Dolores Catania, a familiar face from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” ignited an online debate after posting photos of her attire at her son Frank Catania Jr.’s wedding in Portugal. While reports described her gown as pale blue with dramatic embellishments, the choice stirred controversy.
A post on the BravoRealHousewives subreddit titled “Dolores wore white to her son’s wedding” attracted numerous comments. Some users perceived it as a breach of wedding etiquette. “Of course she did,” remarked one Redditor, implying that she sought to outshine the bride. Another commented, “As a TV personality, she should have dressed more subtly to avoid stealing the spotlight.”
Despite the discussion, opinions on the gown’s color varied. Some argued it was not white, while others believed it too closely resembled white. “It has a hint of green,” one user noted, questioning why someone would choose a color so close to white for such an occasion. A sentiment echoed by another: “It looks silver, but as a seasoned TV personality, she should know how colors photograph.”
Cultural Context: The Tradition of the White Wedding Dress
In Western culture, white has not always been the traditional bridal color. History.com explains that before the mid-19th century, brides typically wore their best dress, often reusing one from previous occasions. Only in 1840 did Queen Victoria set a trend by wearing white satin at her wedding to Prince Albert, a choice that gradually led to the white wedding dress norm.
The Victoria and Albert Museum notes the influence of economic growth and the middle class’s rise. By the late 1800s, white became the expected color for brides. However, the Emily Post Institute clarifies that choosing a non-white dress today is not necessarily a breach of etiquette. Yet, brides are advised to consider the broader implications of their choice, especially its impact on older generations.
When it comes to guest attire, traditional etiquette advises against wearing white to avoid overshadowing the bride. The Knot, a wedding-planning site, suggests checking the couple’s wedding website for dress codes and color themes. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman adds that gold can be suitable for the mother of the bride if it doesn’t suggest she is the bride, and if her daughter consents.
Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.