Temple Wedding Dresses: Lace Overlay – Allowed Or Not?

is lace overlay allowed on temple wedding dresses

Overlay wedding dresses are a timeless trend, with brides opting for lace overlays to add a touch of charm and sophistication to their gowns. When it comes to temple wedding dresses, guidelines dictate that the dress should be white, modest, and free of elaborate ornamentation. Long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves are also preferred, and any sheer fabric should be lined. While lace overlays can be a beautiful addition to a wedding dress, it's important to check with the specific temple's guidelines to ensure compliance with their dress code. Some brides have mentioned being required to wear long sleeves and avoid glitter, beads, and unlined lace for their temple wedding dresses. Therefore, it's advisable to consult the temple directly or seek advice from other brides who have been married in the same temple.

Characteristics Values
Dress color White
Sleeve length Long or three-quarter length
Train Should be removable or able to be pinned up
Lace Should be lined
Beads, glitter, sparkles Not allowed

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LDS Temple Bridal Dress Guidelines

For brides who are planning their wedding attire for their big day in the LDS Temple, here are some guidelines to keep in mind to ensure that your dress meets the standards of modesty and respectfulness:

Colour

The colour of the wedding dress should be white, and a bright white shade is generally considered the safest option. While some brides have carried off-white or rice white dresses, these shades may be considered too off-white by temple workers.

Fabric and Design

The fabric and design of the dress should be modest and free of elaborate ornamentation. Sheer fabric, if used, should be lined. Lace is allowed, but it is recommended to check with the temple beforehand, as some temples require lace to be lined. Beading and glitter are generally not allowed. The dress should also cover the temple garment, with sleeves that are long or three-quarter length, and a high neckline that does not reveal cleavage.

Length and Fit

The skirt of the dress should be knee-length or longer, with any slits in the skirt not going higher than the knee. The back of the dress should not fall below the shoulder blades. The dress should also not be too tight, and comfort is key, as you want to be able to move freely and not be distracted by your outfit.

Train

The dress should not have a train unless it can be pinned up or removed for the sealing ceremony.

Alternatives

If you are unsure about your chosen dress, consider calling the temple to ask for advice, or consider purchasing a dress specifically designed for LDS Temple weddings, which will meet the modesty standards. You can also wear your ceremonial temple clothing for the sealing and change into your wedding dress for photographs outside the temple.

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Lace overlay on a simple wedding dress

For those who are planning a wedding, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the ceremony and venue. For example, for a wedding in a temple, the bride's dress should be white, modest in design and fabric, and free of elaborate ornamentation. It should also have long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves, and any sheer fabric should be lined.

If you are considering a lace overlay on a simple wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide on the type of lace you prefer. Large pattern lace or embroidered overlay fabric can add a unique and interesting touch to your dress. You can also consider adding a custom bodice or an illusion lace neckline to your dress for a more personalized and elegant look.

If you are handy with a sewing machine or enjoy embroidery, you may even want to attempt to create the lace overlay yourself. This could be a fun and creative project, allowing you to truly make the dress your own. However, if sewing isn't your forte, you can always enlist the help of a local seamstress or dressmaker to add the lace overlay for you. They will be able to advise on decent-quality lace and ensure a professional finish.

When it comes to budgeting for your lace overlay, it's important to consider the cost of materials and labor. If you choose to have the work done by a bridal salon, be prepared for potential higher commissions and limited customization options. On the other hand, an independent seamstress or dressmaker may offer more flexibility in design and could be more affordable.

Ultimately, adding a lace overlay to a simple wedding dress can be a beautiful way to elevate your bridal look. Whether you choose to create it yourself or enlist professional help, the overlay will add depth, texture, and a timeless, romantic appeal to your special day.

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Plus-size wedding dress options

For a temple wedding, a bride's dress should be white, modest in design and fabric, and free of elaborate ornamentation. It should also cover the temple garment, and any sheer fabric should be lined. Long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves are also required. Dresses with trains should be able to be pinned up or removed for the sealing ceremony.

Now, if you're looking for plus-size wedding dress options, there are a few approaches you can consider:

The Lace Overlay Option

One idea is to opt for a simple white gown as a base and add a lace overdress or overlay to provide sleeves and texture. This combination can create a beautiful, elegant look. A user on WeddingWire mentioned the Vera Wang line at David's Bridal as a possible option to explore.

The Tailor-Made Option

Another suggestion from a plus-size bride on WeddingWire is to start with a simple dress and then engage a local seamstress to add lace, sleeves, and any other desired features. This approach can be more affordable than having alterations done at a bridal salon, and local seamstresses often have access to matching materials from the company that made the dress.

Off-the-Rack Options

If you're looking for ready-to-wear options, David's Bridal is mentioned as a good choice, with a wider range of plus-size options than in the past. Another option is to consider second-hand dresses, which can offer significant savings. Websites like stillwhite.com offer new and gently used wedding dresses, including plus-size options.

