Non-traditional Wedding Dresses

July 20, 2008

I've noticed that the traditional white wedding dress is becoming a thing of the past. David's bridal is now featuring many dresses with splashes of color. Some dresses are particularly fitted. I have an opinion on this but I'm wondering your thoughts.

[url="http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2839&prodgroup=127"]http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_d...p;prodgroup=127[/url]

[url="http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2027&prodgroup=127"]http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_d...p;prodgroup=127[/url]

[url="http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2979&prodgroup=127"]http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_d...p;prodgroup=127[/url]

July 20, 2008

I noticed this as well when I shopped for wedding dresses, but was not particularly disturbed by it. ([url="http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2306&prodgroup=159"]Here is the dress I ended up getting.)[/url] It's ivory/champagne, so close to white but not quite. White doesn't do good things with my skin color. The white dress has really only been popular for about 175 years; there's nothing that says a bride must wear white, and honestly the symbolic purity of white has little meaning today. In my own wedding research, I've seen so many different dresses; one of my favorites was a blue one done in honor of Mary.

More disturbing to me was the fact that most dresses are totally immodest. It is nearly impossible to find a dress that is not strapless. I bought a wrap to wear with mine. I would have preferred to have something with sleeves, but honestly time and money were not my friends in this search.

July 20, 2008

yes, but we wear white at our baptism, first holy communion, should a bride not wear white to her wedding? Perhaps, I'm uncomfortable with this break in tradition (even if it hasn't been a long standing one), but in our Church, white [b]is [/b]a symbol of purity. And even if the bride hasn't been the perfect model of chastity for her entire life, should not white symbolize her pure intentions from this day forward as she enters into the sacrament?

Edited July 20, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 20, 2008

Still doesn't bother me. Chastity is an important aspect of marriage (before and after) but it is not the only thing a couple might wish to highlight in their wedding. Perhaps a bride might wear a splash of red (or a red dress) as a testimony to the saving sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Or, as I said, the blue gown chosen in honor of Our Lady.

Besides, you have to acknowledge that many people wear white who should not ... the symbol does not have the power that it once did.

July 20, 2008

[quote name='Barbarus' post='1604149' date='Jul 20 2008, 06:05 PM']Still doesn't bother me. Chastity is an important aspect of marriage (before and after) but it is not the only thing a couple might wish to highlight in their wedding. Perhaps a bride might wear a splash of red (or a red dress) as a testimony to the saving sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Or, as I said, the blue gown chosen in honor of Our Lady.

Besides, you have to acknowledge that many people wear white who should not ... the symbol does not have the power that it once did.[/quote]

yes, but I'm not talking symbol in the sense that "Oh, she is wearing white so she must be a virgin"..."now hers is ivory because she had a baby," not that sort of thing, but white meaning that our souls should be pure at that moment when we receive the sacrament. When I speak of purity I'm not speaking from a strict "sexual-history" sense. I think a bride [i]should[/i] wear white even if she is not a virgin, if she has made a commitment to chastity in this relationship. I can deal with a blue sash in honor of Mary, but if you look at some of the latest styles we can see that things are getting reallly out of hand....

[url="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999490/0~2376776~2374327~6005464~6005465?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005465&P=1"]http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999490/0~2376...6005465&P=1[/url]

Legnth is a factor too. Some of these dresses look like outfits I would wear to a BBQ.

Edited July 20, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 20, 2008

Mine was white, but had trim in green and gold. It was a celtic style gown, so it was appropriate. I guess I don't mind a little color. It's the bride's special day. What is special to her should be the only thing that matters.

July 20, 2008

[quote name='CatherineM' post='1604152' date='Jul 20 2008, 06:16 PM']Mine was white, but had trim in green and gold. It was a celtic style gown, so it was appropriate. I guess I don't mind a little color. It's the bride's special day. What is special to her should be the only thing that matters.[/quote]

it's the bride's special day, but I don't think that gives her the license to wear what ever she wants. I think she needs to respect tradition.

Edited July 20, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 20, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604151' date='Jul 20 2008, 07:16 PM']yes, but I'm not talking symbol in the sense that "Oh, she is wearing white so she must be a virgin"..."now hers is ivory because she had a baby," not that sort of thing, but white meaning that our souls should be pure at that moment when we receive the sacrament. When I speak of purity I'm not speaking from a strict "sexual-history" sense. I think a bride [i]should[/i] wear white even if she is not a virgin, if she has made a commitment to chastity in this relationship. I can deal with a blue sash in honor of Mary, but if you look at some of the latest styles we can see that things are getting reallly out of hand....

[url="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999490/0~2376776~2374327~6005464~6005465?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005465&P=1"]http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999490/0~2376...6005465&P=1[/url]

Legnth is a factor too. Some of these dresses look like outfits I would wear to a BBQ.[/quote]
That particular dress is actually (in my view) more modest than several I've seen.

Two things: Both the sites you've linked to are secular sites, and dress people other than Catholics. It's hard to hold non-Catholics to the same level of "purity of soul" that you might hold a Catholic too -- especially since many Catholics don't exhibit that any more than they (we) exhibit chastity.

Second, I still think it is entirely appropriate for a bride to wear a color other than white, for the same reasons I laid out above. Again, purity (sexually or of the soul) is not the only virtue that is important to a healthy marriage, and if a couple wants to bring in other aspects, and their priest has no conflict, then they should be allowed to do so.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='Barbarus' post='1604157' date='Jul 20 2008, 06:27 PM'][i]That particular dress is actually (in my view) more modest than several I've seen. [/i][/quote]

It's modest on top, but it's way short for a wedding dress!

[i]Two things: Both the sites you've linked to are secular sites, and dress people other than Catholics. It's hard to hold non-Catholics to the same level of "purity of soul" that you might hold a Catholic too -- especially since many Catholics don't exhibit that any more than they (we) exhibit chastity. [/i]

But I've seen Catholics in some of these dresses! Should the Church not hold some guidelines as to what dress is accpetable to wear at a nuptial mass? Wedding dresses traditionaly (for almost 200) years have met the standard of white, long, modest, and elegant. It should bring out a woman's true femine beauty.

Perhaps I am speaking more out of personal preference than out of dogma, but I'm really disturbed by this trend, esp. since, by the time I get married I am afraid there will no long, white, pricess-like dresses left! :sweat:

July 21, 2008

[quote]Perhaps I am speaking more out of personal preference than out of dogma, but I'm really disturbed by this trend, esp. since, by the time I get married I am afraid there will no long, white, pricess-like dresses left![/quote]

You can have one made!

[url="http://imageshack.us"][img]http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4006/v2979ow0.jpg[/img][/url]

[url="http://imageshack.us"][img]http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4584/imgql0.jpg[/img][/url]

....

