Bride's bizarre wedding rule baffles online: 'Demanding much?'

When it comes to weddings, brides usually have a precise vision for their big day. However, a recent post on the "That's it...I'm wedding shaming" Facebook page has left more than a few people in stitches about one bride's very specific wedding reception aesthetic.

The shared photograph of a wedding invite didn't just outline an ordinary dress code; it offered a detailed colour guide for attending guests, with an extensive palette of 30 pastel tones considered fitting for the cocktail-themed wedding reception. Adding an unexpected twist, the dress code also included the ever-casual option of "jeans accepted."

The palette predicament

The card's pastel palette sparked a whirlwind of opinions from group members, each with a unique take on the bride's bold move.

One member scoffed: "Demanding much?" while another bluntly stated: "I'm not buying a new dress in your colour scheme to attend a wedding."

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The scepticism continued as another member added: "The same person who insists on a colour palette for guests is also happy with jeans? I don't think so."

Others laughed it off, with one member even quipping, "That looks like an eyeshadow palette I wouldn't buy."

Indeed, while many members wondered why the bride had offered such a specific array of similar colours, one member surmised: "This is so the photos will have a particular aesthetic. Silly AF in my opinion."

Opinions divided in dress code dilemma

Interestingly, opinions were divided, with some defending the bride's choice. One member argued: "It's not demanding - it's just giving guests some ideas."

Another praised the idea, stating: "I'm awful at guessing colours to wear for weddings, so this sounds pretty solid."

Amidst the discussion, the inclusion of jeans in the cocktail attire category raised more than a few eyebrows.

"I don't understand cocktail attire with jeans accepted. And the colours are boring AF," quipped one member. "Go to all this trouble to just be like... 'or jeans'," someone else laughed.

The Instagram effect

The emergence of specific guest dress codes, complete with colour palettes, is gaining traction in the wedding scene, though not yet a regular feature in Australian ceremonies. Wedding Planner Emma Watts of Sparrow Weddings notes its prevalence in the US, anticipating its rise in popularity down under in the coming years. Watts speculates on several factors driving this trend.

"In the US, it's definitely a thing," she affirms. "I watch the wedding trends there, and they tend to arrive on our shores fairly soon after." Watts suggests that couples are seeking ways to make their weddings stand out, with requests for specific colour palettes becoming more common. "Things like a specific colour palette requested of guests are coming to the fore as couples seek to add elements to their wedding that will make theirs stand out or seem ‘different’," she said.

According to Watts, this desire for uniqueness often comes from couples in their 20s: "when young couples marry, they often express to me that they want their wedding to be different, particularly in terms of choosing a venue none of their friends have, or a colour/design concept that’s completely new to their friendship group."

The influence of social media, particularly Instagram, plays a significant role in shaping these trends. "Instagram has definitely increased the desire for more stunning décor, especially for place settings and table design, and floral installations," Watts said. However, this desire for uniqueness is evolving, extending beyond décor.

"Now we’re seeing that desire pushed further with requests for more unique entertainment and requests for guests to dress in a specific style (Gatsby chic, for example, or ‘cowboy boots welcome’) and/or colour palette (e.g., a touch of red)," she said.

"It’s all being driven by social media inspo and influencers, and now that everyone is getting used to seeing amazing décor set-ups, the trend is moving on to the next big thing that makes a couple feel their wedding is unique," concludes Watts.

The rise of specific wedding dress codes

While opinions on the emergence of a guest dress code may be split, such requests have made the rounds before.

A few years back, Sydney influencer Pia Muehlenbeck caused a stir with her wedding dress code, making headlines for its specificity.

Pia and her fiance Kane Vato didn't just suggest a dress code; they explicitly instructed guests on their wedding website, stating: "everyone is requested to wear natural earth tones, please see photo inspiration at the bottom of this page".

The couple aimed for a cohesive aesthetic, urging attendees to embrace the colour theme and even providing a Pinterest board brimming with inspiration for adhering to the dress code.

The message clearly got through, with guests happily following the guidelines set out for them. Numerous photos circulated on social media, showing attendees decked out in their "natural earth tones".

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