Bride-to-be questions sister’s dress for wedding; online debate erupts over attire

A bride-to-be is seeking feedback on whether the dress her sister intends to wear to the wedding is appropriate. The would-be bride, 25, says her younger sister, 22, is not in the bridal party but has chosen a slinky, low-cut, floor-length pastel yellow gown for the formal beachside ceremony. In a post to Reddit, she asked readers to help settle a debate about whether the dress is suitable for a wedding guest, sharing a screenshot of the Oh Polly Aldona Slinky Jersey Floral-Appliqué Gown in pastel yellow and writing, “I’m the bride [and] my sister got this dress to [wear to] the wedding and I feel super weird about it.”

In the thread, the bride explained that she previously worried about an attention-seeking moment from her sister, especially since the siblings do not always get along. She noted that her fiancé had floated a similar concern months earlier, saying, “Let’s see what she wears to try to upstage you [at the wedding].” The exchange underscored a larger dynamic: a wedding decision framed not only by etiquette but by interpersonal tensions within the family.

The dress at the center of the discussion is the Aldona Slinky Jersey Floral-Appliqué Gown by UK fashion label Oh Polly. The gown is described as a figure-hugging, floor-length silhouette with a fishtail shape, a sweetheart neckline, and a distinctive low back with delicate trailing shoulder straps adorned with tonal rosettes. The pastel yellow option was highlighted in the post, but the listing shows other colors as well—blush pink, white, and scarlet red. In Australia, the dress is listed at AU$170, with delivery charges extra, and is marketed as made from “super soft and stretchy Jersey fabric.”

Many replies in the thread quickly leaned toward supporting the bride’s right to set guest attire boundaries. A highly up-voted commentator summed up a common sentiment: “This is very attention seeking and inappropriate for 95 per cent of weddings.” The original poster responded, “That’s how I feel,” signaling a shared hesitation about whether the dress would draw undue attention away from the couple on their big day. Other replies reinforced the bride’s autonomy, with comments like, “Just tell her no. You don’t need to justify your decision by checking if strangers on the internet share your opinion. It’s YOUR wedding,” and “You’re the bride, it’s your day! Case closed.”

But the thread did not unanimously endorse veto power over every guest’s outfit. Several respondents argued that, etiquette-wise, a guest’s clothing is not something a bride can police, provided the person’s attire remains within reasonable formalwear norms. One reader wrote: “Respectfully, you’re not able to control what every guest wears to your wedding,” adding that focusing too much on attire could eclipse the celebration itself. Others noted that, as long as the guest isn’t wearing white or something overtly bridal in style, the dress would not be an ethical breach of wedding norms, even if the gown is striking.

Beyond etiquette, some participants probed the underlying motivations. A number of responses discussed whether the bride’s concerns were rooted in a fear of being upstaged versus discomfort with the dress’s reveal. The bride herself acknowledged that both factors played a role: “Skin tight, low back, boobie, light yellow… just feels like a bit much at once if that makes sense.” She later said insecurity also played a part, admitting she felt “insecure” because her sisters are “gorgeous.” Still, she emphasized she did not want her insecurity to be the sole reason for a potential denial.

The debate also reflected broader conversations about wedding guest attire. Some commenters argued that, so long as the dress isn’t white and it fits the formality of the event, it should be acceptable for a guest to wear something bold. Others urged the bride to prioritize her own experience on the day and to avoid letting objections to a guest’s outfit overshadow the celebration. A common thread in this group urged perspective: weddings are about the couple and their families, not primarily about policing what every guest wears.

The Oh Polly Aldona gown itself is marketed as a trend-driven piece, with a design described as a “slinky Jersey” look featuring a floral appliqué and a fishtail silhouette. The low back and narrow shoulder straps add to its statement nature, which is why some readers view it as a potential distraction at a formal beachside event. The brand’s listing positions the dress as suitable for formal occasions and available in multiple colorways, which can influence perceptions of formality depending on the wedding’s tone and location. The dress’s price point—AU$170 in Australia—places it within reach for many attendees, heightening the likelihood of guests choosing similar styles for a beachside or summer wedding.

This discussion, sparked by a simple question on a social platform, illustrates how etiquette debates continue to intersect with fashion and family dynamics in contemporary weddings. It also highlights the tension between a host’s desire for a certain day-of aesthetic and guests’ freedom to express personal style within reasonable limits. As the bride continues to weigh her options and the online community weighs in, the wedding party remains focused on the core plan: celebration of the couple’s union and creating memories with loved ones.