Could this wedding guest's shocking outfit choice ruin the bride's big day?

Weddings are meant to be a celebration of love, family, and new beginnings—but sometimes, the drama can rival anything you’d see on Home and Away! One recent story making the rounds online has left the internet divided, with many Aussies shaking their heads in disbelief: a bride’s special day was overshadowed when her sister-in-law turned up in what looked suspiciously like a wedding dress.

Let’s set the scene: the bride and groom had carefully planned a 'summer pastel chic' dress code for their big day—think soft Easter colours, light and breezy, nothing too bold or attention-grabbing. But when the groom’s brother’s girlfriend (the sister-in-law, or SIL) arrived, jaws dropped. She was wearing a floor-length, white gown with floral details, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a figure-hugging silhouette. If you’re picturing a classic bridal look, you’re spot on.


To make matters even more confusing, the SIL insisted her dress was 'sage green' to fit the theme. But as photos quickly revealed, the only thing sage about her outfit was her shoes! The dress itself was as white as a fresh sheet, and under the wedding lights, it looked even more bridal. The cherry on top? She was carrying a veil—borrowed from her daughter, who was the flower girl.


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A bride is left heartbroken after sister-in-law wears bridal-style dress to her wedding, sparking online outrage. Credit: Reddit


Now, you might think this was just a fashion faux pas, but there’s more to the story. The bride’s mother-in-law had previously asked if she could wear a white jumpsuit to the wedding, and the bride had politely declined. So, it seems the family had already discussed the importance of not wearing white—a well-known wedding etiquette rule.


As you can imagine, the internet had a field day with this one. The story was shared on Reddit’s Wedding Shaming forum, where thousands weighed in. Most commenters were firmly on the bride’s side, calling the SIL’s outfit 'straight up a wedding dress' and 'very bridal.' Some even joked that they thought the photos were of the actual bride, not a guest!

One commenter summed it up perfectly: 'To be safe, you should never wear any white dress to a wedding that is not yours. That being said, not all white dresses are wedding dresses. This is absolutely a wedding dress.'

But not everyone blamed the SIL. Some pointed the finger at the dress code itself, arguing that 'summer pastel chic' is a risky theme. As one person noted, 'So many pastels photograph white or look white under some lighting.' Another shared their own experience: 'I wore a bright yellow floaty pleated dress to a friend’s wedding. It was so clearly bright yellow, I thought it was a safe choice. Nope!'


And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more awkward, the SIL ended up walking down the aisle with her daughter, the flower girl (and ring bearer), who was too nervous to go alone. So, not only did she look like a bride, but she also had her own mini-procession!

Why is wearing white to a wedding such a big deal?

For many, the tradition of the bride wearing white is a symbol of purity and a way to stand out on her special day. It’s an unspoken rule that guests should avoid white, ivory, or anything that could be mistaken for a wedding dress. This helps keep the focus on the bride and avoids any confusion or hurt feelings.


Of course, times are changing, and some modern couples are more relaxed about dress codes. But if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to check with the bride or stick to safer colours.

How to avoid a wedding wardrobe disaster
  • If the dress code is unclear, ask the couple or wedding party for guidance.
  • Avoid white, cream, or anything that could be mistaken for a bridal gown.
  • When in doubt, opt for classic, understated colours and styles.
  • Remember, it’s the bride’s day—let her shine!
Have you ever witnessed a wedding guest break the dress code?


We’d love to hear your stories! Did someone wear white to your wedding, or have you seen a guest upstage the bride? Maybe you’ve been caught out by a tricky dress code yourself. Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s have a laugh (or a groan) together!
Key Takeaways
  • A bride was left heartbroken after her sister-in-law turned up to her wedding wearing a dress that looked strikingly like a bridal gown, sparking outrage online.
  • Despite claiming the dress was 'sage green' to match the pastel chic dress code, photos showed it appeared almost entirely white and very bridal, leading to heated debate on social media.
  • Commenters were largely sympathetic to the bride, with many saying the sister-in-law’s dress was inappropriate and looked just like a wedding dress, while some joked they couldn’t tell the difference between her and the actual bride.
  • Some people argued the ambiguous dress code of 'summer pastel chic' was partly to blame, as some pastel colours can appear white in different lighting, but most agreed the sister-in-law’s choice was out of line.
And remember, when it comes to weddings, a little consideration goes a long way. Let’s keep the focus on love, laughter, and making memories—not on wardrobe malfunctions!

