Church Etiquette

Is there anything that says you can't or shouldn't wear a strapless or bare gown in church without some sort of shawl?

Re: Church Etiquette

Many Churches want your shoulder's covered. Techincally a women's shoulders should always be covered in church but naturally many church's are lax about it for many factors.
For weddings though they tend to be strict. My dress isn't strapless so that isn't a problem, but I know my video guy can't use a tripod. And I know at my cousin's church she isn't allowed to have a runner.

Re: Church Etiquette

It depends on the parish. I wore spaghetti straps with no problem.

Re: Church Etiquette

JennRenee,

I am also using Laurie Studios. What church were you married in?

Re: Church Etiquette

We got married at St. Margaret's in Selden.

We truly loved working with Ken and Barbara... our pictures are so artistic and beautiful! I am sure you will have gorgeous pictures!

Re: Church Etiquette

I am wearing a strapless gown with a shawl for the mass.

Re: Church Etiquette

I my priest this question before I went looking for a dress because I didn't want to fall in love witha dress that I couldn't wear.
I was told any dress was ok even strapless. My dress just happens to be strapless, and I am not required to wear a shall.
You should contact your church and find out for sure.
If your veil covers your shoulders, does that count as covered?

Re: Church Etiquette

I'm wearing a strapless in my church and I didn't even ask my priest. My girlfriend just got married Saturday (at Woodbury CC, VERY nice if any Woodbury brides are reading this!) and she wore a strapless in church as well.

Honestly, I think the church is becoming a little less strict lately. And frankly, with all the stuff going on in the news lately...they have some nerve telling me I wouldn't be able to wear a strapless!!

I think you'll be ok with a strapless in church. If it's what you love...go for it!

Re: Church Etiquette

I know there are churches that do have a problem with strapless so you may want to ask first. But even if they do, most let you wear it if yu bring a shawl or something similar.

I am wearing strapless to my Catholic church and I know plenty of friends that di as well.

Re: Church Etiquette

anybody think I should be concerned about this for St. Patricks Cathedral in NYC? The LAST think I want to do is call that monsignor and ask permission. I am terrified that he will say no and then I'll be really up a creek. I am thinking I should just show up with it ....all it says in the handbook is 'immodest or theatrical attire won't be permitted.'. What do you think?

Re: Church Etiquette

I would think you would be ok.

Maybe you want to think about a shawl if you are worried.

Re: Church Etiquette

I think that the Churches that are strict about usually tell you upfront about their rules.
What type of a aveil are you wearing? You could also go with a veil that drapes close to your shoulders.
I am wearing strapless, and my cathedral veil will do the rest.
For the reception, I'm losing the veil.

Re: Church Etiquette

I think that most churches are pretty lax about the bare shoulders thing. My priest never mentioned it.

I will be wearing a tip of the shoulder gown, so part of my shoulders will be bare.

Mrs2Be --- I'm a WCC bride and I keep hearing such good things about it!