Wedding dress for the bride - special requirements. Rules for guests at a wedding in the Orthodox Church: what to wear, what to give and others

Choosing a dress for a wedding is not an easy task. It is important not only to choose a dress that matches the appearance of the bride, but also to remain within the strict framework of church requirements. But Orthodox traditions do not oblige you to choose a necessarily boring and too simple dress, because there are many acceptable variations.

An increasing number of couples choose to get married in a church after registering with the registry office- someone because of a fashion trend, someone - to please their parents, and someone - because of their own deep faith.

It should be understood that the religious sacrament is not just beautiful scenery. This is the creation of strong spiritual bonds between husband and wife, which cannot be broken in principle. Therefore, you can take a serious step only when you are confident in your chosen one., your compatibility and the fact that this is the same person with whom you are ready to spend your whole life, because there is no debunking procedure in church law.

Equally important is the appearance of the bride. Unlike a secular wedding, it requires compliance with certain rules. must be chaste and pure, because on a symbolic level, she plays the role of the Church, which Christ takes as a wife in the form of a groom.

Invalid:

• artsy, too bright, dark details;
• excessive luxury;
• emphasized sexuality - bare arms, knees, deep neckline;
• uncovered head.

Of course, there can be no talk of any trouser suits, jeans or miniskirts. The bride must be in a dress, and certainly closed and long (below the knee). should also be used with extreme caution. Let's say a light, unobtrusive nude, only slightly hiding imperfections.

Important! The wedding ceremony is spiritual, which means that the purity of thoughts and the beauty of the soul, and not the body, are more important.

In no case should you paint your lips, neither with a light gloss, nor with long-lasting lipstick. During the sacrament, you have to kiss the crucifix and the image, so the remaining trace can be an extremely unpleasant moment that spoils the ceremony. In addition, a strict priest may simply not give you sacred things when he sees bright lips, without understanding how super-resistant cosmetics are.

What should be?

A miniskirt in the walls of the church is definitely inappropriate: the hem should at least cover the knees. Many brides choose a floor-length dress - this is the most chaste and very beautiful option, emphasizing the quivering femininity of the bride and the general sacredness of the moment. This length suits almost everyone, except, perhaps, low full girls. They better look at the skirt shorter - to the middle of the calf.

As for the train, this magnificent element, firstly, is rather inconvenient. Behind you will be standing with crowns that may accidentally step on the delicate fabric. If you really want something beautiful, then choose a model with a removable accessory which fastens on hooks, buttons or strings. Secondly, remember that this train is an attribute of the bride, so if you are getting married in an Orthodox church, then it may seem inappropriate, although the church does not impose a direct ban on trains.

Dress style may vary. Only emphatically revealing outfits will not work - with a deep neckline, open back, shoulders or arms, too tight or shiny.

It is better to choose modest , . It is better to refuse excessively puffy skirts on hoop rings, but petticoats are quite acceptable.


The decor should be modest, but elegant - lace, hand embroidery, beads.

The material of the dress may also vary.. Delicate silk, and shining satin, and royal velvet will do. Lighter, airy options - organza, chiffon, tulle - are also possible, but make sure that the dress is not overly lush. There are many candles in the church, and synthetics catch fire easily.

If the wedding is scheduled for one day with official registration, where you would like to be in a more open dress, then transformer models with a detachable puffy skirt, as well as shawls or capes covering the shoulders, will come to the rescue during the wedding.

The color of the outfit, contrary to popular belief, does not have to be pure white. Moreover, canonically, this option is allowed only to innocent girls, although now this rule is no longer so zealously observed.

If you want to stick to traditions and rules, then pay attention to gentle undertones - ivory, champagne, cream, and other soft variations of white. Any other light shades are also allowed - pink, blue, golden, green, lilac. It is important that the color is not too bright or dark. Dark chocolate or purple will have to be abandoned in any case, otherwise there is complete freedom of choice.

Folk omens

The ancient and sacred rite is surrounded by many superstitions. How you treat them is your choice.

Important! The Orthodox Church considers such beliefs sinful and does not approve, but folk wisdom does not arise from scratch.

