Dressing for the Occasion: What To Wear To A Mormon Wedding

Weddings are joyous occasions that bring together loved ones to celebrate the union of two people. And for those attending a Mormon wedding, it is not just a ceremony, but a sacred event filled with meaningful traditions. While it can be exciting to receive an invitation to one, it also brings about the age-old question – what should I wear? If you find yourself pondering over this dilemma, fret not, because we have got you covered. In this article, we will delve into the answer to the burning question – What To Wear To A Mormon Wedding. So, sit back and let us guide you on how to dress your best for this special day.

Attending a wedding is always a special occasion, but when it comes to a Mormon wedding, there may be certain guidelines and expectations to consider when choosing an outfit. Whether you are a member of the LDS church or have been invited to attend a Mormon wedding as a non-member, it is important to show respect for the couple and their beliefs while also staying true to your own personal style. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about what to wear to a Mormon wedding.

Understanding the Mormon Wedding Dress Code

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the LDS or Mormon church, places importance on modesty and simplicity in their teachings and practices. This carries over into their wedding ceremonies as well. In general, attendees are expected to dress modestly and in accordance with LDS standards.

For women, this means covering the shoulders and wearing skirts or dresses that fall below the knee. Necklines should be high enough to cover the collarbone, and sleeves should cover the upper arms. Fabrics that are too sheer or form-fitting should also be avoided.

Men are expected to dress conservatively as well, usually in suits or dress pants with long-sleeved button-down shirts. Ties are also typically worn.

What Not To Wear

It is important to avoid wearing anything that could be considered too revealing or immodest at a Mormon wedding. This includes low-cut tops, short skirts, tight-fitting clothing, or anything with excessive sparkle or bling. Additionally, clothing with slogans or graphics should not be worn out of respect for the sanctity of the event.

As with any religious ceremony, it is also advisable to avoid wearing black as it can be seen as somber and not in line with the joyful nature of a wedding celebration.

Appropriate Outfit Ideas for Women

For women attending a Mormon wedding, there are plenty of stylish options that still adhere to the modest dress code. Here are some outfit ideas to consider:

– A knee-length or midi-length dress with a modest neckline and sleeves.
– A maxi skirt paired with a blouse or top with sleeves.
– A knee-length pencil or A-line skirt paired with a top that covers the shoulders and has a higher neckline.
– A jumpsuit or pantsuit with a jacket or cardigan to cover the shoulders.

In terms of color choices, it is best to stick with pastels or muted tones. Floral patterns can also make for a lovely choice.

Appropriate Outfit Ideas for Men

For men, dressing appropriately for a Mormon wedding can be as simple as wearing a suit. However, if you want to add a touch of personal style, try incorporating subtle patterns in the suit or shirt. Here are some outfit ideas to consider:

– A navy suit paired with a light-colored dress shirt and patterned tie.
– A light grey suit paired with a white dress shirt and solid-colored tie.
– A charcoal suit paired with a pastel-colored dress shirt and patterned tie.
– For warmer weather, opt for lighter colored suits such as beige or light blue.

Accessories to Consider

Accessories can add an elegant finishing touch to your outfit while still adhering to the modest dress code. For women, simple but classy jewelry pieces such as pearl earrings or bracelets can complement the outfit without being too flashy. Scarves can also be worn as long as they are not sheer or too short.

For men, ties and pocket squares can add color and personality to their suits. Accessories like watches and cufflinks can also elevate an outfit without being too over-the-top.

Dressing Appropriately as a Non-Member

If you have been invited to attend a Mormon wedding as a non-member, it is important to still follow the dress code expectations out of respect for the couple. Additionally, non-members should avoid wearing anything that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful to the LDS beliefs.

While it may seem like a challenge at first, dressing appropriately for a Mormon wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing personal style or fashion sense. By sticking to the modest dress code and incorporating tasteful accessories, you can still make a statement while showing respect for the couple and their beliefs.

The Basics of Mormon Weddings

When attending a Mormon wedding, proper attire is essential to show respect for the couple and their religious beliefs. Before delving into what to wear, it’s important to understand the basics of a Mormon wedding. Mormons, also known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have strict guidelines when it comes to marriage ceremonies.

Mormon weddings take place in temples and are only open to members of the church with a valid temple recommend. This means that non-Mormon friends or family members are not permitted to attend the actual ceremony. However, a separate reception is usually held for all guests after the sealing ceremony has taken place.

The dress code for Mormon weddings is conservative and modest. This is because Mormons believe in honoring their bodies as temples and avoid immodest or revealing clothing. Understanding these principles will help guide you in choosing appropriate attire for a Mormon wedding.

For Women: Dresses or Skirts with Covered Shoulders

For women attending a Mormon wedding, modesty is key. This means avoiding anything too form-fitting, short, or low-cut. A dress or skirt that falls below the knee is recommended, but ankle-length may be required if attending the sealing ceremony in the temple.

