The meaning of the sacrament and what a couple needs to get married in church if they are already married

Meaning and Orthodox traditions

A growing number of couples choose to get married in a church after registering with the registry office - some because of fashion trends, some to please their parents, and some because of their own deep faith.
It is worth understanding that a religious sacrament is not just a beautiful decoration. This is the creation of strong spiritual bonds between husband and wife, which cannot be broken in principle. Therefore, you can take a serious step only when you are confident in your chosen one , your compatibility and that this is the same person with whom you are ready to spend your whole life, because there is no procedure for debunking in church law.

The appearance of the bride is no less important. Unlike a secular wedding, the sacrament of marriage requires compliance with certain rules. The image of the bride must be chaste and pure , because on a symbolic level she plays the role of the Church, which Christ takes as his wife in the image of the groom.

Invalid:

• pretentious, too bright, dark details;
• excessive luxury;
• emphasized sexuality - bare arms, knees, deep neckline;
• bare head.

Of course, there is no question of any trouser suits, jeans or miniskirts. The bride must wear a dress, and it must be closed and long (below the knee). Makeup should also be used with extreme caution.
Let's say a light, unobtrusive nude that only slightly hides imperfections. Important! The wedding ceremony is spiritual, which means that purity of thoughts and beauty of the soul are more important, not the body.
Under no circumstances should you paint your lips, either with light gloss or long-lasting lipstick. During the sacrament you will have to kiss the crucifix and the image, so the remaining mark can become an extremely unpleasant moment that spoils the ceremony.
In addition, a strict priest may simply not serve you sacred things after seeing bright lips, without understanding how super-resistant the cosmetics are.

Popular styles of wedding dresses

The most popular styles for weddings remain “mermaid”, “princess”, and empire style. Fashionistas will be able to try on slightly fitted dresses with long trains, as well as French length and A-line dresses. You should not buy a dress for a wedding, richly decorated with sequins, rhinestones, metallic embroidery, but draperies, pleating, and frills can decorate the bride’s outfit.

Modest

Women understand that a wedding dress must be modest, but what does this concept include? Usually they talk about floor-length models with long sleeves, a round neck or a stand-up collar. Such dresses seem emphatically strict and grotesque. They are more reminiscent of the outfits of noble maidens of the 19th century, but this is precisely where their charm lies. Folds along the hem of the sleeves, wide cuffs and a minimum of decor complete the picture.

With sleeves

It is not allowed to appear in church with bare shoulders. For this reason, the range of wedding dresses is represented by items with sleeves. Among the fashionable solutions for women:

• bat sleeve, ¾ length;
• narrow lace sleeve to the bone;
• flashlight sleeve for retro-style models;
• sleeve-wing to the elbow.

Each model has its own advantages. Fragile girls should emphasize the shoulder line. For ladies with a full body, options with dropped or full sleeves are suitable. They will focus on the wrists with cuffs or ¾ length.

Direct

There is no better style for a wedding dress than a straight silhouette. It can be played up with a belt or satin ribbon, but more often this is not required. If you have a cape made of lace or openwork fabric, there is no need to highlight the waist. A straight dress is also good because it suits women of different ages and body types. It is important to decide on the length. Maxi models better hide imperfections and lengthen the silhouette.

Fitted

The femininity of the look can be emphasized with a fitted cut. For those brides who are not ready to hide their figure under robes and voluminous dresses, such a dress will be the optimal solution. We are not talking about a tight-fitting dress - just a slight fit or folds from the waist. The second option is preferable if you need to hide voluminous buttocks or large hips. The top of the product can be free and even flowing. In this case, the silhouette is demarcated using a wide belt made of fabric or ribbon.

Lace

For many women, weddings are associated with lace dresses. This outfit is universal and suitable for both registration at the registry office and for a wedding in a church. Designers do not use lace alone in an outfit, otherwise they will not be able to place accents correctly. Products with lace sleeves or models where the top is made of lace and the skirt is made of flowing or fluffy fabric look good.

What should it be?

