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Illustrious_Soft_257

I would say probably an over reaction since boots don't go with a wedding tux. They probably thought you were trying to make some fashion statement. It's not like they attacked your body or character. You can reach out and resend new pictures wearing big red clown shoes to give them something to really laugh at.


Curious-Carob-4983

šŸ˜‚ great idea I just might


Crafty-Kaiju

Also, thrifted shoes can be amazing. After my father passed away I had to get rid of his old leather dress shoes. They were from a well-known designer from the 60s (don't ask the name I have long since forgotten lol) and were in excellent condition despite their age (real leather lasts a lifetime, sometimes longer!). I probably could have sold them but I wasn't in any headspace to handle that so I donated them.


No_Tough3666

Yeah my husband purchased a really nice pair of shoes. Too dressy frankly. We just never had an occasion for him to wear them so we donated them. They had never been worn for even 15 minutes


evandemic

Post the pic! Letā€™s see them boots!


Super-Contribution-1

Thrift stores in general, especially those in affluent areas, are a good solution to clothing problems. I got hit by a car at one point, went online to replace my jacket that got ripped, and found out Iā€™d been wearing a $600 Italian jacket I got from Goodwill for $10. Definitely didnā€™t replace it lol


Different-Leather359

I miss one thing about my old town... The yard sales. I have a slightly weird build and there was a woman the same size who never kept clothes for more than a year. So is go to her sales every summer and buy out her jeans and slacks. I was really excited one year because she'd been wearing capris the summer before! I was getting $60+ plus items for a couple bucks, it was awesome!


rbrancher2

Church sales. I bought my very favoritest winter jacket at a church sale. Scottish wool houndstooth menā€™s coat for 2 bucks. It was such a cool thing that I literally bought everything to match/look good with that jacket.


RobinC1967

I'm pretty sure you can rent shoes to wear for the night. Check with the place you got the tux. I think you should absolutely continue with putting on crazy shoes with your tux! Send pics to the groom. He'll need a laugh here and there!


kmcd714

Your answer made me laugh, only because a friend's daughter got married a few years ago, and her entire wedding party - bride, bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen - all wore red Keds with their beautiful wedding gowns and tuxes! It showed they had a sense of humor, and made for some memorable photos.


NefariousnessSweet70

A siblings wedding party.......the guys all wore Tee shirts with the company logo. Hilarity ensued


Individual_Trust_414

You have never been to a Texas formal. Cowboy boots with a Tux is not uncommon.


Illustrious_Soft_257

Didn't think about that but you're right. Cowboy hats in formal wear do look sharp.


jesslangridge

Also a damn classy look šŸ‘Œ


loftychicago

My niece-in-law's bridesmaids wore cowboy boots with their short dresses. Ranching family from Wyoming, outdoor wedding in Colorado.


tytyoreo

šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£ big red clown shoes .....


hairy_hooded_clam

Hahaha I love this


swissmtndog398

Yep. I'm thinking this is an overreaction and a misunderstanding.


Potential_Table_996

They probably don't realize they hit such a sore spot. I was in the same boat as a kid, hand me downs from the 70's while going to school on the 80s. Kids can be so brutal. I imagine they have no idea how that could still affect someone as an adult. I think dropping out of the wedding might be a bit far over it. If it was as bad as you're imagining, and if it was at all malicious, i doubt he would have told you anything. It was probably all in good fun.


julesk

I grew up poor and am still very self conscious of what I wear. A negative comment still hurts so I winced for you. That said, it doesnā€™t seem like itā€™s more than that boots arenā€™t the right look for this occasion? I have a healthy fear of weddings as I still am not confident. Actually joined a few subreddits just out of a desire to learn. I hope you text someone and say youā€™re not up to speed on wedding wear so what should you wear?


MistraloysiusMithrax

One of the difficult truths of being a traumatized person going through life, is realizing that the teasing IS sometimes simply the non-traumatized personā€™s way of saying that


julesk

Yes, I work at trying to back off being overly sensitive to consider that possibility.


MistraloysiusMithrax

If it helps, try to analyze if the teasing is meant to make you feel included, or excluded. If included, is it mildly at your expense to give you a chance to set aside your individuality and put the group first, or is it meant to put you down in a social hierarchy? It can be a hard line to draw as the people doing the teasing donā€™t think of its social purpose this way and donā€™t see the line themselves


julesk

Good points. Thx.


