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Modesty is more than just a guideline—it’s a sacred expression of respect for our bodies and our covenants. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dressing modestly—especially on your wedding day—is a beautiful way to honor your faith and the temple where your eternal marriage begins.

But let’s be honest: if you’ve peeked into a bridal boutique lately, you may have noticed that modest wedding gowns are in short supply. Strapless, backless, sheer, and deep-cut styles fill the racks. So what’s an LDS bride to do?

Don’t worry. You can absolutely find (or create!) a stunning, temple-worthy wedding gown that reflects your standards and your personal style. Here’s what you need to know.

Official Modesty Guidelines for LDS Wedding Dresses

The Church’s modesty standards are outlined in For the Strength of Youth and apply to everyone—including brides. Here are the basics:

• Skirts should be knee-length or longer.

• Slits should not rise above the knee.

• Sleeves must cover the shoulders.

• Necklines should not reveal cleavage.

• The back of the dress should not fall below the shoulder blades.

• Dresses should not be tight, sheer, or revealing in any way.

And while we’re talking modesty—many LDS couples also choose to skip the traditional garter toss at the reception. (But hey, if you want to buy one as a keepsake, go right ahead. Keepsakes don’t have to be thrown!)

“Just This Once” Doesn’t Apply

Some brides wonder if modesty can take a back seat just for the wedding—after all, it’s a special day! But according to Church counsel, special occasions are not exceptions.

For the Strength of Youth is clear:

“Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient.”

That may feel like a tough pill to swallow when every dress you try on breaks the rules. But don’t worry—gorgeous, modest wedding gowns do exist. And with some creativity and determination, you’ll find (or design!) the dress that fits both your standards and your vision.

Wearing Temple Garments and Choosing Your Dress

You’ll be wearing your temple garments on your wedding day—either because you’ve already been endowed or you’ll be going through the temple before your sealing—you’ll want to choose a dress that fits comfortably over them.

What if you haven’t received your endowment yet? As long as you stick to the Church’s modesty guidelines, you’re safe. But if you're feeling unsure, bring along a trusted endowed friend, parent, or aunt to your dress fitting. They can help you decide whether a dress will offer proper coverage.

Pro Tip: A dress that meets LDS modesty standards will also work well with temple garments—no awkward guessing required.

Real Brides Weigh In

Our community has shared helpful insights over the years:

AAK asked:
Where exactly does the shoulder begin? Can the whole collarbone show?
Answer: I recommend calling your local temple and asking to speak with the matron. She’ll guide you lovingly and clearly.

Tanner commented:
He’d love to see more dresses that are already modest—no alterations required.
Rose agreed: Thankfully, modest dress options have come a long way! Lace sleeves and high necklines are not only modest—they’re stunning.

Modest Can Still Be Magnificent

Yes, it might take a little more effort to find a gown that meets LDS standards. But don’t lose heart. The right dress is out there—and it’ll be worth the search. You deserve to feel confident, radiant, and beautiful on your wedding day… while staying true to your values.