I don't mind a little color, especially like a blue sash or something in honor of our Lady. I think it is odd to have a deep, solid red wedding dress, but ... I've never seen a Catholic bride with that one yet. White means something and I think it is nice for a bride to keep that meaning in mind when going shopping for her gown. I don't think a little, tiny bit of color (while 98% of the rest of the dress is white) is too bad though, especially if it blue! It is there special day... if a tiny 2% of color makes them happy and will mean something special to them... I don't see a big problem.

July 21, 2008

I like this:

[url="http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/wedding-dresses/ball-gown/3725m/"]http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/wed...all-gown/3725m/[/url]

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604182' date='Jul 20 2008, 08:04 PM'][quote name='Barbarus' post='1604157' date='Jul 20 2008, 06:27 PM']
[i]That particular dress is actually (in my view) more modest than several I've seen. [/i]

It's modest on top, but it's way short for a wedding dress!

[i]Two things: Both the sites you've linked to are secular sites, and dress people other than Catholics. It's hard to hold non-Catholics to the same level of "purity of soul" that you might hold a Catholic too -- especially since many Catholics don't exhibit that any more than they (we) exhibit chastity. [/i][/quote]

But I've seen Catholics in some of these dresses! Should the Church not hold some guidelines as to what dress is accpetable to wear at a nuptial mass? Wedding dresses traditionaly (for almost 200) years have met the standard of white, long, modest, and elegant. It should bring out a woman's true femine beauty.

Perhaps I am speaking more out of personal preference than out of dogma, but I'm really disturbed by this trend, esp. since, by the time I get married I am afraid there will no long, white, pricess-like dresses left! :sweat:
[/quote]
I don't have an issue with the length. That would be perfectly acceptable for an afternoon, summer wedding. Not my taste, assuredly, but then neither are dresses with long, full trains. To each her own ...

And Catholic churches do have standards regarding wedding attire. My deacon told me that dresses should be modest. "And you know what that is." Color did not enter into the discussion.

July 21, 2008

My dress was ivory (white does not work with my skin colour) with embroidered flowers on the bodice, hem, and train. I can't say I thought much about whether there should be colour at the time, but I still don't think it's a problem to have some colour. I also think having a blue dress (blue being a traditional symbol of virginity) would be appropriate.

July 21, 2008

The whole white wedding dress thing as a "tradition" is a misnomer. It started up in the late nineteenth century or thereabouts as a Victorian (I think) fashion bandwagon, and Victorian (I think) ladies of a certain bank balance all jumped on (well, I guess wearing white at least meant they looked a bit more like the sheep that they were).

Before then there were [b]centuries[/b] of wearing your "best dress" to your wedding (unless you were nobility in which case you got a new one made, likely in red or something equally flashy). The modern-day frenzy about white white white ivory white white white is pointless, a complete waste of money, and a flat-out denial of a real historical link with the past.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='puellapaschalis' post='1604348' date='Jul 21 2008, 03:25 AM']The whole white wedding dress thing as a "tradition" is a misnomer. It started up in the late nineteenth century or thereabouts as a Victorian (I think) fashion bandwagon, and Victorian (I think) ladies of a certain bank balance all jumped on (well, I guess wearing white at least meant they looked a bit more like the sheep that they were).

Before then there were [b]centuries[/b] of wearing your "best dress" to your wedding (unless you were nobility in which case you got a new one made, likely in red or something equally flashy). The modern-day frenzy about white white white ivory white white white is pointless, a complete waste of money, and a flat-out denial of a real historical link with the past.[/quote]

Even if the tradition is relatively "new" (but 175 years is a rather long time). 6-7 generations of women have associated a white wedding dress with a new bride. Considering that our country isn't much older, I think it is safe to say that the long, white wedding dress has been an American tradition.

Edited July 21, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604182' date='Jul 21 2008, 02:04 AM']But I've seen Catholics in some of these dresses! Should the Church not hold some guidelines as to what dress is accpetable to wear at a nuptial mass? Wedding dresses traditionaly (for almost 200) years have met the standard of white, long, modest, and elegant. It should bring out a woman's true femine beauty.[/quote]
Basically, you think the Church should be telling Catholics to follow a secular tradition that was started by a queen in 1840 and wasn't commonly adopted by the masses until the 20th century, just because it looks nice. I'd be very suprised if there is any Catholic basis to the popular belief that white symbolises virginity. This was not the original point of choosing a white dress - rather, it showed that the woman was wealthy enough to buy a dress that wouldn't be worn again.

Edited July 21, 2008 by Deeds

July 21, 2008

[quote name='Deeds' post='1604366' date='Jul 21 2008, 07:07 AM']Basically, you think the Church should be telling Catholics to follow a secular tradition that was started by a queen in 1840 and wasn't commonly adopted by the masses until the 20th century, just because it looks nice. I'd be very suprised if there is any Catholic basis to the popular belief that white symbolises virginity. This was not the original point of choosing a white dress - rather, it showed that the woman was wealthy enough to buy a dress that wouldn't be worn again.[/quote]

yes, but white does symbolize purity in our Church...hence, the white, spotless, garment that is put on the baby at baptism.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604364' date='Jul 21 2008, 07:50 AM']Even if the tradition is relatively "new" (but 175 years is a rather long time). 6-7 generations of women have associated a white wedding dress with a new bride. Considering that our country isn't much older, I think it is safe to say that the long, white wedding dress has been an American tradition.[/quote]
You seem to be confusing American tradition (or at least Western tradition) with Catholic tradition. Just because this is how many people have done it does not mean it is how all people do it around the world. I'm quite certain that brides in other cultures do not wear white dresses, and as far as I know there has been no official pronouncement.

If you want to wear white, I'm sure that you'll be able to do so ... but it is not necessary that everyone do that or adhere to a "tradition" simply because you find it aesthetically appealing.

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604374' date='Jul 21 2008, 09:01 AM']yes, but white does symbolize purity in our Church...hence, the white, spotless, garment that is put on the baby at baptism.[/quote]
Again, this is a Western tradition, not necessarily a Catholic one. And as was mentioned above, this too is likely historically based more on wealth.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='Barbarus' post='1604379' date='Jul 21 2008, 09:13 AM']Again, this is a Western tradition, not necessarily a Catholic one. And as was mentioned above, this too is likely historically based more on wealth.[/quote]

I agree. If you look toward the Jewish tradition, especially during the times accounted in the Bible, the color blue was the symbol for purity and virginity, which is why Our Lady is shown in blue or with a blue viel.

