Mother-in-Law Dress Debate Sparks Wedding Etiquette Questions Over ‘Ivory' Look
A bride-to-be is questioning whether she is overreacting after her future mother-in-law (MIL) proposed wearing a light-colored dress to her June wedding.
In a post on Reddit, user jennibunz said her future MIL insisted the dress was "vanilla" and more yellow-toned, but the original poster (OP) said photos still showed a cream or ivory shade she felt was inappropriate for the occasion.
The disagreement centers on a long-standing wedding norm that guests, especially close family members, avoid wearing white or similar shades that could draw attention away from the bride.
Reddit users jumped to the OP’s defense, with one pointing out, “When your MIL would have gotten married, MOG or MOB outfits could include ivory or off-white.
“It can obviously still be appropriate if the bride is enthusiastic about it, but it definitely doesn’t sound like you are. Ask her politely to choose a different color."
Another agreed, adding, “Standards have changed, and while Champagne might have been appropriate for MOG in her day, it's not anymore. Be polite, but have her son deliver the message.”
"Just tell her it's a great shape, but you'd like something in a clearer colour,” one commenter advised. “Ask what other colours it comes in so you can help her choose."
Wedding Attire Etiquette
Wedding etiquette guidance from industry sources supports the OP’s concern about lighter shades.
According to The Knot‘s guide to wedding dress attire, "Mother-of-the-groom dress etiquette encourages mothers to steer clear of wearing white to a wedding, unless specifically approved by the bride, since they can look white on camera."
Color choice is only one part of the broader expectations for wedding attire, which often depend on the couple's stated dress code.
Brides.com notes that dress codes can vary widely, and clarity is not always guaranteed.
"While many couples would like their guests to arrive in black-tie attire, the most common wedding dress code is formal attire," Alicia Mae, CEO of ILÈ Events, explained.
Without strict guidelines, guests often rely on general etiquette, seasonal cues and communication with the couple. For immediate family members, coordination is often encouraged to avoid visual clashes in photos and maintain a cohesive look.
The Knot also emphasizes collaboration between the couple and parents when selecting outfits, noting that attire should reflect personal style while aligning with the wedding's tone.
That balance can become difficult when preferences differ, particularly around colors that photograph similarly to white.
For the OP, the issue appears less about tradition and more about the couple’s comfort with the choice.
While some modern weddings have relaxed rules, the expectation that the bride has final say over attire that could resemble a wedding dress remains common.
As wedding season approaches, questions like this continue to surface, especially as evolving fashion trends blur the lines between white, ivory and champagne tones.
Newsweek has reached out to jennibunz for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 8:30 PM.