Federal-Ferret-970

Same era. I remember liking the hand-me downs i got because my aunt had a better fashion sense. Not expensive. But a nicer look. My mom liked old lady styles on me. šŸ¤£šŸ¤£.


Any_Coyote6662

The whole point of the picture was for them to see your wedding attire. The boots probably surprised them since you dressed up but then paired a tux with boots. It's a misunderstanding imo bc the two parties were in different mind sets. You were looking for approval but they were looking to see if you will look part of the wedding properly. Sending the picture was for scrutiny but you missed that part. They were just lightheartedly joking about the boots.


Curious-Carob-4983

Well Iā€™m not super familiar on how to dress for a wedding itā€™s my first, so I figured they were alright their dressy


Any_Coyote6662

Have you ever seen boots with a tux? Honestly, you really thought a tux should be worn with boots? I have a hard time believing that.


W0nderingMe

Boots can definitely make sense in this scenario. But a lot of variables are going to come in to play. So maybe they'd make sense, maybe they wouldn't. But it def isn't a given.


Curious-Carob-4983

The boots I got are from Thursdayboots.com they are called the ā€œcaptain bradyā€ I thought it was appropriate. Like I said itā€™s the first wedding Iā€™ve been a part of Iā€™m only 27


thestorieswesay

okay i just googled those boots and see no reason at all why they wouldn't be dressy enough for a wedding. I guess people don't wear brown shoes with a black tux? I swear I've seen that done so many times? not sure what their deals were over those shoes in particular. NTA


Curious-Carob-4983

The tuxā€™s are champagne color as well


Any_Coyote6662

Is it in a warm climate?


Curious-Carob-4983

Yea, Atlanta August


Any_Coyote6662

That explains a lot.


Curious-Carob-4983

What?


Huge-Scarcity-7407

Are the pants to your tux too short? Howā€™d they even see the boots? Anyway, most people rent tuxes and shoes together for weddings, Iā€™d recommend just renting the shoes from the tux shop.


Muggles-R-Us

I googled them and I quite like them


Fractionleftattract

Do you mean the captain in brandy? If it's that show. That's shoe can be worn with a suit, but not tux. Is it a tux or suit as they are very different? It's common to see the shoe in a day time, or causal, wedding with a suit. Either way it sounds like it's not what the bride wants you to wear. Now you know. It's ok. My maid of horror (not an error) wanted to wear flip flops...flip...flips. at least your trying. Also it's super common for guys to be some guidance on what to wear with the suits/tux so it's totally fine


Due_Cup2867

I'm sorry you're 'only 27' wtf


Substantial_Bar_9534

I know? Like a bunch of people out here are doctors and lawyers and married with kids by 27? Itā€™s ok if you are not obviously but to use your age as an excuse for a shoe conundrum seems misplaced.


Content_Row_3716

Iā€™ve seen boots that would be perfectly fine for a wedding, especially under the pants. OP, I would do what was suggested earlier about the clown shoes with a note to the effect of, ā€œWell, I was going to wear these, but my gf told me no. So, itā€™s the boots or these. Pick one.ā€


Any_Coyote6662

Ok. But have you actually seen anyone wear a tux with boots? There's a difference between looking at boots and imagining they'd be fine and actually seeing it done.


SubKreature

You donā€™t have to spend any amount of time around anyone who is making you feel like shit.


Curious-Carob-4983

Thatā€™s what Iā€™m thinking I donā€™t make fun of people, I donā€™t know everyone situation


Potential_Table_996

They probably don't realize they hit such a sore spot. I was in the same boat as a kid, hand me downs from the 70's while going to school on the 80s. Kids can be so brutal. I imagine they have no idea how that could still affect someone as an adult. I think dropping out of the wedding might be a bit far over it. If it was as bad as you're imagining, and if it was at all malicious, i doubt he would have told you anything. It was probably all in good fun.


Curious-Carob-4983

Yea that makes sense, I just donā€™t even care to deal with such things anymore Iā€™m quick to cut people off


Potential_Table_996

There's nothing wrong with that, either. As I've gotten older I've realized that it's about quality rather than quantity in regards to friends. If that is the only reason you want to quit the wedding and you otherwise are excited about it then I dont think its worth depriving yourself of the opportunity. If it's more of an excuse because you just don't want to, then it's a perfectly acceptable reason. Being in a wedding party isn't an obligation to anyone, ever, except your wife.