I wore white for my wedding, but I wasn't against people wearing a color or having a color on my dress. The one that I found and fell in love with just happened to be white. A friend of mine fell in love with a almost pearl color dress that had a light pink sash. It was beautiful.

Color doesn't matter and it should not. Many women who can't afford the nice white dress have gotten married and have had beautiful wedding ceremonies in clothes that were much less elegant. And just because they weren't wearing white or weren't in a nice white dress didn't make them seem anyless pure or spotless. Believe me on your wedding day you'll forget all about the dress. It was wonderful getting dressed up but even more wonderful giving and receiving a Sacrament.

July 21, 2008

If white has no religious meaning, then why are babies clothed in a white bapitismal garment? Why do little girls wear white for thier first holy communion? We were encouraged to wear white for our confirmation. Maybe I'll get used to it eventually, but I'm sad to see the tradition of the long, white, elegant wedding dress go. Although, I think Our Lord and Our Lady are probaby more bothered by the strapless/and/or very fitted gowns worn nowadays.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604408' date='Jul 21 2008, 10:06 AM']If white has no religious meaning, then why are babies clothed in a white bapitismal garment? Why do little girls wear white for thier first holy communion? We were encouraged to wear white for our confirmation. Maybe I'll get used to it eventually, but I'm sad to see the tradition of the long, white, elegant wedding dress go. Although, I think Our Lord and Our Lady are probaby more bothered by the strapless/and/or very fitted gowns worn nowadays.[/quote]

I didn't say that white didn't have religious meaning. White does have religious meaning, I mean look at the priest's vestments on certain days throughout the liturgical year. The only rite within the Church for a sacrament that requires the person to wear white is after a child is baptized. In the Byzantine Rite the infant wears the Baptismal garment for 8 days and then on the 8th there is a rite to remove it. I don't think a Bride could last that long in a wedding dress lol. The point is the Church does not require that a woman wear white on her wedding day nor is it a strong enough tradition historically to demand that a woman do so. It really should not matter what you are wearing on that day as long as it is tasteful. That day isn't about your wedding dress; it's about the Sacrament of Matrimony. When Micah and I got engaged, I told him I would marry him in a potato sack if I had to because the dress really doesn't matter.

Did a little research, and the white garment at baptism signifies according to the CCC that the person baptized has ‘put on Christ,’ has risen with Christ. Again Baptism is the only sacrament that I have found that a white garment is mentioned as being worn according to the Rite of the Church.

July 21, 2008

[i]When Micah and I got engaged, I told him I would marry him in a potato sack if I had to because the dress really doesn't matter.[/i]

Yes it does. The same arguement could be made for those who come to mass dressed like they are going to the beach. I believe the even the poorest woman can find a nice, elegant, and modest dress to wear on her wedding day. It doesn't have to be new. And if the couple is so financially strapped that they can't afford proper attire, I doubt they are in financial position to get married, anyway.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604440' date='Jul 21 2008, 11:22 AM']Yes it does. The same arguement could be made for those who come to mass dressed like they are going to the beach. I believe the even the poorest woman can find a nice, elegant, and modest dress to wear on her wedding day. It doesn't have to be new. And if the couple is so financially strapped that they can't afford proper attire, I doubt they are in financial position to get married, anyway.[/quote]

I'll just leave it at this. On your wedding day it really isn't going to matter to you what you are wearing. I could have cared less if I were wearing burnt orange or white. I believe many women would share the same opinion. That in the end, on that day it really didn't matter.

The point is the Church doesn't demand that we wear white or any color for that matter. It does demand that it be something tasteful and modest though some priests are more lax with this than others.

July 21, 2008

+J.M.J.+
[quote name='StColette' post='1604398' date='Jul 21 2008, 07:46 AM']Color doesn't matter and it should not. Many women who can't afford the nice white dress have gotten married and have had beautiful wedding ceremonies in clothes that were much less elegant. And just because they weren't wearing white or weren't in a nice white dress didn't make them seem anyless pure or spotless. Believe me on your wedding day you'll forget all about the dress. It was wonderful getting dressed up but even more wonderful giving and receiving a Sacrament.[/quote]
well said. :))

[quote name='StColette' post='1604430' date='Jul 21 2008, 09:01 AM']That day isn't about your wedding dress; it's about the Sacrament of Matrimony.[/quote]
:yes: :clap:

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604154' date='Jul 20 2008, 07:20 PM']it's the bride's special day, but I don't think that gives her the license to wear what ever she wants. I think she needs to respect tradition.[/quote]
I wouldn't even call wearing white a tradition (in the Catholic sense), but more of a custom. The "tradition" is less than 200 years old and was begun to show off having enough wealth to justify a dress worn only once. It was pretty much only followed by the elite until the 20th century. I would prefer a bride choose a modest colored dress to an immodest white one any day.

It is also only customary (not manditory) that little girls wear white at First Communion. The church does not mandate these things.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='StColette' post='1604447' date='Jul 21 2008, 10:33 AM']I'll just leave it at this. On your wedding day it really isn't going to matter to you what you are wearing. I could have cared less if I were wearing burnt orange or white. I believe many women would share the same opinion. That in the end, on that day it really didn't matter.

The point is the Church doesn't demand that we wear white or any color for that matter. It does demand that it be something tasteful and modest though some priests are more lax with this than others.[/quote]

I agree that the wedding isn't soley about the dress, and that many people spend too much time planning their wedding instead of planning their marriage. However, I do not agree that the dress does not matter at all. What we wear says something about us, especially what we wear to such an important day.

Edited July 21, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 21, 2008

You also need to look at people of other cultures. A white wedding dress is an American and European custom. For some cultures white symbolizes death. A white wedding dress is more a cultural aspect rather than a church aspect. My great grandmother was a Finnish immigrant and her wedding dress was just a simple dress that she had.

God bless-
LGLG

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604461' date='Jul 21 2008, 11:59 AM']What we wear says something about us, especially what we wear to such an important day.[/quote]

Yes, what we wear can say something about us, but I believe this applies more toward modesty than to a particular color. If I had been wearing a blue or pink dress as my wedding dress my husband and family would still have found me beautiful and still have known that I was pure of heart because of whom I am and not because of what I was wearing.

[quote]You also need to look at people of other cultures. A white wedding dress is an American and European custom.[/quote]

Exactly, the Korean wedding gowns are very beautiful and very brightly colored.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604461' date='Jul 21 2008, 11:59 AM']I agree that the wedding isn't soley about the dress, and that many people spend too much time planning their wedding instead of planning their marriage. However, I do not agree that the dress does not matter at all. What we wear says something about us, especially what we wear to such an important day.[/quote]
I agree that the dress communicates something, just as in a sense all clothing does. And we need to pay attention to what we are communicating. We are sacramental people, who believe that spiritual truths are revealed in and through our bodies and the physical realm.

