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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to wear a white print dress to my brother’s wedding & dressing my DD in white too?

487 replies

brillfrill · 02/06/2026 07:23

I plan to wear a white dress with a nature print on it for my brother’s wedding in August. Picked it out with DM, she thinks it’s definitely fine. The thing is my toddler DD will also be wearing a white. Do you think anyone would take offence? I’ve added a picture of a similar dress on this thread because I don’t want the actual one on here if I wear it.

Wondering what you think?

AIBU to wear a white print dress to my brother’s wedding & dressing my DD in white too?
OP posts:
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Woodfiresareamazing2 · 02/06/2026 08:28

The dress you posted for colour comparison with your actual dress is fine to wear to a wedding.
It isn't very formal, but it's perfectly acceptable wedding wear.
Maybe you're not comfortable wearing very formal dresses, or something more 'glamorous' as a PP suggested, and that's fine.

I don't think your daughter should wear a white dress, as it could appear that you're trying to make her look like a bridesmaid.
I'd pick a pretty summer dress for her that she's going to be comfortable wearing all day.
If you know what colour any actual bridesmaids will be wearing, I would avoid that.

Gigglegiggle · 02/06/2026 08:20

A young girl in a white dress at a wedding will always look like a bridesmaid/flower girl so unless that's your intention, I'd pick a different colour.

I think the dress for you is a bit meh. I'd think a predominantly white dress when accompanying a small child to a wedding is a brave move because of the risk of stains!

Ilikeanimalsmorethanpeople · 02/06/2026 08:19

Can't wait to see your new SILs thread after the wedding..."SIL wore white to my wedding AND dressed DN like a flower girl"

As people said...you have all other colours to choose from, you wearing a white background is entirely innocent from your view however depending on what SIL etc are like it could look very passive aggressive etc especially dressing your daughter in white when they have said no to flower girls.

I would honestly save the potential grief and wear something else without white on it.

Conscrape · 02/06/2026 08:17

Everyone has different tastes. And it is easy to dress down a smart dress, and dress up a more informal dress with accessories, makeup etc. If you post an outfit online, you will get every kind of opinion. But if you feel good then that’s what matters (within limits, no bikinis at a funeral etc!).

DiscoCherries · 02/06/2026 08:17

It’s so hard to say without seeing the actual dress you’re planning on, but I wouldn’t wear the one you’ve posted no. I just avoid white entirely for weddings. Aren’t there other colours / prints in the same style? As a general rule I always say if you’re doubting yourself, don’t do it.

measuretwicecutonce · 02/06/2026 08:16

The dress you’ve posted imo is very everyday, it doesn’t look anything special/different and is casual. Not wearing white means that - a completely white bridal style dress not just a dress with white in it.

Theres some gorgeous dresses out there, many sites having ‘weddding guest’ options.

Also don’t dress your DD so she looks like a flower girl, very bad form.

Conscrape · 02/06/2026 08:14

Your dress is not at all bridal. Go for it. All I cared about was that my guests were comfortable and looked good. I know that the bridezillas of MN may disagree.

Justmadesourkraut · 02/06/2026 08:07

It could well be formal enough. It very much depends upon how you feel in it, whether you've got great shoes/a nice jacket or accessories picking out the key colour. If you feel smart, you will look smart . . .

AImportantMermaid · 02/06/2026 08:07

Of all the colours in all the world why would you choose white when you don’t have to? It’s not about being mistaken for the bride. It’s about letting the bride shine on her wedding day. Wearing white just looks like you’re trying to compete with her, or trying to take attention from her. Nobody is going to mistake you for the bride, obviously, but it does look like you’re trying to get on on the act, especially when you’re dressing your DD in white when she’s not a bridesmaid.

DisforDarkChocolate · 02/06/2026 08:06

It's not bridal or white. Wear it.

For your daughter white is fine but don't try to make her look like a stealth bridesmaid or flower girl.

ClearFruit · 02/06/2026 08:05

brillfrill · 02/06/2026 07:53

Don’t get the comments saying it’s not nice enough, what sort of dress should I be wearing then?

Something a little more glamourous? I'd wear that dress to work.

Weegielassie · 02/06/2026 08:04

There’s nothing wrong with the dress at all. It’s lovely. Ignore those who say it’s not formal enough.

BCBird · 02/06/2026 08:04

I think.it is a bit informal for a wedding. Fine if just for the evening 'do"

StartingToday010626 · 02/06/2026 08:03

brillfrill · 02/06/2026 07:53

Don’t get the comments saying it’s not nice enough, what sort of dress should I be wearing then?

