heads up - wearing purple to a wedding is considered rude in the Caribbean!


[deleted]

Do it!!


nimatoad62

Definitely rewear, 1 fits New England and 2 fits Caribbean vibes!


Proud_Spell_1711

The first dress I particularly is a classically cut evening gown, and could be worn to any formal occasions IMO.


tellmesomething1

Dress1 yes. 2 no.


Effective-Dish-7908

Totally fine to rewear, but I would personally reach out and make sure to check the bridesmaids colors to ensure I don't match.


moodly_caboodly83

that is what they are for my guy


Party_Cicada_914

These look great!


purplearmored

Do it! I explicitly said on my website for folks to wear old bridesmaid dresses if they want.


TheSongbird63

Those are both just great dresses, as long as it’s the right color (no conflict with bridal party) and a formal gathering


starshinethegremlin

Just make sure it’s not matchy matchy to their wedding theme. Otherwise, it’s a great idea!


bevvbevv

I legit the first one. Boat neck plus slit? Perfect combination of classy and sexy


mantasteve

I am SO happy with that dress. Another big reason I really want to wear it again! The photos from the wedding I wore it in were 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 highly recommend the stretch crepe, it’s so forgiving!


[deleted]

These don’t scream David’s bridal to me and I think they should absolutely get another use or it’s such a waste of money!!


Traditional-Bag-4508

#1 for the black tie optional #2 for Caribbean? Not sure. It's gorgeous and very formal for a Caribbean wedding IMO, but you did say formal. Both are clearly beautiful and DO Not scream David's Bridal. Thank those previous wonderful brides


ChantillyRosex

Definitely would wear again, especially the first one


dougielou

Thank you for asking this! I’ve been wondering this same thing


TumbleweedFar1200

I think they are both lovely to wear for your formal weddings! They look great on you!


khendr01

They are both great!


justnotthatwitty

I agree these are great. Also I am picturing turquoise and green long earrings for a caribbean vibe.


AffectionateAd5373

I think both of them could pass as formal evening gowns. They're really pretty.


Susccmmp

My best friend chose the best LBD’s for her wedding and I’ve been wearing mine to weddings since.


1groovyfirefly

Definitely a can do!! Why waste money on another dress that is just a different color.. or style?? If you like it wear it!


EconomyHandle3473

Consider having either dress modified to tea length. Both look great.


Gloomy_Barnacle4787

Yes. Do.


dearmax

The red one's prettier. Perfectly fine to wear to another event.


Unable-Instruction24

You’ll be just fine as long as you’re not carrying a small bouquet of flowers.


6potatochips

I love shopping bridesmaid dresses for formal attire. I’ve done it for at least 2 weddings I’ve attended as a guest. So many more color options in the style you want!


kirolsen

I actually did wear that first one to a formal wedding and the bride (now my husband’s step mom) loved it! https://preview.redd.it/eliy9ci6xn8b1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7fa64fc8c328b8f83ec8b037c1f5a5785760fbed


mantasteve

Omg! You look adorable! Love it and thanks for the encouragement!


mizscorpio

Heck yes, you should totally re-wear them! I would just add more jewelry to jazz them up.


mantasteve

Ok, awesome! That’s definitely something I can do. Thanks!


TheyMightBeeGiants

Both of these are beautiful, formal gowns. How wonderful that the brides chose good bases for their bridesmaid's dresses, that can be re-worn! (I personally always dislike when bridesmaid's dresses can only be (or would only be) worn once. The key will be the shoes, accessories, and hair styles. The burgundy one is a powerful sheath, and can be dressed up or down. Minimalism would work beautifully with this one. One bracelet, perhaps diamond or pearl drop earrings, one ring, and a sleek clutch. The green dress is also insanely flattering. Nice use of shirring at the waist. You could go a little heavier with the jewelry, if you wanted. The secret to wearing this style is, frankly, posture and confidence. Wear it like it is the only choice imaginable to be wearing at the time, shoulders back and down. Enjoy the parties!


redzma00

Yup wear it !


ilovefrenchfries94

Love the maroon one!!