However, this is an area in which (as several people have pointed out) the church has allowed for prudential actions. There is no ritually prescribed manner of dressing for weddings, and frankly the white symbolism for a wedding is different than the white symbolism for a baptism. We don't, for example, require grooms to wear white to symbolize their purity of heart -- this is a tradition only for the bride. The white for weddings first and foremost symbolizes sexual purity, which in previous generations was prized far more highly than it is today. Not that we shouldn't prize virginity, but the fact of the matter is that as a culture we do not. And, there is nothing wrong with a couple choosing to exemplify other virtues or spiritual truths which are equally important.

July 21, 2008

I agree that modesty is more important than color. But you can't take a look at some of the gowns on David's Bridal and not be disturbed. Perhaps "the Italian" in me clings to tradition, and the white wedding dress has been a tradition for as long as I can remember, for as long as my grandmother can remember for that matter. The emphasis on bridal wear these days is on "individuality" (i.e. on self) and it is this selfishness that is causing many marriages to fail. I guess I see the move towards colored (and in many cases, immodest dresses) as a way of our culture throwing out all bastions of tradition and instead espousing a "do whatever you want" attitude.

July 21, 2008

Colored gown don't upset me as much as white gowns that are designed for women 6 months pregnant.

July 21, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604508' date='Jul 21 2008, 01:00 PM']I agree that modesty is more important than color. But you can't take a look at some of the gowns on David's Bridal and not be disturbed. Perhaps "the Italian" in me clings to tradition, and the white wedding dress has been a tradition for as long as I can remember, for as long as my grandmother can remember for that matter. The emphasis on bridal wear these days is on "individuality" (i.e. on self) and it is this selfishness that is causing many marriages to fail. I guess I see the move towards colored (and in many cases, immodest dresses) as a way of our culture throwing out all bastions of tradition and instead espousing a "do whatever you want" attitude.[/quote]

David's Bridal does have some very immodest dresses, but I found my dress there and my main concern was modesty in respect for myself, my husband, and God. I don't think individuality is a bad thing especially in clothing, as long as it stays tasteful. I mean, my friends and I dress very chaste but we each have our own taste in clothing. But I don't believe that one can equate individuality to the selfishness that is causing many marriages to fail. Personal taste in clothing is not the same type of "on self" focus that causes marriage issues. My husband has way different taste in clothing than I do but that doesn't cause us to be selfish toward one another. Again, I know that the tradition of the white dress has only been around for 200 or less years, but that does not mean that people who decide not to wear white are trying to throw out tradition. Before the white wedding dress came onto the scene most dresses were very elaborate and had lots of color. How are we not to know that when the "white dress" became the new big deal that people did not feel the same you do about white dresses in their losing the wearing of color in their wedding dresses. There could have been women just as opinionated as you are about white dresses for the colored dresses of the past. The fact is the color of the dress has nothing to do with the Sacrament, unless it's baptism.

July 21, 2008

A wedding dress which is not white is not ipso facto immodest. There are plenty of white dresses out there which are scandalous - including some long ones - and many more coloured dresses that are wonderfully beautiful.
Let's not even start on the white trouser suits some wear for their weddings either....

July 21, 2008

[i]The fact is the color of the dress has nothing to do with the Sacrament, unless it's baptism[/i].

I disagree. Even if the white dress isn't mandated, I still think it is beautiful. I understand that individual styles differ, but you have to admit that is was kinda nice that most Western women adhered to the same custom of wearing white on their wedding day.

How do you define tasteful, exactly? I think it is rather sad that I will have to fly to Utah to look for a dress when I get married, because almost all the dresses in stores these days are strapless/ultra-fitted/immodest or colored.

July 23, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604696' date='Jul 21 2008, 05:56 PM'][i]The fact is the color of the dress has nothing to do with the Sacrament, unless it's baptism[/i].

I disagree. Even if the white dress isn't mandated, I still think it is beautiful. I understand that individual styles differ, but you have to admit that is was kinda nice that most Western women adhered to the same custom of wearing white on their wedding day.

How do you define tasteful, exactly? I think it is rather sad that I will have to fly to Utah to look for a dress when I get married, because almost all the dresses in stores these days are strapless/ultra-fitted/immodest or colored.[/quote]

You may find white beautiful but others may not. It is nice that most western women adhere to the same custom of wearing white on their wedding day. It would be even greater though if they would adhere to saving themselves for marriage. I understand that mistakes happen and many have repented and turned away from doing such things. But those who don't find anything wrong with having sex before marriage and do so are what really irritate me. I would rather see a woman save herself for marriage and wearing bright yellow than to see a woman continue to lead a life of sexual sin and wear white. It's not the color of the dress the bride is wearing that is important it's the type of person the bride is. If people know her to be holy and chaste then that will be portrayed no matter what color she wears.

Tasteful = not low cut, not too fitted, straps, sleeves, or a shawl to cover shoulders. Again I don't considered colored to matter, if it did then my husband should have been wearing a white tux. I thought about having a blue sash for Mary, but could not find a dress I liked with a blue sash.

I had a hard time choosing a dress because I wanted it to be tasteful and modest. The color really didn't matter. In order to help the process of choosing a dress I took along 6 other Franciscan Univ. girls with me to help me pick out a dress. They are all very modest young ladies, many of them belong to Phatmass. I found a wonderful dress at David's Bridal. It wasn't low cut meaning no cleavage was showing. It wasn't very form fitting. The top was a little tight in order to keep everything in place lol but not too form fitting. The dress was originally strapless, but I bought cap sleeves from David's Bridal and had them put on myself. My brother-in-law actually sewed them on for me lol he can out sew most the women in my family. I have a thing about wanting shoulders covered while in Church.

July 23, 2008

[quote name='StColette' post='1606009' date='Jul 23 2008, 10:12 AM']It would be even greater though if they would adhere to saving themselves for marriage. I understand that mistakes happen and many have repented and turned away from doing such things. But those who don't find anything wrong with having sex before marriage and do so are what really irritate me. I would rather see a woman save herself for marriage and wearing bright yellow than to see a woman continue to lead a life of sexual sin and wear white. It's not the color of the dress the bride is wearing that is important it's the type of person the bride is. If people know her to be holy and chaste then that will be portrayed no matter what color she wears.[/quote]
+J.M.J.+
:clapping: well said.

July 23, 2008

[quote name='StColette' post='1606009' date='Jul 23 2008, 10:12 AM']It's not the color of the dress the bride is wearing that is important it's the type of person the bride is.[/quote]

:cheers: Here, Here!