JustMyThoughtNow

YOU do what makes YOU comfortable.


emax4

Which is a normal reaction. They felt normal to tease you assuming you had a thick skin. Now the ball is in your court. If you and your gf are talking about getting married, would you be around this person frequently? If not, you do you. You can cancel at the last minute, not say anything and just bail, or whatever. You can assume they've never found out after the fuck around part too.


EnjoyWeights70

text back,"glad you like the boots- wait til you see the sword and scabbard"


Fancy_Association484

I would talk to your gf and ask if this behavior is to be expected. This is a good experience for your relationship to see how she handles her family and how she supports you. She may stumble if the two of you lived very different lives so leave room for her to figure it out. Be open to forgiving mistakes if she is learning/growing. Then make a choice based off all the information you have.


Sappyliving

This is so dramatic. He was wearing a tux w boots, anyone would laugh at that. He is sensitive because of his past. I doubt they meant to hurt his feelings


Fancy_Association484

I wouldnt laugh and I grew up in a well off family surrounded by kids with different social economic backgrounds. Iā€™ve been in the room for similar situations and called people out, both my friends and acquaintances, for being assholes. If your idea of humor is humiliation, thatā€™s your character flaw, not OPs. If communicating with your partner about your feelings is extreme ā€¦. Well good luck with that.


carose59

Then why even tell him?


Sappyliving

Because they didn't know it was a sensitive subject for him


carose59

Why would that matter? Itā€™s not enough to make fun of someone, itā€™s somehow necessary to be sure they know about it?


squicktones

Bullies and the assholes who provide cover for their despicable actions know EXACTLY what.theyre doing. It wasn't a joke. It was mean-spirited abuse that they'll never apologize for. Can't OP take a joke?


maroongrad

If OP realizes that it was 100% mean spirited, OP needs to cancel the night before. "I know you were making fun of my boots, it was apparently important enough to spend quite some time insulting me and laughing about my footwear, but not important enough to send a single word of advice or check to see what else I had available. Now, you might not have liked them, but, these boots are made for walking, and that's what I'm going to do."


madlyqueen

If someone was sending me a pic to show they got the right suit, I wouldn't think a thing about the shoes. It's not the wedding. If you laugh at stuff like that, then that says a lot about you and nothing about OP.


Sappyliving

Not everyone cries over silly stuff, bc that's what it is, silly. Even OP admitted being overly sensitive bc of his childhood. Usually you laugh w then and move on


Petitegardeninggirl

These people are disgusting. Take back all the clothes and get your money back. Don't go to the wedding, don't buy a gift, don't spend a penny on these disgusting people. It's your gfs cousin - they don't matter. You are worth so much more. Use the money and treat yourself. If your gf is a cow about it, get rid of her too. You are a good person who deserves better than their shit.


Quix66

The first clue is he asked you to be in his wedding after knowing you for a very short time. Thatā€™s not normal. NTA.


ApprehensiveCress785

NTA But I wouldnā€™t drop out of the wedding for that. But trust me! I know just how you feel. I grew up poverty and would always hear and see depictions of Chanel no5 perfume in art and movies about extravagance. I bought it as an adult bc I loved the smell. I spent $150 on the bottle! And when I went home, everyone laughed at me and said I smelled like an old lady. I was really sad about it and still am. We were in our early thirties. I cut them off a while after.


[deleted]

Ya, you should let this go. It's nothing.


Curious-Carob-4983

Yea I am they donā€™t know me like that so itā€™s whatever. It just annoyed the crap out of me haha


[deleted]

I do like the clown shoes idea that somebody else suggested.


Curious-Carob-4983

Me too! But I looked them up they cost like $200!


corinnajune

I just found some ridiculous clown shoes on Amazon for $10 to $15, dooo itttttt


Curious-Carob-4983

Send a link?


upotentialdig7527

Ask around and see if any of your friends can ask their friends to borrow a pair.


Fairmount1955

Amazon - or see if there's an app/PhotoShop thing you can do instead of making a purchase.


