Wedding dress for a wedding in the Orthodox Church: which one can be worn for the ceremony in 2022

Every year, more and more couples in love cement their union not only in the registry office, but also in the church, which, in turn, requires compliance with certain traditions and rules. These, of course, include the appearance of the bride. From our material you will learn what a dress should be like for a wedding in an Orthodox Church, its features, color and accessories that go with it.

Popular styles

A-line

Direct

High Waist Closed

Trendy overalls

Currently, there is a fashion for trouser suits and overalls as a bride's wedding attire. Execution options can be different - with a jacket, top or cape. By choosing such a robe, the bride will look very bold and stylish. After all, trouser sets will allow you to defeat conservatism. However, the final choice depends on the taste preferences of the newlywed.

Photo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rita.tesla/

Rules

A wedding ceremony is not a fashion show where you need to sparkle with luxury and show your outer beauty, but a mysterious union of the souls and lives of a young couple. Therefore, it would be most appropriate to wear a simple, modest attire:

• immediately exclude a bright color palette from the image
• Knees should not be visible from under the hem
• Cutouts, bare arms and shoulders and an abundance of jewelry are unacceptable
• Do not take additional accessories with you in the form of handbags
• the head must be covered with something

And now let’s take a closer look at what you shouldn’t wear to a wedding.

Color

It should be noted that multi-colored bright colors, such as purple, blue or other colors, are simply unacceptable for such a celebration. Father simply does not accept this. It is also worth excluding dark colors. When purchasing, give preference to white or pastel colors.

A simple sky blue dress, as shown in the photo, which personifies the purity of the soul, would also be an excellent option. This color goes well with blonde hair of girls. Women also like to choose cream and pinkish shades.

Everything about red is very confusing, since on the one hand it is very aggressive and extravagant, but on the other hand, this is exactly what a wedding sundress was like several centuries ago. In this case, it is best to ask the priest if he will approve of this color.

Length

There are very strict rules about length, so a short skirt above the knees is simply not acceptable for church. In such an outfit you may simply not be allowed into a holy place.
Midi length models and floor-length maxi variations are welcome. It is more convenient to wear models whose length rises 2-4 cm above the floor. After all, in this situation, you definitely won’t step on the hem. And in principle, moving around will become much more comfortable.

Style

In fact, everything is simpler with the style, since the main thing is minimalism and modesty. No need for provocative cutouts, flashy trim or bare arms. For wedding attire, brides prefer straight, flowing models that demonstrate the modesty of the soul through appearance.

Curvy models

Many people dream of the fluffy dresses they saw in fairy tales about princesses. But, firstly, it is better to save this dress for a wedding, and secondly, it is not suitable for everyone. For example, overweight girls will only emphasize their shortcomings, while short girls may simply get lost in the abundance of fabrics and decorations. And the temple is not the place where you should show off like on a podium. It is better to choose a calmer and more versatile A-line silhouette.

A-line

The product is suitable for absolutely everyone. It visually makes you look slimmer and taller. As is already clear from the name, the cut resembles the letter A, that is, it widens downwards. Lace looks very good with an A-line silhouette.

With a train

The options with a train are amazingly beautiful. Luxury and elegance are the main companions of this model, which is why this style can often be seen on royal brides. However, you need to be very careful with the train, because it can become a nuisance to everyone standing behind you. And also if you are getting married in an Orthodox church, then this may be inappropriate in this situation. Since the train is an attribute of Catholics.

Dress transformer

An interesting choice of outfit for a celebration would be a transformable dress. Thanks to this wardrobe item, you can save a lot of money. Since this dress can be used both in the temple to dress the bride, and for a wedding celebration in some restaurant. And if the transformer is in a fairly discreet style, then it can be useful in everyday life.

"Fish" or "Mermaid"

“Rusalka” and “Fish” are, one might say, in limbo in the fashion world. Either they become popular all over the world, or they are quickly forgotten. And all because of their features. Very narrow on top and widening from the knees to the floor, they emphasize all the imperfections of the figure. You should also be careful when choosing such a wedding dress for your wedding. Some priests may not approve of it due to excessive vulgarity.