Online Retailers

You can also explore online retailers like Amazon, which offers a range of plus-size temple dresses in various styles, including crew neck, V-neck, round neck, and more.

Long-Sleeved Plus-Size Options

If you're specifically looking for long-sleeved plus-size wedding dresses, Olivia Bottega offers elegant options with sheer tulle long sleeves, silky smooth long sleeves, or detachable sleeves.

Remember, when planning your temple wedding dress, it's always a good idea to contact the temple directly to inquire about any specific guidelines or requirements they may have.

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Temple wedding dress codes for guests

When it comes to temple wedding dress codes, the guidelines vary depending on the specific temple and its traditions. Here are some general dress code instructions for guests attending a temple wedding:

Clothing Guidelines:

Guests attending a temple wedding are generally expected to wear clothing similar to what they would wear to a sacrament meeting or their Sunday best. This typically means dressing modestly and avoiding revealing or overly casual attire. It is also customary for guests to avoid wearing white, as this colour is usually reserved for the bride. However, if the sealing room must be entered through the celestial room, guests may wear white.

Flowers and Accessories:

Guests are typically asked not to wear flowers during the marriage or sealing ceremony. Flowers may be worn outside the temple for photographs after the official ceremony. It is also considered inappropriate for guests to wear other formal accessories, such as flowers in their hair.

Temple-Provided Clothing:

In some cases, temples may provide specific clothing for guests to wear during the sealing ceremony. This is especially true for members who come to a sealing directly from an endowment session; they may be allowed to wear their ceremonial temple clothing. It is important for the couple to communicate these expectations to their guests well in advance of the wedding.

Respecting the Sacred Nature of the Temple:

It is important to remember that temple weddings are considered sacred events, and guests should conduct themselves accordingly. This includes refraining from throwing rice, honking car horns, or placing decorations on temple grounds. These traditions are reserved for celebrations outside the temple, such as receptions and open houses at LDS chapels.

In summary, when attending a temple wedding as a guest, it is important to dress modestly, avoid wearing white unless instructed otherwise, and refrain from wearing flowers or other formal accessories during the ceremony. Guests should also be mindful of the sacred nature of the temple and follow any specific guidelines communicated by the couple or the temple itself.

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Bridal salons vs independent tailors

When it comes to choosing between a bridal salon and an independent tailor for your wedding dress alterations, there are several factors to consider.

Convenience and Scheduling

One of the benefits of using a bridal salon for alterations is convenience. Having alterations done in-house eliminates the need to coordinate with an external tailor, as the entire process, from fittings to final adjustments, can be managed in one location. Bridal salons may also offer gown storage until the week of your wedding, whereas independent tailors typically require you to pick up your gown as soon as alterations are complete. However, bridal salons tend to be busy, especially during peak wedding seasons, which can make scheduling fittings and alterations challenging. In contrast, local tailors often provide greater flexibility in scheduling appointments and can accommodate last-minute requests more easily.

Cost

Bridal salons may charge higher prices for alterations than independent tailors. While some bridal salons guarantee their work and will replace the dress if it is damaged during alterations, independent tailors are generally more affordable. If you opt for an independent tailor, it is essential to ensure they have experience working with wedding gowns and intricate details such as lace, beading, and various fabrics. Ask to see examples of their previous bridal work to ensure they can handle your specific gown's alterations.

Personalized Experience

Using an independent seamstress or tailor for your wedding gown alterations can offer a more personalized and attentive experience. One-on-one consultations ensure your vision is understood and executed to your specifications. It is also worth noting that some bridal salons may not provide alterations for dresses purchased elsewhere, while independent tailors typically accommodate gowns from various sources.

Familiarity with Gown and Designer

In-house seamstresses at bridal salons are familiar with the specific designs and details of the gowns they carry. This familiarity can contribute to a smoother and more accurate alteration process, as they have direct access to the gown designer if needed. However, independent tailors may not have the same level of familiarity with your gown, but their expertise in wedding gown alterations can still ensure a satisfactory outcome.

In conclusion, both bridal salons and independent tailors have their advantages and disadvantages. While bridal salons offer convenience and familiarity with gown designs, independent tailors often provide a more personalized experience, greater scheduling flexibility, and more affordable prices. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of trust in the tailor's expertise and experience with wedding gowns.

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Frequently asked questions

A bride’s dress worn in the temple should be white, modest in design and fabric, and free of elaborate ornamentation. It should also cover the temple garment. Sheer fabric should be lined and the dress should have long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves. Therefore, a lace overlay is allowed as long as the dress conforms to the guidelines.

Dresses should not have a train unless it can be pinned up or removed for the sealing ceremony. The temple can provide a dress if needed or desired.

Some affordable options include getting a simple white gown and having a local seamstress add a lace overlay, or purchasing a lace overlay dress from Vera Wang at David's Bridal.

It is important to call the temple to ask about their specific guidelines. The temple matron (wife of the temple president) will also be able to provide details on what is and isn't allowed.

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