A miniskirt is definitely inappropriate within the walls of a church: the hem should at least cover the knees. Many brides choose a floor-length dress - this is the most chaste and very beautiful option, emphasizing the tender femininity of the bride and the overall sacredness of the moment. This length suits almost everyone, except, perhaps, short, plump girls. It is better for them to take a closer look at a shorter skirt - to mid-calf.

As for the train, this magnificent element, firstly, is quite inconvenient. There will be witnesses with crowns standing behind you, who may accidentally step on the delicate fabric. If you really want a beautiful dress with a train, then choose a model with a removable accessory that is attached with hooks, buttons or ties. Secondly, remember, this train is an attribute of the bride at a Catholic wedding, so if you are getting married in an Orthodox church, it may seem inappropriate, although the church does not directly prohibit trains.

Dress style may vary. Exceptionally revealing outfits are not suitable - with a deep neckline, open back, shoulders or arms, too tight or shiny.

It is better to choose a modest A-line, Empire, Greek style. It is better to avoid overly fluffy skirts with hoops, but petticoats are quite acceptable.

The decor should be modest but elegant - lace, hand embroidery, beads.

The material of the dress may also vary . Delicate silk, shining satin, and royal velvet are also suitable. Lighter, airier options - organza, chiffon, tulle - are also possible, but make sure that the dress is not overly fluffy. There are a lot of candles in the church, and synthetic materials catch fire easily.

If the wedding is scheduled for the same day as the official registration, where you would like to wear a more open dress, then transformable models with a detachable full skirt, as well as shawls or capes that cover the shoulders, will come to the rescue during the wedding.

The color of the outfit, contrary to popular belief, does not have to be pure white. Moreover, canonically this option is allowed only to innocent girls, although now this rule is no longer so zealously observed.

If you want to adhere to traditions and rules, then pay attention to delicate undertones - ivory, champagne, cream, and other soft variations of white. Any other light shades are also allowed - pink, blue, golden, green, lilac. It is important that the color is not too bright or dark. In any case, you will have to refuse dark chocolate or purple, but otherwise there is complete freedom of choice.

Hue

The main color of a wedding dress is white. Since the Middle Ages, it has symbolized innocence, chastity, and purity. A girl in a snow-white outfit looks modest and elegant. The shade emphasizes the elegance of the image and gives the image holiness. If you don't know what color your wedding dress should be, check out the tips below.

In addition to white, you can dress up in its various variations:

• lactic;
• cream;
• creamy;
• beige;
• marshmallow;
• vanilla;
• bodily.

If the bride wants to choose a different color, you should pay attention to delicate pastel colors:

• pale blue;
• pale pink;
• light yellow;
• light green;
• light grey.

Bright, saturated shades of red, blue, green, and especially black are unacceptable.

Folk signs

This ancient and sacred ritual is surrounded by many superstitions. How you treat them is your choice.

Important! The Orthodox Church considers such beliefs sinful and does not approve, but folk wisdom does not arise out of nowhere.

In particular, signs say the following about a wedding dress:

• The dress must be new , and even the bride herself can try it on only once. No long periods of staring at the mirror or taking selfies on Instagram!
• Part of the outfit must be borrowed - a ribbon, a string of pearls, a brooch. In case of trouble in a new family, relatives and friends will definitely help you overcome adversity;
• You shouldn’t let even your best girlfriends or sisters try on a dress , otherwise they will “try on” the bride’s happiness;
• The longer the hem and veil, the longer family happiness will last;
• Gold elements on the dress mean good luck and wealth in the family;
• The stronger the material from which the outfit is sewn, the closer and kinder the relationship between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law will be;
• You cannot choose separate models consisting of a skirt and a corset , otherwise the family boat may split into two halves;
• The groom should not see the bride in a dress immediately before the ceremony , especially since it is forbidden to choose an outfit together;
• After the wedding, the dress should be carefully stored and not given to anyone. It cannot be worn again or sold - it is your symbol of a happy life and protection from evil.

What should a wedding dress be like for an older woman?

Married couples pledge to God to remain faithful to each other. The age at which a man and a woman can get married can be: up to 70 years for men, up to 60 years for women (inclusive). But older ladies also have a question about how to dress correctly in order to look good and at the same time, so that everything is in accordance with the dress code.