Something glamorous. Like these two.

https://clubllondon.com/products/marlo-powder-blue-poppy-print-maxi-dress-with-ruched-detail-cl136566427?variant=55354266845557&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23148500531&gbraid=0AAAAADCHewI_54oUXGYEk4LtYALwzKaU7&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2_TQBhCnARIsAF3-XhwnBGxRwWA4beHFa1vPDiZj6HH7fsDOYZnR6Q8euXmrzPK-mkhbdakaAiPAEALw_wcB

or

clubllondon.com/products/nila-pink-porcelain-print-cowl-neck-midi-dress-with-plisse-skirt-cl135543130?variant=53619887800693&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23148500531&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_vnQBhCxARIsADcZyxIcCpgSrIkEAJB1-8cu-bo_SkiiDnQDwHLaDPnTuL390Gs8daCif90aAhDfEALw_wcB

Marlo | Powder Blue Poppy Print Maxi Dress

Make a striking entrance in our latest head-turner, Marlo. Curated in a captivating powder blue poppy print of our premium stretch jersey, this maxi is designed to sculpt and hug your silhouette. The classic crew neckline and sleeveless design give thi...

https://clubllondon.com/products/marlo-powder-blue-poppy-print-maxi-dress-with-ruched-detail-cl136566427?currency=GBP&gad_campaignid=23148500531&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADCHewI_54oUXGYEk4LtYALwzKaU7&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2_TQBhCnARIsAF3-XhwnBGxRwWA4beHFa1vPDiZj6HH7fsDOYZnR6Q8euXmrzPK-mkhbdakaAiPAEALw_wcB&variant=55354266845557

PrincessOfPreschool · 02/06/2026 08:03

I think it's all fine - the colour ratio, the style, the little girl in white. You know your family, the kind of style the wedding will be, the type of person your future SIL is etc. If you think any close family including SIL would have an issue then you should adapt as family relationships are worth more (even if you think their opinion is nonsense!). Only you know them not a bunch of randoms on Mumsnet.

OtterlyAstounding · 02/06/2026 08:02

Check with the bride and groom.

Personally, I just don't think it's necessary to wear something that has such a lot of white in it when you have every other colour on the spectrum available to you. Wearing something with a white background and sparse pattern and dressing your daughter in white as well could come across as passive aggressive in other guests' eyes or - depending on your relationship with your future SIL and brother - to the bride and groom.

brillfrill · 02/06/2026 08:00

ChavsAreReal · 02/06/2026 07:58

I think people mean its too informal. The sort of thing you might wear to the pub on a summers evening.

Maybe the actual dress is smarter. Or maybe the wedding is less formal ?

the invite says formal wedding clothes

OP posts:
Iocanepowder · 02/06/2026 08:00

I wore a white dress as a 5 year old bridesmaid. So i can understand with other comments that your DD might be mistaken for a flower girl.

peakygull · 02/06/2026 07:59

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ChavsAreReal · 02/06/2026 07:58

brillfrill · 02/06/2026 07:53

Don’t get the comments saying it’s not nice enough, what sort of dress should I be wearing then?

I think people mean its too informal. The sort of thing you might wear to the pub on a summers evening.

Maybe the actual dress is smarter. Or maybe the wedding is less formal ?

Genevieva · 02/06/2026 07:54

It’s not white and it doesn’t look like a wedding dress. It’s a summer orange pattered patterned dress ideal for a wedding or garden party. My mother called them tea dresses.

brillfrill · 02/06/2026 07:53

Don’t get the comments saying it’s not nice enough, what sort of dress should I be wearing then?

OP posts:
brillfrill · 02/06/2026 07:45

Greenspaceskeepmecalm · 02/06/2026 07:33

The dress is fine for a wedding but if you are doubting yourself, check with bride/groom.

Are they having flower girls? Not sure about your 4 year old in a white dress if she isn’t a flower girl/bridesmaid.

They’re not having flower girls

OP posts:
MeetMeOnTheCorner · 02/06/2026 07:44

It’s a work dress really. Ok but not very special. DD in white isn’t ok if she’s no role in the wedding. You are making her look like she should! So she needs a floral dress or pink? White isn’t suitable.

Anxioustealady · 02/06/2026 07:43

Why when you have all the colours in the world to choose from, do people (especially MILs and SILs to be...) suddenly HAVE to wear white? It does feel intentional and I think you should pick something else.