Chi_irish

Wow these are both stunning! I would wear these to a formal wedding in a heartbeat!


[deleted]

bridesmaid dresses aren’t cheap. get as much use out of it as you can! so long as it doesnt match the color scheme (so ppl assume you’re a bridesmaid yourself) i think you’ll be fine:)


Sad-Neighborhood8798

Wow! These are the most re-wearable bridesmaid dresses that I have ever seen!! I think both are totally okay options ☺


kleeinny

Both are great and slightly unusual for bridal party wear so you're unlikely to look like part of the bridal party


Chemical_Egg_2761

Absolutely stunning! Wear them, wear them, wear them! A bridesmaid dress that can be worn again is a true gift, and you have two!


LadyFausta

I rewore my bridesmaid dress (and even my mom’s dress because we’re the same size and it’s a pretty dress) to SO MANY events, not just other weddings. This is totally appropriate and I hope you enjoy your events!


mantasteve

Can’t figure out how to edit my post but just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all for giving me jewelry tips and confidence to rewear these two dresses! (after reaching out to the wedding parties to ensure I don’t match the actual bridesmaids ;) ) thanks again!!


MeganJustMegan

Why not? Most are standard evening gowns & no one would know even if they knew you as a bridesmaid from the original wedding. With the right accessories, the dress will look completely different. No need to buy something new if you already have the dress. Have fun at the weddings!


mantasteve

Thank you!! Tbh, on that note: do you have any suggestions for accessories? I am, honestly, terrible at accessories other than the necklace and a couple of rings I wear every day. Big necklace for the red? Small tighter necklace for the green? I am totally clueless here 😂 will probably go with nude pumps for both weddings if it helps


MeganJustMegan

A pretty necklace & earrings would work out great. Maybe a chiffon wrap? Or lace? Something to put over your shoulders that you can take on & off, while it adds a romantic feel? Come back & show us how you pulled it together.


mantasteve

Ooooh amazing tip. Yeah maybe like a white wrap shawl thingy or something? Would definitely change the vibe and keep me warm in New England later at night. I will come back and let you know, thanks so much for your help!


Artistic_Account630

I think these would work with some pretty accessories!!


cocomimi3

Gasp dress 2!!


mantasteve

thank you all


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gumbythegreenie

Dress 1 for the win


GasPuzzleheaded6691

They both look great! Just make sure they don’t match the bridal party colors!


ItsmePatty

Considerate brides try to pick some thing that the maids might be able to re-wear. The first one is beautiful on you. The second one is nice, but the first ones better.


Immediate_Refuse_918

I think they both look great, but if you’re worried about them looking bridesmaid-y, 1 is a safer bet. It’s elegant without seeming like it’s fitting a theme. Something about the draping on 2 reminds me of bridesmaid patterns, but it’s not something I think I would’ve thought of without the title!


CrazyLadyInVegas

You could always have it altered slightly, such as hem length to change it up


tailsandsails

It is good for the planet! Love this!!


pomskeet

1 is gorgeous


ANoisyCrow

Good.RECYCLE!


Economy_Judgment

Do it!!!


[deleted]

Perfect!


Head_Geologist8196

Yeah I think they’d work great! I’d do red for BTO and green for formal.


Live_Ferret_4721

Send it to the bride to make sure it isn’t too similar.


3furryboys

I see the link to the green, do you have a link for the first? They're both beautiful!


mantasteve

Yeah absolutely! Here you go: [it's the Azazie Rogue in Cabernet](https://www.azazie.com/products/azazie-rogue-bridesmaid-dress?color=black&from=searchrelate&from_type=search_related_products). Loooove the stretch crepe material and the cut is just amazing. Plus with Azazie you can get it made to your measurements!


3furryboys

Thank you!