In particular, signs say the following about a wedding dress:

• The dress must be new., and even the bride herself can try it on only once. No long admiring at the mirror or selfie on Instagram!
• Part of the outfit must be borrowed- a ribbon, a string of pearls, a brooch. In case of trouble in a new family, relatives and friends will definitely help to overcome adversity;
• Even the best girlfriends or sisters should not be allowed to try on a dress otherwise they will "try on" the happiness of the bride;
• The longer the hem and veil, the longer family happiness will last;
• Golden elements on the dress - to good luck and wealth in the family;
• The stronger the material from which the outfit is sewn, the closer and kinder the relationship between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law will be;
• You can not choose separate models consisting of a skirt and a corset otherwise the family boat may split into two halves;
• The groom should not see the bride in a dress immediately before the ceremony, the more it is forbidden to choose an outfit together;
• After the wedding, the dress should be carefully stored and not given to anyone. You can not put it on again or sell it - this is your symbol of a happy life and protection from evil.

Fabric and finish

Almost as much depends on the choice of fabric as on the style.

Silk wedding dresses look great. Natural material, the density of which is ideal for creating draperies, and at the same time breathable, delicate, with a noble delicate sheen, will suit a bride of any complexion and age.

Satin is an extremely common material, very beautiful both in a flowing form and in folds. The downside is a rather bright shine, so it is best for slender brides to choose this option.

Lighter, airy materials like chiffon, tulle or organza require a mandatory dense 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 great for decorating an outfit, as well as for its entire upper part, but with a lining.

Length

Miniskirts, as mentioned above, are under the strictest ban, and it is unlikely that the bride herself would want to be unnecessarily naked at such an important, exciting moment of pronouncing an oath of allegiance to a loved one before God.

Otherwise, the church does not regulate the length of the hem. It is possible as a strict midi, the main thing is that the knees do not peek out from under the fabric, and maxi to the floor, as well as all intermediate options.


Remember that it is most convenient when the hem rises 2-3 centimeters above the floor, taking into account your shoes. So you definitely won’t step on and tear the dress.

Colour: white and alternatives

The white color of the wedding dress is traditional, recommended for choice by innocent girls, although this rule is allowed to be forgotten. Snow-white looks great on swarthy or tanned brides, but older ladies with a curvaceous figure should avoid it.

A beautiful blue dress, because the color represents heavenly grace and purity. This outfit will suit blondes, as well as romantic, dreamy girls. Be careful with sky shades if your color type is autumn.

Other color options are also possible: from various shades of white (cream, beige, champagne, ivory) to various tones of the light spectrum (pink, green, lilac).

Important! Under the ban are dark tones - black, brown, purple, as well as too bright and acid colors.

The red color stands apart - on the one hand, it is too aggressive for a delicate wedding look, and on the other hand, it is extremely popular and historically true, because a wedding sundress several centuries ago was just scarlet. If the choice fell on red, we recommend that you ask the father who will marry you for approval.

Styles - evening and non-wedding with a photo

Closed, chaste models of a simple style are classic, but there are many other options for every taste and figure. Be sure to choose an outfit that fits perfectly on the figure, hides flaws, because modesty does not mean the need to look insufficiently elegant.

Sleeves

The style of a wedding dress with sleeves definitely does not go beyond the church dress code, even if the sleeves are made of weightless chiffon or openwork lace.

Full brides should pay attention to bell sleeves, however, they look fabulous on thin hands. A flashlight or wings will hide only the shoulders, leaving the arms open. In this case, it is better to add elegant gloves to the outfit, but remember that they are worn only on the skin, because, according to tradition, the decoration is not removed. That's why, if you decide to wear gloves, do not forget to take them off in time not to do it in a hurry in front of the altar. The original alternative is the transition of the sleeve to the mitt: part of the bare wrist is closed, but the fingers for the rings are free.

A simple straight sleeve to the wrist also looks very gentle and elegant. It can be from the same material as the entire dress, or from a more delicate and airy one.

If you choose puffy lace cuffs, be careful with lit ones: one of them will be in your hands during the entire sacrament.

Closed

Such models hide their chest, shoulders, back and arms from prying eyes, and sometimes even cover their neck with a high collar, and for girls with a long graceful neck, this will become a truly royal option.

Idea! Draperies, embroidery, lace, or just a scarf of a different color will become a wonderful decor for a wedding dress. You can combine different fabrics, then, despite the closeness, the dress will still look more airy and tender.

A closed dress is the most modest style, designed for elegant girls who understand the solemnity of the ceremony, or for older brides. In general, a small neckline is allowed by the church, so you can choose a "boat" or a shallow V-neck. The main thing is that it does not expose the skin too openly, and the dress remains chaste.

Lacy

Openwork motifs look wonderful both as a decor and as a single canvas.

