Always a Bridesmaid
Joelle said in the early morning on August 4, 2008
I had a conversation with my friend mikey this weekend about men wearing women’s clothing. A game show recently had the men dress up in a wedding gown for a competition and for some reason, the guys on the show were going bananas over having to wear it. The week before they were asked to wear a diaper and a bonnet, but somehow that was fine. I asked mike about this, not understanding what the big deal is and he told me that a guy dressing up like a woman is fine for Halloween, like a hooker or a cheerleader or something, but a wedding dress is crossing the line.
I totally don’t get that. Why? He insists it’s just weird and implied that a wedding dress is somehow more emasculating than any other dress. So, a man in a wedding gown is somehow far more tragic and embarrassing than let’s say… a latex slut skirt or a fairy tutu?
I’ve never had a problem with men in drag… for Halloween or any other time. If you’re secure in your manhood (which I know my friend is, so I found wedding dresses a bizarre line in the sand), why does it matter if it’s a wedding dress or a studded patent leather tank-ini? My dad dressed up quite a few times, from what I can recall, for Halloween parties and the like… all in good fun. He wasn’t a cross-dresser, he just had a sense of humor! One year, he and my mom went as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell… and my mom was Peter Pan. (Dad looked smashing in pink tulle, though.)
Now, I’m not suggesting I’d like my boyfriend to dress up like Little Bo Peep or anything. Ruffles don’t really do it for me. I dated a guy once who wore a too-small green velvet thong, so I understand the need to draw the line somewhere, but I definitely don’t get where a wedding dress is more or worse or somehow mired in gonad-snipping embarrassment.
Men?
Moxie Design Studios™
Meh, who cares. Something about emasculating them or something, I’d guess. I don’t think I’d care about dressing up in a wedding dress ... especially if I’m trying to win on a game show. I mean, those shows are all about making yourself look like a fool anyway, right?
from Pacific Northwest
Maybe they were arguing over the cut of the sweetheart neckline? Seriously, I have no idea why men would draw the line there. It could be a sort of timeless man-pride thing: for centuries, women wore The Wedding Dress, period. A man can get away with a skirt (kilts!) or with a regular dress (it’s like a robe or toga, right?), but I doubt many men can rationalize getting away with ivory lace and wedding paraphernalia.
I think it’s hilarious, personally!
from Iowa
A wedding dress represents all that is good and pure about women, men and marriage. A man wearing that dress metaphorically dirties all of that.
from San Diego, CA • Cocktail: slightly dirty Grey Goose martini
@BillH: that’s the best explanation i’ve heard thus far. I could actually buy that. lol
from San Diego, CA • Cocktail: slightly dirty Grey Goose martini
I find it odd that only one man responded to this entry.
It’s the lace, and the petticoats, and the pearl beading. Oh yeah, I don’t know what it is.
My dad dressed up like a woman at least once, and it was hilarious. THey shopped for a dress at the salvation army, and let’s just say he didn’t make a pretty girl. When my stepmom’s sister showed a photo to a friend, the only response was, “Your sister sure is tall.” They didn’t know the gender dressing was reversed.
Do you like that Japanese Game show? I found it hilarious the men in the wedding dresses. Everything they make them do on that show is crazy though. It’s one of my son’s fav shows lately.
from San Diego, CA • Cocktail: slightly dirty Grey Goose martini
@Cheri: eh… “like” is a strong word. lol.
Wouldn’t bother me any, except for I’d be sad for all the poor SOBs who had to look at me in a wedding dress.
from Pasadena, CA
One of the nicest guys I know on earth loves to dress up on occasion in drag. He’s very creative, and he likes that womens’ clothing, accessories, and makeup offer so many more options for expression. I think it’s cool!
from Los Angeles
Hmmm… that’s something I’ve never considered. What kind of bride would I be? Would I wear traditional white? More importantly, what shade would I inflict upon my bridesmaids? Sea foam or coral?
I can kind of see where Mikey’s coming from. For some strange reason, the idea of wearing a wedding dress does seem to activate the cringe button more so than other women’s dress. But I don’t think it’s the wedding dress itself, I think maybe it’s the marriage part.
And I draw the line at wearing a veil. Those things creep me out even on women.
** This comment brought to you by the (proud?) winner of the Rowan County Middle School “Pretty Boy” contest in 8th grade. REPRESENT !!
My most favorite picture of my parents has my dad in a dress with a beehive wig and my mom in his army uniform. He definitely looked hotter in that dress that I would have ever thought possible.
from USA
Hey.. Excellent logic about Men cloth.. Thanks
from USA
lol, Men going to wearing women’s clothing, Bra, Panty
from USA
I can see that you are putting a lot of time and effort into your blog and detailed articles! I am deeply in love with every single piece of information you post here. Will be back often to read more updates!
Cheers,
wedding favors