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Rachel McAdams dazzles in her Wedding Crashers dress, but other celluloid bridesmaids — like their real-life counterparts — haven't been so lucky. Our critical take on movie-wedding frocks past.

Gia Carides in My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

Proof that bridesmaids' dresses may exist solely to make the bride look good. This too-tight halter-top disaster encourages the dreaded ''muffin top'' (a.k.a. unintentional fat roll). And periwinkle is flattering on no one. D

Parminder Nagra in Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Easy to dance in, Jess' fuchsia and gold-flecked sari is a bridal-fashion rarity: comfortable, stylish. . .and a color that can actually be found in nature. A-

Julia Roberts in My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

She may have lost the guy to Cameron Diaz's bride, but at least Julia's Julianne got to wear her mermaid-chic lavender gown. One suggestion: Tone down that sparkle — we're almost blinded by the bright. B

Charlotte Coleman in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Four weddings, four opportunities to look like a meringue. The worst offender? Scarlett's apricot faux pas at wedding No. 2. Ginormous butterfly butt bow optional. C+

Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles (1984)

Not only does Sam's family forget her birthday, they also make her wear this lilac ruffled atrocity, complete with hoopskirt and floral hair wreath. C


Posted Jul 15, 2005 | Published in issue #830 Jul 22, 2005 | Order Article Reprints