What to wear to an Orthodox Catholic wedding?

gobears13

Sorry of this is a little off-topic, but I know absolutely nothing about wedding etiquette--probably because I've never attended a single one in my life. I live in California, and I'm going to be attending a relative's orthodox wedding in Iowa. I'm almost certain that this will be a standard church wedding--no DIY Pinterest stuff, no theme wedding, etc.

My biggest question is--is it better to over-dress or under-dress? If I over-dress, I'll feel like I'm trying to steal attention or show off expensive clothes; at the same time, if I under-dress I'll feel like I'm not being respectful enough. My mom and I are some of the few remaining relatives left on the bride's side (her parents are both deceased), but I've only seen ever seen her a few times in my life--so I'm definitely not close enough to say, make a speech at the wedding..

Are prints ok, or should I stick to solid colors? What about metallic colors? I have a silver lace dress--it's not blindingly metallic, but it's not a flat grey. What about footwear? My mom wants me to wear expensive clothes that she bought for me (not for the wedding), including stiletto sandals--but I don't really know if that's wedding appropriate.. Thanks in advance for your advice!

professorscience

How fancy is the invitation?  Typically the invite should indicate the formality of the event, and that would determine your dress.

monkeysip

I'm sorry, is the couple Orthodox or Catholic?  Those are two different denominations of Christianity.

I don't *think* we have any Orthodox women on here, but I think there may be one or two on the Christian weddings board.

Although someone here may have at least been to an Orthodox wedding to be able to give you more insight.

If this were a Catholic wedding, I would see no problem with prints, metallics, or stilettos.  I would just try and get a feel for the formality of the wedding to help determine how formal your clothes are.

To be safe, whether it's Catholic or Orthodox, I would dress modestly at the ceremony.  Make sure your shoulders are covered with a jacket or shawl (which you could take off after).  Just my opinion, but it might be even better to ask someone related to the bride what they think about dress.  

professorscience

Also, I vote overdress.  Unless the wedding is in a barn, you're not going to stand out.  

itzMS

I would stick to a non-cleavage baring shirt/skirt combo or dress. Knee length.

Also a cardi or jacket.

I'd also suggest closed-toe shoes and hose, but that's just me.

Calypso1977

as others said, is this greek orthodox or catholic?  regardless tho, it doesnt matter.

i would dress however you would normally dress for a semi-formal event unless the reception is some sort of BBQ style event.  is the reception day or night?  that also can factor in what's appropriate.  stilllettos and a metallic dress would seem out of place a luncheon style reception.  IMO, even if its a casual BBQ i wouldnt wear jeans/shorts but rather something like khakis and a nice top with sandals but that's just me.

lalaith50

agree with others. I've been to an Orthodox wedding, and it realy wasnt any different than any other church wedding I've been to, in terms of dress. If they will be strictly enforcing any modesty dress code, I'm sure they will make you aware of that in advance, but just to be on the safe side, (and out or respect for the sacred space of a church,) probably cover up an strapless or spaghetti strap top with some kind of shawl or cardigan, no massive cleveage, and if you have to constantly be tugging at your skirt than its wayyyyy too short. (but I would say those last two about clothes in general!)

tally7

bring a shawl and then dress like you would for other dressy day events