It is important to remember that if you use other lace accessories, for example, or, you should carefully select the shade. If these are different tones of white, then the darker one inevitably looks untidy.

You should also be careful with the pattern - patterns very different in density will conflict with each other, destroying a holistic image.

modest

A-silhouette, straight cut or any other simple models are quite budgetary, but at the same time they look very organic at the sacrament, demonstrating the modesty of the bride and not diverting attention from her natural beauty with excessive decor.

The absence of unnecessary details allows you to create an elegant one-piece look that will appeal to older brides.

For pregnant

Pregnancy is not a hindrance to a wedding, on the contrary, the clergy believe that it is better for children to be born in a married marriage. But it becomes more difficult to choose the right outfit in position, because you should be comfortable.

Advice! Since white is associated with virginity, it is better for a pregnant bride to look at other shades: from cream to soft pink or blue.

The dress should fit, not press, so it is better to choose a stretchy fabric, especially if you are choosing an outfit at the stage of rapid growth of the tummy. Opt for a loose-fitting style. Perfectly hide the interesting position of the dress in the Empire style, Greek draperies, high waistline.

For full

Nothing will prevent curvy girls from looking perfect at a wedding if you choose a dress that hides flaws and emphasizes dignity.

Pyshechki fit closed A-silhouette dresses, Greek motifs, Empire style. It is better to choose sleeves either with a bell or straight, without excess volume, which visually increases the shoulders.

Be extremely careful with draperies, they make the image heavier. Be no less jealous of shiny fabrics, large or, on the contrary, too small lace pattern - all these decisions make you fat.

For an older woman

Increasingly, couples decide to get married after 20 or more years of marriage, so an older bride needs to approach choosing an outfit differently than a young girl.

Do not choose white. He will emphasize the imperfections of appearance. It is better to stay on cream, golden, other light options.

Elegant closed dresses with a light cape or bolero look good. Choose shoes according to your own convenience: if you can stand in high heels for at least an hour, then do not refuse the elegant option.

Accessories

Wedding shoes should be not only 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 keep the crown above your head. Choose modest shoes in a neutral color, without frilly details. Classic elegant pumps are perfect.

A veil is a traditional element of an outfit, but optional, because it can be replaced by a hood, a scarf, a raincoat with a hood. If you decide to stay on a veil, then give preference to models that are attached high enough to the top of the head. According to church rules, women should have their heads covered at least to the middle. Of course, the veil cannot be colored, too short, emphatically unusual. Be careful with overly layered, lush models, as there are a lot of lit candles around.


Despite the rule of closed hair, your face must be open, so be careful when you want to throw a part of the multi-layered veil back on your own, without the help of a witness.

A more classic version is a scarf that can cover both hair and be an elegant cloak or bolero that also wraps shoulders, arms, back and neckline. The accessory material is acceptable the most diverse - from lace to weightless tulle. The color is not necessarily white, but certainly light and not too bright.

What to do with the outfit after the wedding in the church?

It is best to keep your outfit as a symbol of a happy marriage - this is another reason why it is better to avoid models that are too curvaceous. It is not recommended to sell or rent such a memorabilia, as well as cut or alter.

Sometimes a wedding dress is worn on a wedding anniversary, it will look especially touching on the 20th anniversary and beyond.

Important! The Orthodox Church itself does not regulate the further fate of the wedding dress in any way, and all of the above are not strict rules, but worldly wisdom.

• The main thing that your image should talk about is elegance and modesty. so choose a simple style;
• The dress must cover the knees, chest, shoulders and back. In the case of very short sleeves, gloves or a cape cannot be dispensed with;
• Don't forget to cover your head. A scarf of a shade different from the color of the dress will add charming accents to the image that do not go beyond the scope of the church dress code;
• Be sure to choose. Tight fitting within the walls of the temple is, in principle, inappropriate, but you should take into account your parameters and height. Full girls do not need to abuse the decor and shiny fabrics, and it is better for short brides to abandon the hem to the floor;
• The color of the wedding dress can be white, but it is still better to give preference to cream, cream, ivory and other light shades. Leave acidic and gloomy colors for another occasion;
• A train at an Orthodox wedding is an extra element. Leave it to the Catholics!
• The fabric is the most diverse- silk, satin, guipure, organza, velvet, tulle, chiffon.

