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Alex
Savvy May 2021

Catholic ceremony

Alex, on January 14, 2020 at 11:13 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 8
Hi guys 👋🏻


I’m planning to get married in a Catholic Church- I was raised Catholic, made the sacraments, etc. but my FH hasn’t been baptized and isn’t catholic. The church already approved us to be married there regardless. *side bar: we’re not exactly religious. We’re more getting married in a Catholic Church because it’s the only ceremony venue large enough for all of our guests... and because our catholic families would probably be angry if we didn’t.
However, I’m trying to consider my dress and tattoos here. My dream dress is a ballgown with a strapless, sweetheart neckline. I also have a tattoo on each collarbone & a large tree on the back of my shoulder. I love my tattoos & in no way do I want to cover them. But I’m not sure if it’s required for the church?

8 Comments

Latest activity by Krizzy, on March 22, 2023 at 7:53 AM
  • 2d Bride
    Champion October 2009
    2d Bride ·
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    You'd really need to ask your priest. Different churches have different rules in that regard.

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  • Ocbride2019
    Dedicated June 2019
    Ocbride2019 ·
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    You definitely need to ask your priest. My priest didn’t verbally tell us anything, but there was a general reminder in the wedding packet to keep attire more modest. I come from a large Catholic family, and in all the weddings I’ve been to, all the brides have worn some sort of strap, whether they were lace ones or spaghetti straps (mine were spaghetti). No one has worn a sleeve (yet) but I think it’s more important to make sure you’re staying respectful in the church with a dress that doesn’t overly show your bust or have full-on bare back.

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  • Anna
    Super August 2020
    Anna ·
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    My priest didn't say anything. I'm wearing a spaghetti strap dress with a low back. I'm really not worried about it. The veil will help "cover" in a way too.

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  • V
    Veronica ·
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    I would ask the priest or parish wedding contact (if there is one) if there are dress guidelines. There may not be; from what I recall, no one asked anything about my dress or mentioned guidelines. As a PP mentioned, you could always wear a longer veil to cover the back.

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  • Rachel
    Beginner July 2021
    Rachel ·
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    I’ve seen a lot of girls wear strapless ballgowns so I wouldn’t worry about being asked to wear straps. Unless you go to a traditional Latin Mass parish, the dress requirements are almost nonexistent. I’d still check with your parish to make sure but I am willing to bet you’re in the clear to wear your dream dress style
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  • J
    Master October 2022
    Jana ·
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    Contact the church secretary since they will have access to rules on what is allowed and what isn't. You won't know anything until you talk to them.
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  • Cortney
    Devoted August 2020
    Cortney ·
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    I asked the wedding coordinator of the church to make sure my ballgown strapless sweetheart would be ok and she said no problem. I would specifically ask before purchasing (regarding the strapless and the tattoos). If they say no, maybe you can consider a bolero or something to cover up during the ceremony but not the reception?
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  • Kimberly
    Super August 2020
    Kimberly ·
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    Definitely contact your church coordinator or whoever you are working with. I'm also Catholic (though not super practicing as I used to be) and also getting married in a Catholic Church and my understanding (after I asked) was if you feel it won't be appropriate for church use a little cover-up or shawl. My dress is long sleeved but sheer and sheer back so I'm also going with the veil covering me and also my hair.

    As for your tattoos; I really don't see why this day and age that should be a problem (even for as traditional as Catholics are) but ask your priest or church coordinator.

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