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AIBU?

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AIBU to think a revealing wedding dress seemed unsuitable for church?

201 replies

Evino · 17/07/2026 08:18

Recently DH and I were invited to a wedding in Italy, it was held in a cathedral/Duomo technically, but one of the much smaller ones, in the south.
Obviously it being a church wedding we ensured both of us and our teenage daughters were modest, shoulders covered etc.

However the Bride, had an admittedly gorgeous, but I’d say … unexpected dress for the day. With a deep V open back (and the rest of the back was lace so essentially completely exposed), no veil, spaghetti straps and a fairly deep (though not revealing) cowl neckline.

It really surprised me this was seen as an appropriate dress for a church, especially one of significance. I’m not saying the dress wasn’t beautiful, it was! And I wouldn’t say she actually looked particularly provocative, I’d have just thought it would fall outside the modesty standards.

Have Catholic Churches really loosened the grip on what is seen as a modest? AIBU to be shocked that this was allowed and think it’s not an entirely appropriate choice?

OP posts:
LovageSage · 17/07/2026 08:21

I’ve been to lots of Catholic weddings in Ireland and shoulders uncovered is very normal for brides here. Dresses are often strapless.
I’m not sure what’s typical in Italy though.