Useful video

A wedding is a very important and solemn event, so the wedding dress should be appropriate. In the video, the clergyman's opinion about what a wedding dress should be like:

Conclusion

A wedding dress is not only an outfit for an important day, but also a symbol of happiness and protection for a newly-made family. Modest, but no less beautiful, it is a guide to a life consecrated by a heavenly marriage. Therefore, it is worth choosing it so that after many years, when looking at photographs or a dress taken out of the box, you will feel tenderness and grace in your soul.

In the Soviet years in our country, some functions that the church used to carry out began to be performed by registry offices. State institutions registered acts of civil status, including marriages, and the sacral rite of consecration of the union between spouses, which was performed in temples, was forgotten.

In those years, people who got married in a church were expelled from the party and the Komsomol, and sometimes they were fired from their jobs. Not surprisingly, few took such a step. Over time, these prohibitions were lifted, and the ancient tradition of consecrating the relationship of loving people in churches is beginning to revive in our country.

Some couples decide to enter into such an alliance a few years after registering the marriage at the registry office. What are the requirements for getting married in a church if they are already married? There is no difference in the rules of the church charter for people who have been married for a long time or recently.

What do you need to get married in a church if you are already married?

In any case, you are obliged to bring documents confirming registration in the registry office to the church.

According to the rules, spouses who wish to consecrate their union in the church must be baptized Orthodox Christians who are not related to each other by blood (up to the fourth step), godfathers or godparents and godchildren who do not belong to each other.

In some cases, weddings with Christians of other faiths (Catholics, Lutherans, Protestants) are allowed, but this ceremony is not performed if one of the spouses is not baptized, is a Muslim, a Buddhist, or adheres to another faith.

You should also be aware that the church does not recognize all marriages concluded in accordance with civil norms. It does not allow the conclusion of a marriage union more than three times, although, in accordance with the legislation in our country, subsequent - fourth and fifth - marriages are allowed.

If one of the spouses has already been married before, he needs to obtain permission from the bishop to terminate the previous marriage.

How to prepare for the wedding for those who are already married?

You need to choose the temple where this ceremony will take place, set a suitable date in accordance with the church calendar and agree on this with the priest. According to the church charter, the wedding is not held:

• on the days of many-day church fasts (Christmas, Great, Petrov and Assumption),
• on Cheese and Easter weeks,
• in the period from the Nativity of Christ to the Epiphany (Christmas time),
• on the eve of the twelfth, great and temple holidays,
• on the days of church holidays (on the Meeting, the Ascension of the Lord, the Trinity, the Beheading of John the Baptist, the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God),
• on Saturdays, as well as on Tuesdays and Thursdays - on the eve of Lenten Wednesday and Friday.

In order to have time to prepare everything you need, it is better to set a wedding date 2-3 weeks before this event.

What else do married spouses need to prepare for the wedding ceremony? On the eve of this ceremony, the spouses need to endure a three-day fast, confess and take communion.

If you are not very familiar with the procedure for conducting church rites, do not worry - the priest will tell you about everything. Before giving you his blessing, he will offer to read certain prayers, attend a service in the temple, etc.

Keep in mind that on the eve of the sacrament and wedding, you can not drink alcohol; it is also recommended to refrain from intimacy. These days they do not need to be angry, quarrel, allow idle talk, unkind thoughts, they should be more humble and meek.

What is required for the wedding ceremony in the church?

To perform this ceremony you will need:

• two icons - the Savior and the Mother of God, with which the clergyman will bless the spouses during the sacrament,
• rings: gold for a man and silver for a woman, although only gold or silver can be used,
• church candles and two small handkerchiefs with which you will wrap the candles so that dripping wax does not burn your hands during the wedding,
• towels, one of which is bandaged for the wedding couple, and the other is laid under their feet (these can be elegant white towels or towels decorated with wedding symbols),
• red fortified wines Cahors or Sherry.

The wedding set can be purchased at the church shop. The wedding ceremony itself is free of charge, but there is a tradition to leave a donation in the temples. Its size, which is negotiated on an individual basis, is usually 500-1500 rubles.

Filming in the temple can only be done with the prior permission of the priest. In some churches, photography is prohibited, and in some churches it is allowed only from certain places.

How to prepare for a church wedding?

Take your choice of witnesses seriously. According to the rules, only baptized Orthodox believers can act in this capacity. It is desirable that this be a married couple, married and having children.

Witnesses will have to not only be present in the church and hold crowns over your heads during the ceremony, but also maintain close contact with you later, help in the formation of a family and, if necessary, provide moral assistance.

