Mother of the Bride Sparks Debate with Controversial Dress at Daughter’s Wedding

A mother of the bride has ignited a heated online debate due to her choice of dress at her daughter’s wedding.

Louisiana mom Lori DeWitt wore a custom Audrey + Brooks green floral dress with a plunging neckline, detachable bow, and train, which some internet users found inappropriate for the occasion.

An Instagram reel showing Lori walking down the aisle in the dress was captioned by wedding content creator Chloe LeBlanc as “The most stunning MOB dress we’ve ever seen!!!!” However, not everyone agreed with the sentiment.

Critics in the comments accused Lori of trying to upstage her daughter, Amanda DeWitt LeBlanc, who wore a more traditional Romona Keveza off-the-shoulder trumpet gown.

Comments ranged from “Beautiful dress. Beautiful woman wearing it. Wrong occasion,” to “Why upstage your daughter????? Shocking.”

Despite the backlash, there were also supportive comments. Some praised Lori for her bold fashion choice, with one user saying, “If my mom doesn’t do this she has to go home.

I would be pissed if she did anything less!!!” Others defended her, suggesting the negative feedback was a projection of others’ insecurities.

Lori and Amanda, however, have taken the controversy in stride. Lori told TODAY.com, “We didn’t realize my dress was going to spark a debate, but we’re laughing about it. I’m the last person you’d expect to go viral. I don’t even post photos!”

The mother-daughter duo bought their dresses during a shopping trip to New York City, and Lori’s custom dress has now even created a waitlist at Flora on Madison.

Flora Petakas, owner of Flora on Madison, encouraged mothers to wear dresses that make them feel beautiful and important.

Lori, an interior designer specializing in college dorm rooms, shared that the dress was originally strapless but was modified for appropriateness in a Catholic Church. Amanda, a podiatrist in Florida, supported her mother’s choice, saying, “I love what she wore. My mom looked absolutely stunning.”

The controversy over Lori’s dress didn’t dampen the spirits of the wedding. Amanda expressed that it was important for her family members to shine on her big day, stating, “It was just as much her day as it was mine.”

Amanda’s mother-in-law also made a fashion statement, wearing a pink statuesque gown with statement flowers. This further highlighted the family’s desire to celebrate in style, supporting each other’s choices.

Despite the light-hearted approach to the criticism, Lori admitted that some of the harsh comments were “a little heartbreaking.” She emphasized her intentions, saying, “I would never do anything to hurt my daughter. Everybody just wanted to look their best.”

Reflecting on the event and the online reactions, Lori humorously suggested her future attire. “For my next daughter’s wedding I think I’m going to show up in a burlap sack that says MOB,” she quipped.

The debate around Lori’s dress serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that can come with personal fashion choices, especially at significant events like weddings. It also highlights the varying expectations and traditions people hold regarding wedding attire.

In the end, the wedding was a success, and Lori’s bold fashion choice became a memorable part of the celebration. The DeWitt family’s ability to laugh about the situation shows their strong bond and sense of humor amidst public scrutiny.

Amanda and Lori’s experience underscores the importance of focusing on the joy of the occasion rather than the criticisms of others. Their story is a testament to celebrating individuality and the unique ways families express their love and support.