Wedding Wear ?- Mormon guidelines for modesty

crwilson

I'm going to the wedding reception of one of my (male) student mentees at the end of the month, and I was wondering if anyone could offer insight on Mormon guidelines on modesty. I'm not planning on wearing anything risque, obviously, but I'm wondering if showing arms is considered immodest? If so, any ideas for dresses that are semi-formal but long sleeved? Thanks!

14 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Kyle

Active Member

I can't help much cr but I believe this is one of their clothing websites. It might give you an idea on what would be appropriate.

http://www.shabbyapple.com

Enjoy!

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I *think* short sleeved or capped sleeves would be fine. I would just stay away from strapless or spaghetti straps. I would also be mindful of the length.. knee length would be great.

14 years ago

Dusty

(website)

Active Member

I think if you keep your shoulders covered and stay away from low-cut or tight, you should be fine (with knee length, of course).

14 years ago

Steph

Veteran

I'm not Mormon, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of this, but it sounds like what I have heard in the past: http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-M.....Females%29

Alternatively, could you ask your mentee if there is anything you should know regarding the dress code?

14 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

It just all depends on the Temple, and how traditional it is (much like Catholic churches). I was at a Mormon funeral where the young girls (teens who were church members) were in spaghetti strap tops, and I was surprised. I think that short sleeve would be appropriate in all but the most strict of groups.

14 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

Another Mormon website is http://www.clothedmuch.com/

Elaine is such a cutie, and has a lot of fun with her clothes while still keeping modest. I don't think she has anything on wedding receptions, which are held in a hall or a church meeting hall. You don't have to worry about appropriate temple attire--only members in good standing can attend the actual temple ceremony. I have Mormon relatives.

You don't have to wear long sleeve. Short sleeves, cap sleeves or even sleeveless will be okay.

All the advice above is good. If your dress/outfit is close to the knee, not too tight, and doesn't show too much skin on top you will be fine. Cleavage will draw stares. I see you are in the mid-west, and if the reception is held there, you will probably see a wider variety of clothing choices.

And yes, the teenagers tend to be far more adventurous (shall we say) than the older folks.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Also look at Latter Day Bride to get a feel for wedding and formal wear -- http://www.latterdaybride.com/index.php

I grew up in the midwest and had some Mormon friends for a little while. She dressed no differently from anyone else I knew; cap sleeves, sleeveless, spaghetti strap, you name it.

14 years ago

crwilson

Veteran

Thank you - you confirmed my instincts. I'd forgotten about ShabbyApple; I've been wanting to order something from them for a long time. At first, I was planning on wearing my black strapless dress because it's the only cocktail-like dress that I have, but I'm glad that I thought better of it. I'm not sure that it fits anymore anyway.

Steph - I did ask my mentee about dress code, and he answered by saying that women would probably wear dresses and men would wear ties and jackets. That wasn't exactly the info I was hoping to obtain!

14 years ago

Kyle

Veteran

I have tons of Mormon neighbors. When my son was in high school, it was customary for the girls to avoid sleeveless or strapless dresses for dances. We are not talking frumpy, but a bit more modest, if that makes sense.

14 years ago

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