The Shocking Reason This Mother of the Groom Wore a Bridal Gown to Her Son's Wedding
Daniel Cobb
Updated on February 22, 2026
We all know it's a major no-no to wear white to a wedding. But Amy Pennza's mother-in-law really took things to the next level by wearing an actual bridal gown to her son's nuptials. Pennza posted a photo on Twitter on Wednesday of her and her mother-in-law at the wedding, which quickly went viral. But there's a heartfelt story behind this faux pas that may even touch your heart.
My mother-in-law wore a wedding dress to my wedding. So, yeah, top that one, Twitter. #weddingfail @jimmyfallon
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 19, 2019
"The morning of the wedding, all the women in the bridal party cram into a tiny room in the church," Pennza tweeted. "You know, body glitter and hairspray everywhere. Fifteen coats of mascara. Putting napkins under your pits so you don't sweat on your dress."
And then she saw her mother-in-law waltz in… in a wedding dress.
She walks in. I see it.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
Pennza hadn't asked her future mother-in-law what she was going to wear. Rookie error.
I didn't know what my mother-in-law planned to wear. I didn't think to ask.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
"I don't remember much about the day. Most people say their wedding is a blur, and that's true for me, too. But I know I said this: 'You… You could be the bride…'" she tweeted.
"Later, my sister (matron of honor) said she didn't pull me aside and talk about it because she hoped I was too distracted to notice. My college roommate (bridesmaid) said the same thing," Pennza wrote. "But secretly, they both spent the reception looking at me, then each other, then [my mother-in-law], then me, then the cop the venue made us hire—hoping I didn't go for his taser."
But the story behind Pennza's mother-in-law's outfit of choice is actually more pure-hearted than you might believe.
She grew up in extreme poverty. As a child, she used to sneak into the kitchen and eat match heads. That's a pica craving, and kids do it when they're malnourished.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
"When you grow up with nothing, it stays with you," Pennza wrote. "Forever, I think."
Pennza added that her mother-in-law's upbringing didn't make her grow up to be "hard or cruel or selfish," but "she's a bargain hunter to the bone." Which, let's face it, most of us can relate to.
For example, she takes the olives and celery out of a Bloody Mary and saves them for salads.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
Some other examples of her love of bargains include trying to get coupons back from restaurant servers so she could reuse them and bringing her own mint and lime to restaurants because "the bartenders don't know how to make a good mojito."
"She was so excited to turn 60, so she could claim her discounts," Pennza wrote. "As long as there's a bargain involved, she doesn't care about getting older."
So, long story short, when Pennza's mother-in-law saw a beautiful wedding dress at an incredible bargain, she just couldn't resist. And, really, where else was she going to wear it, if not a wedding?
So when she spotted The Dress at an incredible bargain, she couldn't turn it down. If you ask her now, she says she feels terrible about it.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
Luckily, it all ended well. And now, it's a funny story that Pennza can tell. Plus, her mother-in-law "has more than made up for it since."
I'm happy to report the wedding unfolded without bloodshed, or anyone being shoved into the champagne fountain.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
One thing she doesn't feel terrible about, however, is the story going viral. "When I told her about this getting a lot of attention, and said I worried it might hurt her feelings, she waved it off. 'Whatever makes me famous.'"
Sure, she wore a wedding dress to my wedding. But she has more than made up for it since. When I told her about this getting a lot of attention, and said I worried it might hurt her feelings, she waved it off. "Whatever makes me famous."
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
Well, at least she didn't wear this "mother-of-the-bride" dress that went viral for being super sexy.
And for more great stories about weddings gone awry, check out Bride Reads Groom's Cheating-Related Texts Aloud at Her Wedding, Goes Viral.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!
Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreFiled UnderFunny • Marriage • NewsRead This NextThis Is What Weddings Looked Like 50 Years Ago
After some extravagant royal weddings, our celebrations got an upgrade.April 16, 2019Bride Has Every Guest Wear Old Wedding Dresses, Goes Viral
Actress Audrey Moore is the opposite of a Bridezilla. February 8, 2019Bride Demands Wedding Guests Wear Attire Based on Their Weight, Goes Viral
This sounds like one bonkers wedding!December 10, 2018Bride Reads Groom's Cheating-Related Texts Aloud at Her Wedding, Goes Viral
Well, that's one way to handle infidelity!November 16, 2018The One Royal Wedding the Queen Doesn't Want to Happen
Ex-spouses are meant to stay exes, per the matriarch.July 17, 2018Couple Takes Wedding Photos in Front of Raging Wildfire, Goes Viral
Talk about making the best out of a bad situation. June 12, 2018These Are the Hidden Messages In the Official Royal Wedding Portraits
A palace insider dishes exclusive info on the newlyweds.May 21, 2018The 30 Best Compliments to Give People Over 30
A small, thoughtful comment can go a very long way.January 17, 2018This Is the Best Time of Year to Propose
Hint: It's not Christmas Eve. February 6, 201820 Easy Ways to Be Less Mean
A little kindness goes a long way. April 3, 2018