It’s also important to cover your shoulders at all times. This can be achieved with a light sweater or jacket over your dress if it has thin straps or is sleeveless. Avoid wearing tank tops or strapless dresses as they do not align with the modesty standards of a Mormon wedding.

When choosing a dress or skirt, opt for solid colors rather than loud patterns. Stick to classic styles and avoid anything too trendy or flashy. Remember that this is a religious ceremony and not a fashion show.

For Men: Suits or Dress Shirts with Ties

Men attending a Mormon wedding should also dress conservatively. A suit with a tie is the most appropriate choice for the sealing ceremony, but a dress shirt and tie may be acceptable as well.

It’s important to avoid casual attire such as jeans, shorts, or t-shirts. Even if the wedding is held in a warm climate, it’s important to dress respectfully for the religious ceremony.

When choosing a suit or dress shirt, stick to classic colors such as black, navy, or gray. Avoid bright colors or loud patterns that may be seen as disrespectful in a religious setting.

Accessorize with Modesty in Mind

When it comes to accessories, it’s important to keep in mind the modesty standards of a Mormon wedding. This means avoiding large statement jewelry or anything too flashy. Stick to simple and classic pieces that complement your outfit without drawing too much attention.

For women, hair should be styled neatly and conservatively. Avoid any overly dramatic hairstyles or excessive makeup. Keep it natural and elegant.

For men, facial hair should be well-groomed and not overly unkempt. It’s also recommended to avoid wearing hats inside the temple unless they are worn for religious reasons.

Tips for Dressing Children

If you are attending a Mormon wedding with children, make sure they are dressed appropriately as well. For girls, this means following the same guidelines as mentioned for women – conservative dresses or skirts with covered shoulders.

For boys, dress them in nice pants and a button-down shirt with a tie if possible. Avoid casual t-shirts or shorts.

If you have younger children attending the ceremony in the temple, make sure they are dressed warmly and comfortably since temperatures may be cooler inside.

What Not to Wear

Now that you know what is expected when attending a Mormon wedding, here are some things that should absolutely be avoided:

– Clothing that is tight-fitting, revealing, or too short
– Casual or beach attire such as flip flops or shorts
– Prints or patterns that are overly loud or distracting
– Dresses or skirts with high slits
– Anything with offensive symbols or graphics

Remember, this is a religious ceremony and it’s important to dress respectfully and modestly.

What if You Don’t Have Appropriate Attire?

If you don’t have appropriate attire for a Mormon wedding, don’t panic. You can always ask the couple or their family members for guidance on what is expected. If you are unable to obtain proper attire, it’s better to attend the reception only rather than creating a distraction during the ceremony.

Remember, this is an important and sacred event for the couple getting married. It’s important to show your respect by dressing appropriately.

Attending a Mormon wedding is an opportunity to celebrate love and support for a couple joining together in marriage. Showing respect through your choice of attire is crucial in honoring their religious beliefs.

Make sure to dress conservatively and modestly, covering shoulders at all times. Stick to classic styles and avoid anything too trendy or revealing. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and ask for guidance

1) What should I wear to a Mormon wedding?
A: Men should wear a suit or dress slacks with a dress shirt and tie, while women should wear a modest dress or skirt and blouse. Avoid sleeveless or low-cut attire.

2) Can I wear black to a Mormon wedding?
A: While it is not forbidden, it is generally not encouraged to wear black to a Mormon wedding. Opt for bright colors or muted pastels instead.

3) Do I have to cover my shoulders at a Mormon wedding?
A: Yes, according to the modesty standards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shoulders should be covered at all times during a Mormon wedding ceremony.

4) Are pants appropriate for women to wear to a Mormon wedding?
A: While pants are not necessarily prohibited, it is considered more respectful for women to wear dresses or skirts to a Mormon wedding. If you do choose to wear pants, make sure they are loose-fitting and modest.

5) Can I wear an elaborate hat or headpiece to a Mormon wedding?
A: Hats and headpieces that are large or extravagant in design are not typically worn at Mormon weddings. Stick to smaller, more subtle accessories.

6) Is it acceptable to show tattoos or piercings at a Mormon wedding?
A: The LDS Church encourages individuals to keep tattoos and piercings covered at religious events. If this is not possible, do your best to minimize their visibility as much as possible out of respect for the ceremony.

In conclusion, attending a Mormon wedding may require some considerations when choosing what to wear. It is important to adhere to the modest dress code and also respect the religious and cultural customs of the ceremony. Some key takeaways to keep in mind when deciding on an outfit for a Mormon wedding are to opt for conservative and modest clothing, avoid loud or flashy colors and designs, and remember that comfort is key. Additionally, being respectful towards the couple’s beliefs and traditions should be a top priority when selecting attire for the occasion. Overall, by following these guidelines and keeping an open mind, you can ensure that you are dressed appropriately and respectfully for a Mormon wedding, allowing you to fully enjoy the joyous celebration with your loved ones.