A bride-to-be who faced fierce criticism for establishing a strict dress code for her engagement party guests has robustly defended her decision. Jenaya Devereaux, a 23-year-old from Arizona, found herself at the centre of an online storm after sharing details of her sartorial requirements on TikTok.
The Vision Behind the Dress Code
After her boyfriend Owen proposed, Devereaux began planning a celebration with friends and family. She immediately had a clear vision for the aesthetic of the party. To realise this vision, she decided to implement a detailed set of guidelines dictating what attendees could and could not wear to the engagement celebration.
While she felt confident her guests would embrace the idea, she never anticipated the massive online backlash that followed. She shared a video on TikTok earlier this month, writing: Remember, it's okay to give your guests a dress code if you have a vision for your day. The clip showed her relatives all dressed in coordinated shades of blue, black, and grey.
Viral Reaction and Criticism
The video went viral, amassing more than 365,000 views, but it also sparked intense scrutiny. Some commenters branded Devereaux as controlling, while others declared they would never attend an event where the host dictated their attire.
Now, Devereaux has addressed the negative comments in an interview, firmly stating she has zero regrets. I truly don't spend energy focusing on negative feedback. If anything, the attention helped the video reach a wider audience, she explained. Criticism will always exist, and I've learned to let it roll off and stay focused on the positive.
A Photographer's Perspective
Devereaux, who works as a wedding photographer, explained her professional rationale. She has witnessed firsthand how guests' attire can influence the overall look and feel of event photographs.
Certain color palettes and cohesive styling tend to photograph beautifully, and limiting options often makes the process easier for guests. Sometimes less truly is more, she elaborated.
Guest Response and Implementation
In the invitation, Devereaux and Owen asked guests to wear any shade of blue, gray or black and even included a colour palette card to clearly communicate their vision. She said she wasn't concerned about her loved ones' reactions, as most expected a dress code given her reputation for loving themes and thoughtful coordination.
They had plenty of time to prepare and have come to expect this level of intention with Owen and me, she said. We didn't feel we were asking for anything unreasonable, as most people already own something in navy, black or gray.
According to Devereaux, the response from friends and family was overwhelmingly positive. No one was put off by the request, and many told her it made choosing an outfit much easier.
No one expressed difficulty finding something to wear. Several guests mentioned it was a fun excuse to buy a new outfit or finally wear something they had been saving, she revealed. Everyone who attended ultimately followed the dress code, leaving Devereaux delighted with the photographic results.
Sharing Her Message Online
Devereaux said she decided to share the video online because she felt brides don't receive enough encouragement to confidently make choices for their own events.
Many feel pressure to accommodate everyone, which can lead to unnecessary stress, she explained. I wanted to show that it is okay to set boundaries and create the day you envision. She was shocked by the volume of negative comments but remains steadfast.
I completely understand that this approach isn't for everyone, but it worked beautifully for us, she stated. What works for one couple may not work for another. My goal as a bride is simply to enjoy each event to the fullest.
Strict Codes for Upcoming Hawaii Wedding
For her upcoming three-day wedding in Hawaii this October, Devereaux has already established similarly detailed dress codes for each day of the festivities. The instructions are clearly outlined in the invitation:
- Friday's Welcome Party: Guests are asked to wear casual dresses or Hawaiian attire. Please avoid white - any other color is perfect. The event is outdoors with no shade, so plan accordingly.
- Saturday's Sunset Boat Cruise: Guests are told to wear white or tan. The guidelines note: Owen and Jenaya will be wearing blue and hope to stand out.
- Sunday's Ceremony: Men are encouraged to wear black or dark suits or tuxedos, while women should don colorful attire and grass-friendly shoes. The invitation adds: Please avoid Hawaiin-themed clothing and white outfits.
Devereaux concluded by reflecting on the value of clear communication for event planning. Sometimes people appreciate clear direction, especially when it's shared kindly and thoughtfully, she said, standing by her decision to curate the visual experience of her celebrations.
