You’d never see a bridesmaid look like this in our modern day and age. Maybe that’s for the best. However, at the time, this look was probably cutting-edge and oh-so-fashionable. These retro dresses are definitely straight out of the 60s. You can tell just by looking at the colors and the funky cape thing attached to the top of each dress.
Pink and red might not be the best color combination out there, but we’ve seen worse. The main fashion mistake with this whole look is the weird headbands. The circle design was probably super-modern back then, but now most of us would agree that they look like cute Teletubbies.
Dandelion Madness
Marty Wilde and Joyce Baker were a pretty big deal back in the 50s and 60s. All eyes were on them when they got married in 1959 in Greenwich, London. All eyes were also on their bridesmaids because they were also famous. Joyce’s friends and co-singers from The Vernons Girls acted as her bridesmaids for the December ceremony.
Their dresses are quintessentially 60s, with flared skirts and cute squared necklines. This look wouldn’t be half-bad if it weren’t for those weird hats. The tulle makes these women look like they’re human-sized dandelions about to take off with the wind. We’re not sure what the thinking behind this look was because those hats don’t look flattering on anybody.
Pretty in Pink
PSA: Satin fabric is really hard to pull off. No matter how hot you are, satin will highlight every wrinkle, bump, and panty line in the wrong lighting and conditions. Apparently, no one got the memo in the 60s because there were satin bridesmaid dresses as far as the eye could see. These bridesmaids look like bright pink candy wrappers out of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
The ruffled neckline looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss illustration, and those floofy bows aren’t helping. At least the bridesmaid in the middle had the bright idea to secure it on the back of her head instead of the front. The bridesmaid on the far right didn’t get the memo because she went all in and put that bow smack-dab in the middle of her forehead. Girl.
Bridesmaid Muffs: It's a Thing
Forget bridesmaid bouquets. The 1930s were all about bridesmaid muffs. What better way to celebrate the bride and groom than with puffy muffs covered in tulle and fake flowers? It’s definitely a creative look, but we’re not sure we ever want to see it come back. Budgets were pretty tight during the Great Depression in the 30s, so maybe these bridesmaids wanted to save money on flowers.
Their dresses are a sight to behold as well. The scalloped drop waist hemlines and fluffy tulle flowers make these dresses look more dowdy than daring. The droopy hats give the whole look a depressing flair, which is not exactly the look most brides are going for on their wedding day. All modern-day critiques aside, this was probably a pretty fashionable look for the 30s.
An Elaborate Affair
This wedding party may look like they’re from the 80s, but that’s not the case. This photo of a bride with her bridesmaids and flower girls was actually from a very elaborate wedding that took place in 1930s New York City. As you can tell from the way the photo has been colorized, this family was pretty well-off. Even though most of us wouldn’t wear bridesmaid dresses like this anymore, you can tell they spared no expense for those gowns.
Considering other bridesmaid dresses we’ve seen in the past, these aren’t all that bad. Sure, the poofy sleeves and tiered skirts are kind of tacky, but it’s not over the top. The flower girl dresses are cute mini-me versions of the bridesmaid dresses, which we love. Also, peep those ruby and diamond brooches on the neckline of each bridesmaid. Absolutely stunning!