July 23, 2008

[quote name='CatherineM' post='1604152' date='Jul 20 2008, 08:16 PM']Mine was white, but had trim in green and gold. It was a celtic style gown, so it was appropriate. I guess I don't mind a little color. It's the bride's special day. What is special to her should be the only thing that matters.[/quote]
YES. If I ever get married I will be wearing GREEN!!!! :rolleyes:

July 23, 2008

Perhaps I'm a bit paranoid, but I can't help but think that many of the fashion designers have a "kick tradition (and traditional values) in the butt" attitude when they design purple wedding dresses. I totally agree with you that modesty is more important than color, and that a woman's purity is not determined soley by the color of her dress. However, I also don't think a man's choice of dress for his wedding could ever be compared to a woman's. God made us physically beautiful for a reason...there are many bridal images in Scripture that speak about how women should be adorned for their husbands, thus I think a woman's choice of dress is of more importance than a man's (although I'm not saying that a man's dress is not important at all). Also because marriage is such a sacred sacrament, I believe a standard of dress that is unique from other items in her wardrobe is appropriate. These days, it is difficult to tell the difference between a prom dress, a summer sun dress, and a bridal gown. And I'm saddened by that.

I realize that my feelings stem from personal preference and not directly from Catholic teaching, and that there are more important issues that surround a marriage (and the survival thereof) than the color of the bride's dress. If you knew me, you would know I'm not a vain person and I rarely put a large emphasis on externals. Perhaps I will get used to this "colored-wedding dress thing" as time goes on, but right now I'm bothered by it.

Edited July 23, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 23, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606494' date='Jul 23 2008, 04:12 PM'](although I'm not saying that a man's dress is not important at all).[/quote]
+J.M.J.+
:bigshock:

i hope men aren't wearing dresses to weddings nowadays!! that's going too far!!

July 23, 2008

[quote]This was not the original point of choosing a white dress - rather, it showed that the woman was wealthy enough to buy a dress that wouldn't be worn again.[/quote]

YES. I was waiting for someone to point this out. Traditionally, impoverished people did not wear clothes that were solidly white because it would have become dirty through everyday life; it was not a practical color for a garment, and to purchase a dress in this color specifically for a wedding day signified wealth and status.

[quote]If white has no religious meaning, then why are babies clothed in a white bapitismal garment? Why do little girls wear white for thier first holy communion? We were encouraged to wear white for our confirmation.[/quote]

I think you may be taking offense to a practice that needs not be offensive in the first place. Nobody here is saying that white is NOT a symbol in the church. You're right - it is. But you seem to be missing the remarks about how the wedding gown, for whatever reason, is not included in this tradition by any official Church decree. I can understand why this might perplex you. Surely, a sacrament celebrating a blessed union should also include the traditional pure white garb, should it not? But historically it just was not done. I don't feel that brides (Catholic or otherwise, and generally speaking of course) are intentionally giving the finger to the idea of Purity by wearing colors in their dress; having a shade other than white included in the garment shouldn't, in my opinion, be viewed as a blatant disrespect to the church.

I can understand your desire to keep with the tradition of white in your own wedding someday. It makes sense, because after all, we do wear white when we partake in many other sacraments. But again, as it has been mentioned before, white is not the only symbol of Christ or the things the church holds dear (i.e. blue for the blessed mother, red for Christ's sacrifice...). I feel that if the woman is including color in her white dress either as a representation of something in the church, homage to her heritage (such as the Celtic dress described above - I bet it was gorgeous!! Any pictures??), or for aesthetic purposes, then it is not in any way snubbing the church or defaming the sacrament of marriage.

[quote]My deacon told me that dresses should be modest.[/quote]

I totally agree. Your wedding day is a celebration of your union with the man you promise to spend the rest of your life with. Sure, you can look beautiful and princess-y - but being "sexy" should not even enter into the description!!

My wedding dress is a really long, all-white gown - pretty much what you'd picture as a typical wedding dress. :]

July 23, 2008

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1606524' date='Jul 23 2008, 05:24 PM']+J.M.J.+
:bigshock:

i hope men aren't wearing dresses to weddings nowadays!! that's going too far!!

[/quote]

I meant a man's attire.

July 23, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604696' date='Jul 21 2008, 04:56 PM']How do you define tasteful, exactly? I think it is rather sad that I will have to fly to Utah to look for a dress when I get married, because almost all the dresses in stores these days are strapless/ultra-fitted/immodest or colored.[/quote]

Pretty sure that you are going to find immodest dresses in Utah as well. And those dresses that you see with no straps? you can get them added and they still look decent

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Roamin_Catholic' post='1606658' date='Jul 23 2008, 06:31 PM']Pretty sure that you are going to find immodest dresses in Utah as well. And those dresses that you see with no straps? you can get them added and they still look decent[/quote]

Many of the modest bridal stores [url="http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/wedding-dresses/"]http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/wedding-dresses/[/url] are based in Utah because they have a large community of Mormons. You can buy it off the internet, but who can decide on a dress w/o trying it on first?

The staps David's Bridal are pathetic, thin, little peices of lace that they charge you a lot to sew on. They are not real "straps". And I would want actual (short) sleeves

Edited July 24, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 24, 2008

My wedding dress is gonna be an off white, mish-mash of fabrics all put together with a safety pin. My veil will be very long and black!

But if something happens and I don't go back to the Convent...
(GOD FORBID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I think I wouldn't mind getting married in blue jeans and a t-shirt...at midnite, when no -one is around but me and my boo and the Catholic priest, and my witness.....

...yup...i would elope...Catholic-style!

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606856' date='Jul 23 2008, 08:55 PM']Many of the modest bridal stores [url="http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/wedding-dresses/"]http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/wedding-dresses/[/url] are based in Utah because they have a large community of Mormons. You can buy it off the internet, but who can decide on a dress w/o trying it on first?

The staps David's Bridal are pathetic, thin, little peices of lace that they charge you a lot to sew on. They are not real "straps". And I would want actual (short) sleeves[/quote]
They don't charge anymore than if you took them somewhere else to be sewn on. Alterations are expensive.
And why are they not real straps? And they also have actual sleeve options.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='dominicansoul' post='1606870' date='Jul 23 2008, 09:04 PM']My wedding dress is gonna be an off white, mish-mash of fabrics all put together with a safety pin. My veil will be very long and black!

But if something happens and I don't go back to the Convent...
(GOD FORBID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I think I wouldn't mind getting married in blue jeans and a t-shirt...at midnite, when no -one is around but me and my boo and the Catholic priest, and my witness.....

