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The bridesmaids should never outshine the bride. Some brides, however, seem to be taking this to the extreme when dressing up their maids of honor. Or maybe time changes fashion trends so much, that after some the style that was "in" starts to look simply ridiculous. Either way, Bored Panda has collected a series of vintage bridesmaids dresses that are so funny, that you'll probably feel sorry for the women who wore them.

The 70s fashion brought outrageous patterns, floppy hats, and undiscernable silhouettes to the mix, 80s fashion later added vivid color, spandex, and space-filling hairdos. No matter the era, though, these absolutely unique vintage outfits would make your silly Spongebob PJs look like a classy suit. Scroll down to check out the images and upvote your favorite outrageous fashion statements!

#1

Funny-Vintage-Bridesmaids-Dresses

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Alexavia
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my opinion, these are actually really elegant designs for bridesmaid dresses. The dresses themselves match the basic design of the bride's dress without being an exact copy. I especially like the fact that with the way the dresses are pieced together, a design like theirs would go well on any body figure. Also, I would just LOVE to see them billow in the wind ^-^

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Rebekah
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could TOTALLY wear this again! As opposed to the 80's s**t I had to wear, with the shoulder pads out to the parking lot.

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Mare Freed
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine made me look like Little Bo Peep. My mother forced me to accept the bridesmaid position, so I forced her to pay for that damn dress.

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Liszh
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually I think this is pretty. Change the color scheme and it's still totally relevant.

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Amanda Kirby
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think so too. A palette of subdued autumn tones would have worked just as well.

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glowworm2
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this one. The dresses are form fitting and elegant and subtle. I also love how each bridesmaid has a matching bouquet.

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Lizard Queen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like that the styles are identical, but the colors are different. The dresses are fairly simple, and could easily be re-used (in the 70s, these were high style).

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layne
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh so true Lizard Queen! - having served as a very young flower girl, back in the mid-late 70's, when most bride's maid & bridal gowns were sewn at home. The simple, yet elegant pattern in various colors was considered very fashionable. As were the flower bundles.

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Chicago Kitty
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I think these dresses are quite pretty and I like the bouquets too! The only thing I would change is the bride's coiffure.

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Krystine Patterson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The design of the dresses is actually stylish and very flattering to all shapes and sizes and capes are awesome. More bridesmaids should be covered up, especially when their arms are larger than the average women's leg.

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Christine Blackburne-Kowal
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see all the fairy godmothers from Sleeping Beauty showed up for Princess Aurora's wedding.

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Wanda Queen
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is similar to one I was in in 1977. in my defense, I was only 4 ;)

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layne
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as one to another, i too was a very young flower girl for several weddings in the mid to late 70's. however, of all the ones i served in i thought these bridesmaids dresses very nice. yet, i realized that each was required to have their own dress sewn up at home in the color decided upon by the bride. was such a big responsibility & honor back then, so different now though - we can all look back & have a good laugh at ourselves! Ha-haa-haa!!!

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Sue Bentley
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was called a Rainbow wedding. My sister had one with 9 bridesmaids. I wore peach.

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Anna Kowalik
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they updated their hair and makeup, and made light changes to the flower choices, this could be done now with a modern spin.

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PBMc
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It kinda works if they held the wedding on Easter.

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Bob Hackney
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who remembers the box of Kleenex that came in random order pastels?

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Jo Wood
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is ridiculous about these? I think they are lovely

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Magpie
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this one also, I wonder if the flower balls concealed a little hand bag. ( purse i think in usa )

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Miss Cris
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bride's haircut and he maid's dresses are fashionable today among hipsters

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Susan Dikko
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I was a bridesmaid in exactly the same colour green in a similar dress. I hated it but my friend the bride picked it and I wore it for her on her special day.

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Bored Bear
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From left to right: Peridot, Yellow Diamond, Amethyst, White Diamond, Rose Quartz, Sapphire. Steven Universe anyone?

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Susie Cole
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually the bride's name is Rose...that's my sister-in-law,,Sapphire...

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Olivia Adler
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

love the colors, and the shape of the dresses reminds me of princess leia. ;-)

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Valerie Witter
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one looks stuffed into the dresses, there are no gaudy patterns and no awful hats. A+

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Suburbs
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These bridesmaids look beautiful! Their rainbow apparel is breathtaking, the cape effect is dramatic and the outfit - including matching flowers - would be in style today. My favorite bridesmaids' gowns picture. The bride looks angelic.

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Mary Hartnett
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also like these.. the style is simple but, I think too many colors spoils them.

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Chris Kreckel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was the dress my bridesmaids wore. They were in a peachy color and my maid of honor was in rust. The dress itself was sleeveless with a fee neck.

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Diane Withrow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but that was the style then mine where similar to this and it was very much with the time

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Beks Czar
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And now capes are back in style for gowns and even weddings. Maybe not solid pastel colors but still....

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Mavis Garland
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least these are pastel coloured and not like some of the others...

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Risa Lovee
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bridesmaids reminded me of Flora, Fauna and Merryweather XD

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Jo Johannsen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These dresses are pretty, not dated looking, and show the bride's kindheartedness. 😀

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Lynn Darragh
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The style and colors of these dresses are almost identical to my aunts wedding when I was around 10. No lavender though and I was in pink.

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Robin Sowder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine groomsmen wearing these matching colors. My 6'4" husband was in a wedding wearing the yellow version.

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Debra Eliassen
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My bridesmaids wore pink, purple and green. More of a pastel, though. That was 1973 (divorced and remarried now).

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Jules Ann
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HOw sweet and Easter wedding. Those dresses are stunning though

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Kathryn Kent
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is vintage and classic chic. In a class above the other photos. In fact, screenshot this ladies

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Noel Spaso
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had these for my wedding only the back cape went to the knee. In the era of the late 70's it was hard to find something that WASN"T spaghetti straps and 1 of my brides maids was like a 38DD!

