What kind of dress should be for a wedding: subtleties of selection

Loving couples unite their lives not only before the law, but also before God. This is the essence of such a ritual as a wedding. What color dress to choose for a sacred ceremony depends on certain traditions.

If the bride can wear any outfit for an evening celebration, then the wedding dress at the wedding should look like a pure, innocent girl. If you are planning a wedding, then you should think about what color dress to choose so that the overall image looks harmonious. We recommend choosing a more closed version with long sleeves.

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.

Features of attire for a ritual in church

Any newlywed who decides to get married must know and respect the requirements of the church for the dress and image of the bride. If you don’t know what dress you should wear for your wedding, then listen to the advice. There are few rules for choosing an outfit, but they are mandatory:

• length - only to the floor. Open legs are not allowed, such an act is considered disrespect for the saint;
• style - there are no restrictions here, but you need to do without pompous jewelry and bright accessories. Everyone is equal before God, so you shouldn’t emphasize your material well-being;
• the image is modest. The newlywed cannot afford to come to the temple in a wedding dress with open arms, back, and deep neckline. Modesty and simplicity are the main companions of a girl;
• color - snow-white is preferred, it ideally emphasizes the innocence, purity and nobility of the bride. Variations with white are also possible, but always in a light, delicate shade;
• veil - no matter what dress a girl wears for a wedding in church, she must have her head covered at the sacred ceremony.

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.

What should guests wear to a wedding?

The church ceremony does not imply the presence of guests. They are invited only upon request. If they are present in the hall, then they will need to listen to the ceremony from beginning to end.

According to church canons, it is unacceptable for a woman to wear trousers and bare her head in church. Therefore, clothes for a lady should be long, modest and intelligent. A girl can choose a long, floor-length dress that is tight-fitting. On the one hand, the clergyman will not be as visible to the guests as the bride and groom. But on the other hand, it is simply necessary to look decent in church.

In addition to clothes, you should also think about shoes. It should be as comfortable and convenient as possible. Shoes are of great importance. After all, you will have to stand on your feet for several hours. It is advisable for a lady to avoid high heels and platforms.

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.

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.

Bride's image

The completed image of a girl in a wedding dress at a wedding allows her to look perfect. Depending on the cut, style and color of the outfit, the overall impression is formed. Therefore, you should think carefully about what dress to wear for your wedding.

Style

Interesting! Almost any style of wedding dress is suitable for a wedding in a church. The exception is short or cropped, as well as open. Read more about the styles here.

Consider the following options:

1. “Mermaid”, or Godet - a floor-length dress, tight and flared from the knees. It simultaneously emphasizes a good slender figure and does not look vulgar and revealing.
2. A-silhouette is a long outfit, shaped like the letter A. It looks very sophisticated, noble, and elegant. Goes great with a long veil.
3. Greek Empire - a wedding dress that flows freely down from the chest. Conveys all the tenderness and fragility of the bride, making her incredibly young and slender.
4. Lush ballroom - a wide, voluminous skirt is held on by a crinoline or with the help of layers. It looks gorgeous in a temple and makes the ceremony truly royal.
5. Straight silhouette - a floor-length outfit that fits your figure straight. It is an incredibly beneficial gift for the newlywed at the wedding, giving her modesty, tenderness, and tolerance.

Fabrics

When thinking about what kind of dress you need for a wedding, keep in mind that the choice of material plays a big role in creating the image of the bride at the ceremony. Expensive fabric, richly embroidered with gold or jewels, is not welcome in the holy temple.

Expert advice! It is necessary to sew an outfit from dense, high-quality opaque material. Otherwise it will turn out bad.

Ideal fabrics for wedding decorations:

• satin - looks best in a sacred ceremony. Outwardly, it is a little glossy, which creates the appearance of a holiday, but at the same time simple and noble. The satin will definitely not highlight hidden areas of the body;
• satin - similar to satin, but more budget-friendly. In the light of candles or the sun, it gently shimmers, complementing the newlywed with light. It is smooth and pleasant to the touch;
• lace is a transparent fabric, but due to its rich and sophisticated appearance it is allowed as a second layer of material on top of the first, denser one;
• organza, chiffon - great for weddings, emphasizing the dignity of the image with openwork weaving.