Empire style

Empire style is a universal style that will never become outdated in the fashion world. Elegant, but at the same time modest attire looks great on almost any figure. Only extra pounds around the waist can spoil the appearance a little. And guests may think that the reason for the wedding was a sudden pregnancy. To avoid such rumors, you can throw a large stole over the top.

Accessories

The head must be covered with some kind of scarf, veil or stole. This is a mandatory condition for all girls who are in the temple. Also refrain from unnecessary accessories, such as metal bracelets or decorative rings, during the church ceremony. The maximum that is allowed for an image is jewelry made from natural materials, such as wood. However, they should be very elegant and inconspicuous and not spoil the appearance.

Materials

Be very careful when choosing fabrics for wedding clothes, as too much pomp can simply lead to a terrible situation. Don't forget that there are a lot of candles in the church. Excellent materials for the product would be chiffon, silk, satin and velvet.

Atlas

Velvet Tulle

Lace

Organza Silk

Shoes

This is not a rule, but just advice. You will have to stand in one place for a very long time, which means practical, comfortable shoes will be just right. No need to suffer in heels.

Makeup

It is advisable that the girl should not wear makeup or should avoid bright colors in her makeup. A prerequisite for this type of makeup is not painted lips. Since you will need to kiss the crucifix of Jesus Christ and the image, and the remaining lipstick mark will definitely not please anyone.

Hairstyle

Since the hair will be covered with a headdress, it is best not to do voluminous hairstyles. Natural curls with fresh flowers woven into them look very impressive in combination with a simple dress style.

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.

Folk signs

Such a spiritual and sacred moment in the life of every person, of course, is fraught with many signs. True, now they are usually observed only by believers:

• Wedding clothes should be new. Only one or two fittings are allowed upon purchase.
• Some of the decor should be given to you by someone close to you. This could be a ribbon or thread. It is this piece from another person that will allow you, in the event of trouble, to ask him for help.
• Wedding clothes should be only yours, which means no one should put them on or touch them except you. Otherwise, happiness will be divided among everyone who wore it.
• The stronger the material, the closer the relationship between the bride and her mother-in-law will be.
• You cannot choose models with a detachable top or bottom.
• The groom should not see the bride before the ceremony

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.

Wedding of a married couple

If you ask: “Is it possible for a married couple to get married?” Then, of course, the answer to this will be “Yes”. It doesn’t matter what age the couple is, married or not. Anyone can perform a ceremony in a church.

But there are still some differences in the celebration. For example, a woman and a man wear less formal clothing than newlyweds. Therefore, a wife can take an old wedding dress for a wedding, and there will be nothing shameful or bad about it. The husband, according to custom, dresses either in a suit or a light shirt and trousers.

Palette

Many women traditionally go down the aisle in a snow-white outfit. This color is associated with purity, innocence, and future changes. The older the bride, the more difficult it is for her to imagine herself in a crisp white dress, and wedding fashion does not require adherence to traditions.

Dresses in pastel shades look much more interesting: mint, lavender, powder. Golden and silver variations do not lose their relevance, but it is better to go to church in a dress of moderate colors. Preference is given to delicate pastel tones, as well as nude options.

If in wedding fashion a dress with multi-colored patterns is acceptable, then for a wedding it is better to choose a plain dress. But the fabric can be of any texture: matte, smoky, glossy.

If the dress has an open style, then you should take care of a cape or bolero with sleeves at least to the elbow. It’s good if the product matches the color of the dress. Capes with a hood made of translucent fabric to match the main outfit look good. In this case, the bride will not have to additionally purchase a headdress that matches the dress.

Blue

For mature women and young brides, blue color is ideal. In the first case, it refreshes and rejuvenates, in the second, it emphasizes tenderness, fragility and youth. You need to choose the right shade of blue. So, for girls with marble skin color, cool variations of blue are recommended, perhaps with a steel or gray undertone. Greenish-blue shades are more suitable for peachy-yellow skin.

