While many modern wedding dress styles are revealing, the modest wedding dress is not a thing of the past. Many brides today still choose modest gowns over more provocative ones for a variety of reasons. Today's brides can rest assured there are plenty of options to find the modest gown of their dreams without sacrificing style.
What Classifies as a Modest Wedding Dress?
What defines a modest wedding dress may vary slightly from bride to bride. However, there are several features of a wedding gown that are typically considered less modest than others. If opting for a modest wedding dress, you may want to consider the following features of your gown: neckline, sleeve style, length, back design, and cut.
Plunging, deep V-neck, and halter style dresses are generally considered more provocative. Backless, strapless, and off-the-shoulder-gowns are also often placed this category. Length is another consideration -- with the increase in informal, summer, and beach weddings , shorter gowns are seen more and more. Avoiding these style choices, however, still leaves many options for brides.
Necklines
The jewel neckline is a very modest neckline. Versatile and popular, the jewel neckline is also very elegant. The bateau, or boat neck, is another modest neckline choice, fitting across the chest slightly below the collarbone. Square, sweetheart and scoop necklines are slightly lower cuts than jewels and bateaus, but are still modest and beautiful neckline choices.
Sleeve Length
If a strapless or spaghetti strap gown is not what you're looking for, three-quarter length, short, and long sleeves come in many styles for a lovely modest wedding dress. Romantic puffed or poet sleeves, elegant tapered or fitted sleeves, dainty tulip or cap sleeves -- these are just a few choices in sleeve styles that can be alluring without showing too much skin.
Back Design
Full back coverage is used in many wedding dress styles, often in conjunction with jewel or high-necked gowns. Keyhole and scoop back designs are also considerations that are stylish and yet still modest.
Length
While recent times have seen a rise in informal and often shorter wedding dress styles, the bride seeking a longer dress can rest assured that such styles still prevail. Lengths varying from floor length to tea length are still extremely popular.
The Right Fit
If you are looking for a modest wedding gown, you don't have to necessarily dismiss the idea of a fitted gown. Many fitted gowns are elegant and tasteful. If a more free flowing gown is your choice, however, you can choose a fitted bodice with a ball-gown, ballerina, A-line or other skirt style. For a whimsical and romantic look, an empire waist with flowing skirt is a popular choice.
Go Vintage for a Modest Wedding Dress
For a chic flashback from the past , vintage wedding dresses are a prime choice for a modest gown. Vintage clothing stores may offer the perfect dress, and perhaps at a fraction of the cost. Some bridal shops even specialize in vintage looks . If you can't find the exact style you want at a vintage clothing store, many dressmakers are willing to recreate vintage style gowns to your specifications.
Choosing Your Dress
Choosing the perfect dress can be difficult. The perfect modest wedding dress should showcase you and all you bridal beauty . If you are having your dress made for you, be honest with the dressmaker about exactly what you are looking for. Similarly, be upfront with the salespersons at bridal shops, they are there to help you.
Many brides choose a close friend or family member to go with them to try on wedding gowns. Not only does this provide emotional support, but an honest friend can help give you feedback to choose the gown that is perfect for you and your special day!
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