Wedding procession dress for older women

Nowadays, many women over forty look much younger than their years. Therefore, they should not have any problems with choosing a wedding dress. But if you already have noticeable age-related changes, then select an outfit based on the following rules:

• Do not emphasize your waist with a too tight corset if you have extra pounds
• Wear a dress that will cover imperfections (wrinkles on the skin of the chest, flabby muscles on the shoulders, arms)
• Do not wear short dresses; priests advise wearing floor-length dresses for weddings. In addition, a beautifully selected long outfit, on the contrary, will emphasize your figure and hide all leg imperfections, if any.
• Choose the tone of the dress to suit your color type. You are allowed to wear not only white wedding dresses to church (beige, golden, with blue, pink, green, lilac, etc.)

Dress for a wedding ceremony for a woman over forty

Fabric and trim

Almost as much depends on the choice of fabric as on the style.

Silk wedding dresses look great. A natural material, the density of which is ideal for creating draperies, and at the same time breathable, delicate, with a noble, delicate shine, will suit a bride of any size and age.

Satin is an extremely common material, very beautiful both in flowing form and in folds. The downside is that the shine is quite bright, so it is best to choose this option for slender brides.

Lighter, airier materials like chiffon, tulle or organza require a thick lining in a wedding dress. However, on the sleeves or neckline such draperies will look absolutely charming, without violating church rules.
Delicate lace, which has many patterns and shapes, is excellent both for decorating an outfit and for its entire upper part , but with a lining.

How to complement your wedding dress?

But what to do if the wedding dress has already been purchased and it does not quite comply with church canons, and the newlyweds simply do not have the money to buy a special wedding dress? What can you put on your head to cover your open shoulders, back, chest?

• For the cold season (winter, late autumn, early spring), you can use fur outerwear: bolero, stole, vest, short fur coat. Will the wedding take place in a large cathedral or, conversely, in a small, unheated rural church? In advance, ask church employees about the temperature inside the church. This will help determine the need for outerwear for the bride and groom.
• In the warm season, the situation will be saved by the addition of openwork, thin lace, and light guipure. These can be a variety of capes, shawls, boleros, elegant jackets, voluminous scarves, combined with the rest of the outfit in style and texture of the material.
• A veil will help solve several problems at once: cover both your head and exposed parts of your body. Of course, in this case it should be long, and the bride will have to practice so that while walking the veil does not accidentally expose something that needs to be hidden from prying eyes.
• You can complement short sleeves and cover your hands with long lace or satin gloves that match the dress.

It must be taken into account that a woman cannot be in church with her head uncovered. If the bride is getting married in a wedding dress, then the optimal solution is a veil. Its choice and fastening will be determined by the hairstyle that the stylist will create for you. To comply with tradition, it is enough to cover the back of your head. But you can choose another type of decoration: a thin cape, a scarf, which can easily be thrown over your head just before entering the church, without fear of damaging your hair.

The wedding ceremony involves the use of special church utensils - crowns. In different churches they are used in different ways: either they are put on the head, or they are simply held on top without lowering them all the way down. When ordering a wedding, ask the ministers how they conduct the ceremony. This will help you correctly determine the type of hairstyle and veil model.

Length

Miniskirts, as mentioned above, are strictly prohibited, and it is unlikely that the bride herself will want to expose herself too much at such an important, exciting moment of swearing an oath of fidelity to her loved one before God.

Otherwise, the church does not regulate the length of the hem. It is possible to have both a strict midi, the main thing is that the knees do not peek out from under the fabric, or a floor-length maxi, as well as all the intermediate options.

Remember that it is most convenient when the hem rises 2-3 centimeters above the floor, taking into account your shoes. This way you will definitely not step on and tear the dress.

Color: white and alternatives

The white color of a wedding dress is traditional, recommended for innocent girls, although this rule can be forgotten. Snow-white looks great on dark-skinned or tanned brides, but older ladies with a curvaceous figure should avoid it.

A beautiful blue dress, because the color personifies heavenly grace and purity. This outfit is suitable for blondes, as well as romantic, dreamy girls. Be careful with sky shades if your color type is autumn. Other color solutions are also possible : from various shades of white (cream, beige, champagne, ivory) to various tones of the light spectrum (pink, green, lilac).

