The “Wearing My Wedding Dress” Challenge | Are You In?

The "Wearing my wedding dress" challenge | Not Dressed As Lamb
I don’t know whether this is going to be hugely popular or go down like a lead balloon, but I had an idea a little while back: The “Wearing My Wedding Dress” challenge. Genius? Crazy? You tell me…

Say yes to your dress (again)

It came to me whilst watching yet another episode of Say Yes to the Dress. I’ll admit I am totally and utterly addicted to that show – I could watch 10 episodes in a row and not get bored. For someone who didn’t dream of her wedding since she was a little girl (as the show leads us to believe most girls do) and who didn’t actually wear a dress on her wedding day (I wore trousers), I have no idea why I love watching it so much. I’m fascinated by the insistence of so many mothers that their daughters choose something they won’t look back on and wonder What was I thinking…??!!

Why? It’s your wedding day. I say go all out, and forget thinking about how it will look in the future. Just enjoy the moment.


Furthermore, I love looking at people’s wedding albums. For me, the more “of its time” and over the top the dress, the better. Give me a 1970s monstrosity over a tasteful 90s column dress any day.

Watching the show one day it occurred to me: The photos of our wedding dresses should be shared amongst our community of bloggers and Instagrammers and Facebookers for us all to look at and enjoy… shouldn’t they? Who doesn’t love looking at the wedding album of someone they know?

But then I thought, what would everyone look like in their wedding dresses now? How many people could still fit in them (if not, who cares) – and would they still like them?

The challenge

So I have a challenge for you: Try on your wedding dress – when was the last time you did? – and see if you still like it. Don’t get hung up on whether it fits or not – just enjoy the moment. If, like me, you wore something other than a dress, then try on whatever you wore on your wedding day.

And then, to seal the deal:


PHOTOGRAPH YOURSELF IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS BEFORE 9TH NOVEMBER.


ADD IT TO MY #IWILLWEARWHATILIKE LINK UP ON THAT DATE.


THIS IS PURELY A BIT OF FUN!

#wearingmyweddingdress


You might want to do a full-on blog post, you might just want to do a quick selfie and put it on Instagram or Facebook – but show us your wedding dress, no matter what state it’s in. My mother gave hers to my sisters for their dressing up box: It got cut up and dyed blue (they’re much older than me so I missed out on the fun)… the thought fills me with horror (would anyone do that today?)! But if you have yours still but something similar “happened” to it, I still want to see it now, exactly as it is. Maybe your daughter had it refashioned and wore it herself like on Something Borrowed, Something New (yes, I watch that too. And I Found the Gown. I need help).

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I’m going to let my #iwillwearwhatilike link up be overtaken on Monday 9th November by wedding dresses. Seems a while away I know, but I’m going to give everyone plenty of time to find/get hold of their dress, photograph it and get a post up on their blog or social media.

But I’ve never been married…

No problem – I’m including bridesmaid dresses! When I was about 27 I tried on the bridesmaid dress I wore to my sister’s 1985 wedding (I was 13) and it was hilarious. The zip didn’t even slightly do up at the back. The fabric was horrible. The style was horrible. (And that’s just what my sister had to say about it.) Bridesmaid dresses are perfectly acceptable and could be just as interesting [read: funny], if not more so.

There’s no way I’ll get in my dress/My dress is no more

If you really, really can’t bear the thought of putting on your dress again (for whatever reason), or you perhaps sold your dress or gave it away, simply share a photo of you on your wedding day. Or do both! Show us a before and after.

Do it however you want – just share some pictures of your wedding dresses and/or bridesmaid dresses (but do wear them to photograph if you can).

So tell me your thoughts – are you in? I just want this to be a bit of fun – if enough people take part I’ll do a round up post with the best ones!
Catherine
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P.S. To whet your appetite in the meantime you might like Why Short Wedding Dresses Are So Stylish & Affordable!

Linking up to: Let It Shine, Brilliant Blog PostsFriday’s Fab Favourites

Photo credit: Anonymous [public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

44 Comments

  1. 9 November 2015 / 10:39 pm

    This is such a fun idea, Catherine! I'm not yet married (as you know) but (you may not know) that I'm looking into getting married soon. Very soon, actually, before Christmas or a little after. So, no wedding dress entry for me, although I have lots of bridal shoots pics of me which are actually quite fun to look at.

    But, funny you should mention bridesmaid dresses. I was a bridesmaid at my sister's wedding in 1995 and my dress was ATROCIOUS! I think you'd laugh too, to be honest, ha ha!

    Becky x

  2. 2 October 2015 / 6:08 pm

    This is a wonderful idea, I like it so much!Thank you so much blogger..

    bridal dresses

  3. 28 September 2015 / 5:35 am

    Count me in!
    Laurie x

  4. 27 September 2015 / 7:57 am

    I love this idea, for our 10th wedding anniversary we went to Vienna with our daughter and both I and my Hubby put on our wedding outfits, I dressed my daughter up lovely and white and got us flowers. We went for dinner like this and everyone in the restaurant thought we had just gotten married – this was lots of fun!

