Dressing Guidelines for Weddings
Modesty is always beautiful.
– G.K. Chesterton
As with any Mass or liturgical celebration, couples preparing for marriage should take care to ensure that they themselves as well as the members of their wedding party are dressed appropriately for the occasion. A good rule of thumb as you consider styles for the bride, groom, and wedding party is to avoid styles that you would not ordinarily wear to church to begin with due to lack of formality or appropriateness. With respect to modesty in particular, if a certain style would not be appropriate to wear in your office, it is likely not appropriate for Mass either. Dressing appropriately and modestly for your wedding does not in any way require you to sacrifice dressing fashionably and elegantly.
You can find more information on dressing guidelines in the Basilica’s wedding guidelines (question 45). For inspiration, you may also take a look at our wedding gallery to see what other wedding parties have worn (coming soon!). Specific guidelines for men and women are also bulleted below…
For brides and bridesmaids
Please DO wear the following:
- An appropriately formal dress that comes to the knee at the very least. Full length gowns/skirts are preferred.
- A dress that covers shoulders at least partially or that is paired with removable sleeves or overlay (no thin spaghetti or halter straps but wider straps/cap sleeves are acceptable).
Please DO NOT wear the following:
- Dresses that fall above the knee or have a slit that rises above the knee.
- A dress that is completely strapless or only held up by spaghetti or halter straps or an asymmetrical neckline (unless it is paired with a shoulder covering).
- A dress that has a plunging neckline. V- and sweetheart necklines are acceptable but no necklines should plunge. Dresses with plunging necklines should be paired with a modesty panel or other type of cover.
- An exposed back/backless dress.
- A dress that has an exposed or transparent bodice.
For grooms and groomsmen
Please DO wear the following:
- Appropriately formal dress pants, shirt, jacket/coat, and shoes.
Please DO NOT wear the following:
- Kilts that fall above the knee.
- Open-toed shoes.
- Short pants.