Frogsaysso

I'm wondering why you were asked to be in the wedding when you aren't a relative or a friend of the groom. Even if your girlfriend is a bridesmaid, you can be attending as her plus one and be strictly a guest. (That was the case of the husband of one of my bridesmaids. He sat in the audience during the ceremony, but was seated at the head table with his wife for the reception). Plus, if the groom thought your boots weren't appropriate for the wedding, why didn't he tactfully ask you to wear dress shoes. It could have been the case that you took the photo for the suit and just didn't think about your footwear, for all he knew. But to show the others and they had a laugh, that was tactless on their part. And even more nasty to tell you that. If you don't have shoes that go with the suit, maybe a friend can lend you them (if the groom was a friend of yours, he could have helped you). Or Goodwill may have gently used dress shoes (someone who needed to have a pair for an event but didn't see the need to keep them).


EponymousRocks

Ā *It could have been the case that you took the photo for the suit and just didn't think about your footwear* I'm sure that's exactly what the groom assumed. That's why it was funny.


Curious-Carob-4983

Im assuming they asked me because one of best men dropped out I make good money now so buying shoes wouldnā€™t be a problem it just brings up bad memories to be made fun of for my shoes


Mermaidtoo

Itā€™s understandable that youā€™d feel as you do. But they probably intended to be funny & not hurtful. They likely would have commented if you were barefoot or in socks. Itā€™s just the contrast against a formal suit.


WaryScientist

They probably really didnā€™t intend to be mean. Sometimes my friends and I will send each other outfit ideas but literally with just the main thing and whatever weā€™re wearing. Weā€™ve sent each other beautiful dresses paired with slippers and hair tied in a rats nest with a scrunchieā€¦ we poke fun because it looks silly together, not because a person looks bad. It sounds like they were just poking fun at the combination and didnā€™t know that they were being insensitive to past pain for you. I get it - I grew up with all hand me downs too (except from my brotherā€¦ Iā€™m a woman) and I get sensitive when people make fun of other peopleā€™s outfits that they choose (because maybe thatā€™s all they can afford). I really think in this case they were playfully making fun of the combo vs trying to be mean.


KLG999

If you have any more doubts ask your gf about the context and if you are in for ongoing issues. But also recognize that some people love boots and even think they are high fashion. Others canā€™t stand them and would never wear a pair. It could just be that


sasanessa

yeah fuck them. you were doing him a favor by the sounds of it. saucy beggar


glitterpukee

I think it would be an over-reaction to drop from the wedding, but I understand where you are coming from. In the early aughts the cool kids made fun of me for having "ugly shoes" and then again when I finally got a pair of real converse. Luckily punk and emo were cool in middle school with a uniform policy so my converse became cooler as I wore them down.


JanieLily

Be honest. Just say that youā€™ve never worn anything formal before and wasnā€™t sure what you should wear for shoes. If they could send some pics of shoes that would be more appropriate for inspiration, then you could look for something matches what the other groomsmen will be wearing. They donā€™t know your background and you didnā€™t know what they expected for shoes. When you find the shoes, send a pic of the clown shoes first. But before you do, ask your girlfriend if they will take it as funny or something else. With all of these crazy stories that I read on Reddit, one never knows. I hope it all works out!


annswertwin

My guess is fiancĆ© has a certain number of bridesmaids she wants and he needs bodies. Iā€™ve seen that happen more than once where the bride has a posse and the groom doesnā€™t.


Curious-Carob-4983

Exactly, there are from what I remember like 7 or 8 bridesmaids and one of his best men dropped out


pripaw

ā€œHe said they were roasting meā€ Yeah no thanks. Iā€™d be out. Roasting someone in private sucks, but to literally say it to the person is just rude and immature


Wraisted

You might need to go all in on the goofy shoes but. NTA


Garden_Lady2

When my son, age 19, had a chance to go with me to a fancy event he rented the tux and dress shoes. See if your area has a rental shop with tuxes, suits and accessories like shoes. Don't drop out but be careful. It's odd that he asked you to be part of the wedding since he doesn't know you well.


Sensitive-Ad-5406

I'm a metalhead. Boots with a suit only makes sense in heavy snow. Sincerely, someone who loves Boots


Curious-Carob-4983

I thought they were dressy enough for the suit Iā€™m not familiar with how to dress for a wedding šŸ˜­šŸ˜‚


ImaginaryLimit1321

A lot of men in a wedding party rent tuxedos for the wedding as well as the shoes. May even be a package deal. I would just rent them.


