Catholic Weddings

Convalidation Ceremony

Hello! My husband and I have been married civilly for a little over 5 years, and have just recently come back to our faith. We spoke with our priest and we are going to have a convalidation ceremony in December. We didn't have a wedding when we got married and just went to the justice of peace. I know that this is not a "do over" of a wedding, but I still want to wear a special dress. I never wore a wedding dress and don't think that is even appropriate, but I would like to wear something that is obviously for a special occasion, because this is! Does anyone have any idea where to look for something? This day means so much to me and I can't wait for our ceremony! Thanks!
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Re: Convalidation Ceremony

  • First of all, congratulations and welcome home!

    Second, if you're wanting something formal but not a wedding gown (although I don't think there's a reason you couldn't wear something "bridal-y"), most bridal stores do carry some non-wedding formal wear.  I would also think you could probably find a wedding dress that is really simple (if that's what you're looking for) that would still be clearly bridal and still toned down.

    Alternatively you could always try the formalwear section of most department stores.

    As far as actual shops, your local board might be a better bet for specific places to look.
    Anniversary

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  • Congratulations and God bless you both!  :-D

    Maybe a dress like this?  Lovely, simple and you'd still look like a bride . . .

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/107678483/tea-length-illusion-lace-wedding-gown-or

    (I'm not wild about the black roses at the waist, but that's just me!)
  • edited October 2012
    Wow! Thanks! That dress is really pretty, although I agree the black roses are a bit much!

     I'm really excited. Both of us were raised Catholic, but we fell away from the church. Then two children later, our neighbors (an older couple), kept gently urging us to come to their church. We fell in love with the catholic faith all over again. My husband has truly found a home in our church and I can't wait to convalidate our marriage. 

    We live far from our families, so not many if anyone other than our neighbor friends will be at our ceremony. I guess I feel as if it shouldn't be a "wedding" ceremony, because we are married and we have two children, BUT I do feel that it should be a celebration. To be reentering our faith and getting the blessing for our marriage is a big deal. One I can't wait to begin! 


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  • Congrats and welcome home!

    The linked dress is exactly the sort of thing I envisioned in your op (minus the ill-placed roses!). I agree that it shouldn't be a PPD wedding, but it should still be a celebration! Are you going to have a nice dinner or something to celebrate as well?
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  • edited October 2012
    We haven't discussed what to do after, but I really would like to have a nice dinner after. I really am not sure what is considered appropriate, but I think a pretty dress, and a dinner are ok. 

    I would like to have some family photos taken that day if at all possible, before dinner. Although they wouldn't be wedding photos, the day should be remembered and our children included. Does that sound like too much? I would love photos of the celebration, but I seriously don't want it seem inappropriate. To me this day is so important, and I want those memories forever. 

    Other than that, I really don't see us pulling in any more wedding details. There won't be invitations, a night of partying ( just hopefully a celebration dinner), or anything else. 

    Is there anything else we should include? I want this to be about us and how we have grown in faith and are ready to move on as a married couple in the eyes of God. 
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  • technically, you are getting married so i think its fine to have a nice dress, a dinner and photos.  convalidations are typically low-key, but you can still celebrate as you are receiving a sacrament!
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:f7f30779-26eb-4ee2-aade-42dd198243db">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]technically, you are getting married so i think its fine to have a nice dress, a dinner and photos.  convalidations are typically low-key, but you can still celebrate as you are receiving a sacrament!
    Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

    Ditto. And I think it is nice to thank people (even if it is just your neighbors) for coming to be there for you. What you are describing sounds lovely!
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  • If you don't want to wear a big dress you can find a bridesmaid dress that will work or some of the destination wedding dresses are more simple - its up to you wear what you want !
  • mcda04mcda04 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper First Comment
    edited October 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:f2a00995-dc5d-4e9d-8d26-b5f531e28798">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]Wow! Thanks! That dress is really pretty, although I agree the black roses are a bit much!  I'm really excited. Both of us were raised Catholic, but we fell away from the church. Then two children later, our neighbors (an older couple), kept gently urging us to come to their church. We fell in love with the catholic faith all over again. My husband has truly found a home in our church and i can't wait to convalidate our marriage.  We live far from our families, so not many if anyone other than our neighbor friends will be at our ceremony. I guess I feel as if it shouldn't be a "wedding" ceremony, because we are married and we have two children, BUT I do feel that it should be a celebration. To be rentering our faith and getting the blessing for our marriage is a big deal. One I can't wait to begin! 
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]

