LDS Wedding Dresses

Temple Sealing Wedding Dress Code

Religious buildings and religions themselves often have dress codes for ceremonies and services. The LDS church set out their standards regarding wedding dresses for the sealing ceremony in several archived pieces from the magazine New Era—Information for Brides and Grooms Planning a Temple Marriage and Q & A: Questions and Answers:

• White dress (no off-white, ivory, or colored dresses and/or accents)
• High neck
• Wrist-length sleeves
• Long skirt
• No flashy or ornate trimming on the dress (simple is best)
• Veils are not used in the temple sealing ceremony
• Trains must be detachable
• Hoops must be detachable

Brides whose dresses have lower collars or short sleeves can use dickies or sleeves provided by the temple in the bride’s room. Women whose dress cannot be modified or who cannot find an appropriate modest wedding dress can speak with the temple matron or bishop about using a temple dress provided by the church.

Design a LDS Wedding Dress

It can be difficult to find a suitable sealing dress in this modern era of sequined, strapless, tight-fitting gowns. Designing your own dress can be a wonderful activity to do with your mother, aunts and sisters. Use the dress tips from your temple to help you create a pattern that follows church protocol and is flattering to your body type.

Fabrics you choose should not be overly shiny, glittered or have rhinestones. For example, a simple matte silk dress with lace wrists and neckline is a modest and simple choice. Keep in mind that the train needs to be detachable or easily bustled. Consider remaking or altering a heirloom dress that has been handed down through your family.

Buy a Modest Wedding Gown

Contemporary wedding shops and salons may not offer a wide selection of dresses appropriate for a LDS marriage and/or sealing ceremony. Instead, visit a bridal boutique that specializes in modest dresses or gowns for LDS weddings.

Women who are not able to find a boutique that offers gowns that adhere to the guidelines set forth by the LDS church can find help through online retailers.

LDS Bridal and Temple Wear

LDS Bridal and Temple Wear offers eight gowns in Maxcia’s Bridal Collection. All gowns are custom made to your measurements, ensuring the right fit. Though the company caters mostly to U.K and Canadian customers, international deliveries can be made. Contact the company for information regarding international shipping and any gown sizing, measurement or modification questions you have.

LatterDayBride

Choose from over 75 modestly cut gowns at LatterDayBride. This website allows you to search by style (sleeve length, wrap, tulle) and sort by price, assuring that you can find the dress to fit your style. They also have a large selection of reception gowns that are more contemporary than temple gowns but are fairly conservative. Visit their showroom to try dresses on in person.

Bridal Expressions

Offering the latest trends with modest styling, the dresses from Bridal Expressions are contemporary choices for today’s LDS bride. Located near Salt Lake City, Utah, their dress experts can help you choose an appropriate temple and/or reception dress fitting for a fashionable bride.

Totally Modest

Visit Totally Modest to find dresses that meet LDS standards with sleeves, higher necklines and high backs. Selection runs the gamut, from simple gowns to fashion-forward dresses. Consider a package deal that will save you money on accessories and more.

Additional LDS Bridal Attire Resources

Wedding dresses worn for only the marriage ceremony and not the sealing should still be of a modest nature. More information regarding each temple’s particular bridal party attire guidelines for the marriage and/or sealing ceremony can be obtained when you make appointments to discuss the church’s wedding requirements with your church officiant.

Brides may also choose to change from their temple sealing wedding gown into a different modest wedding dress for the wedding reception.

More information regarding LDS wedding dresses can be found in the articles Temple Bridal Dresses from LDSWeddings.com and What to Expect at a Morman Temple Wedding from LDSChurchTemples.com.