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A newlywed’s wedding day took an unexpected turn when her mother-in-law arrived wearing a white dress, a breach of customary wedding etiquette. The incident, which occurred on May 10, 2024, has ignited a discussion online about boundaries and family relationships.
The Unexpected attire
Jocelyn, the bride, recounted to Newsweek that she was “definitely not happy” upon realizing her mother-in-law’s dress appeared white. Initially, the dress had seemed gold in a prior viewing. “She had shown us a dress she woudl wear a week before, and in the lighting, it looked like a nice, shiny gold dress,” Jocelyn explained. “In the daylight,it looked like a completely different dress,which looked white/cream with lace and sequins.”

Jocelyn shared a photograph of the trio on TikTok (@jocelynm001), where it quickly went viral, garnering over 619,700 views and 44,600 likes as of this writing. She stated she didn’t notice the dress’s true color until after the ceremony, as her focus was on her husband during the vows and immediate celebrations.
A Strained Relationship
The incident occurred against a backdrop of a four-year strained relationship with her mother-in-law. Jocelyn revealed that her mother-in-law’s continued contact with her husband’s former partner contributed to the tension.
Did You Know?
According to emily Post’s Etiquette, white is traditionally reserved for the bride, and guests should avoid wearing it to prevent upstaging her on her special day.
jocelyn and her husband, who are expecting a daughter in December, had attempted to address the issues with her mother-in-law following their honeymoon, but the conversation proved unproductive. The fallout from the dress incident has led to further distance, with Jocelyn’s in-laws declining to attend the upcoming gender reveal and baby shower.
“I don’t feel too pleased with how this played out due to the separation it’s caused between my husband and his family,” Jocelyn said. “I decided it would be best to distance myself and have zero contact with his family for my mental health and the health of our baby girl.”
TikTok users responded with a range of opinions. One commenter questioned why a photo was taken with the mother-in-law, while others urged Jocelyn to distance herself from the situation. Another user simply stated, “I literally always wonder why mothers do this.”
Pro Tip:
Open communication and clearly defined boundaries are crucial for navigating challenging family dynamics, especially during significant life events like weddings.
do you think a guest knowingly wearing white to a wedding is a purposeful act of disrespect, or could it be an honest mistake?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Wedding Date | May 10, 2024 |
| TikTok Post Date | Approximately May 2024 |
| Baby’s Due Date | December 2024 |
Wedding Guest Etiquette: A Timeless Guide
The debate surrounding appropriate wedding guest attire is a perennial one. While traditions evolve, the core principle of respecting the couple and their special day remains constant. Beyond avoiding white,guests should generally steer clear of overly revealing or attention-grabbing outfits that might detract from the bride and groom. Understanding the dress code specified on the invitation is paramount, and when in doubt, erring on the side of formality is always a safe bet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Guest Attire
- What colors should you avoid wearing to a wedding? Generally, avoid white, ivory, and shades very close to white.
- Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? Traditionally, black was considered inappropriate, but it is now generally acceptable, especially for evening weddings.
- What if you accidentally wear something the bride dislikes? Apologize sincerely and offer to change if possible.
- How can you find out the dress code for a wedding? Check the invitation or ask the couple or someone in the wedding party.
- What is considered too casual for a wedding? Jeans,t-shirts,and flip-flops are typically considered too casual for most weddings.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wedding traditions and navigating family dynamics with sensitivity. What are your thoughts on this situation? Share your opinions in the comments below!