Mum thinks this dress isn't right for wedding

[confusedmummy123]

Going to a wedding in a couple weeks. Saw a gorgeous bardot dress, loved it, fiance loved it so ordered it and I love it in real life too. However I sent a pic to my mum who just texted back "I don't like it for a wedding" then didn't say why or anymore? Am I breaking some kind of etiquette? Clueless about these things. Most weddings I've been too I've been the bridesmaid or the bride and don't have a clue how guests dressed. I do remember a wedding a few years back where I wore a red polka dot dress. Don't know if that was breaking any etiquette rules. I do believe that mother likes that dress though! I will attach a pic of the dress!

It is a cute summer dress but I don't think it is suitable for a wedding due to the shoulders and general sundress look it has. Could you keep the dress and buy a dress that is a bit less casual? I think that is what I would do.

I'm not sure if uncovered shoulders are a problem for a church, seeing as most wedding dresses have uncovered shoulders 😏 You could always wear something over it for the church anyway.

However, it is probably just a bit casual for a wedding. Would usually go with something midi for a wedding.

That was worded awkwardly sorry. What I meant was if you were able to, to buy another dress for the wedding, but keep the pink one also for more casual occasions.

Meh I think it's fine depending how you style it. I didn't realise people were so uptight about guest attire.

I’m with your mum, it’s not remotely formal attire and it’s too short.

I think it’s lovely and if you were my daughter I’d say wear it if it looks good on.

It's not about being uptight.

There is an etiquette surrounding weddings, e.g. don't wear a white dress that looks bride-like, implicit in the OP's having started this thread in the first place.

I’m with you @Gonnabegrandma she should wear it. I’ve looked online at it for a better view of it and it’s lovely, I guarantee no one will bat an eyelid if the OP wears it. I dared not show MN what my DD22 wore to her cousin’s wedding as it could implode!

The only time I would wear something like this is to stroll to the beach in a hot country.
Your mum is right.

I like this dress and if you love it and it's more 'you' then wear it. I honestly don't see how it's going to make everything about you, it's just a nice dress. Besides, you say it's not a church wedding so I think you'll be fine.

The only wedding you could wear that dress to would be a beach wedding. Otherwise it's a massive no.

Beach dress rather than a wedding dress. Your mum is right.

Why?

If the wedding is being held abroad on a beach then perfect, in a church I’d say it’s not suitable.

I agree with your mum, it’s more a causal dress to wear to the beach.

Because a wedding is an event where people are supposed to make an effort to be well dressed in an elegant way. The attention is supposed to be on the bride. That’s a very casual dress for fun. If it was a very casual beach wedding with a boho vibe, maybe. It doesn’t say that the person wearing it has made an effort or takes the event seriously.
I actually can’t believe this is a serious post to be honest.

It is really not appropriate for a wedding, nice for a holiday or casual bbq though. I think you would stand out and feel awkward at most weddings.

Look on Vinted for something a bit more formal.

Yeah that's a throw over a bikini dress really

It's too short and skimpy for a formal wedding. Etiquette dictates that nobody takes attention away from the bride. Wear something smart with more coverage.

It's nice and lovely for a summer day or BBQ etc.

If the wedding is in a hotel, barn, stately home etc then I would say it's too casual.

If the wedding is in a registry office then a local pub, church hall, someone's garden etc then you might get away with it.

Not all weddings are big fancy affairs and we have no way of knowing what this one is?

That’s a beach dress isn’t it?

I wish I looked good in a dress like that so keep it! However, as other folks have said not for a wedding. Too informal and a little too much flesh on show.

There are two issues that need to be considered here; the first whether it's appropriate for the occasion and second whether a suitable alternative is available. The answer to the first question is no and the answer to the second is yes.

As an adult we need to dress appropriately for the occasion that we're attending whether it's an interview, funeral or wedding etc. It might not always be what we want to wear but sometimes other factors determine the dress code. Dressing appropriately for the occasion isn't a skill that everybody develops and they should. It's about learning to read the room and part of the social code.