Important! Dark colors are prohibited - black, brown, purple, as well as too bright and acidic colors.

The red color stands apart - on the one hand, it is too aggressive for a delicate wedding look, and on the other, it is extremely popular and historically accurate, because a wedding sundress several centuries ago was scarlet. If the choice falls on red, we recommend asking the priest who will marry you for approval.

What to wear to a wedding if the ceremony does not take place on the wedding day

Not everyone gets married on their wedding day in a registry office. Many come to this decision several years after entering into a legal marriage, and some get married a couple of days after receiving a marriage certificate.

The bride can wear her wedding dress for the wedding, choosing a bolero, shawl, stole, etc. to cover her head and bare areas of the body. However, you can come to the wedding in any other clothes.

You can order a beautiful wedding dress in a light color - white, cream, beige, pink or light blue: long, closed, with sleeves.

The wedding of Alla Pugacheva and Philip Kirkorov

Or you can wear a simple blouse with long sleeves and a comfortable skirt, but not shorter than knee-length. You can cover your head with a scarf, a flirty hat or even a beret.

Author: Ksana McPherson

Styles – evening and non-wedding with photos

Closed, chaste models of a simple style are classic, but there are many other options to suit every taste and figure. Be sure to choose an outfit that fits your figure perfectly and hides imperfections , because modesty does not mean the need to look insufficiently elegant.

With sleeves

The style of a wedding dress with sleeves definitely does not go beyond the church dress code, even if the sleeves are made of weightless chiffon or openwork lace.

Plus-size brides should pay attention to the bell sleeves; however, they also look fabulous on thin arms. A flashlight or wings will hide only the shoulders, leaving the arms exposed. In this case, it is better to add elegant gloves to your outfit, but remember that wedding rings are only worn on the skin, because according to tradition, the jewelry is not removed. Therefore, if you decide to wear gloves, do not forget to take them off in time so as not to do it in a hurry before the altar. An original alternative is the transition of the sleeve into the mitt: part of the bare wrist is closed, but the fingers are free for the rings.

A simple straight sleeve to the wrist also looks very gentle and elegant. It can be made from the same material as the entire dress, or from something more delicate and airy.

If you choose lush lace cuffs, be careful with lit wedding candles: one of them will be in your hands during the entire sacrament.

Closed

Such models hide the chest, shoulders, back and arms from prying eyes, and sometimes even cover the neck with a high collar , and for girls with a long graceful neck this will become a truly royal option.

Idea! Draperies, embroidery, lace, or just a scarf of a different color will be a wonderful decor for a wedding dress. You can combine different fabrics, then, despite the closeness, the dress will still look airier and more delicate.

A closed dress is the most modest style, intended for elegant girls who understand the solemnity of the ceremony, or for older brides. In general, the church allows a small neckline, so you can choose a boat neckline or a shallow V-neckline. The main thing is that it does not expose the skin too openly, and that the dress remains chaste.

Lace

Openwork motifs look wonderful both as decoration and as a single canvas.

It is important to remember that if you use other lace accessories, such as a scarf or cape, you should carefully select the shade. If these are different shades of white, then the darker one inevitably looks untidy.

You should also be careful with the pattern - patterns that are very different in density will conflict with each other , destroying the whole image.

Modest

A-line, straight cut or any other simple models are quite budget-friendly, but at the same time they look very organic at the sacrament , demonstrating the modesty of the bride and without distracting attention from her natural beauty with unnecessary decor.

The absence of unnecessary details allows you to create an elegant, seamless look that will appeal to older brides.

For pregnant

Pregnancy is not an obstacle to a wedding; on the contrary, the clergy believe that it is better for children to be born in a married marriage. But choosing the right outfit becomes more difficult when you are pregnant, because you need to be comfortable.

Advice! Since white is associated with virginity, it is better for a pregnant bride to take a closer look at other shades: from cream to soft pink or blue.

The dress should fit and not be too tight, so it is better to choose stretchy fabric, especially if you are choosing an outfit at the stage of rapid growth of the tummy. Give preference to a loose-fitting style. Empire style dresses, Greek draperies, and a high waistline will perfectly hide the interesting position of a dress.

