Are you looking forward to your wedding, but worried about showing too much? You can be a beautiful bride and still maintain your modesty. Finding a modest wedding dress is easier than you think. Many women today opt for gowns that cover nicely while showing off lovely fabrics and styles.
Watch That Neckline
The neckline is a good place to start when selecting your modest gown. A boat (square) neck is a better choice than a sweetheart (ending in a point) neckline. The scoop neck is also lovely; it should open about an inch below your collar bone.
You can also choose a neckline that dips, but has small-weave mesh above the collar line. This gives your gown the best of both worlds in both style and modesty.
Choose Your Length
The best length for a modest wedding dress is either ankle or floor length. Stay away from mid-calf or higher styles.
A tiered skirt (horizontal pieces of fabric or lace sewn to each other down toward the hem) is a gorgeous look and works well for longer dresses. Or, select a gown that is solid material all the way from the neck to the hem and has sewn pearl decorations.
The Fit
Generally, a fairly close fit in the bodice is still considered modest; tight at the hips or thighs is not. Try a bell skirt, which looks like it sounds; you will need a few crinolines (underskirts) to hold the material out. You can also choose an A-line, which falls outward softly from the waist to the floor.
Sweet Sleeves
Long sleeves are a modest look, but capped sleeves (just covering the shoulders) are lovely, too. Pair an elbow-length sleeve with short white gloves. Leave spaghetti straps or sleeveless bodices on the rack.
Go Shopping
You won't need a special shopping trip to find your modest dress; nearly every wedding shop carries these lovely styles. You can also check out internet auctions to find your style. Be careful to check a seller's history and feedback before agreeing to buy.
Be a Borrowing Bride
If a close family member or best friend wore a modest dress to her wedding that you absolutely adore, ask whether you might borrow it.
A bride's wedding dress is a very personal garment. Make sure you only ask a person with whom you are very close. Asking a friend or acquaintance puts the individual in an uncomfortable position; she doesn't know you well enough to decide whether she can trust you with this very special piece of clothing. If you do borrow a dress, take the best possible care in wearing the gown, and have it dry cleaned and re-boxed afterward.
Altering Your Dress
If you find a dress that's a steal but which shows a bit too much for your tastes, have the gown altered. Netting and extra material are usually easy to add onto necklines, sleeves or the hem.
The one exception is the hips and thighs. It can be very difficult for a seamstress to add panels that color match the gown exactly. Don't purchase a dress that is too small or tight; if you must compromise, err on the side of caution with a dress that's slightly large rather than small. You can always have it taken in.
With a few simple choices and alterations, you can have a dress you'll be proud to wear down the aisle.
Watch That Neckline
The neckline is a good place to start when selecting your modest gown. A boat (square) neck is a better choice than a sweetheart (ending in a point) neckline. The scoop neck is also lovely; it should open about an inch below your collar bone.
You can also choose a neckline that dips, but has small-weave mesh above the collar line. This gives your gown the best of both worlds in both style and modesty.
Choose Your Length
The best length for a modest wedding dress is either ankle or floor length. Stay away from mid-calf or higher styles.
A tiered skirt (horizontal pieces of fabric or lace sewn to each other down toward the hem) is a gorgeous look and works well for longer dresses. Or, select a gown that is solid material all the way from the neck to the hem and has sewn pearl decorations.
The Fit
Generally, a fairly close fit in the bodice is still considered modest; tight at the hips or thighs is not. Try a bell skirt, which looks like it sounds; you will need a few crinolines (underskirts) to hold the material out. You can also choose an A-line, which falls outward softly from the waist to the floor.
Sweet Sleeves
Long sleeves are a modest look, but capped sleeves (just covering the shoulders) are lovely, too. Pair an elbow-length sleeve with short white gloves. Leave spaghetti straps or sleeveless bodices on the rack.
Go Shopping
You won't need a special shopping trip to find your modest dress; nearly every wedding shop carries these lovely styles. You can also check out internet auctions to find your style. Be careful to check a seller's history and feedback before agreeing to buy.
Be a Borrowing Bride
If a close family member or best friend wore a modest dress to her wedding that you absolutely adore, ask whether you might borrow it.
A bride's wedding dress is a very personal garment. Make sure you only ask a person with whom you are very close. Asking a friend or acquaintance puts the individual in an uncomfortable position; she doesn't know you well enough to decide whether she can trust you with this very special piece of clothing. If you do borrow a dress, take the best possible care in wearing the gown, and have it dry cleaned and re-boxed afterward.
Altering Your Dress
If you find a dress that's a steal but which shows a bit too much for your tastes, have the gown altered. Netting and extra material are usually easy to add onto necklines, sleeves or the hem.
The one exception is the hips and thighs. It can be very difficult for a seamstress to add panels that color match the gown exactly. Don't purchase a dress that is too small or tight; if you must compromise, err on the side of caution with a dress that's slightly large rather than small. You can always have it taken in.
With a few simple choices and alterations, you can have a dress you'll be proud to wear down the aisle.
