Help me Decide!!! Long sleeves or no?

You could try a bolero jacket?

i think the gown is gorgeous as is though

I was thinking of that, or maybe a bridal cape, but I'm worried it'll be too much.

Thank you!

Thank you so much, it's nice to hear that from someone. My mom didn't come with me (since she lives across the country) and when I sent her the picture she just said "oh ok". Not exactly what you want to hear... :/

I have thought of that, I think maybe I'll have to try some things on!

The dress is gorgeous as it is and you look amazing in it. But, if you're not comfortable, I'd look for some kind of a little jacket as pps mentioned. The only tricky thing is that many of those are lace, and since your dress is already lace, it might be hard to find something that works together well. Most non-lace boleros I've seen are basically just sheer/illusion type fabric, I don't know if that will satisfy your family's desire for "coverage." Honestly? If YOU love your dress and it doesn't violate your values/beliefs, I'd wear it as it is. Good luck!

I understand what you mean. I purposely did not even look at strapless dresses (unless I was able to add a strap), because my mom said, "No strapless in church!". How about options like these??

I've seen other pictures where the lace would cover up the shoulders too.

I know you were specifically looking for sleeves, but this is another option if you are able to show some arms.

I agree, this lace is very detailed and I don't want it mismatching lol! Their religion is extremely strict and even if I added sleeves or a jacket, the amount showing past the collarbone and back would not be allowed. But thankfully I have left and am not getting married in their church so it's more of a matter of me being comfortable around my believing family who will be gossiping and saying passive-aggressive things the whole time. Soooo fun lol

Haha yeah, thankfully I've left their religion so I can wear what I want! It's just hard to get over it when your whole life you've been told that your skin is sinful. I love that first option! Do you think they'd have to redesign the sweetheart neckline on my dress though?

Yeah, I get it. And I saw your previous comment saying that your family will say passive-aggressive things haha, same with my mom! Like we were in the bridal shop, and someone was trying on a dress, and my mom said out loud, "Oh, I don't like that! It's strapless!" Ugh so embarrassing!

Honestly, I don't know if they would have to redesign the sweetheart neckline or not. But I know that a good seamstress will be able to make it look good regardless, but I know you're worried about cost. Is there a way to consult with a seamstress at David's Bridal, or maybe a seamstress near you? Sorry that this comment is not totally helpful.

Others have suggested a bolero, which can also be on option!

The dress on you is really beautiful, with or without sleeves! Good luck!

Thank you! I hope so!

Haha oh dear!! I was kinda glad I went by myself so I didn't have to deal with my mom and her modesty issues lmao. Thank you, I will consult one and see how much it'll be! Maybe I'll be able to find a good deal! Thank you so much!

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I understand both wanting to honor your elders/have their approval and wanting to avoid confrontation and negativity. However, I'd guess if the people you are concerned about pleasing will gossip and behave passive-aggressively about you showing "too much skin," then even if you "cover up," they will likely find something else to gossip and/or behave badly about: "Can you believe there was DANCING?!?!?" "Oh, my goodness! They served ALCOHOL!!!!" "Did you notice that one of her friends is an unwed mother?????" Ugly people will always find something to be UGLY about. It sounds like you are very comfortable moving away from their belief system, so I say own your gorgeous strapless sweetheart necklined dress and let them say and do whatever they want. Ugliness in the name of religious beliefs is still ugliness and that's on them. Hold your head up high, and be the beaming bride in the dress you love. Good luck!

PS -- FWIW I'm an older middle-aged mom. I think I generally have fairly conservative taste in clothing and I think your dress is pretty conservative; our daughter wore a dress with a similar neckline to her 9th grade school homecoming dance...and the school had a dress code! Your dress may not meet your relatives' ultra-conservative standards, but it's not revealing at all.

Have you thought about a caped veil? That way you meet the requirements?I don't think I'd add long sleeves to that dress, it's beautiful just the way it is. I understand you want to respect your family and I think you can do that with a bolero type jacket or caped veil.

Your dress is stunning! You could add a simple bolero (so as not to take away from the lace overlay of your gown) You look beautiful in it as is - but being comfortable is of the utmost importance, you don't need the stress of feeling self conscious. I wouldn't sew anything on to the dress, but a pretty shaw or wrap, or a simple satin bolero would give you that coverage