I recently decided to have my wedding gown made. I have a very specific design in mind which is a dress with a very low back and thin beaded straps. I am getting married in a Catholic church and I am not sure if this is appropriate. I have heard stories in the past that your shoulders must be covered, is this true? My church never stated a dress code, and I feel too funny asking for some some reason. Can anyone help me out?
I have the same concerns about my dress - it is strapless. However, I think that now-a-days the Church is a little more understanding of issues that face us today, i.e., cohabitation. So I am not going to bring up the issue with my Church (we just started Pre Cana), but I will wear a veil that covers my shoulders. If they do bring it up and say it would be inappropriate, I will have a bolero type jacket made to wear. However, I bought a strapless dress because it was strapless, so I would prefer not to cover it up.
So, unless your guilt will get to you, I wouldn't ask, and only do something if they say to.
Churches in general want the shoulders covered. That can be done easily with a shawl. My church specified this in pre-cana.
To avoid an akward moment I would suggest if you have a strapless to wear a shawl over your shoulder or balaro jacket. Either can be taken off after the ceremony.
We got married in a Catholic Church and I too was worried about my dress as well as the bridesmaids' dress which was a halter top. In one of our meetings with our priest, I asked him if it was okay or if there were dress codes. He told me it was okay. I suggest you discuss the matter with your priest. If you need a cover up, a shawl would be sufficient.