...yup...i would elope...Catholic-style![/quote]

I still think you would need a dress of some sort. No one should enter the sacrament of marriage in jeans.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1606872' date='Jul 23 2008, 09:05 PM']They don't charge anymore than if you took them somewhere else to be sewn on. Alterations are expensive.
And why are they not real straps? And they also have actual sleeve options.[/quote]

The fabric is very small and ultra-sheer.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='dominicansoul' post='1606870' date='Jul 23 2008, 09:04 PM']My wedding dress is gonna be an off white, mish-mash of fabrics all put together with a safety pin. My veil will be very long and black!

But if something happens and I don't go back to the Convent...
(GOD FORBID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I think I wouldn't mind getting married in blue jeans and a t-shirt...at midnite, when no -one is around but me and my boo and the Catholic priest, and my witness.....

...yup...i would elope...Catholic-style![/quote]
Jason doesn't allow eloping. Just an FYI. :mellow:

July 24, 2008

My husband was going to wear a kilt to our wedding, but he would have looked like Santa Claus in drag. He wore his tartan on his tie and stuff. His dad wore one though. His dad wears one everyday, so I didn't have any say in it, and he walked me down the aisle since my father is no longer with us. He has the legs for it at least.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606856' date='Jul 23 2008, 08:55 PM']The staps David's Bridal are pathetic, thin, little peices of lace that they charge you a lot to sew on. They are not real "straps". And I would want actual (short) sleeves[/quote]

I'm pretty sure there are more dress shops than just David's Bridal....

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606878' date='Jul 23 2008, 09:08 PM']The fabric is very small and ultra-sheer.[/quote]

Once again, look at another store, or have sleeves custom made..

Edited July 24, 2008 by Roamin_Catholic

July 24, 2008

[quote name='CatherineM' post='1606884' date='Jul 23 2008, 09:10 PM']My husband was going to wear a kilt to our wedding, but he would have looked like Santa Claus in drag. He wore his tartan on his tie and stuff. His dad wore one though. His dad wears one everyday, so I didn't have any say in it, and he walked me down the aisle since my father is no longer with us. He has the legs for it at least.[/quote]
My cousin's husband wore a kilt to their wedding, as did his groomsmen. You could tell those men had never worn them before...they didn't know how to sit in skirts... :twitch:

July 24, 2008

[quote name='dominicansoul' post='1606870' date='Jul 23 2008, 10:04 PM']My wedding dress is gonna be an off white, mish-mash of fabrics all put together with a safety pin. My veil will be very long and black!

But if something happens and I don't go back to the Convent...
(GOD FORBID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I think I wouldn't mind getting married in blue jeans and a t-shirt...at midnite, when no -one is around but me and my boo and the Catholic priest, and my witness.....

...yup...i would elope...Catholic-style![/quote]
I haven't started planning in earnest yet, but I'm looking ahead to the next few months and really wishing we could elope. The only thing that makes planning a wedding worthwhile is knowing that I get to be married after the fact.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606877' date='Jul 23 2008, 09:07 PM']I still think you would need a dress of some sort. No one should enter the sacrament of marriage in jeans.[/quote]

Not just any jeans, silly!

"True Religion" jeans!
:topsy:

Or maybe...

Gucci's "Genius Jeans"

July 24, 2008

I would just like to point out that the sacrament is not only taking place at the altar, but a very important part also takes place later, with only the man and woman present. I doubt the woman will be wearing a dress of any color for that. :shutup:

July 24, 2008

My sister in law gave me a pink flannel nighty that was 3 sizes too big for a wedding present. I guess that was what she was hoping I was going to wear after the wedding.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1606952' date='Jul 23 2008, 10:13 PM']I would just like to point out that the sacrament is not only taking place at the altar, but a very important part also takes place later, with only the man and woman present. I doubt the woman will be wearing a dress of any color for that. :shutup: [/quote]

:think: You've got a point there! :topsy:

July 24, 2008

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1606952' date='Jul 23 2008, 10:13 PM']I would just like to point out that the sacrament is not only taking place at the altar, but a very important part also takes place later, with only the man and woman present. I doubt the woman will be wearing a dress of any color for that. :shutup: [/quote]

what is this later part that you speak of :unsure:

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Roamin_Catholic' post='1606976' date='Jul 23 2008, 10:28 PM']what is this later part that you speak of :unsure: [/quote]
:rolleyes: Gooberhead! Won't you be surprised?

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Barbarus' post='1606911' date='Jul 23 2008, 11:36 PM']I haven't started planning in earnest yet, but I'm looking ahead to the next few months and really wishing we could elope. The only thing that makes planning a wedding worthwhile is knowing that I get to be married after the fact.[/quote]

When's your date??

I totally know how you feel. Planning is so overwhelming!! I don't want to throw advice at you un-prompted, but if you want any tidbits and pointers I'd be happy to talk Wedding with you!

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1604696' date='Jul 21 2008, 06:56 PM']How do you define tasteful, exactly? I think it is rather sad that I will have to fly to Utah to look for a dress when I get married, because almost all the dresses in stores these days are strapless/ultra-fitted/immodest or colored.[/quote]

Also, try eBay. Really! I have an aunt who wanted a very modest, traditional-looking, all-white wedding dress. She found her dress on eBay at a very reasonable price. Since the dress is only worn that one day, apparently there are a surprising number of dresses available for sale on eBay OR at certain consignment shops that are high-end or that specialize in wedding attire.

July 24, 2008

There are several others of us, too. There is a thread somewhere in open mic; the Offical Phatmass Wedding Prep Thread is the title, I think...

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606605' date='Jul 23 2008, 05:04 PM']I meant a man's attire.[/quote]
+J.M.J.+
wow, i really hope you don't think i was serious. :huh: it's called humor. :rolleyes:

July 24, 2008

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1607019' date='Jul 24 2008, 12:48 AM']There are several others of us, too. There is a thread somewhere in open mic; the Offical Phatmass Wedding Prep Thread is the title, I think...[/quote]

Eep! I can't find it. :[

July 24, 2008

[quote name='BlueRose' post='1607075' date='Jul 23 2008, 11:15 PM']Eep! I can't find it. :[[/quote]
I'll go see if I can find it...

Found it:
[url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=75897&hl=Marriage+Preparation"]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?s...age+Preparation[/url]

Edited July 24, 2008 by MissScripture

July 24, 2008

[quote name='BlueRose' post='1607002' date='Jul 23 2008, 11:42 PM']When's your date??

I totally know how you feel. Planning is so overwhelming!! I don't want to throw advice at you un-prompted, but if you want any tidbits and pointers I'd be happy to talk Wedding with you![/quote]
Jan. 2. We have almost confirmed the site for the wedding and the reception; those are the biggest things right now. And I have the dress. We talked about a date much earlier briefly, so I got the dress so I'd be ready for whatever we ended up deciding.

