Liz Krueger responds to "bullies" who felt her dress was inappropriate for a wedding.

Half the fun of attending weddings (apart from the open bar and cake, obviously) is dressing up for the occasion.

New Zealand-based Liz Krueger might disagree. Her outfit choice became the subject of international discussion after a picture of her dress was shared by a radio station – and quickly went viral.

The caption detailed the reaction to the then-anonymous fitness coach’s outfit, claiming that wedding guests slapped her on the bum as a dare and spilt beer all over her.

The killer (read: worst) part? The question posed to followers.

“She’s amazed that grown women could be so immature and such bullies. Ok, but wait. She wants to know – did she bring ANY of this on herself by wearing this dress to a wedding? Your thoughts?”

After thousands of strangers online weighed in on the debate, Krueger has been identified – and responded to the haters.

If only I knew that choosing this dress for a wedding on a 90 degree day meant so many women would be outrightly rude to me, and even come up behind me slap my ass as I’m standing alone. As quote ” it was a dare from her friends, bc I was a target.” And then proceed to spill a full beer down my arm???????????????????????? Just one of maaaaany acts of kindness of the night! Yup. That happened. Good thing for thick skin, being able to laugh at things and not take it personally, and good friends/hubby by my side ???????????????? #adultsarebullystoo Regardless, we had one heck of s fun night and no “grown” women’s comments/glares could bring me down as a wedding guest:)

A photo posted by Liz Krueger (@mrslizkrueger) on Jun 19, 2016 at 5:48am PDT

 “If only I knew that choosing this dress for a wedding on a 30 degree Celsius day meant so many women would be outrightly rude to me, and even come up behind me slap my ass as I’m standing alone,” she wrote.

“As quote [sic] ‘It was a dare from her friends bc I was a target’. And then proceed to spill a full beer down my arm. Just one of maaaany acts of kindness of the night! Yup. That happened.”

Rather than sink to the level of the bullies, Krueger was determined to take something positive out of the experience.

“Good thing for thick skin and being able to laugh at things and not take it personally, and good friends/hubby by my side. #adultsarebulliestoo,” she wrote.

  “Regardless, we had one heck of a fun night and no “grown| womens’ comment/glares could bring me down as a wedding guest.”

Unfortunately, the criticism continued online.

“There is a time and place for everything and a wedding is not a place to go dressed like this. In this picture you are dressed to attract attention. Not something a wedding guest should be focused on. I feel for the bride,” read one comment. (Post continues after gallery.)

The many looks of Liz Krueger. Whatever the occasion I like to have fun with it. Never a dull moment in my closet. #dressedtoimpress #fashionista #dressedtothenines #occasions #celebrate #beyou #beunique #fun #fashion #festivities #girlie #events #holidays #weddings #parties #work #play #weekend #datenight A photo posted by Liz Krueger (@mrslizkrueger) on Jul 2, 2016 at 12:20pm PDT

While it’s disheartening to see that bullying doesn’t end in the school playground, there were plenty who rushed to Krueger’s defence.

“Jealousy is an ugly thing. Bullying should never be tolerated at any age…glad this post is getting the attention that it deserves! Ps- love the dress!,” commented one follower, while another added “Just read your story. Stopped by to show support. I love how everyone is suddenly an expert on proper wedding attire… Typical! I think you look amazing and I think it is great that you spoke out about bullying.”

Krueger has since started an online movement designed to spread kindness rather than hate under the hashtag #KruegerKindness.

“I’m going to actively make it a priority to do good things for other women, every single day from here on out. I’m hoping to inspire others to do the same, just as I have with fitness journey,” she wrote.

Image: Instagram/@mrslizkrueger.

What do you think of  style “rules” for wedding guests?