The outfits of the spouses should be solemn and at the same time modest. You should not wear casual, sports or too revealing clothes to the wedding. The wedding dress should not have a deep neckline and cuts, the length is above the knees.

If it is too open, you need to take care of a scarf or cape that is thrown over the top. The heads of all women present at the wedding must be covered with headscarves or headdresses. Also, during the ceremony, the spouses must wear pectoral crosses. This also applies to other people present at the wedding ceremony.

It remains to be said that the wedding ceremony takes a long time - at least 40 minutes, and it is better for the wedding woman to choose comfortable shoes with not too high heels so that nothing distracts her during the ceremony.

We hope that in this article you will find the answer to the question of what is needed for a church wedding for those couples who have already been married. We advise you to take this sacrament with all seriousness and responsibility, because it is extremely difficult to dissolve a church marriage, unlike a civil one.

In the list of pre-wedding preparations, a separate “honorable” place is occupied by the choice and purchase of wedding dresses for the bride and groom. For each couple and a person individually, the selection criteria can be different indicators: the attractiveness of the outfit, its price, wedding fashion, etc. But those who decide to consolidate their union not only before the state, but also before God, have to solve this issue somewhat. on the other hand, and make a choice in accordance with how the bride and groom can dress for the wedding. Our site invites future newlyweds to get acquainted with the basic requirements for the "church wedding dress code" and learn about the most popular and practical solutions to this issue.

Bride's wedding dress

Marriage is already a serious decision, and when young people decide, in addition to taking vows in church, then, as a rule, they do it quite consciously and with all responsibility. For them, it is not news that you need to go through certain church preparations before the ceremony and look appropriate for the occasion at the ceremony. So what should a bride wear to a wedding? Undoubtedly, dress or suit with a skirt and never pants. Now there are a lot of other questions that relate to what exactly the bride's wedding dress should be.

This is what we will look into:

• in the wedding dress of the bride there should not be even a hint of vulgarity or frivolity;
• The length of the skirt should not exceed the knees. As a rule, these are floor-length dresses, and sometimes, as a tribute to Western tradition, brides choose outfits with a long train;
• the bride's wedding dress does not have to be white (especially if the ceremony takes place on more than one day with registration). It can be any light dress without bright catchy prints;
• there are no clear restrictive requirements regarding the style and features of the cut of the dress, except for the desirable presence of sleeves (short or long) and the absence of deep frank cuts in the neckline or on the back.

In general, the basic requirements for wedding clothes do not differ from the general requirements for going to church. But still, having decided on the temple where the ceremony will take place, it is better to ask the priest about what it is better for the bride to wear for the wedding.

Bride's wedding accessories for wedding

It would seem that there is nothing special and beyond impossible in the requirements for the bride's wedding dress, in which she can get married. But sometimes, especially when the painting, the wedding, and the banquet are held on the same day, it can be difficult for the bride to choose the “right” outfit. For example, she might want strappy dresses or a short wedding dress. What to do then?

There are two solutions: buy two different dresses (for a wedding and for a painting / banquet) or use additional wedding accessories:

• a jacket, a bolero - a practical and beautiful thing that will not only cover bare shoulders in church, but also warm on a wedding evening;
• shawls, capes - also easily cover not only open arms and shoulders, but also a head, a cutout on the back or a deep neckline;
• removable details of the dress are very interesting and useful details that can transform any dress at the right time. These include long-sleeve openwork tops that turn an open dress into an open-closed one, and removable long skirts for mini wedding dresses - with their help, the bride's clothes are transformed for a wedding, and then back for festivities;
• veil - lush and long, which can easily cover the shoulders and back of the bride. Also, a veil attached on top will help the bride fulfill another traditional requirement, which says that a woman should be in the temple with her head covered.

Groom's wedding dress

Despite the fact that the choice of images and outfits for grooms is not as wide and varied as that of brides, there are also some requirements regarding the appearance of men at the wedding ceremony:

1. The groom's clothing should correspond to the solemnity of the moment, so a suit is suitable for a wedding;
2. It is desirable that the groom's suit at the wedding be in light colors, although no one will deny or prohibit the classic dark color options in the men's wardrobe;
3. It is also mandatory for the groom to follow the rules of decency and church rules, so there can be no half-buttoned shirts, naked tattoos and, of course, the head should not be covered (no hats, even if this reduces the showiness of the image).

