> At a Glance
> – A Houston wedding asked guests to “Upstage the Bride” as the dress code
> – Photographer Erin Wiese’s TikTok of the outfits has topped 1 million likes
> – Guests arrived in sequins, vintage glam, and bold colors, matching the bride’s goal
> – Why it matters: The viral twist proves couples can swap tradition for creativity without losing the spotlight
When Connor Strother-Lerma planned her Houston celebration, she handed guests a challenge most brides avoid: dress so eye-catching you might outshine her. The result lit up TikTok and delivered a party no one forgot.
The Dress Code Heard Round the Internet
Orange-County photographer Erin Wiese posted a November clip with friend Carlee, revealing their looks for the event. The caption simply read: “Dress code: Upstage the Bride.”
- Carlee chose a black, crystal-studded gown, sheer opera gloves, and diamond sparkle
- Erin picked a sky-blue sequined midi by Line + Dot and a gold sequin purse
> Erin tells News Of Los Angeles: “This theme felt right up my alley. Guests rarely wear bold colors or sequins because they fear drawing attention. Here, going all-out was the assignment.”
Why the Bride Pushed the Boundaries
Connor says she spotted the concept on social media years earlier and stored it away. Her wedding website urged invitees to be “creative, bold, one-of-a-kind, camp, and bring the drama.”
- The ceremony outfit: lace two-piece and dark shades
- The reception look: flowing cropped set with an updo
> Connor tells News Of Los Angeles: “Seeing everyone interpret the same idea in different ways created incredible energy. We don’t get many chances to dress up, and I wanted our wedding to be that moment.”
How Guests Reacted-and the Internet Followed
Comments flooded Erin’s post, praising both the guests’ risk-taking and the bride’s confidence:
- “Oh there was no upstaging her. BEAUTIFUL.”
- “Gonna take a safe assumption and say no one upstaged the bride.”
> Erin says: “Reading the feedback felt sweet. We leaned into Connor’s vision and relived the joy through every comment.”
As a wedding photographer, Erin believes clear, playful dress codes tighten event aesthetics and give guests confidence.
Key Takeaways
- A Houston couple used “Upstage the Bride” as their wedding dress code
- Guest outfits ranged from sequin gowns to vintage glam, all encouraged by the bride
- The TikTok clip passed 1 million likes, proving the concept clicked worldwide
- Cohesive themes can create photo-ready cohesion and guest excitement
Connor’s big day shows that when couples trust their crowd, the celebration can sparkle as brightly as the outfits in the room.