    Hi and CONGRATULATIONS!!!. I had a convalidation ceremony last month. I wore a simple ivory satin gown i bought at David's Bridal. I skipped the showers, parties and had a small intimate reception with family and very close friends afterwards. here's a picture of my dress. It's actually less than $300 now. :)
    <a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/4/5/14601e07-53f0-4209-b5ba-f31e47754e9f.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/4/5/14601e07-53f0-4209-b5ba-f31e47754e9f.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:fe2142b9-5fb0-4b6f-9dcb-c1ce74316de0">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Covalidation Ceremony : Hi and CONGRATULATIONS!!!. I had a convalidation ceremony last month. I wore a simple ivory satin gown i bought at David's Bridal. I skipped the showers, parties and had a small intimate reception with family and very close friends afterwards. here's a picture of my dress. It's actually less than $300 now. :)
    Posted by mcda04[/QUOTE]
    Your dress is so pretty! I think I want something a bit more covered since it is going to be in December! Even here in the south it can get cold! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" /> I was browsing pictures on google for a modest dress and found one I love, but it's from an overseas company. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-frown.gif" border="0" alt="Frown" title="Frown" /> Wish i could find it locally! here's a pic of it! <a href="http://www.dressale.com/gorgeous-full-lace-short-sleeve-aline-wedding-dress-p-28540.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.dressale.com/gorgeous-full-lace-short-sleeve-aline-wedding-dress-p-28540.html</a><div>
    </div><div>Thank you everyone for all your help! You are some of the sweetest people I have "met" online and have really made me feel excited for this!</div>
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  • Welcome and congrats! I would say, go for it! This is your real wedding, you don't have to go all out but I would argue that a photographer and a nice dinner would definitely be appropriate (and maybe even an overnight at a nice Bed and Breakfast :-) 
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:a7704a8b-204b-4f3c-95ff-61427c76cb97">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Covalidation Ceremony : Your dress is so pretty! I think I want something a bit more covered since it is going to be in December! Even here in the south it can get cold!   I was browsing pictures on google for a modest dress and found one I love, but it's from an overseas company.   Wish i could find it locally! here's a pic of it!  <a href="http://www.dressale.com/gorgeous-full-lace-short-sleeve-aline-wedding-dress-p-28540.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.dressale.com/gorgeous-full-lace-short-sleeve-aline-wedding-dress-p-28540.html</a><strong> Thank you everyone for all your help! You are some of the sweetest people I have "met" online and have really made me feel excited for this!</strong>
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]

    Stick around and chat! We love to talk about weddings, faith, families...
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:a7704a8b-204b-4f3c-95ff-61427c76cb97">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Covalidation Ceremony : Your dress is so pretty! I think I want something a bit more covered since it is going to be in December! Even here in the south it can get cold!   I was browsing pictures on google for a modest dress and found one I love, but it's from an overseas company.   Wish i could find it locally! here's a pic of it!  <a href="http://www.dressale.com/gorgeous-full-lace-short-sleeve-aline-wedding-dress-p-28540.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.dressale.com/gorgeous-full-lace-short-sleeve-aline-wedding-dress-p-28540.html</a> Thank you everyone for all your help! You are some of the sweetest people I have "met" online and have really made me feel excited for this!
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]
    Thank you. I'm real modest so i added modesty pads in the bust and wore a jacket with it. i wish i had pictures but the photographer hasnt completed them yet.
    I love the dress. Davids bridal actually has a similar one. <a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Lace-Tea-Length-Cap-Sleeve-Gown-9T9948_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Silhouette-Short" rel="nofollow">http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Lace-Tea-Length-Cap-Sleeve-Gown-9T9948_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Silhouette-Short</a>
    The picture looks really full because she's wearing slip underneath, without one, it would look almost identical to one you chose.
  • edited October 2012
    Oh thank you! I love that! Now to convince the husband 500 is worth it for a dress. :) I know wedding wise that isn't much! I really want to see that dress!
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:ff18e97e-028d-41a3-a0e4-ab6df4706e98">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]Oh thank you! I love that! Now to convinve the husband 500 is worht it for a dress. :) I know wedding wise that isn't much! I really want to see that dress!
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]
    No Problem. You're very welcome.

    Lol. Yes that's is usually an issue. :) the link i sent you was for plus sized because i couldn't find the regular size link, i think smaller sizes are cheaper. G.L. and happy planning. you can always PM me if you have any questions.
  • I wonder if an Etsy seller could make you something for less than $500?  It would probably be worth looking into!

    Here's something less expensive that looks pretty, from the ever-fabulous ModCloth.com . . .

    http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/cause-and-confection-dress

    Oh, and I say definitely have a photographer - even a professional make-up artist and a nice blow-out for your hair if you can swing it!  It is a truly important and joyful day, and I agree that you should have beautiful family photos to cherish - for yourself and your children.
  • I have nothing to add but I wanted to say Congratulations and Welcome Home!
    PitaPata Cat tickers Anniversary
  • I have to apologize for all the spelling/grammar mistakes. Kind of embarrassing, but holding a baby and typing is not easy! EmbarassedSorry, if all of my posts so far were confusing! 

