If the thought of wearing that bridesmaid "beauty" again gives you cold chills, there are other options. Author Cindy Walker published an amazinglytongue -in-cheek book called 101 Uses for a Bridesmaid Dress in 1999, but the tips are still relevant. Though there are no actual patterns of directions in the book, Walker does offer an intriguing collection of part-joking, part-serious ways to reuse that hunk of fabric hanging in your closet, such as "you can never have too many hair scrunchies" and "how about a taffeta hammock?"

Maybe you have long since donated your bridesmaid gowns to a non-profit, but can’t help but be reminded of the happy moments and unique experiences you went through to help one of your close friends have the perfect day. Then there is a book for you as well. Meg MateoIlasco’s You Can Wear It Again: A Celebration of Bridesmaids’ Dresses "pays loving tribute to fifty years of bridesmaids’ dresses, as featured in real-life weddings." While there is no doubt that bridesmaid dresses will never be "in fashion", this book is also a great gift for that bride that you care so much about that you spend a whole day wearing a puffy, peachy nightmare for.