Catholic Church Ceremony- Dress Question

Depends on the church. My sister got married in the Catholic Church in one of the oldest cathedrals in Boston and she wore a strapless dress. Her veil did add some coverage, but she didn't have to wear a jacket or cover her shoulders. Check with the priest at the church.

I think it may vary from church to church. Some priests may be a little more strict than others so you might want to ask the priest or whoever is marrying you just to be safe!

Thanks, Yes I have asked them to send me any guidelines, also for photography and such. They haven't mentioned any and don't have it online which I found odd.

I was also raised Catholic, but I'm a little more liberal in my thinking than the older generation. That said, I personally would not feel comfortable wearing that dress inside the church. For a ceremony anywhere secular? Sure - I think it's a gorgeous dress! But between the neckline and the shoulders, not for a Mass or religious ceremony. Again, this is my personal feeling on it.

If in doubt, you could ask your pastor or parish secretary if there are any "requirements" for your dress; if they say X, Y, or Z, then you can ask about this specifically. Different parishes feel differently about it, so it doesn't hurt to ask.

It depends from priest to priest/church to church. Same as what @Sarah said - I've seen brides getting married in a Catholic church with fairly revealing necklines/bare shoulders, and some with more modest dresses.

I'd just make sure you feel comfortable! I know I personally didn't want to look "sexy" while getting married in a church, I just wanted to look gorgeous.

My cousin just got married in a Catholic church a few days prior to Christmas. She wore a strapless dress that was gorgeous, and it was a very strict church.

I think you might want to check with the church you are using, because I don't think this is an 'across the board' rule.

That dress is beautiful! I am getting married in a Catholic church and wearing a strapless dress. The church is pretty traditional but there was no mention of covering the shoulders. Several of my friends have had Catholic weddings and all but one wore strapless. The one who didn't wear strapless had a completely open back.

Our church hasn't ever even suggested that they approve of my dress or anything. If you feel self-conscious then add a bolero or something. I am not sure this is an issue, but if you are worried ask the church asap.

We were going to get married at the Catholic church in our hometown, and they were super strict about everything, including modest attire. We ended up getting married at the church where H was baptized, and all my girls wore strapless dresses without an issue.

Thanks all!

I'm not really the type to wear revealing clothing- @Fresh, definitely not looking for "sexy" either- and this dress didn't feel inappropriate to me, it's not low cut (not that I have cleavage anyway lol) and on me, the back doesn't appear as low since I'm on the shorter side.

But agreed to all, I will definitely wait to hear back from my church/priest.

@Laura, thanks! That's good to hear, and I'm glad you like the dress. This was the first dress I tried that made me feel something other than just, 'oh, it's a pretty dress'.

It really varies. My mom heard a story of a priest, right before the ceremony started, requesting for the bridesmaids to wear the groomsmen's jackets because they were wearing strapless dresses and the priest did not think it was appropriate for the church. I think that's a rarity though. My priest really did not care. However, my mom is pretty traditional and really wanted the bridesmaids to wear shawls for the ceremony. So we found some silver ones and they wore them for the ceremony and then took them off for the pictures/reception.

I wore strapless. The priest even mentioned before the ceremony how beautiful I looked so I definitely don't think they cared. I just stayed away from backless or see through when shopping. I think illusion is fine if that's what you want

Like other PP have said, I think it varies by church. The Catholic church I am being married in is super strict and my dress can't be strapless. My dress has an open back, but it has sleeves and a high neckline so I am hoping they won't care. I have been to other Catholic weddings where the bride has worn a strapless dress, so I would ask your priest what the rule is. Good luck!

I added cap sleeves to my dress, but it's because I wanted it. I would just ask the priest how he feels since it's his church. My bridesmaid also have something covering their shoulders, but again it just worked out that way.

It catholic and I go to church every Sunday. And I can tell you this thought never even crossed my mind. The only time I've ever had to cover my shoulders was when we went to mass in the Dominican Republic.

I got married in a Catholic church in a strapless dress , nbd.

I'm Catholic as well and my wedding will be a traditional Catholic Church downtown DC. I'v been to tons of Catholic weddings where the bride wore really whatever was in style -strapless, mermaid, etc. Long if your beasts aren't hanging out of it and it's not provocative you're fine. I love illusion necklines. The veil also covers your back in a way making you look a little more covered.

Long if the dress is still leaving some for the imagination you're good!! Go with your gut if you feel you look covered!

I'm wearing a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline and never even thought of asking the priest. We've met with him numerous times and he hasn't asked. He's pretty particular about a lot of things, so I feel like he would have brought it up if he was concerned. I think you're fine.

I have to wear a bolero to cover my shoulders. The veil doesn't count, nor does an illusion bolero. Currently trying to find bolero that doesn't clash with my veil and dress.