    Yvonne
    http://www.funkyforty.com

  5. 26 September 2015 / 2:35 pm

    This is a cool idea Catherine! My husband and I have actually married each other twice….long story…the dress from the first go 'round is sadly no more, but the second time I wore a skirt, tank, and Haivianas on a beach with our son as our witness. I've worn all 3 of those items many times, so I'm in!
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

  6. 26 September 2015 / 12:05 pm

    I've never seen this show and no discovered it on tlc, my man is going to hate you. I'vm not married and never been a bridesmaid, gutted I can't join in this 🙁
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx | bloglovin

  7. 25 September 2015 / 9:41 pm

    I just got married in March and wore my moms wedding dress which I then sealed away so maybe someday one of my kids will be able to wear it (or at least try it on). I love this idea though! And I'll definitely post a picture from my wedding day since I don't think there will be much difference from March-now!

    Morgan | theradwife.blogspot.com

  8. 25 September 2015 / 8:17 pm

    I love this idea, my dress is in good condition, but two babies later, I know I won't be able to do it up! But I'll just leave it open at the back. Becky x #brilliantblogposts

  9. 25 September 2015 / 3:32 pm

    Great idea and I am in! 🙂

  10. 25 September 2015 / 3:15 pm

    Well… about eight years ago, when I was moving to Ottawa I finally unboxed my wedding dress ( to find out the dry cleaner never got the stain out argg) Well when I got married I was in my starvation days and was only 98 pounds so yep, would not fit but I gave it to my 10 year old niece at the time so I may have some photos of her in it, I def will create a fun post though

  11. 25 September 2015 / 2:50 pm

    Great idea! I still fit into it, and would love to show it off. I put on my prom dress when my youngest went to her senior prom, and it is one of my favorite photos. Unfortunately I don't think either one of my daughters will want to wear my wedding dress, it was a very simple Laura Ashley style from the early 90s. Maybe I will save it for granddaughters. lol!

  12. 25 September 2015 / 9:01 am

    Hehehe. I'm actually wearing my wedding dress quite often, as I got married in a "normal" dress in the town hall. But I'll sure link up when the time comes and am curious to see everyone else 🙂

    Alex – Funky Jungle

  13. 25 September 2015 / 6:32 am

    Great idea, I'll have to come back and nosy at them all. Mine's in the roof (2 sizes bigger now so no chance of getting in it) and not accessible without the OH who won't get it down.

  14. 25 September 2015 / 4:11 am

    Love this idea! I can't wait to participate. You will also help me solve a great mystery. You see I had my wedding dress "preserved" (whatever that means) and part of the rules are you aren't supposed to open the box and let air in or something….So for 20 years every time I've looked at the box I've wondered if the whole dress made it inside. You see, the dress could be worn two ways – as a straight sheath or as a full gown via a full wrap around detachable train (oh how I loved that!). I always thought the box looked too small to have everything enclosed even though the dry cleaner swore it was all in there. I'm going to be just sick if the train is missing…wish me luck!!

  15. 24 September 2015 / 9:02 pm

    Hilarious! Mine is VERY much of it's time!! Plus I was overweight, with a perm!! It is so not a good look! Last time I tried it on it didn't fit. It appears that when I had it specially cleaned, they shrunk it! It's currently in a box in the garage! Not sure if I want to put it on again!! Hmmm have to think about this!

  16. 24 September 2015 / 6:53 pm

    I love the idea 🙂 I bought mine last minute from Ralph Lauren evening collection, I had to have it shipped from the states and had no plan B is the dress didn't fit 🙂 I've always promised myself I would wear it in the evening for some glam occasion yet that occasion never came up. I hope I can still squeeze myself in it!
    Ana
    http://www.champagnegirlsabouttown.co.uk

  17. 24 September 2015 / 3:18 pm

    I'd love to try mine on again but it's across the pond at my Mum and Dad's in Bury! Maybe in Feb!

  18. 24 September 2015 / 9:10 am

    ooohh, I'm in my dress has been sad and alone for the past 10 years in the loft, I don't think I'll be able to do it up but I'll try it on and maybe let my daughter have a go! #brilliantblogposts

  19. 24 September 2015 / 12:51 am

    Sounds like such a fun idea! I donated my dress and everything else after I got married. I hoped that it went to another happy bride. Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see your Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

  20. 23 September 2015 / 11:49 pm

    I only got married (again) three months ago. But I could also send a pic of my first dress to tonshow how (me and) my tastes have changed #brilliantblogpost

  21. 23 September 2015 / 11:29 pm

    This could be freaking hilarious or freakishly scary!!! I have worn my prom dress…even blogged about it…but my wedding dress might be going just too far for me. How could I love my prom dress so much still and yet not love my wedding dress?? It is like two different women choose these dresses.

