What to Do When You Don’t Like Your Assigned Bridesmaid Dress

Being assigned a bridesmaid dress that you don’t like is a situation that many bridesmaids may find themselves in. However, that doesn’t mean you should feel stuck or unhappy with your dress. This article aims to provide guidance on how to handle the situation tactfully and find solutions that ensure both your comfort and the bride’s vision for her special day.  

Part 1. Assess Your Feelings and Reasons

1. Reflecting on why you don’t like the dress

Is it the color, style, or overall design that you find unappealing? Understanding the specific aspects that you dislike can help you articulate your concerns more effectively when discussing the issue with the bride or the designated person in charge of the dresses. It’s important to approach this reflection process with an open mind and consider whether your feelings about the dress are based on personal taste or if there are more valid reasons for your dissatisfaction.

2. Considering if it’s a matter of personal preference or discomfort

While personal preference plays a role in how we feel about clothing choices, it’s also crucial to assess if your dislike for the dress stems from genuine discomfort. Is the dress ill-fitting, causing discomfort or making you feel self-conscious? If this is the case, it’s essential to communicate your concerns to the bride or the responsible person so they can address any sizing or fitting issues. 

Part 2. Communicate with the Bride or Bridesmaid Coordinator

1. Approaching the conversation with openness and honesty

When discussing your concerns about the assigned bridesmaid dress, it’s important to approach the conversation with openness and honesty. Choose an appropriate time and place to have a calm and private discussion with the bride or the designated bridesmaid coordinator. Begin by expressing your gratitude for being included in the wedding party and your excitement to support the bride on her special day. Then, respectfully communicate your feelings about the dress, emphasizing that your intention is to find a solution that will make you feel more comfortable and confident.

2. Expressing your concerns and discussing potential alternatives

During the conversation, clearly and respectfully express your specific concerns about the dress. It’s important to convey that your intention is not to disrupt the bride’s vision but to find a mutually satisfactory solution. Discuss potential alternatives that could address your concerns, such as exploring different dress options within the same color palette, considering alternative styles or silhouettes, or even suggesting the possibility of purchasing or renting a different dress that fits your preferences.

Part 3. Explore Alteration Options

1. Consulting a professional seamstress or tailor for alterations

If you find yourself not completely satisfied with your assigned bridesmaid dress, consider consulting a professional seamstress or tailor to explore alteration options. They have the expertise and skills to make adjustments that can transform the dress to better suit your preferences. Schedule a fitting appointment and bring the dress along with any specific ideas or concerns you may have. The seamstress or tailor will assess the dress and provide recommendations on what alterations can be made to enhance the overall fit and style.

If you don’t like your assigned dress before it is ordered, you will have much space to do something with it. If you are ordering your dress from eDresstore.com, you can ask them to make any changes or alterations you like, from the style, to fabric, to any details and embellishments. For example, raising the neckline for modest bridesmaid dresses, or lengthening the sleeves, or removing any decorations you don’t like. After the individualized changes, your dress will be more unique and flattering for you.

2. Discussing potential changes that can enhance the dress and make it more to your liking

Share your specific dislikes or areas you would like to improve, such as adjusting the length, altering the neckline, or adding or removing embellishments. The professional can provide guidance on what alterations are feasible and offer suggestions based on their expertise. Together, you can work towards finding solutions that address your concerns while still maintaining the overall integrity of the dress and the bride’s vision.

Additionally, communicate with the bride or bridesmaid coordinator about your intention to have the dress altered to ensure it aligns with any guidelines or restrictions set for the bridesmaid attire. 

Part 4. Look for Creative Styling Solutions

1. Considering accessorizing options to personalize the dress

If you find yourself not entirely satisfied with your assigned bridesmaid dress, one way to make it feel more aligned with your personal style is through creative accessorizing. Accessories have the power to transform a look and add a touch of individuality. Consider exploring options such as belts, sashes, or statement jewelry to enhance the dress and make it feel more like “you.” These additions can draw attention to your favorite features or help redirect focus from aspects of the dress that you are less fond of. Experiment with different accessory choices and find what resonates with your personal style and complements the overall aesthetic of the dress.