The wedding ceremony today may seem to many to be a relic of the past or a ceremony not as necessary as registering a marriage in state bodies. In fact, sometimes newlyweds are simply not fully confident in their relationship and are not ready to create an alliance in the face of the Creator. Those who consciously take this step always treat traditions and canons with respect and understanding, and are ready to easily sacrifice their desires in following the wedding fashion somewhere, and come to the wedding in the most modest and restrained outfits that I will display depth and purity of their feelings and relationships.

Many couples get married sooner or later: some go to church immediately after marriage is registered, while others decide to get married years after the wedding. In any case, the wedding is an important step that requires a serious, balanced approach.

It is necessary to prepare for the wedding: take communion, confess, sign up for the wedding in the church. You need to make a list of items that will be needed for the wedding: this is a marriage certificate, wedding icons, towels, etc. You should also consider your appearance.

When signing up for a wedding ceremony, the bride and groom need to talk with the priest and discuss with him, and not with the grandmothers in the church or with the sellers in the church kiosk, all household and organizational issues. It is also advisable to ask about how to dress for a wedding .

Perhaps a particular parish has its own requirements regarding the appearance of those who are getting married. It may turn out that there are no special requirements, and then only you will decide how you look at your own wedding. However, there are traditional wedding rules in the orthodox church concerning, among other things, appearance. Let's talk about these rules.

Appearance of the bride at the wedding

Wedding wear: bride's wedding dress

Wedding dress: color. White is a tradition that came to us from Europe. In Russia, they got married in dresses of any color. There was only one condition - church wedding dress it should be light enough, not too bright or colorful. You should not wear a very dark, gloomy dress of dark purple, dark brown or black. All other colors are appropriate.

Wedding dress: length. The wedding dress should be no longer than the knee. Wedding dresses with a long train are a Catholic tradition. Our brides did not sew dresses with trains. It is unlikely that the ministers of the church will condemn the modern bride, who appeared at the wedding in a dress with a long train, but if you want to observe Orthodox traditions, give preference to an outfit without a train.

Wedding dress: style. The style can be any, but the dress is preferably closed. Ideally, these are long sleeves, a shallow neckline on the chest, and a closed back. Although the sleeve may be short, the most important thing is to cover the shoulders and not enter the church with a very deep neckline and bare back.

If the wedding is planned on the same day as the wedding in the registry office, the bride faces a dilemma: either sign and be at the wedding banquet in a closed dress, or purchase two dresses - one open, for the registry office and a banquet, and the other for the church.

Suitable wedding dress

Of course, wedding dresses with bodice, sleeveless and open back are beautiful. But for the church, such an outfit is not very suitable. The option with two dresses may be overhead.

There is always a solution. First, you can buy the so-called open-closed dress- for example, like the newly-made wife of Prince William Kate Middleton . The bustier dress looks modest and solid thanks to the lace that covers the shoulders and arms.

At Kate, lace is an integral part of the dress, but you can also cover your arms and shoulders lace bolero.

Bolero for wedding

Instead of a bolero, you can order or purchase a beautiful shawl, wedding cape (possibly with a hood) or stole.

Having covered her shoulders and arms, the bride will not lose her beauty, but on the contrary, she will look unusually gentle, modest and touching.

You can do without capes if the bride has a long, fluffy veil on her head. The veil will cover exposed areas of the body, and to hide the bare hands, you can wear long gloves.

On a note. It is not customary to sell or give away wedding dresses after the wedding. They, like christening shirts, are kept together with candles.

Bride wedding shoes

The bride is not recommended to come to church in dress shoes with high heels. The point here is not in Orthodox traditions, but in banal convenience. The wedding ceremony takes a long time.– sometimes several hours pass. To endure so much time in heels is a real feat. And if you consider that the bride will already have time to get tired after the wedding in the registry office and that a banquet awaits her in the future, it is all the more worth making a choice in favor of comfortable ballet flats or sandals with solid soles.

Headdress, hairstyle of the bride at the wedding

Everyone knows that a woman must enter the Orthodox Church with her head covered. When deciding on a wedding hairstyle and its decoration, this church rule must be taken into account. High intricate designs on the head, creative Greek wedding hairstyles or hairstyles with curls can be ruined under a scarf worn at a wedding. To avoid this, it is better to immediately plan a hairstyle with a veil.

Elena Morozova/photo bank Lori

If the bride's hairstyle is complemented by a veil, it is not necessary to cover her head before entering the church (provided that the veil covers the top of her head). Suitable option - wedding veil with veil.