For full

Nothing can stop curvy girls from looking perfect at a wedding if they choose a dress that hides flaws and emphasizes their strengths.

Closed A-line dresses, Greek motifs, and empire style are suitable for chubby girls. It is better to choose either bell or straight sleeves, without excess volume, which visually enlarges the shoulders.

Be extremely careful with draperies, they will weigh down the look. Be no less jealous of shiny fabrics, large or, on the contrary, too small lace pattern - all these solutions are fattening.

For an older woman

More and more often, couples come to the decision to get married after 20 or more years of marriage, so an older bride needs to approach the choice of an outfit differently than a young girl.

You should not choose white. It will highlight imperfections in appearance. It is better to focus on cream, golden, and other light options.

Elegant closed dresses with a light cape or bolero look good. Choose shoes taking into account your own comfort: if you can stand in high heels for at least an hour, then do not refuse an elegant option.

How to choose

Don’t think that all wedding dresses are ostentatious. A woman should look chaste, but this does not mean that the style of the dress must be as simple and closed as possible.

When sewing wedding dresses, lace and velvet, tulle and veil are used. Sheath style models look good and are more suitable for those women who are getting married after several years of marriage. Young girls planning a wedding immediately after registration will probably want something more elegant and unusual. In the bride's image, multi-tiered and multi-layered dresses, items with a long veil, as well as feminine variations in the Greek style are not excluded. If the bride does not want to give up a provocative dress with open shoulders or back, neckline or a short skirt, detachable elements and special capes will help out.

It is worth complementing the ensemble with a long cape made of translucent fabric, decorated with embroidery, and the wedding look will turn out to be unusually impressive and original. Stylish robes made of chiffon or tulle, more reminiscent of summer anthers, will also refresh the bride’s outfit.

For a woman 40 years old

There are no strict rules for choosing a dress for a mature woman. It is important that the product hides imperfections, looks elegant and meets the requirements of church etiquette. You should not wear dark outfits, although such a palette is slimming and hides imperfections. It is better to choose a pastel color product in accordance with your skin color type. Older brides should be wary of glossy fabrics that highlight imperfections, especially excess weight.

For a woman over 40 years old, a slightly fitted outfit with a waterfall neckline and three-quarter sleeves is suitable. Bat-style dresses, which hide figure imperfections and make the silhouette more feminine, remain relevant. The empire cut is good on both mature women and young brides, as well as expectant mothers.

For women 50 years and older

If young women are more often sent to the registry office, then some ladies get ready to marry only after many years of marriage, having tested their feelings with time, everyday life and family concerns. The choice of outfit for a 50-year-old woman is not limited to floor-length closed dresses. Older fashionistas will be able to choose spectacular outfits with a French-length flared skirt, as well as elegant variations like a sheath dress with long sleeves and a boat neck.

A mature woman must remember that in a festive dress the main thing is not the decor and design, but a good fit.

If you have problems with excess weight, choose an elongated dress made of flowing fabric. A wrap dress with a classic cut would be a good solution for a wedding in a church. Since a deep triangular neckline is not encouraged in church, a wrap dress will be an alternative to more revealing wedding dresses. A turn-down collar and a V-neck can visually lengthen the neck and emphasize the elegance of a woman’s look.

Models for plus size

It is always difficult for overweight women to choose a wardrobe, and finding the right outfit for a wedding is even more difficult. But this does not mean that curvaceous fashionistas have nothing to wear to church. You should pay attention to dresses in the Greek style, floor-length dresses made of flowing fabric, A-line items with a pronounced waistline.

If you need to hide the volume in the upper part of the silhouette, outfits with a fitted cut, with a dropped shoulder and a triangular neck will help. Fluffy dresses are undesirable as they make the look even more bulky. Dresses with a train will help you visually lengthen your figure.

For plus size brides, high-rise models, sheath-type items with a peplum, and dresses with pleating that visually elongate the silhouette are recommended. Avoid tight sleeves, layers, frills and crinolines. The asymmetrical cut of the skirt can divert attention from problem areas.

