From New York Post · · 1m 30s
Influencer accused of upstaging bride in $700 yellow gown
Tahlia Skaines wore a plunging lemon dress to a Greek wedding, sparking fierce debate about wedding guest etiquette.
In brief
Tahlia Skaines wore a plunging lemon dress to a Greek wedding, sparking fierce debate about wedding guest etiquette. Looking beautiful at a wedding is fine, but avoid anything so dramatic that guests remember your outfit instead of the couple's day. Originally reported by New York Post.
Influencer sparks wedding controversy
Australian influencer Tahlia Skaines, 31, wore a plunging lemon-yellow gown to a friend's wedding in Greece. Critics accused her of upstaging the bride.
“Literally outdid the bride!”
This isn't her first time
In 2024, Skaines wore a revealing cream cutout gown to a Bali wedding and faced similar backlash. She defended herself, saying guests were told to wear white.
Beauty alone doesn't upstage anyone
Fashion designer Amanda Perna says looking beautiful isn't the problem. You upstage a bride when your choices intentionally redirect attention toward you.
“You cannot upstage a bride simply by looking beautiful.”
What guests should actually avoid
Skip white unless requested, avoid dramatic trains or bridal-style lace, and don't wear anything so revealing it becomes the main conversation topic.
“Be memorable, but don't become the event.”
You're allowed to look good
Etiquette expert Nick Leighton says guests shouldn't dim their light. If you followed the invitation's dress code in letter and spirit, you're in the clear.
“Etiquette doesn't require you to dim your light, but it does require you to be mindful of the occasion.”
The Reddit saree incident
One guest wore a dove-gray saree after getting the couple's approval, but a bridesmaid allegedly tried to spill a drink on her. Reddit sided with the guest.
The final mirror test
If someone posted a photo of you next to the bride and people wondered which one was getting married, choose something else.
“If someone posted a photo of you standing next to the bride, would anyone wonder which one of you was getting married?”
The bottom line
Looking beautiful at a wedding is fine, but avoid anything so dramatic that guests remember your outfit instead of the couple's day.