    Thank you everyone for all the help! Does anyone know how long a place like David's Bridal would need for altering a dress, if need be? I really would like to try and lose a few more post pregnancy pounds before trying on any kind of dress. I realize this is me being silly, but I also want to feel good! 
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:a857fc9c-cbf7-4d38-bda4-6d6bf7930a75">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]I have to apologize for all the spelling/grammar mistakes. Kind of embarrassing, but holding a baby and typing is not easy!  Sorry, if all of my posts so far were confusing!  Thank you everyone for all the help! Does anyone know how long a place like David's Bridal would need for altering a dress, if need be? I really would like to try and lose a few more post pregnancy pounds before trying on any kind of dress. I realize this is me being silly, but I also want to feel good! 
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]

    <div>I think if you asked them to rush they could do it.</div><div>
    </div><div>I will say that in my experience with DB, their alterations are way overpriced.  The DFW board has a few favorite seamstresses that are way better -- maybe check the NC board for alterations recs?</div>
    Anniversary

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  • thanks again for the tips! :)

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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:a857fc9c-cbf7-4d38-bda4-6d6bf7930a75">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]<strong>I have to apologize for all the spelling/grammar mistakes. Kind of embarrassing, but holding a baby and typing is not easy! </strong> Sorry, if all of my posts so far were confusing!  Thank you everyone for all the help! Does anyone know how long a place like David's Bridal would need for altering a dress, if need be? I really would like to try and lose a few more post pregnancy pounds before trying on any kind of dress. I realize this is me being silly, but I also want to feel good! 
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]

    LOL! I certainly do. I definitely know the feeling! It looks like your Hannah is about a week older than my C. :)
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:a857fc9c-cbf7-4d38-bda4-6d6bf7930a75">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]I have to apologize for all the spelling/grammar mistakes. Kind of embarrassing, but holding a baby and typing is not easy!  Sorry, if all of my posts so far were confusing!  Thank you everyone for all the help! Does anyone know how long a place like David's Bridal would need for altering a dress, if need be? I really would like to try and lose a few more post pregnancy pounds before trying on any kind of dress. I realize this is me being silly, but I also want to feel good! 
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]
    It depends on your local store but my alterations only took 2 weeks and it was pretty extensive work for $170, i had it hemmed, added modesty pads, and had it taken in from the sides. I only went through them because i didn't want to risk having a seamstress mess it up and then i'd be responsible for buying a whole new one, if you buy it at DB and have alterations done there and something goes wrong, they give you a new gown. IDK, i'm just always paranoid and think worst case scenario.

    btw, no need apologize, we get it, you're nervous and excited.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:9ed30a27-35eb-4232-b048-6b5a99dd323c">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Covalidation Ceremony : It depends on your local store but my alterations only took 2 weeks and it was pretty extensive work for $170, i had it hemmed, added modesty pads, and had it taken in from the sides. I only went through them because i didn't want to risk having a seamstress mess it up and then i'd be responsible for buying a whole new one, if you buy it at DB and have alterations done there and something goes wrong, they give you a new gown. IDK, i'm just always paranoid and think worst case scenario. btw, no need apologize, we get it, you're nervous and excited.
    Posted by mcda04[/QUOTE]
    Did not know this! Good thing to know! 
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  • edited October 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:af35920a-be1c-4c20-a9e2-0368abed2fb6">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Covalidation Ceremony : LOL! I certainly do. I definitely know the feeling! It looks like your Hannah is about a week older than my C. :)
    Posted by bibliophile2010[/QUOTE]
    They are only a week apart !How cool! Both of my girls are July girls! Hannah's first teeth are coming through so Hannah is quite cranky this week and wanting to be held nonstop. I know it is super early for teeth, but Claire teethed quite early too. I'm thinking it must be genetic. 
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_covalidation-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4070e515-a49f-4af9-8835-e60b05dfdc74Post:6c4e9f15-ef40-45c8-a3b6-0e51aa42b48a">Re: Covalidation Ceremony</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Covalidation Ceremony : They are only a week apart !How cool! Both of my girls are July girls! Hannah's first teeth are coming through so Hannah is quite cranky this week and wanting to be held nonstop. I know it is super early for teeth, but Claire teethed quite early too. I'm thinking it must be genetic. 
    Posted by Ashl07[/QUOTE]

    I can see where the first tooth will come, but think we still have some time before it actively breaks through! In the mean time, she's gnawing on everything!
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  • Congratulations, and welcome home!  I think you've gotten some good suggestions, but I also wanted to pipe in and suggest looking "outside the box" so to speak.  If you're wanting something nice, but not necessarily "long train" (looking at the dress you linked to, it looks to be tea length), you can also look not just at bridesmaid dresses, but also at special occasion/event dresses.  I found this one on Macy's website, but I'm not sure if it's quite what you're looking for. 

    Good luck, and stick around!  :)
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