Accessories

Wedding shoes should not only be comfortable, but also practical. You should not choose an excessively high heel, because it will be difficult for the witness to stretch almost the entire time of the ceremony to hold the crown over your head. Choose modest shoes in a neutral color, without fussy details. Classic elegant pumps are perfect.

A veil is a traditional element of an outfit, but optional, because it can be replaced by a bonnet, scarf, or cloak with a hood. If you decide to go with a veil, then give preference to models that are attached high enough to the top of the head. According to church rules, women must cover their heads at least to the middle. Of course, the veil cannot be colorful, too short, or too unusual. Be careful with overly layered, fluffy models, as there are a lot of lit candles around.

Despite the covered hair rule, your face should be exposed , so be careful when you want to throw part of the multi-layered veil back yourself, without the help of a witness.

A more classic option is a scarf, which can cover either just the hair or be an elegant cloak or bolero that also covers the shoulders, arms, back and décolleté. The material of the accessory can be very varied - from lace to weightless tulle. The color is not necessarily white, but certainly light and not too bright.

The final touches of the look

But wedding attire is not only a dress and veil. The wedding ceremony takes a fairly long period of time, during which the bride and groom will have to stand all the time. Wedding shoes with high heels will create significant difficulties, so you need to buy another pair: low flat wedges, ballet flats. In addition, there is a sign that you need to wear closed shoes when getting married. These can be shoes, boots, ankle boots or ankle boots, depending on the weather, but not sandals.

Well, the final touch, without which it is impossible to imagine a modern bride, is makeup. Visiting church imposes certain restrictions on the choice of decorative cosmetics. It cannot be too bright, especially when using lipstick. It is best not to use it at all before the wedding, because during the ceremony the newlyweds will repeatedly touch the icons and the cross with their lips.

What to do with your outfit after a church wedding?

It's best to keep your outfit as a symbol of a happy marriage - another reason why it's better to avoid overly curvy styles. It is not recommended to sell or rent such a memorable item, or to cut or alter it.

Sometimes a wedding dress is worn on a wedding anniversary; it will look especially touching on the 20th anniversary and beyond.

Important! The Orthodox Church itself does not regulate in any way the future fate of the wedding dress, and all of the above are not strict rules, but worldly wisdom.

Fabrics

Elegant and high-quality fabrics are an important condition for a beautiful dress, especially a wedding one. For the off-season and winter period, you can choose a spectacular style from dense textures that will be warm and perfectly highlight the female silhouette. Picturesque lace, flowing chiffon, shimmering silk and transparent organza will help fill such an important day with romance. Today, fashion has adapted so much to different age groups that it allows every woman to have a stunning look, regardless of age and body type. Lining fabrics that perfectly hold their shape and shapewear help make a woman's silhouette flawless.

What to wear: stylists' recommendations

• The main thing your image should talk about is elegance and modesty , so choose a simple style;
• The dress must cover the knees, chest, shoulders and back. In the case of very short sleeves, you cannot do without gloves or a cape;
• Don't forget to cover your head. A scarf in a different shade from the color of the dress will add charming accents to the image that do not go beyond the church dress code;
• Be sure to choose a dress that suits your figure. Tight clothing is basically inappropriate within the walls of a temple, but you should take into account your parameters and height. Plus-size girls don’t need to overuse decor and shiny fabrics, and short brides should avoid floor-length hemlines;
• The color of the wedding dress can be white, but it is better to give preference to cream, cream, ivory and other light shades. Leave acidic and dark colors for another occasion;
• The train at an Orthodox wedding is an extra element. Leave it to the Catholics!
• The most varied fabrics are possible - silk, satin, guipure, organza, velvet, tulle, chiffon.

Appearance of the bride at the wedding

Wedding clothes: bride's wedding dress

Wedding dress: color. The white wedding dress is a tradition that came to us from Europe. In Rus' people got married in dresses of any color. Only one condition was observed - the dress for the wedding in the church had to be light enough, not too bright or colorful. You should not wear a very dark, gloomy dress of dark purple, dark brown or black. All other colors are appropriate.