Beige

The nude palette is attracting more and more women. Beige tones have firmly entered the business, casual and festive wardrobe. The color, selected according to skin type, is refreshing, harmonizes with most pastel shades and sets the tone for the entire celebration. For a wedding, a nude dress made of lace or satin, tulle or multi-layered veil is suitable. Evening fashion pleased women with dresses in smoky beige, which looks mysterious and noble.

Pink

The color pink has many fans among women, but older ladies try to avoid it, considering the pink palette to be infantile. In fact, a pink dress can compliment an older bride. The pink and beige palette looks especially good. No less fashionable variations are lilac-pink, pink-smoky, and the color of a withered rose. Powdery tones are recommended for young girls.

Pregnant

Just like being married at the time of the wedding, pregnancy will not become an obstacle to the celebration. But the difficulty lies in choosing a wedding dress, especially if these are the last months of pregnancy.

An important detail is that pregnant women should not wear a white wedding dress. Since white is the color denoting the bride’s virginity.

Materials for a wedding dress need stretch for greater comfort. If this is an early period, then the tummy can be completely hidden with empire or high-waisted styles.

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.

Full

Sometimes it is very difficult to choose the right outfit for such a non-standard physique. However, there are models that will not only almost completely hide your shortcomings, but also emphasize your advantages.

Look in the store catalog for A-line models, universal Greek or empire style. With an hourglass figure, mermaid dresses look very interesting. Also a very important element are the sleeves, which should not be voluminous, because they will only make you look fat.

Drapery, folds and other similar decor will only make the image heavier. Choose wedding dress materials for plus size people that are less shiny and without lace.

What outfit is unacceptable?

• Too bright a color - orange, blue, green, red, fuchsia and others, as well as black, which in the walls of a church will look more like a mourning one;
• pretentious;
• with a lot of decor;
• very luxurious and pretentious;
• with an incredibly long train, because behind you there will be witnesses holding crowns throughout the ceremony, and they may accidentally step on your chic detail;
• overly sexy - deep neckline, completely open arms, bare shoulders, back and knees are prohibited.

The hem length may be short, but in moderation. Midi options that end at knee level, or cocktail ones that end at the calf area are perfect.

Of course, jeans, trousers, tops, T-shirts, and even more so completely transparent, shiny and too tight dresses and miniskirts are under no circumstances allowed for the Sacrament of this rite.

For an older woman

It is increasingly happening that women are getting married after thirty or more. And there is nothing wrong with this; on the contrary, such a conscious marriage, a union, will most likely be much stronger than fleeting early love. However, for such weddings there are some features in wedding clothing:

• A modest wedding dress should not be white. This color can highlight what you would like to hide. Therefore, it is better to give preference to golden or cream shades.
• Choose options with a cape or bolero to hide imperfections behind the fabric.
• It is better to wear comfortable shoes than elegant ones.
• The image should be elegant and simple. Leave fluffy skirts and ruffles and bows to twenty-year-old girls

Color range

For Christians, exclusively light-colored dresses are appropriate for weddings. Young brides can afford absolutely any color:

• white;
• champagne;
• beige;
• lilac;
• tea rose;
• powdery;
• lactic;
• light blue;
• pale pink;
• pale yellow;
• nude;
• cream;
• silver and so on.

But for mature ladies it is better to refuse snow-white, because against its background age-related flaws on the skin will immediately become visible. It would be great to choose a product in a light beige, mustard, golden, or sand shade.

Dark colors are prohibited - brown, black, as well as flashy and acidic colors - purple, fuchsia, green, yellow and others. Avoid colorful motifs.

Choose “your” dress

There are several ways to choose clothes for any occasion. For example, you can rent a dress, in a salon or have it made to order, or maybe you just choose a single option for the entire celebration (both for the wedding and for the wedding). And, of course, everything has its pros and cons.

For example, rental will cost you much less than a full purchase, and you don’t need to worry about finding storage space, since you will need to give it back after the ceremony. However, not every salon can offer the dress for a church wedding that is right for you. And many people don’t like the fact that it is already worn.

If you choose the option with a salon, then, firstly, it is very tedious - after all, how many stores will you have to go around, and secondly, there is no guarantee that you will even find that very option. But he will forever remain with you with all the emotions and memories you experienced.