If you do not plan to wear a veil, choose a wedding hairstyle that will not suffer under mantilla, shawl or handkerchief. With the chosen headgear, if it is large enough, you can not only cover your head, but also cover open areas of the body: shoulders, neckline, arms. Ideally, the bedspread should not be completely transparent.

Make sure that the headdress does not fall off during the ceremony. This will interfere with you. If necessary, pin the shawl invisible to the hair.

Check with the priest in advance whether the crowns will be worn on the head or whether they will be held by witnesses (godparents). If the crown will be worn on the head, it is better to refuse a silk scarf because of its slipperiness.

Elena Shchipkova/Photobank Lori

Makeup for the wedding

Can I go to a wedding with makeup on my face? This cannot be avoided if the wedding takes place on the same day as the marriage registration in the registry office. It is rare for a bride to forego makeup on her wedding day. In principle, there are no strict rules regarding the makeup of a woman who comes to church.

True, a woman with painted lips is forbidden to kiss a cross, an icon, a crown. Therefore, before the wedding ceremony, it will be enough for the bride to remove lipstick from her lips. Of course, makeup should not be too bright - however, most brides nowadays prefer natural wedding makeup.

Some parishes have their own opinions about makeup, so you should definitely clarify this issue with the priest.

Appearance of the groom at the wedding

What to wear to a wedding for a man? Any clothing that covers the body is suitable: trousers, long-sleeved shirt, two-piece suit. Sportswear and jeans are not exactly the kind of clothes you should wear to church on your wedding day. As for the bride, the groom prefers light-colored wedding clothes. However, there are no strict rules in this regard.

Men do not cover their heads when entering a church. If the groom has long hair, it is advisable to collect them in a ponytail.

Appearance of witnesses and guests at the wedding

When inviting relatives and friends to the wedding, remind them of the rule that says that you must come to the Orthodox Church in closed clothes. Women should take their hats with them and cover their heads before entering the church. All guests are required to bring their own crosses. This is especially true for witnesses.

Of course, the bride and groom should also have crosses.

What to wear to a wedding if the ceremony does not take place on the wedding day

Not everyone gets married on the day of the wedding in the registry office. Many come to this decision a few years after the conclusion of a legal marriage, and someone gets married a couple of days after receiving a marriage certificate.

The bride can wear her wedding dress to the wedding, picking up a bolero, shawl, stole, etc. to cover her head and bare body parts. However, you can come to the wedding in any other clothes.

Can be ordered beautiful wedding dress light color - white, cream, beige, pink or light blue: long, closed, with sleeves.

The wedding of Alla Pugacheva with Philip Kirkorov

Or you can wear a simple long-sleeved blouse and a comfortable skirt, but not shorter than knee-length. You can cover your head with a scarf, a flirty hat or even a beret.

Two lovers often decide to seal themselves in marriage, not only in the face of the state, but also before God. Under the painted dome of the church, among the gilded icons and burning candles, the hearts of the couple are held together forever. A wedding is an important stage, involving the observance of many traditions. Among them are some requirements for the appearance of the bride and groom. Since dozens of eyes on this day will be riveted to the beautiful bride, it is very important to take care of her worthy, beautiful, but at the same time modest attire. What dress will be required for a wedding in a church, you will learn in this article.

An exciting event - a wedding, probably one of the most beautiful and mysterious in the world. So that nothing interferes with this ceremony, prepare in advance. What are the requirements for a wedding dress?

• Catholics wear white clothes to weddings. In the same time Orthodox wedding dresses are more permissive. Beige, light pink, light lilac, cream tones are suitable for the ritual. The main thing is that the color of the wedding dress in the church should not be colorful or dark.

• Be sure to choose a modest wedding dress. The product should not be low-cut, with a bare back, as well as with other defiant elements. Shoulders should be covered. The most popular model with long and ¾ sleeves. With regard to style, the church does not limit the newlywed. Wedding attire can be A-line, puffy, mermaid or empire style.

• Unacceptable is the length above the knee. Wedding attire should not be short! A skirt to toe is the most suitable option. Brides of the Catholic faith, who wish to get married, purchase an outfit with a train. There is no such requirement in the Orthodox faith.

Wedding preparation and ceremony

It becomes relevant to get married not on the wedding day, but after a certain time of being married. If a couple with a sincere soul and heart decided to tie the knot in front of the Almighty, it doesn’t matter much for the church whether the spouses lived together for a day, a year or 15 years.

