How do I cover my shoulders for church wedding?

[RedheadInARush]

Guest at smart wedding next month.

Sold a kidney and invested in this beauty.
https://rixolondon.com/products/sandrine-blue-leaf-jacquard

What cover-up would best suit it for the (very conservative, I'm warned) church part?

Maximum budget £40. Size 12.

It's also not that hard to just cover up

It’s about being respectful to other people’s cultures and religions.

I think a belero would be best

I had a conservative church wedding. You don't need to cover up! Just don't go topless

OP wants to cover up

Then that wasn't a conservative church!

Exactly. Some strange replies here. Men takes hats off, for example, whether Christian or not.

@Whataretheodds ok yeah you probs know best

Idk your size. I bought this white lipsy blazer in the sale a few days ago from Next to go over a long turquoise blue dress for a wedding. It came pretty quickly. It’s petite, but it doesn’t matter unless you’re exceptionally tall as pushing up the sleeves is on trend. Otherwise, pick another colour maybe… I’m also wondering if longer line would look nice with this dress? It depends on your body shape. Long line does nothing for me. There’s also a longer line cream one listed and other colours depend depending on your size. The blazer actually looks surprisingly good. My 15 yo dd is also doing the same. We are matching. Her idea, which I thought was sweet of her to want to do. Similar colours, different dresses and jackets.

Yep. No bare shoulders or above the knees was the rule at an Italian church I visited a couple of years ago. They were actually less strict than the guide books said, but some ignorant tourists still had to be given plastic coverups.

Why do you need to cover your shoulders?

When did this be one a thing in the UK? I know years ago this was needed to visit catholic cathedrals on the continent.

I need a link please 🙂

Well that would the the height of rudeness

The clergy won't notice let alone care about bare shoulders
But OP might be a bit chilly

I vote wrap

I don't think our local C of E churches request that people do, but we are having quite a chilly and wet summer and churches are cold. So, for that reason I would want to wear something warm over that lovely dress.

Conservative choice - would go with your gold accessories (but needs the turquoise bag!):

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/oversized-boyfriend-blazer-20136

But I’m sure there are more exciting choices. (And surely the sort of thing you could borrow from someone you know?) Alternatively there’s a Rixo patchwork suede on the same site …

There was a fashion for ages for every bride to wear strapless dresses. It was absolutely ubiquitous. Every single one. Anyway, that does make me wonder about some churches and modesty.
However, if it's a conservative denomination, I understand your concern. It's probably no bad thing to take an extra layer anyway because of unpredictable weather. The low cost chiffon one is a good idea, as is a pashmina.

I personally think a blazer might be too formal/harsh against a feminine light dress. You're also stuck with it all day/evening.
I'd go for a simple light gold wrap/shawl, just a cheap one. I'd be more chosen though how I accessorise. I think a large broach/pin would look great, securing it so when you lift your hymn book etc it stays put. Go for a big clasp with blue gems/pattern to compliment your dress.
The pic I've attached is quite a bright gold, but I think the drape works well. A more faded/creamy gold could work too. Loads on Amazon, plus costume jewelery. I'd chose the shade of gold to complement your shoes.

Oops forgot pic!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Central-Chic-Shimmer-Weddings-Champagne/dp/B07XQFZXWC/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=CAKHMENAHDV7&keywords=gold+wrap+shawl&qid=1690013193&sprefix=gold+wrap+shaw%2Caps%2C361&sr=8-5

Peak Mumsnet. OP has said the church is best conservative and she needs to cover her shoulders - so why on earth people are talking about CoE churches where that isn't required is beyond me.

I'm no fashionista OP but I'd be looking for a blazer, white might suit the dress best but I'd never wear it again. Navy or cream/oatmeal/something neutral I would wear again for work so maybe something like that?

I'm an atheist, however I've been to The Vatican and had to cover up and to Greek Orthodox churches where I was advised to cover my shoulders and not wear a short skirt. Women in short skirts weren't actually allowed in.
Another vote for a blazer too.

Just buy a nice wrap.

This one in ivory is just about in budget and would come in very handy for other things: https://www.marksandspencer.com/woven-fringed-scarf/p/clp22558021?color=IVORY#intid=pid_pg1pip18g4r1c1

I know some churches were flexible and viewed the veil as covering the shoulders (even though they don't really). It was also fashionable to get a little lace cap sleeve made that could be removed later. And of course, presumably women who were getting married in very conservative churches where that wouldn't fly just chose different styles - although that was the era I got married in and it was bloody tough to find dresses that weren't strapless!

These are lovely - the paler colours might work.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/double-breasted-blazer/p/clp60434218?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Tell me about it! My friend was getting married back then and I was helping her to choose a dress, it was just awful! Every single one was strapless. They all looked awful. In the end, she had to buy a strapless one and she bought a little lace bolero and stitched it on.

I would use a wrap you can get fake fur cotton or chiffon or lace i.d say white or whatever colour your shoes and bag are . I do love the dress.