And the last thing is custom tailoring. Very expensive, but definitely worth it. After all, it will be only yours, no one will wear it before or after the celebration except the hostess.

Believe it or not…

Believe it or not, the ideal wedding outfit from the point of view of the wise Russian people is this :

• the wedding dress was bought, not rented, and will forever remain worn by one bride, also no one touched it or held it in their hands: this will protect the girl from bad energy;
• the groom did not see him until the wedding: otherwise there would be trouble;
• the bride tried it on only once, did not show it to her friends and did not twirl in it in front of the mirror: so that the wedding would not be upset;
• it is a single piece, and is not divided into a corset and a skirt: this way the family ties will be strong;
• it is white: prosperity and mutual tenderness will reign in the family;
• it is sewn from durable fabric that does not tear: that is why the mother-in-law will be kind and friendly;
• the buttons, of which there are an even number, are sewn on with two stitches: this connects the lovers even more strongly;
• some element (lace) or decoration (scarf, brooch, earrings, hairpins) is borrowed: loved ones will always be ready to help;
• it is decorated with several leaves of lovage: for the husband to carry in his arms all his life, to love and cherish, to surround him with his care and attention;
• there are no ties or any intertwining on it: otherwise there will be many failures and confusing situations in married life;
• it has golden elements: they will attract money to the family;
• it is put on only over the head: otherwise there will be trouble;
• the dress and veil have the maximum possible length: the spouses’ life together will be the same long;
• on its hem you can find a pin attached with the head down, and several stitches are made from the inside with blue threads: these are amulets against the evil eye;
• The bride's shoes are old or worn for several days: good luck in family life.

And yet, it is up to you to decide what it should be - your wedding dress . The main thing is that the event in honor of which it will be worn becomes the most important in your life, bringing boundless happiness and devoted love into it.

Tips for choosing a dress

Nowadays it is very difficult to choose from the entire mass of assortment the dress that will warm your soul, even when it lies in the closet, in a box. So here are some tips to help you:

• You can buy a simple, inexpensive dress, and then add some decorations to it yourself or in a studio, for example, lace or satin ribbons.
• Don’t think that clothes bought for a wedding are disposable. You can make a choice towards practicality, thanks to which the garment will later be suitable for everyday wear, as shown in the photo.
• If the celebration is scheduled for the summer, then the material of the clothing should be light. Cotton and linen are ideal fabrics for a hot day. Great summer colors include soft mint or light green and sky blue.
• For winter, choose practical, dense materials such as velvet or drape. You can also use various capes and boleros for insulation. And all because the temples are quite cool in winter.
• Orthodox wedding dresses should be mostly simple and comfortable. Try to convey the state of your soul through it, since in church you will appear before God and his assistants.
• Experiment with decoration. Modest does not mean ugly!

Pay attention to even minor details that can ruin the image. Also, do not forget that the groom’s suit must match the bride, either in color and style, or in some decorative item.

Some recommendations

1. Modest and elegant is exactly how you should look first of all at a wedding.
2. In the temple you need to keep your head covered ; a long veil, stole or hood from a cape will come to the rescue.
3. Make sure that your wedding item covers your shoulders, décolleté, knees and back from prying eyes .
4. If your wedding at the registry office and the ceremony are planned on the same day and you want to wear an open outfit, then be sure a cape made of light material, a lace bolero or a scarf over
5. Combine very short sleeves with gloves for a sophisticated and harmonious look.
6. is too long , attracting attention, looks pretentious and expensive, which is unacceptable for church customs. In addition, such a hem is popular among Catholics, so leave the chic element for a wedding celebration or unfasten it before entering the temple.

Photos of successful options

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Makeup

The makeup of a bride about to get married should be modest, natural and laconic. We accept a natural complexion, a light blush, pastel shades of eye shadow. It is better to refrain from using arrows or make them unnoticeable.

During the ceremony you will have to kiss the cross, icon and Bible, so lipstick or lip gloss is strictly prohibited. It is advisable to wipe off your lipstick before entering the church, and after the wedding it can be restored.