AITA for giving my wedding dress to my future daughter-in-law instead of my stepdaughter?

The story revolves around a mom who promised to pass her wedding dress on to her daughter one day, but later decided it should go to her future daughter-in-law, Lucy, after her stepdaughter Molly dismissed the offer rudely. With emotions high over family tradition and legacy, the mom chose to honor her original promise to her son, leaving Molly feeling excluded and sparking controversy over favoritism.

‘AITA for giving my wedding dress to my future daughter-in-law instead of my stepdaughter?’

Experts note that heirlooms like wedding dresses carry deep sentimental value and should be passed on to those who appreciate their meaning. As family therapist Dr. Sue Johnson suggests, such items symbolize continuity and love, and rejecting them can be a sign of deeper emotional issues. In this case, giving the dress to Lucy—who embraced its significance—was a fair decision, especially after Molly’s initial rejection and disrespect.

Here’s what people had to say to OP:

Across the board, many Redditors agree that the mom’s decision was fair. One perspective is that Molly’s rejection long ago forfeited her claim, and her current request seems more like a reaction to being left out than a genuine desire for the heirloom. Others stress that family heirlooms are meant for those who truly appreciate their sentimental value.

Some community members even argue that honoring a long-standing promise to the son’s future wife reinforces the integrity of family traditions, rather than reflecting favoritism. Overall, the consensus is that the decision isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about passing the dress on to someone who values its legacy.

At the end of the day, family heirlooms like a wedding dress are meant to symbolize love, tradition, and the bonds that tie us together. When promises are made, they should be honored by those who truly appreciate the value of the sentiment behind them. While it’s natural for emotions to run high in blended families, it’s also important to recognize that rejection of an offer,

especially one as personal as a wedding dress, can have lasting repercussions. So, what do you think? Is it fair to pass the dress on when the intended recipient showed a lack of respect, or should family ties always override past disagreements? What would you do in this situation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!