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Kelsi Novitsky
Beginner June 2021

What do do when your bridesmaid dresses are awful

Kelsi Novitsky, on February 25, 2021 at 12:32 PM Posted in Wedding Attire 0 20
When I went bridesmaid dress shopping back in December, I had my heart set on the sangria color from David’s Bridal. However, David’s Bridal is discontinuing the color, and didn’t bother to tell me that until 3 hours later, after all 4 of my bridesmaids chose dress styles they loved, and only one of them was available in Sangria (thanks a lot BD).
Instead of making 3 of my girls spend another 3 hours finding dresses the likes in the limited Sangria stock, I switched my color to plum. It was originally one of my accent colors, and I didn’t hate it.
But then my bridesmaid sent me this picture. I am a graphic designer by trade, so I understand that lighting and camera presets can drastically alter the color. But I really hate the way the dress looks. So I took another look at my swatch, and I actually really don’t like it. I’m getting married in June, and DB’s plum dresses are just too dark, and not even a pretty purple shade. All 4 girls have received their dresses and started alterations, so it’s way too late to change what they’re wearing. I haven’t seen any of the dresses in person, but I don’t like the swatch, and I don’t like the picture, so I’m really worried I’m going to hate the dresses as well. I’m having major dress regret. Help?What do do when your bridesmaid dresses are awful 1

20 Comments

Latest activity by Sexypoodle, on February 28, 2021 at 11:18 AM
  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Go to Azazie or Cocomelody. High quality low cost dresses they can try on at home. Swatches are inexpensive

    But if the dresses are already purchased, make sure your photographer films in bright light.

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  • K
    Dedicated August 2021
    Katie ·
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    Can you ask one of the bridesmaids (perhaps maid of honor?) to see the dress in person? I will say that my color cinnamon from David’s bridal does not look at all as good in pics or on the swatch as it did when I saw it on my moh. Sorry girl!
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  • Kelsi Novitsky
    Beginner June 2021
    Kelsi Novitsky ·
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    That is really comforting to hear. Hopefully the dresses are better in person!
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  • L
    Lady ·
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    Unless you're willing to pay for new dresses I think you need to just let it go. I would be so mad as a BM if you changed your mind on colors because you didn't look closely enough and made me buy a new dress if I couldn't return the one I already got.

    It sucks that you don't like it as much as you thought, but it's not fair to make your bridesmaids pay for it.

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  • Brigitte
    Dedicated May 2021
    Brigitte ·
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    What do do when your bridesmaid dresses are awful 2

    My sister used plum as her bridesmaids colors. We didn't get them from David's Bridal, but it looks like a very similar, if not the same, shade. And they were beautiful! This is an unfiltered picture of the dress outside.
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  • CountryBride
    VIP April 2022
    CountryBride ·
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    My cousion purchased the parsimon color back in 2015 for bridesmaids dresses it was supposed to be a burnt orange look even on the swatch it was burnt orange I hate the color and it came back almost a coral or a orangeish pink. I would talk to davids bridal and hopefully they help

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  • Sharonda
    Super January 2021
    Sharonda ·
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    Brigitte’s picture is helpful and shows that the right flowers can brighten up a dress. If the dresses can’t be returned, focus on your bridemaids’ accessories and flowers to “brighten up”or “lift” the dress a bit.
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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    I would let it go unless I was willing to pay for a new dress.
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  • Caitlin
    Devoted May 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    What do you hate? Maybe they can add something to the dress to switch it up. A belt or sash or accents. Maybe you just got to dress up the dress ( hair and makeup) and it will flow better. Since its such a plain dress it could maybe use some sprucing up .
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  • Biaani
    Expert May 2021
    Biaani ·
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    I agree with Lady, only get new dresses if you are willing to pay for them yourself. Or maybe add some bling to these and make them work. Maybe a cute belt 🤷‍♀️

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  • Liz
    Devoted August 2021
    Liz ·
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    This is what I was going to suggest.
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  • Kelsi Novitsky
    Beginner June 2021
    Kelsi Novitsky ·
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    This is such a good idea. Their shoes and jewelry rose gold so I feel like that will help a little bit too.
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  • Allie
    VIP November 2021
    Allie ·
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    I wore plum for my best friend's wedding a few years ago. Posting photos of how the color looked indoors and outdoors so you can see what the color looks like a little more.

    Indoor:

    What do do when your bridesmaid dresses are awful 3

    Outdoor:

    What do do when your bridesmaid dresses are awful 4


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  • Kelsi Novitsky
    Beginner June 2021
    Kelsi Novitsky ·
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    Thank you so much for this!! My wedding is outdoor, and those dresses look so much better than the picture and swatch I’ve seen. This helps a lot.
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  • Kari
    Master May 2020
    Kari ·
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    Agreed! Sharing this photo is so helpful.

    I'm a photographer and certain colors really look different in different lights. Colors will always look warmer at sunlight and sunset, cooler midday, and typically drabber indoors in artificial light.


    Your photographer's processing style will also play a huge role in how the dresses look in photos. If you have a "bright and airy" photographer with a high key processing style, the colors will be more muted and subdued compared to a photographer that uses more saturation or washes photos in a warm golden glow.

    Agreed that the dressing room photo makes plum look really drab and like a brownish-prune color, but to be fair David's dressing rooms have AWFUL lighting, so I think it will look much nicer in person, especially if you are having an outdoor event or one with plenty of natural light.

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  • Kelsi Novitsky
    Beginner June 2021
    Kelsi Novitsky ·
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    Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You lovely ladies are talking me back from the edge. I really appreciate your help soothing this anxious bride’s nerves!
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  • Carla
    Savvy December 2021
    Carla ·
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    Just remember the dress doesn't make lady look good. The lady makes the dress look good. Get with your ladies after alterations. Tell them to bring there shoes, accessaries, etc. See how the dress looks on the different body types and against the different skin tones. Then have them put on there shoes and accessories. If you already have bouquets bring one with you. Then see if the dress looks any better. Also flip there hair up or down, because that will help you becide what styles look better with the dress. You may want to add a broach, or sash or sholder piece in an accent color. Don't be discouraged. My dad is an artist. And he says that there are no mistakes in art. You just add something else to alter your design or look. Just add, subtract, multiple or divide. Also have put a little makeup on. Whatever you do don't let it upset you. Play around with different ideas.. I'm sorry that your not happy with your dresses. I hope my advice helps a little.
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  • Kelsi Novitsky
    Beginner June 2021
    Kelsi Novitsky ·
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    Thank you so much. All very good ideas.
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  • Carla
    Savvy December 2021
    Carla ·
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    No problem. I just want you to be happy and enjoy this moment.. You should be happy at this time. Don't let the little things ruin it! Be happy! Im sure your wedding will be perfect.
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  • Sexypoodle
    Master October 2021
    Sexypoodle ·
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    I agree! It’s too late... it’s not that serious... and, ultimately, it will all be fine. If you feel that the dresses are too dark, then use brighter colors in the flowers and other decor accents.
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