2. Exploring hairstyle, makeup, and jewelry choices that can enhance your overall look

Another way to make the assigned bridesmaid dress more to your liking is to focus on styling elements beyond the dress itself. Experiment with different hairstyles that complement the dress’s neckline and your facial features. Additionally, select jewelry pieces that accentuate the dress and add a touch of elegance or personality. 

Part 5. Find Support from Fellow Bridesmaids

Discussing your feelings with other bridesmaids who may share similar concerns and collaborating on finding solutions together

Once you’ve established a supportive rapport with your fellow bridesmaids, you can collaborate on finding potential solutions that address your concerns. Brainstorm ideas together and explore alternatives that can make everyone feel more comfortable and confident in their bridesmaid dresses.

Consider discussing the possibility of alterations, such as adjusting the length, neckline, or sleeves, to better suit everyone’s preferences. If alterations are not feasible, explore the option of incorporating complementary accessories or coordinating elements that can enhance the overall look and create a cohesive aesthetic among the bridesmaids.

Part 6. Embrace the Role and Celebrate the Occasion

1. Remembering the importance of your role as a bridesmaid

While it’s natural to have personal preferences and concerns about your assigned bridesmaid dress, it’s crucial to remember the significance of your role in the wedding. Your presence and participation in their wedding are valued and cherished by the bride and groom.

2. Focusing on the joyous celebration and the couple’s happiness

When faced with the challenge of not liking your assigned bridesmaid dress, it’s essential to shift your focus towards the bigger picture – the celebration of love and the happiness of the couple. By redirecting your attention to the significance of the occasion, you can find a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose beyond the dress itself.

Celebrate the love between the couple and the union of their families and friends. Take the opportunity to connect with other guests, enjoy the festivities, and create beautiful memories. 

When faced with the situation of not liking your assigned bridesmaid dress, it’s essential to approach the matter with grace, understanding, and open communication. Remember that the bride has chosen the dress with certain considerations in mind, and expressing your concerns respectfully can lead to finding a solution that satisfies everyone involved.

Embrace your role as a bridesmaid with enthusiasm and focus on the overall celebration. By shifting your perspective and redirecting your energy towards the happiness of the couple, you can navigate this situation with a positive mindset and contribute to a memorable and joyful wedding experience.

Here we have some top recommendations that are universal, flattering, and versatile for different wedding themes, get inspired now!

1.   The eucalyptus dress is crafted from chiffon fabric, the middle width and depth round neck are flattering for all body shapes, the flutter sleeves look good both on plus size girls and slim girls. The rose decorations on the shoulder add a touch of drama and taste, A line skirt with some box pleating on the side, making it look special.

https://edresstore.com/product/modest-eucalyptus-green-bridesmaid-dresses-flutter-sleeves.html

2.   This dusty blue bridesmaid dress is spun of shiny satin, the cowl neck adds sophistication and elegance, while the cap sleeves complete the modesty. Simple elegant A line skirt with 2 side pockets for your small pieces.

https://edresstore.com/product/minimalist-modest-dusty-blue-satin-bridesmaid-dresses-cowl-neck.html

3.   The beautiful dusty sage color is definitely the hottest tone for weddings. The modest boat neck and elbow sleeves adorned with tied bow, lace top combined with chiffon skirt in A line silhouette.

https://edresstore.com/product/modest-sage-green-bridesmaid-dresses-with-sleeves.html

4.   The popover style bridesmaid dress adds some atmosphere of relaxation, the long sleeves have a flaring cut, making it a good choice for plus size girls, and the loose cut makes it comfortable even for hot summer weather.

https://edresstore.com/product/modest-lds-dusty-sage-bridesmaid-dresses-long.html