Read more: Lavish wedding goes viral for all the wrong reasons
 

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Princess Kate's sister wore white to her wedding. Created quite a stir, at the time.
If she's in the wedding party, it is acceptable.
In the old days, they used to have all the girls in the retinue wear white. It was believed to protect the bride from evil, so she would be hidden by her many bridesmaids.
 
Bridal etiquette is you just don't wear white to someone's wedding.

Queen Victoria was the first bride to wear white. Normal people worn pale pink and even black as their wedding dress became their Sunday best.

Chinese will not wear white as its their mourning colour. They will wear ivory.

The woman in the photo looks exactly like a wedding dress.

My daughter inlaws mother wore a dress very very similar to the brides. Her mother always tried doing one better than her daughter. The dress she wore was a strapless long fishtail dress in the palest pink
 
Black is a big No-No, too. To wear a black dress or all black trousers & top is to wish the bride and groom bad luck.
Guess can wear black. I have worn a black dress or pants to many weddings.

The mother of the bride or groom can't wear black as it is supposed to state they are not happy with the choice in partner or that they are in mourning rather than happy.

Where did you hear that wearing black is wishing them bad luck ?
Black is the most popular colour worn to a wedding
 
How about something original. A variation of this well worn story has benn circulating on other social media platforms for months, usually with the mother in law the villain.
 
Guess can wear black. I have worn a black dress or pants to many weddings.

The mother of the bride or groom can't wear black as it is supposed to state they are not happy with the choice in partner or that they are in mourning rather than happy.

Where did you hear that wearing black is wishing them bad luck ?
Black is the most popular colour worn to a wedding
I wore a black dress with little silver embroidery flowers as mother of the groom. I loved his choice for my DIL and they have been married now for 26 years so it can't have been too bad in the luck dept.

Back to the subject story, firstly I have a problem with brides insisting on destination weddings, themed weddings, and now to take the cake what colours guests are to wear - well bugger me I would say no thanks to attending the wedding - seriously flawed in their entitement!

Secondly the issue with this sister outlaw, she really is a piece of work as she would have been very aware that she was clashing with the bride on this one!!!! Do you believe the kids were too nervous to walk down the aisle themselves or was this a convenient excuse for her to try and hog the limelight as well!
Trouble brewing in this family for sure!!
 
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I wore a black dress with little silver embroidery flowers as mother of the groom. I loved his choice for my DIL and they have been married now for 26 years so it can't have been too bad in the luck dept.

Back to the subject story, firstly I have a problem with brides insisting on destination weddings, themed weddings, and now to take the cake what colours guests are to wear - well bugger me I would say no thanks to attending the wedding - seriously flawed in their entitement!

Secondly the issue with this sister outlaw, she really is a piece of work as she would have been very aware that she was clashing with the bride on this one!!!! Do you believe the kids were too nervous to walk down the aisle themselves or was this a convenient excuse for her to try and hog the limelight as well!
Trouble brewing in this family for sure!!
Well said 100%...!
 
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I remember my sister wearing an all while slacks and long sleeved top suit. Apparently her boyfriend refused to marry her so this was her next closest way of feeling like a bride. It did not bother me at all. No matter who came, who did not come, who wore white or who wore black, this was my day and I was the happiest girl in the world to have married the man of my dreams. 27 years going forward, my love for my husband is as strong as it was the day we said " I Do " to each other on our wedding day. 🙏🦋
 
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Bridal etiquette is you just don't wear white to someone's wedding.

Queen Victoria was the first bride to wear white. Normal people worn pale pink and even black as their wedding dress became their Sunday best.

Chinese will not wear white as its their mourning colour. They will wear ivory.

The woman in the photo looks exactly like a wedding dress.

My daughter inlaws mother wore a dress very very similar to the brides. Her mother always tried doing one better than her daughter. The dress she wore was a strapless long fishtail dress in the palest pink
I thought Chinese brides traditionally wear red.
 
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