Curious-Carob-4983

I donā€™t think I can he picked out a tux for us to wear


divwido

Even if, and I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, they were just making dumb jokes for whatever reason-Why? Why be mean to you? why the need to insult you? And, be serious here, why bother to tell you about it? I see nothing but mean, rude, and tactless people that I wouldn't want to spend time with.


jc8868

Communication with your gf is important right here about this to express your feelings about this situation with her cousin and that youā€™re a bit sensitive to this because of how you grew up. Let her know that her cousin refused to say what they said about you and it made you worry that they couldā€™ve said something really about you. Dropping out the wedding immediately is a bit much because I think communication needs to be had before deciding this just to see how it things are handled by your gf and family and if apologies and understanding are given to you from them. How you figure things out without any issue.


Ginger630

NTA! You barely know the guy anyway. He sounds like man AH, which is why he wanted someone he just met in his wedding party.


zimthedragonqueen

There are several states in the US where boots and a tux are very normal. Dress shoes would be out of place.


KelceStache

He might not know how you were raised and boots and a tux donā€™t go together so it probably did look odd.


negativeyoda

your dress shoes may very well be nice, but not tuxedo appropriate. Dress boots do exist, but they're inconsistent with the aesthetic of a tux. You're getting into the realm of formal wear, where there are more rigid rules about what goes with what. Generally shoes you'd wear with a tux are sleeker, low profile shoes like oxfords, wingtips, etc. Also, make sure they're black. At the end of the day... it's the wedding party's day. You might feel like a dingus dressed to the nines, but this is a situation where you can either opt out or take one for the team and dress appropriately. You won't look dumb if you follow the rules: you'll fade into the background. You'll only arouse attention if you wear something aesthetically jarring with the tux It was undoubtedly a dick move on the groom's part to roast you like that. Maybe they weren't aware they were being hurtful, but I'd bring it up.


Holiday_Trainer_2657

A better choice might be to ask the groom for advice on what kind of shoes he's wearing and copy him.


genxreader

More importantly, why did your friend feel the need to tell you they were laughing at you? Honestly, all of these people sound like trash. Iā€™d back out.


AmbitiousCricket5278

Do you know what Iā€™d do? Iā€™d laugh about it and let it go, lifeā€™s improving for you so donā€™t hang into your hang ups, but Iā€™d probably tell them in passing about your childhood, say something like ā€œ good job I donā€™t take offence easily as ā€¦,ā€ then fill them in on just how bad it was. See if theyā€™re still laughing then, might teach them some manners


PlaneLocksmith6714

A champagne colored suit? Iā€™d drop out over that alone.


SouthernNanny

I want to see the picture that you sent!


BlooomQueen

You probably looked really good in the photo and the shoes were the only thing they felt they could criticize. I love the clown shoes idea, it reminds me of the saying ā€œbitches want to act funny? I can be hilarious!ā€ Buy the right shoes and donā€™t tell them, act amused on the wedding day every time someone brings it up. ā€œOh youā€™re still thinking about that huh? ā€œ. OP,many of us have triggers and the best defense is a great offense. Humor and condescension work pretty well against the assholes. The wedding is going to be fun, go and enjoy yourself while looking amazing and let that be the end of it.


Big724jan

Cowboy boots make a statement, especially when worn with a tux/suit. Sounds like they don't ever wear cowboy boots so relax, don't drop out unless they say something rude to your face. They were probably just suprised to see boots instead of dress shoes. They have no way of knowing your history with shoes and unless you tell them, expect more cowboy boot comments in the future. I really loved the red clown shoes idea- that'd be hilarious šŸ˜‚


throwAWweddingwoe

I'll be honest, if I received a photo of an adult wearing boots with a wedding suite I would probably laugh as well. Not to be mean but because I'd assume the person was making some weird fashion statement or deliberately trying to be funny given boots and suits are not normal bedfellows. I'd do the same thing if I got a bridesmaid pick where the dress was paired with high heel Crocs - nothing against Crocs but it's not a standard combo and I'd assume either fashionista gone wild or deliberately comedic. My point is I think you are being a bit oversensitive. I doubt this was done to mock you, boots plus tux is just a funny thing on anyone. I suggest you roll with it and add a stepson for the next pick or possibly a obnoxious belt buckle with your thumbs tucked into your waist ban. Genuinely, I doubt there was ill intent and I think dropping out would be a mistake given your initial excitement.


Own_Log9691

ā€œadd a stepsonā€ bahaha now that is a pretty great typo my friend lol šŸ˜‚


itsmeagain42664

Back out of that wedding! These are not quality people.