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

[Evino]

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?

Its 2026. God designed us. He knows we have a back and shoulders. I know what you mean though. I think as a guest im.with you but i do think thevwefdong dress can be extra.

I cant remember what country it was but we have some old photos of DH and his (male) friends in long skirts on holiday because they weren't allowed to enter a religious building in their shorts.

The rule is definitely still enforced at St Peter’s Rome… I was there in May.

Woman has a body and chooses her clothes, shock.

I don't know but it sounds gorgeous.

Lots of women in skimpy clothes, shorts, tight tops, showing their arms and shoulders were stopped from going into the churches in Bethlehem when I visited. Those who could not cover up couldn’t go in.

I am not sure what they were thinking dressing that way for a church visit in Bethlehem.

it was a stunning church.

The OP hasn't judged the dress (they seemed pretty complimentary about it) or even the rules in churches about covering up
They are basically saying that it doesnt seem to fit the seemingly strict rules (also encountered by other posters) imposed by some churches in Italy?

The title alone is judgey, and she’s also been told the priest approved it what more does she need.

When I made the post I didn’t know about the priests approval, I was curious as to if anyone knew if there were exceptions etc.

The title was AI generated by mumsnets fairly new feature where I assume it reads the post and generates a title, I didn’t think it would be so controversial I’d need to change it.

FFS...

They do in Italy. They care very much. You are forbidden from entering a Catholic church with short sleeves, uncovered shoulders, strappy or cropped tops, plunging necklines or if you're wearing anything above the knee. The rules apply to men and women and are standard for weddings, church services or just visitors to the church. If you are dressed unsuitably you will definitely be turned away. But if it's only a case of bare shoulders, you will be given a shawl/large scarf at the entrance to cover yourself with. As far as bridal gowns are concerned, if they stray into the area of "not quite suitable", then the priest will be asked for his approval. I'm half Italian, lived there for years and am Catholic so I really do know what I'm talking about. Obviously it's very different in Ireland!

Exactly!

Tis you, op?

From the OP
"Have Catholic Churches really loosened the grip on what is seen as a modest".
Sounds super judgemental if the Church to me!

Did you actually go and have to confirm it because you could not believe what she wore?
Wow.

Why do the parents of those brutalised girls and their neglected babies always get a free pass? They're the ones who sent them off to these places and didn't give a shit what happened there just as long as they didn't come back with a kid in tow.

Yeah, Catholic churches are super judgemental....that's their shtik lol

Ha... love the gif :)
But it's the church who has that attitude, not necessarily the op