Prairie Hive

What to Wear to a Catholic Wedding?

When attending a Catholic wedding, it is important to dress modestly. This means that you should not show too much skin. You may wear a dress or skirt that falls below the knee, and a blouse with sleeves. You should avoid wearing anything that is low-cut or revealing. It is also important to avoid wearing bright colors or anything that is too flashy.

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Meaning of Dressing Modestly

For women, dressing modestly means wearing clothing that covers the body adequately. This means no plunging necklines or short skirts. It also means wearing clothing that is not too tight or revealing.

For men, dressing modestly means wearing clothing that is not too tight or revealing and that covers the body from the shoulders to the knees.

Why is it important for couples getting married in a Catholic wedding to dress modestly? Well, modesty is an important virtue in the Catholic Church. It shows respect for oneself and for one’s spouse. Modesty also helps to keep focus on the ceremony itself and not on what the bride or groom are wearing.

What Can You Wear to Catholic Weddings?

Modest and not too revealing clothes are recommended for Catholic weddings. The good news is that you still have lots of options to choose from. The secret here is to always keep it respectful and classy at all times. Now, it doesn’t mean you need to cover yourself up from head to toe. Instead, your clothes should show your respect to the religious ceremony.

people inside church during daytime

Is There a Dress Code Implemented in the Catholic Church?

There is actually no dress code in the Catholic church per se. However, it is safe to assume that you need to wear proper and appropriate clothes once you step within the premises of the church. if you have been invited to a Catholic wedding, for example, a full mass and a communion will be part of the ceremony, so you need to stay away from outfits that seem disrespectful.

The unspoken dress code in the Catholic church is between semi-formal and formal. A pair of slacks with a collared shirt is the best example of an outfit for males, while females can opt for modest dresses or pantsuits.

Having said all these, you should avoid wearing workout or sports outfits like jogging shorts, yoga pants, or jerseys inside the Roman Catholic church. Aside from these, sleeveless tops, tank tops, off-shoulder blouses, plunging blouses, and even statement tees are also deemed disrespectful.

What Can Guests Wear To A Catholic Wedding?

There are a few basic tips to remember if you have been invited to a Catholic wedding as a guest. Practicing modesty should always be on top of your list.

Here are other pointers to keep in mind:

  • Both women and men should stay away from clothes that are too short.
  • Be wary of revealing clothes like those that show the shoulders, neckline, and chest. Wear coverups like a jacket, blazer, or shawl if necessary.
  • Refer to the dress code stated on the wedding invitation to have an idea of what the couple expects from their guests.
  • Ladies should wear modest heels while men should opt for close-toed footwear.
  • Anticipate that a Catholic wedding held in a church will have a formal dress code.
  • Keep up with the color scheme mentioned on the invitation to determine the colors you can wear.
  • Assume that graphic tops, jeans, and T-shirts are considered inappropriate in Catholic weddings.
  • Stay away from outfits that might steal the spotlight away from the couple.
  • If possible, have your attire tailored to ensure that it fits you perfectly and avoid wearing tight clothes.
  • Don’t go over the top with accessories and makeup during a Catholic wedding.
  • Stick to the basic etiquette in weddings of avoiding wearing white because this color is reserved exclusively for the bride.
  • Choose neutral colors instead of bright tones that might make you stand out unnecessarily.

What Can Male Guests Wear To A Catholic Wedding?

Male guests to Catholic weddings usually wear the basic tie and shirt combination. If possible, however, a suit is a better choice since this is more formal.

Never wear anything that exposes the feet, legs, or arms as a way of showing respect. Wearing a hat is also something you need to avoid when attending Catholic weddings.

man attaching flower on another man's lapel in a well-lit room

What Can Female Guests Wear To A Catholic Wedding?

For the ladies who have been invited as guests to a Catholic wedding, they can wear a midi dress paired with a jacket or shawl to cover the chest and shoulder if the neckline is lower. It is also safe to assume that wearing shorts is unacceptable, as well as other types of clothing that reveal the thighs while sitting down.

Once again, female guests should avoid wearing white or any other related hues as a way of respecting the bride. Just like other types of weddings, avoid wearing clothes in the same color used by the wedding party to distinguish yourself as a guest.

What to Avoid Wearing When Attending a Catholic Wedding

When it comes to what you should and should not wear to a Catholic wedding, the rules are a little less strict than for other religious ceremonies. That said, there are still some guidelines that should be followed in order to show respect for the bride and groom, as well as the church.

Avoid Mini-Skirt

When attending a Catholic wedding, it is important to remember that you are representing the Church. One way to show respect for the sacrament and for the bride and groom is to dress appropriately. This means avoiding clothing that is too provocative or revealing. Mini-skirts are a no-no, as they can be too suggestive.

Avoid a Low-Cut Dress

These types of clothing can be seen as inappropriate and disrespectful. In addition, women should avoid wearing anything that is too tight or revealing. It is best to dress modestly and respectfully when attending a Catholic wedding.

Avoid anything Too Flashy or Revealing

The reason for this is simple: A Catholic wedding is not a fashion show. It is a religious ceremony, and we should dress accordingly. We should not call attention to ourselves; we should be there to support the bride and groom and to witness their marriage vows.

Dressing modestly also sends the right message to those who are watching. It shows that we respect the sacrament of marriage and the Catholic Church. We are there to celebrate the couple’s special day, not to draw attention to ourselves.

Avoid Jeans and A T-Shirt

While these clothes are comfortable and may be what you would wear on a normal day, they are not appropriate for a formal religious ceremony. A nice dress or suit is the best way to show respect for the bride and groom and the Catholic Church.

Jeans are too casual for a Catholic wedding, and they can also be seen as disrespectful. T-shirts are also too informal, and they may have inappropriate designs or messages on them.

Do I Have To Wear Sleeves In A Catholic Wedding?

When it comes to weddings, the Catholic Church has a lot of rules and regulations. One of the most common questions people have is whether or not they have to wear sleeves in a Catholic wedding. The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Most Catholics believe that wearing sleeves is required in order to show respect for the sacrament taking place.

Many brides choose to wear capes or shawls over their dresses to cover their arms, but there is no real requirement as to what you must wear. Some brides even choose to have their arms tattooed with religious symbols as a way of showing their dedication to the church and their wedding day.

Can You Wear Black to A Catholic Wedding?

Black can be worn to Catholic weddings as long as the attire is not a full-blown one with just the color black alone. It is recommended to pair the outfit with other neutral hues to avoid making the ensemble look too melancholy.

When in doubt, you might want to ask the couple. Take note that some couples may associate black with bad luck or grief. It wouldn’t hurt to ask the hosts if your chosen color is allowed.

There are some instances when Catholic weddings are black-tie or formal, which makes black acceptable for dresses and suits among guests. Black is a favorite color of choice among guests if the reception is held at night.

beaded brown rosary

Is Wearing Red Allowed in Catholic Weddings?

No particular rules ban wearing red in the Catholic church. However, if you are attending as a guest to a Catholic wedding, it might make you look too bold if you wear red.

Take note that subtlety and modesty are important and red, unfortunately, is deemed a bold hue. But if it is part of the wedding’s color scheme and the couple gave you their approval, it will still be better to choose darker shades of red that are not as attention-grabbing as bright ones.