Days such as Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday are not suitable for the Sacrament. It is not permissible to get married during Lent, on the eve of major church holidays.
The church does not recommend wearing a dress after the wedding, and it cannot be sold or given as a gift. It is customary to keep the wedding dress and icons as a baptismal shirt.

styles

The modern fashion industry presents brides with a wide range of various models of dresses. Floor-length robes with a covered back and shoulders can be attractive and original. An example of an exquisite wedding attire is Kate Middleton's outfit. Delicate lace dress has won admirers all over the world, who decided to use this style at their ceremony.

In order not to additionally buy a simple wedding dress, you can go to the temple in open clothes, using elements that cover your shoulders and back. We will talk about this later.

Let's talk about the most relevant styles used for weddings.

Classic flared dress

The usual styles of wedding dresses are A-line. The model gradually expands downwards, has a closed back and shoulders, and is considered a classic wedding attire. The style looks quite modest, it is important that the product does not have flashy elements in the form of stones and sparkles. A minimalist style is preferred, it can be diluted with embroidery and pearls. The shape perfectly suits almost any figure.

Sleeves

For the Sacrament, a model with sleeves is ideal. It can be 3/4 sleeves, long, batwing or lanterns. Elegant and graceful models with sleeves look sophisticated.

closed models

The most modest option for a wedding. This dress provides for closed arms and shoulders, chest and back of the newlywed. Some styles have a collar that covers the neck. This is ideal for a bride with full arms and breasts. If the ceremony is planned in the winter, a closed dress is best suited. In it you will feel comfortable and warm.

Evening models

Some women choose evening dresses, the shape and color of which are suitable for a wedding. The less magnificent the style, the easier you will endure the ceremony. We recommend that you refuse the train, since it can interfere with the witness when walking around the lectern. Evening dresses are especially relevant among couples who decide to get married after several years of family life. In this case, they choose not a wedding, but simply an elegant floor-length dress of pink, gold, mint, green hues.

Models with lace

The photo shows dozens of variations of dresses with guipure. Exquisite and elegant decoration is not forbidden. Airy and graceful styles with lace do not need additional decor, as they themselves are an interesting decor. A newlywed in such a dress becomes incredibly fragile and graceful. Lace can be located on the back, arms and shoulders, as well as throughout the product. Just make sure that the dress is not transparent.

Styles for pregnant women

Sometimes the bride decides to go down the aisle, being in position. In this case, it is recommended to choose a model taking into account the term. In the first trimester, trapezoidal styles, empire and "Princess" are acceptable. For a large tummy, the Greek silhouette is best suited.

For full

Curvy women can choose an elegant dress that will emphasize their attractiveness and figure advantages. For full brides, stylists recommend the Greek style, which is universal. It hides voluminous hips, narrow hips and broad shoulders, large belly. If you have preserved harmonious proportions with excess weight, measure the “fish” silhouette. This style suits newlyweds with growth above average.

Dress for an older woman

Sometimes ladies are going to get married after years of marriage. The couple becomes more confident in their feelings and the relationship of souls. Closed styles will help such ladies look elegant and interesting. For a middle-aged woman, stylists recommend colored dresses: light beige, pale golden, sandy, light olive. White color should be abandoned, because against its background, age-related changes on the skin are more expressive. For an older woman, an A-silhouette and a semi-adjacent style are suitable. At 40, you can afford a straight silhouette of a wedding dress, if the figure is slender. On a woman who is 50 years old, the version with guipure looks great, hiding imperfect hands and age spots on the skin. In addition, lace is great for slimming.

Shoes and accessories

If the clothes of the newlywed do not cover the back and arms, it is necessary to supplement it with the following elements:

• Scarf or bolero- an excellent choice for this important event. In the cold season, the accessory will make the bride's look modest and provide warmth.

• You can cover up with a jacket. Elegant models made of silk and satin to match the outfit will do.

• For a wedding that will take place in the summer, a shawl or cape is suitable. The accessory is made of silk and lace, chiffon fabric. It is important that the selected element looks harmonious with the whole image.

• Dresses, complemented by a hood, are relevant. This element is made of the finest lace or chiffon, looks very gentle.

• In cold winter, it is permissible to wear a coat or short fur coat instead of a bolero to church. These elements should be combined with the outfit in shade.

• Wedding dress without sleeves or with short sleeves is complemented by gloves.

Listen to your intuition and your heart when choosing a wedding dress. And then the sacrament of the wedding will give only bright and positive emotions, and will become an unforgettable day of union of two loving people!