July 24, 2008

I got my dress almost a year and a half before my wedding (mine is June 20, 2009). We were just going to look, and we found it...so we bought it!

July 24, 2008

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1607118' date='Jul 24 2008, 12:46 AM']I got my dress almost a year and a half before my wedding (mine is June 20, 2009). We were just going to look, and we found it...so we bought it![/quote]
Yeah ... it didn't take me long to settle once I started shopping in earnest. I had been perusing for a couple of months, but then I found a decent style at the right price. I gotta say, trying on dresses was a little surreal. The first time I went, seeing myself in the mirrors wearing a dress made me realize that I'm really getting married. I mean, I have known for a while that this is the guy, and we've been talking marriage since our second month of dating, but somehow the dress made it real-er.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='BlueRose' post='1607018' date='Jul 23 2008, 10:48 PM']Also, try eBay. Really! I have an aunt who wanted a very modest, traditional-looking, all-white wedding dress. She found her dress on eBay at a very reasonable price. Since the dress is only worn that one day, apparently there are a surprising number of dresses available for sale on eBay OR at certain consignment shops that are high-end or that specialize in wedding attire.[/quote]

That's not the point. The main bridal stores should be offering more options.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606856' date='Jul 24 2008, 02:55 AM']You can buy it off the internet, but who can decide on a dress w/o trying it on first?[/quote]
Um, I did. I went into a couple of dress shops and tried some on, so I knew what size and style I was looking for, but I didn't like the prices. I found mine off the internet for half the price of what was listed in the shop. It was listed as strapless, but came with straps to attach. It arrived in the mail a couple of weeks after I ordered it, I tried it on, and it fit perfectly. So really, if you try some on in the shops first, it's no big deal to buy one off the internet since you'd already know the size you need.

The only alterations mine needed was to bustle it. Perhaps I should have gotten sleeves for it, seeing as it was a December wedding, but I was also in Florida.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1606952' date='Jul 23 2008, 11:13 PM']I would just like to point out that the sacrament is not only taking place at the altar, but a very important part also takes place later, with only the man and woman present. I doubt the woman will be wearing a dress of any color for that. :shutup: [/quote]

ROFL!!! No comment...

July 24, 2008

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1607118' date='Jul 24 2008, 12:46 AM']I got my dress almost a year and a half before my wedding (mine is June 20, 2009). We were just going to look, and we found it...so we bought it![/quote]

lol sounds like me, I found mine the weekend after I got engaged lol I didn't buy it then though. I'm glad I didn't I found one I liked even better when I was actually going to buy the dress I had tried on before.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1607237' date='Jul 24 2008, 05:46 AM']That's not the point. The main bridal stores should be offering more options.[/quote]

You know, bridal stores are businesses too. They have to buy all those dresses and then resell them. So while people may like a lot of options, at some point it may put the store out of business.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='rkwright' post='1607301' date='Jul 24 2008, 08:50 AM']You know, bridal stores are businesses too. They have to buy all those dresses and then resell them. So while people may like a lot of options, at some point it may put the store out of business.[/quote]

I guess this goes back to the larger issue of being able to find modest, yet stylish clothes in general. Sadly, right now our only options are Hot mama or Grandma Moses. Are clothing trends dictating our dress or is public demand dictating clothing styles. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1607315' date='Jul 24 2008, 08:43 AM']I guess this goes back to the larger issue of being able to find modest, yet stylish clothes in general. Sadly, right now our only options are Hot mama or Grandma Moses. Are clothing trends dictating our dress or is public demand dictating clothing styles. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?[/quote]
+J.M.J.+
i'm sorry, but there are so many options out there right now, that i truly do not believe our only options are 'hot mama' or 'grandma moses'. there are internet stores (some based in utah as you said), there are always the 'misses' sections of stores (instead of the junior section which is mostly that very immodest stuff). even in a juniors section though, you can make things modest (not just talking about hemming or sewing). i put on a 'girls day' event that had a modest fashion show from the juniors section. there are modest options out there, you just have to look harder!

July 24, 2008

A girl I work with recently got married in a black dress (no joke). Granted, it was just a court wedding, and she's not planning a church wedding till she gets back to the States, but I still thought it was a rather odd color choice. :mellow:

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1607443' date='Jul 24 2008, 01:27 PM']+J.M.J.+
i'm sorry, but there are so many options out there right now, that i truly do not believe our only options are 'hot mama' or 'grandma moses'. there are internet stores (some based in utah as you said), there are always the 'misses' sections of stores (instead of the junior section which is mostly that very immodest stuff). even in a juniors section though, you can make things modest (not just talking about hemming or sewing). i put on a 'girls day' event that had a modest fashion show from the juniors section. there are modest options out there, you just have to look harder![/quote]

I agree completely with you Red! I don't think that we are left with either looking less than tasteful or looking like we are 90 years old. I have had the experience of trying to find modest maternity clothes lol. This seems to be a difficult task, but all I can say is I've invested in a number of under shirts as to not scandalize anyone lol. Under shirts are a quick and easy fix for shirts that are either too thin or are too low cut. Layering is always beneficial!

July 24, 2008

[quote name='StColette' post='1607518' date='Jul 24 2008, 01:36 PM']I agree completely with you Red! I don't think that we are left with either looking less than tasteful or looking like we are 90 years old. I have had the experience of trying to find modest maternity clothes lol. This seems to be a difficult task, but all I can say is I've invested in a number of under shirts as to not scandalize anyone lol. Under shirts are a quick and easy fix for shirts that are either too thin or are too low cut. Layering is always beneficial![/quote]
+J.M.J.+
oh, i have a site for you, hang on, lemme find it.

modbe has great stuff - [url="http://www.modbeclothing.com/Category_Landing_page.asp?Supercategory=Maternity"]http://www.modbeclothing.com/Category_Land...egory=Maternity[/url]

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1607529' date='Jul 24 2008, 03:53 PM']+J.M.J.+
oh, i have a site for you, hang on, lemme find it.

modbe has great stuff - [url="http://www.modbeclothing.com/Category_Landing_page.asp?Supercategory=Maternity"]http://www.modbeclothing.com/Category_Land...egory=Maternity[/url][/quote]

Merci!

