Olivia Culpo was “very surprised” by the internet backlash to her modest Dolce & Gabbana long-sleeved wedding gown.
The former Miss Universe married San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey last month during a lavish ceremony in Rhode Island, sporting three different bridal looks for the star-studded event.
Culpo told Vogue that she “didn’t want [her dress] to exude sex in any way, shape or form” for their church ceremony. However, her comments quickly went viral, sparking extensive discussions and debates online about her choice and statement.
One viral TikTok video criticized Culpo, claiming her comments left a “bitter taste” and accused her of promoting a singular vision of bridal attire. The former pageant queen faced a wave of criticism for allegedly pushing a narrow standard for what brides should look like.
Nearly a month later, Culpo addressed the backlash in an interview with People, insisting her words were taken “out of context.” “I wanted to feel like myself in every sense of the word,” she explained. “And I think that’s where my decision to be more pared down came in.”
Culpo expressed disappointment at how her words were misconstrued. “I feel like I personally like to give people the benefit of the doubt,” she said. “And unfortunately, I feel like the words I said were spun out of context to fit an agenda that I did not have.”
She chose a more conservative dress over something flashy or trendy because she didn’t want to look back and regret her design choice. “I loved every part of my wedding because I love my husband and the people we got to celebrate that day with,” Culpo said. “The choices that I made are because I wanted to feel like they’re choices I could be proud of in 50 years. And that’s it.”
Culpo also wore minimal makeup, another aspect that was scrutinized online. “Stylistically I had a vision. Stylistically, I felt like I was making a decision that was going to stand the test of time, and that’s it,” she reiterated.
Some users questioned her decision to wear a large gown for a summer wedding on the coast. However, Culpo assured concerned fans that her ceremony gown was “surprisingly not too heavy.” “I felt very comfortable in it, for what it’s worth,” she added. “I was on the water and there was a very nice breeze.”
In addition to the crepe ball gown, Culpo wore an off-the-shoulder chiffon dress for the reception and a bustier-style silk bodysuit with a cage skirt for the afterparty. She explained to People that her bridal wardrobe “created a story that reflects each part of the person that I am.”
“The first one felt so special to me — the simplicity of everything made it feel timeless and classic and traditional,” she shared. “The second dress I felt was ethereal and romantic, and the last dress was fun and playful. I liked the way that the three balanced each other.”
Despite the backlash over her design choices, Culpo still encourages other brides to “stay true to [themselves].” “Stick to the vision you have in your head and don’t worry about anything else,” she urged. “No matter what you wear, no matter what your decisions are from your makeup to your hair, to the gown, you will look absolutely beautiful because it’s a beautiful day.”
Culpo and McCaffrey began dating in 2019 and got engaged in 2023.