  22. 23 September 2015 / 11:15 pm

    Love, love, love this, my dress is a size bigger than I am now although my tummy was definitely flatter in those pre-kid days but I will share my wedding dress shot from the day on the 9th (might need reminding nearer the time but sure you'll be reminding everyone on social-fab idea xx

  23. 23 September 2015 / 10:47 pm

    Wedding dress is in MIL's attic from my sister in law borrowing it. Fun idea though #BriliantBlogPosts

    • 24 September 2015 / 9:12 pm

      Aww not to worry – but it'd be lovely to see your wedding photos anyway…? x

  24. 23 September 2015 / 7:31 pm

    I'm in!!! I've only been married 2 years but I hope my very tight dress fits!!! I might also include the wedding dresses I bought but didn't wear!!! Ha!x

    • 24 September 2015 / 8:32 pm

      OMG Kezzie you bought more than one dress..?!! I think you need to do a full on wedding dresses photo shoot and blog post, haha!! x

  25. 23 September 2015 / 4:59 pm

    Now I'm definitely tempted!! I'm married for a little more than a year but I made sure that my dress can be worn again (it's convertible)!! You give me enough time to think about it…or else I'll share my day-after photo shoot!

    • 24 September 2015 / 8:31 pm

      Wow that was a clever idea, Anna! I hope you'll wear it again for another shoot…?! x

  26. 23 September 2015 / 4:58 pm

    Great idea! I've actually worn my dress many times, including in no less than 4 posts on my blog… But I got married in a hot pink L.K.Bennett dress…

    • 24 September 2015 / 8:30 pm

      Ah-ha, Tiina – you did the "wear it again" type of dress (like I did with my outfit)! Looking forward to seeing you in it x

  27. 23 September 2015 / 4:03 pm

    What a fun idea! Sadly I borrowed my sister's graduation dress 24 years ago when we eloped. I do however have the dress I wore to our reception and another full-on fluffy wedding dress I bought for marketing my scrapbooking company about 10 years later, both of which I can fit into and would have a fun time photographing…that is, if I have the guts to get out there with a full on wedding dress and take photos of myself! Ha!

    bisous
    Suzanne

    • 24 September 2015 / 8:29 pm

      haha why not, Suzanne – it'll be fun! Whatever you wear that has some wedding-y connection will be great 🙂

  28. 23 September 2015 / 3:52 pm

    AAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!! That just about covers how excited I am at the idea of wearing my wedding dress again. We've only been married 4 years (5 in April), but I have gone through a huge transformation in that time. I was tiny when we got married, then I 'celebrated' a bit too much (for about two and a half years) which left me massively overweight and unhealthy.
    I then decided to get my generous backside in gear and do something about it – it's part of the reason I starting The Barefaced Chic. I have no idea how much weight I've lost (I don't believe in diets and weighing every week, etc), but I do know I feel sooooo much better.
    It will be interesting to see how I look in my dress 🙂
    Thanks once again for a brilliant link up idea.
    Michelle xxxx
    http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk

    • 24 September 2015 / 8:29 pm

      Hehe that's sooooooo great to hear your excitement, Michelle – I thought it'd be a great excuse for those of us who WANT an excuse to get dressed up in our dresses (or outfits)!! Can't wait to see the results x

  29. 23 September 2015 / 3:24 pm

    I've only been married 2 weeks and 4 days so I'll just share a pic from the wedding day!! Fab idea, my sister-in-law wears hers every year for her anniversary xx

    • 24 September 2015 / 8:27 pm

      Aww Porcelina congrats!!!! I love that your sis wears hers every year – how wonderful! x

  30. 23 September 2015 / 3:12 pm

    What a fun idea!
    I bought my dress from Ebay and sold it again promptly afterwards….there was only my hubby and I and our 2 witnesses.
    I do still have the dress I wore to our wee party afterwards (it was Hogmanay) and I actually used the satin obi recently on an all-white outfit.
    I could still get in to the dress…..maybe….and of course I could wear my FABULOUS shoes again! No problem at all ;oD
    Does that count?
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous

    • 24 September 2015 / 8:27 pm

      Samantha of course – do it however you want to!! I love hearing all these stories of people's weddings and what they've done with their dresses…! x

  31. 23 September 2015 / 2:41 pm

    Oh, this is a wonderful idea, I like it so much! I don't know when I have worn my wedding dress the last time – I know only my wedding dress is 25 years old and is a white silky traditional Bavarian costume 🙂 Looking forward to see more!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    • 23 September 2015 / 3:08 pm

      Rena it'll be lovely to see you in it now – and on the day too if you have photos!! x

    • 23 September 2015 / 3:14 pm

      Wow, that sounds amazing Rena. I want to see that dress!
      XX
      Sam

  32. 23 September 2015 / 2:29 pm

    Oooo I LOVE this idea! Just a shame that my wedding dress was borrowed 🙁
    Hubby and I are intending to have ourselves another wedding day though… in a couple of years or so, to renew our vows and then I'll have my own dress! I can't wait. Just need to save up some money lol!
    I can't wait to see whatever everyone else looks like though 😀
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • 23 September 2015 / 3:07 pm

      That's no problem, Suzy – just join in with a photo from your wedding day as I mentioned! I'm sure there'll be a lot of others in the same situation :))

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