July 24, 2008

+J.M.J.+
i know of another place, but i can't think of it. when i do, i'll let you know. it's very stylish yet modest (for ex. their camisoles and tops are longer so they don't show belly)

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1607533' date='Jul 24 2008, 03:56 PM'](for ex. their camisoles and tops are longer so they don't show belly)[/quote]

lol which is getting more and more difficult to find lol

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Barbarus' post='1607130' date='Jul 24 2008, 12:00 AM']I mean, I have known for a while that this is the guy, and we've been talking marriage since our second month of dating, but somehow the dress made it real-er.[/quote]

sounds like Sarah and I, we just knew from the beginning, we could both see and feel it as could her father the first time we met... :love: I better stop before I get too emotional

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Roamin_Catholic' post='1607563' date='Jul 24 2008, 02:29 PM']sounds like Sarah and I, we just knew from the beginning, we could both see and feel it as could her father the first time we met... :love: I better stop before I get too emotional[/quote]
+J.M.J.+
aww, you two are cute. :love:

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Roamin_Catholic' post='1607563' date='Jul 24 2008, 04:29 PM']sounds like Sarah and I, we just knew from the beginning, we could both see and feel it as could her father the first time we met... :love: I better stop before I get too emotional[/quote]

lol that's too cute!

My fave part of picking out the dress was when you squat down in them to rest lol cause some make it hard to sit. You generally look like a cupcake when you squat down lol

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1606494' date='Jul 23 2008, 06:12 PM']I totally agree with you that modesty is more important than color, and that a woman's purity is not determined soley by the color of her dress.[/quote]

Sorry... I must say something here... a woman's purity is not determined one iota by the color of her dress. In other words, the color does not in any way determine her purity.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='StColette' post='1607518' date='Jul 24 2008, 02:36 PM']I agree completely with you Red! I don't think that we are left with either looking less than tasteful or looking like we are 90 years old. I have had the experience of trying to find modest maternity clothes lol. This seems to be a difficult task, but all I can say is I've invested in a number of under shirts as to not scandalize anyone lol. Under shirts are a quick and easy fix for shirts that are either too thin or are too low cut. Layering is always beneficial![/quote]

True, I personally like Khols department store, they have a nice selection of modest AND stylish clothing (not sure if there is one throughout the country.... Some stores, tho, like New York & Co, purposely make every almost shirt low cut

Some of those "Catholic modesty sites" tho, take things to the extreme....

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1607443' date='Jul 24 2008, 02:27 PM']+J.M.J.+
i'm sorry, but there are so many options out there right now, that i truly do not believe our only options are 'hot mama' or 'grandma moses'. there are internet stores (some based in utah as you said), there are always the 'misses' sections of stores (instead of the junior section which is mostly that very immodest stuff). even in a juniors section though, you can make things modest (not just talking about hemming or sewing). i put on a 'girls day' event that had a modest fashion show from the juniors section. there are modest options out there, you just have to look harder![/quote]
Try J. C. Penneys catelog.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='StColette' post='1607518' date='Jul 24 2008, 08:36 PM']I agree completely with you Red! I don't think that we are left with either looking less than tasteful or looking like we are 90 years old. I have had the experience of trying to find modest maternity clothes lol. This seems to be a difficult task, but all I can say is I've invested in a number of under shirts as to not scandalize anyone lol. Under shirts are a quick and easy fix for shirts that are either too thin or are too low cut. Layering is always beneficial![/quote]
I had to sew the neck on one of my maternity shirts so it wasn't as low-cut (it was a [b]really [/b]low V-neck). I wish I'd gotten a black turtleneck to go under it, too. That would've solved a lot of problems (with other clothes, too).

July 24, 2008

[quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1607600' date='Jul 24 2008, 04:27 PM']Sorry... I must say something here... a woman's purity is not determined one iota by the color of her dress. In other words, the color does not in any way determine her purity.[/quote]

I don't know about that, colors do convey feeling/meaning...I would question the woman who would wear black or red as a wedding dress....I'm not saying that necessarily means she is a loose woman (we shouldn't even be insinuating such things about our sisters, we are all sinners) but her color of dress would not be appropriate for such a sacred occasion.

Edited July 24, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 24, 2008

[quote name='friendofJPII' post='1607624' date='Jul 24 2008, 03:48 PM']but her color of dress would not be appropriate for such a sacred occasion.[/quote]
+J.M.J.+
because you say so? :huh: because it's your personal taste? what if it's a 'family' color? what if the dress is the dress her mom/grandma wore? what if it's a cultural thing? what if it's a country thing? or what if they just like the color? :hehe:

July 24, 2008

I think some of those outfits on the "modbe" sight are very low cut! :ohno: Not to graphic here, but most of their models are small busted, if you have a fuller chest and/or have a short torso you will show cleavage in those suits! Who are they kidding?

Edited July 24, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 24, 2008

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1607630' date='Jul 24 2008, 04:52 PM']+J.M.J.+
because you say so? :huh: because it's your personal taste? what if it's a 'family' color? what if the dress is the dress her mom/grandma wore? what if it's a cultural thing? what if it's a country thing? or what if they just like the color? :hehe: [/quote]

Colors convey meaning....and I'm refering to women from Western cultures, primarily.

Edited July 24, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 24, 2008

+J.M.J.+
okay, you have your opinion, and i have mine. and ne'er the twain shall meet. :lol:

July 24, 2008

I understand... but I think your wording is incorrect. Wearing a black (or any other color) dress does not make a woman impure.

July 24, 2008

At my daughter's First Communion, there was one little girl who did not wear a white dress. She was wearing a powder blue dress with a powder blue veil. I had never seen anything like it in all the shopping I had done with my daughter. It was clearly a family heirloom and I'm going to guess that it went back more than one generation.

Does this make this little girl less pure?

Nonsense.

July 24, 2008

[quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1607646' date='Jul 24 2008, 05:04 PM']At my daughter's First Communion, there was one little girl who did not wear a white dress. She was wearing a powder blue dress with a powder blue veil. I had never seen anything like it in all the shopping I had done with my daughter. It was clearly a family heirloom and I'm going to guess that it went back more than one generation.

Does this make this little girl less pure?

Nonsense.[/quote]

No, it does not make her less pure, she's a child. I never said the color of a dress made a woman impure, all I said was that color conveys feeling and often is symbolic. But I believe her mother erred in dressing her daughter in a way that differed from American, Catholic tradition. Like it or not, the little girl was drawing attention to herself, and that is not appropriate for a first communion ceremony where the attention should be on Christ in the Eucharist.

Edited July 24, 2008 by friendofJPII

July 24, 2008

You said that a bride's purity is not [i]solely determined [/i]by the color of her dress. I would maintain that her PURITY is in NO WAY determined AT ALL by the color of her dress.

As for the Communion girl... would you say the same thing to the parents of the one and only boy who wore a white suit?

July 24, 2008

+J.M.J.+
if my girl wants to wear a blue dress to honor Our Lady, i'd be all for it :cool:

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