Wedding dress: length. The length of the wedding dress should not be above the knee. Dresses with a long train for weddings are a Catholic tradition. Our brides did not sew dresses with trains. It is unlikely that church ministers will condemn a modern bride who comes to her wedding in a dress with a long train, but if you want to observe Orthodox traditions, give preference to an outfit without a train.

Wedding dress: style. The style can be any, but a closed dress is preferable. Ideally, these are long sleeves, a shallow neckline on the chest, and a closed back. Although the sleeves may be short, the most important thing is to cover your shoulders and not enter the church with a very deep neckline and bare back.

Suitable attire for a wedding

If the wedding is planned on the same day as the wedding at the registry office, the bride faces a dilemma: either get married, get married and attend the wedding reception in a closed dress, or buy two dresses - one, open, for the registry office and banquet, and the other for the church.

Suitable attire for a wedding

Of course, wedding dresses with bodices, sleeveless and open backs are beautiful. But this outfit is not very suitable for church. The option with two dresses may turn out to be expensive.

There is always a solution. Firstly, you can buy a so-called open-closed dress - for example, like Prince William's new wife Kate Middleton . The bustier dress looks modest and respectable thanks to the lace that covers the shoulders and arms.

For Kate, lace is an integral part of the dress, but you can also cover your arms and shoulders with a lace bolero .

Bolero for wedding

Instead of a bolero, you can order or purchase a beautiful shawl, a cape for a wedding (possibly with a hood) or a stole .

By covering her shoulders and arms, the bride will not lose her beauty, but on the contrary, she will look unusually gentle, modest and touching.

You can do without capes if the bride has a long, fluffy veil on her head. A veil will cover exposed areas of the body, and to hide the bareness of your arms, you can wear long gloves.

On a note. It is not customary to sell or give away wedding dresses after the wedding. They, like baptismal shirts, are stored together with wedding icons and candles.

Bride's shoes for wedding

The bride is not recommended to come to church wearing high-heeled dress shoes. The point here is not about Orthodox traditions, but about banal convenience. The wedding ceremony lasts quite a long time - sometimes several hours pass. Standing in heels for so long is a real feat. And if you consider that the bride will already have time to get tired after the wedding at the registry office and that a banquet awaits her in the future, it is all the more worthwhile to make a choice in favor of comfortable ballet flats or sandals with solid soles.

Headdress, bride's hairstyle at a wedding

Everyone knows that a woman must enter the Orthodox Church with her head covered. When deciding on a wedding hairstyle and its decoration, you need to take this church rule into account. Tall complex designs on the head, creative Greek wedding hairstyles or hairstyles with curls can be spoiled under the headscarf worn for the wedding. To avoid this, it is better to immediately plan your hairstyle with a veil.

Elena Morozova/Lori photobank

If the bride's hairstyle is accompanied by a veil, it is not necessary to cover her head before entering the church (provided that the veil covers the top of her head). A suitable option is a wedding veil with a veil .

If you do not plan to wear a veil, choose a wedding hairstyle that will not suffer under a mantilla, shawl or scarf . The chosen headdress, if it is large enough, can not only cover your head, but also cover open areas of the body: shoulders, décolleté, arms. Ideally, the bedspread should not be completely transparent.

Make sure that the headdress does not fall off during the ceremony. It will bother you. If necessary, pin the shawl with a bobby pin to your hair.

Check with the priest in advance whether the crowns will be put on the head or whether they will be held by witnesses (recipients). If the crown will be worn on the head, it is better to abandon the silk scarf due to its slipperiness.

Elena Shchipkova/Lori Photobank

Makeup for a wedding

Is it possible to attend a wedding with makeup on your face? This cannot be avoided if the wedding takes place on the same day as the marriage registration at the registry office. It's a rare bride who refuses to wear makeup on her wedding day. In principle, there are no strict rules regarding the makeup of a woman going to church.

True, a woman with painted lips is prohibited from kissing a cross, an icon, or a crown. Therefore, before the wedding ceremony, the bride will only need to remove the lipstick from her lips. Of course, the makeup should not be too bright - however, most brides nowadays prefer natural wedding makeup.

Some parishes have their own opinion about makeup, so you should definitely clarify this issue with the priest.