Outshining the Bride: AITA for Wearing a $1000 Dress to My Cousins Wedding?

AITA for wearing a pricey dress to my cousin's wedding, only to be accused of trying to upstage the bride?

Damjan

Published in Interesting
5 Dec 2025

Outshining the Bride: AITA for Wearing a $1000 Dress to My Cousins Wedding?

Weddings are often a blend of joy, celebration, and sometimes, unexpected tension. In a recent Reddit thread, one cousin found herself at the center of controversy after wearing a dress that cost significantly more than the bride's wedding gown.

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With the bride accusing her of trying to upstage her big day, the situation raises questions about appropriate attire, the significance of dress codes, and the nuances of family dynamics during such events. The original poster claims her dress was a simple yet stunning piece, but the price tag of over $1,000 sparked a heated debate.

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The bride, who reportedly spent less than $500 on her dress, felt overshadowed and confronted the cousin about her choice, leading to an emotionally charged exchange. The cousin argues that the cost of the dress shouldn't matter and suggests that guests should be free to wear what they love, regardless of price.

As the discussion unfolds, comments from other Reddit users range from supportive to critical, emphasizing the importance of context, dress appropriateness, and the underlying message of respect for the bride’s special day. What do you think?

Is it acceptable to wear an expensive dress to a wedding, or should guests be mindful of the bride's feelings and the overall atmosphere? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

Original Post

My cousin just got married. I wore one of my dresses for her wedding.

It was a simple but beautiful dress. I don't remember the exact cost but I think it was over 1000 dollars.

A few days ago she confronted me and accused me of trying to upstage her in her wedding. She said I shouldn't have wore a dress that was more expensive than her wedding dress which apparently she bought for less than 500 dollars.

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I mean if she is buying such a cheap dress then she should expect guests wearing more expensive dress than hers. I wasn't even thinking about the price when I wore it.

Now she thinks I'm an a*****e. Edit: I'm adding this since people keep asking: The dress wasn't even new.

When I wore it first in another event she asked me the price and I told her.

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