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Mare Freed
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually love this one. It's refreshing to see the colors not all being the same. And the cut is lovely. That one of the only bridesmaid dresses that I would actually wear again. Especially the blue one.

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Paula Anderson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I had thought of the capes. I had a rainbow wedding like this in 1975!

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Lady A
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I apologize for multiple comment postings, not sure why that happened, as I only posted it once.

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Valerie Anne
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This style of dress is back in fashion. We've seen quite a few celebrities wear this cape style on the red carpet

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Valerie Anne
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This style is back in fashion. The have been more than a few celebrity red carpet dresses with this cape style.

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Kika González
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never been a fan of this dress but seeing it in different colors, it looks pretty an all the unique ladies

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scrappyrat
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't know the costume designer for the Lawrence Welk Show did consulting work for weddings. Huh.

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Ruth oro
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some reason it looks like those robe dress things nuns wear just colorful lol

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Ashley Say Wha?!?
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of ppl seem to like these on here but I think they are ugly. They look like they are wearing some weird nun cape thingy. I'm sure they were super trendy back in the day though.

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Andi Townsend
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember this dress. In fact I might have made myself one like it. Ah, rainbow weddings!

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Arty Cin
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had very pale pink pastel ones for my wedding in 1973. They actually looked nice. That pink seems darker.

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Mitch Hagan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually fairly classic. The brides sleeves are really pretty.

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Ann McNeil
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the way the flowers match the dresses ... so pretty.

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Laura Odelius
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Scroll down and then back up. This one looks quite subdued and tasteful by comparison.

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Caroline Driver
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is the least horrific of all of them, at least the dresses are simple and individual. The 70s, the decade that vomitted all over style and taste.

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Amanda Kirby
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are actually tasteful. The color hues are nice as well; soft but not overly pastel. Too formal for my taste, but I'll admit, this was a good choice.

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Cynthia Gortowski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rainbow weddings were all the rage when I was a child in the early '60s. This seems like a "modern" version. I'll bet those capes came right off and shoulders were bared for the reception!

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Mala Qiu
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of my first marriage, had three bridesmaids in green, yellow, and lavender. The groom wore a green tux haha, same as the green pictured here.

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Pam Kowal
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My bridesmaids wore this dress in forest green in 1974 LOL!

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Pamela Blue
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also like this. Much better than sashaying up the aisle half naked.

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Paula Wax
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are all bad but my own would fit right in. Circa 1973, Gingham check dresses for the bridesmaids in blue, purple, pink and turquoise. Daisy bouquets as well. Still like my bride dress.

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Sue Budd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh s**t. Time we went back to this stuff LOL <3 <3 <3 <3

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FG S
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Handmaid’s Tale is all I can think of... Under his eye 👁

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Cheryl Cope
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the elegant design of the dresses and how the flowers compliment each color.

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FG S
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Handmaidens Tale is all can think of... Under his eye 👁

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Janell
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be running around in the background yelling "Look at my cape guys!!!" with it floating in the wind. At least till the bride killed me with death stares...

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Janis Fontana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cape look was "In" at this time. I had a similar look on my 1975 lime green prom dress!! I don't mind this look..."rainbow" wedding party was JUST coming into vogue back then!

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Magdalina777
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...what's wrong with those? I think they're really beautiful actually. Made me think of tolkien-style elves. The beauty of simplicity and elegance ^^

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Daniel Miller
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't know how or why, when I voted and chose to login with Facebook that it logged my husband's acct instead of mine, and me with my fast fingers didn't catch it in time before clicking continue...geez...guessing I'll have to go and delete it and try again...but how does that even happen when I am logged into my account to begin with?! Frkn frustrating....gggrrr...ugh!

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P.Brux FHell
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is this ridiculous? These are amazing. I mean, the hair from the lady in green... ok, but that's about it

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SweetMamaP
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this too, but am I the only one getting a Star Wars vibe here?

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Brenda Baker
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

after the photos, the bride's friends beat her to death with their flower bombs

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Mary M
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is definitely not as bad as some I've seen...but I have a feeling they are going to get worse as I go on. LOL

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Amanda Grimm
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This actually reminds me of something I saw Meghan Markle wear recently. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Jan Cowan
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5 years ago

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This looks like the custard monstrosity Melanie Trump wore recently.

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Funny-Vintage-Bridesmaids-Dresses

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Chicago Kitty
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dresses day "garden party" but the hats say "yippee ki yay". The groom's tux says "we'll be here all week, try the veal and don't forget to tip your warehouse."

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Wanda Queen
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These women at least look somewhat comfortable and like they're having fun

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PBMc
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure the outfits are bad but I can't see them. My eyes are glued on the hair of the guy on the right.

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Lizard Queen
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dresses are blessedly simple. The issue here is the headgear. They look like someone re-purposed Easter decorations.

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Nikki Ferguson
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now these bridesmaids dresses are cool...unfortunately I don't think the groomsmen suits will ever come back in fashion

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Wanda Queen
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I forget how young people got married back the day.....all these fresh little faces. Before someone jumps my s**t....I'm not saying I think it's a great idea to get married fresh out of high school. I'm just observing.

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Aunt Messy
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you go inside the church, you'll see that all of the wallpaper in the hallways is gone.

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PBMc
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if the bride had an open wound that the Dr didn't want her licking?

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Wynand
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I would drape myself in velvet if it were socially acceptable." George Costanza, Seinfeld.

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Amanda Kirby
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I honestly am not bothered by the oddness of the dresses. I just live how happy everyone looks. No one is trying to look cool; they seem genuinely happy to be part of the day.

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