Wedding Dress Restrictions in Catholic Churches

Weddings are serious occasions and among the most important days of many couples. Different cultures have their different ways of having a wedding ceremony and there are many traditions and practices that are observed in each of them.

In the Philippines, the most common type of weddings are Catholic weddings since majority of its population are Catholics. For Catholics, weddings can only be performed by a Catholic priest in a church like the San Agustin Church which is why Catholics cannot have their wedding ceremony outdoors.

Among the particulars in most Catholic weddings is the wedding dress or bridal gown. The restrictions when it comes to the attire of the wedding entourage vary from one Catholic church to another. While some churches like the Santuario de San Antonio specify what can and cannot be worn, there are some churches that allow any kind of wedding dress.

For those who would like to have basic knowledge of what is usually acceptable as a wedding dress and those who want a safe choice when it comes to their wedding gown, below are some of the styles that are best avoided as much as possible.

·         Backless gowns. Even if it is a very modest gown if viewed from the front of the dress, a backless gown is often not recommended for Catholic weddings. Some degree of exposure may be acceptable to the church where you plan to get married if the dress is not too low at the back. The best remedy is to have a shawl, jacket, or bolero that you can wear to cover up your back. You can just simply remove the wrap during the wedding reception.

·         Plunging necklines. Gowns and dresses that have very low necklines are best left at the rack in the shop. Some churches only allow certain types of necklines for the wedding gown and a V-plunging neckline is definitely not included in such lists. If you happen to buy your wedding gown before knowing of this restriction, just ask a sewer to make a small covering for the chest area.

·         Strapless gowns. In some churches, strapless dresses and tops are actually discouraged even during regular masses. Again, the best solution is to have a shawl, jacket, or bolero that you can use to cover up. You may also have a sewer create some detachable sleeves so that your shoulders and arms can be covered. Just remove these materials at the wedding reception if you wish to.

Most Common Wedding Superstitions Around The World

Around the world, there are many beliefs that are attributed to supernatural causation and lack any scientific proof. These beliefs are called superstitions and despite the lack of scientific basis, a lot of people believe in many of these superstitions especially since most of these superstitions have been around for many, many years already.

There are superstitions for almost any event, occasion, and circumstance. One of those things that have many superstitions surrounding it is weddings. Since a wedding is a very important day in a person’s life, there are many superstitions on how to make it as auspicious as possible. There are superstitions when it comes to the flowers, the dresses, the wedding dates, the catering, the ceremony, and other wedding details. Some suppliers such as the wedding caterer or the coordinator may ask whether you want any of these superstitions to be observed.

Various cultures around the world have their own superstitions and it is up to you whether you want to observe or follow any of them. Below are some of the most common wedding superstitions.

·         It is bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding ceremony. This superstition originated from the time when arranged marriages are the norm and fathers of the bride fear that the groom might change his mind if he sees the bride before the ceremony. Letting the groom see the bride only during the ceremony ensures that the wedding takes place. Although there are still couples nowadays who like to observe this superstition, it is mainly to make the moment more exciting and memorable.

·         Rain on your wedding day is good luck. There are many variations on superstitions regarding rain on the wedding day. While some people believe that rain on the wedding day is bad luck, prosperity and blessings are often associated with rain which is why it is also often thought to be good luck for weddings.

·         It is bad luck for the bride to try on her wedding dress before the wedding day. Brides are often advised to wear or try on their wedding dress only on the wedding day itself because it is said to be bad luck to do so beforehand. Nowadays, more brides choose not to follow this superstition simply because they want their wedding dress to fit perfectly which can only happen if they try on the dress.

·         It is good luck for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold of their new home. In ancient times, the practice of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold is to prevent any misstep or mishap because thresholds of homes are said to be a common place where spirits lurk. Nowadays, newlywed couples do this practice simply as a romantic way to enter their home for the first time as husband and wife.