You should avoid using brocade in the main composition of the outfit.

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.

Wedding accessories

Young ladies really like to choose the entire image for themselves. Therefore, they think in advance about what accessories they might have for the sacrament of wedding. On the one hand, these things will help emphasize the image and add zest. On the other hand, hide flaws that are unacceptable in clothes for going to church.

• gloves - if the young lady has short sleeves, then it is best to hide her bare arms. To do this, purchase long gloves just above the elbow. In addition, they will elegantly highlight the curves of a thin arm, making the bride look like a young lady of the 19th century.
• capes, boleros are a comfortable and irreplaceable thing if your shoulders, back or open neckline are exposed. Throwing on a bolero, you will get a double dress, which on the one hand is suitable for church, and on the other will look bright and interesting at a banquet dinner.
• It is preferable to choose jewelry that is as modest and unobtrusive as possible. Pearl beads are perfect.

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.

Ideas for the photographer

Wedding is one of the ceremonies that is so loved by photographers.

Love can be explained by several indicators:

1. Natural light - all cathedrals are dominated by bright light that comes from the windows. Previously, temples were built in such a way that they received as much sunlight as possible. This, in turn, allows the photographer to avoid using flash. And even without it, rich photographs are obtained, regardless of the time of year.
2. Location - no need to figure out how to hide imperfections on the walls in a restaurant or shabby stairs in the registry office. Everything in the temple is as light, beautiful and bright as possible. The decoration of the cathedral itself can be considered both as a whole and individually as a real work of art.
3. The atmosphere - nothing compares to the mystery and attractiveness that is in any temple. Rituals of this kind amaze with their inner strength and energy. And the photographs just smell divine.

In order for young people to like the work of a photographer, it is always necessary to have several proven and effective photographs in stock. It is worth mentioning right away that young people will not be allowed to pose, so you should not involve them in the shooting process. Despite this, you can come up with some interesting ideas.

1. An overview photo card - it can be taken in a temple with a large vault. Ask the priest to climb to the highest point of the temple. During the ceremony, you will take a photograph, taking into the lens the bride and groom, the priest, and the temple itself. It will seem as if you are spying on what is happening from above.
2. Each stage of the wedding is beautiful in itself, so you don’t have to invent anything. Be sure to take photos next to the priest who reads the prayers. The cards also look impressive during the engagement of the bride and groom.
3. Don’t forget about taking a photo together; you can take it after leaving the church. You should all line up on the stairs of the temple and take a beautiful photo against the general background, which will remain with everyone for a long time.

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.

How to choose a headdress for a wedding?

Wedding dresses, photos.
According to church canons, a girl should not be in a room with her head uncovered. Regardless of her status, she must wear at least a scarf. The situation is more complicated with the bride. After all, on this day she wants to look as beautiful and harmonious as possible in her image. Therefore, it is worth thinking in advance not only about a modest wedding dress, but also about a headdress that will be both beautiful and acceptable for church.

An ideal option would be a veil for a formal wedding ceremony. Just be sure to choose a model that is curvy and will hide most of your head. If brides choose a veil, it is best to keep it closed during the ceremony so that it creates the feeling of a completely covered head.

However, this accessory is not suitable for all outfits. Therefore, you can consider options such as elegant hats. A small number of people prefer them, fearing that the church will not approve of such a headdress. In fact, it is allowed in all churches. The hat should be as neat and elegant as possible.

Often young ladies sew a lace shawl to order. This is a very convenient accessory because it can be used to hide your bare shoulders and at the same time cover your head. When leaving the church, the shawl can be removed, exposing places prohibited by the church.

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.

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.

Differences between Orthodox and Catholic wedding dresses

The differences between the Orthodox and Catholic churches also apply to the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom prepare very carefully for the ceremony. They must confess and receive communion. The Catholic rite is full of solemnity and holiness. Such a marriage cannot be dissolved.

The bride, like Orthodox Christians, should be dressed in a snow-white outfit. Any style of dress will do, as long as it hides your body as much as possible. It is unacceptable to show off your legs, back, shoulders, and especially your chest. In general, the requirements for a Catholic wedding dress are the same as for an Orthodox one.

A Catholic tradition is a wedding dress with a train. It looks very beautiful and rich.

The photo shows a wedding dress with a train: