What to Wear to a Catholic Wedding (Without Getting Side-Eyed by Grandma)

So you got invited to a Catholic wedding. Yay! 🎉

Now comes the “uh oh” moment: what the heck do you wear? You want to look cute (obviously), but also respectful because, well… it’s happening in a church. With pews. And a crucifix. And possibly a priest who can smell exposed shoulders from 30 feet away. 😬

Don’t stress. I’ve got your back. Here’s a no-fail guide to Catholic wedding guest outfits that’ll keep you stylish and church-appropriate.

👗 1. The Classic “I’m a Grown-Up” Dress

You seriously can’t mess this up. A knee-length or midi dress with sleeves (or a shawl) is a go-to.

Why it works:

Modest enough for Mass
Still lets you show off your style
Won’t make your mom whisper, “Is that what you’re wearing?”

Style tip: A-line or wrap dresses in solid colors or subtle florals are both safe and pretty.

🕊️ 2. Sleeves Are Your Best Friend (Even If It’s 85° Out)

If the ceremony is in the church—and let’s be real, it probably is—you’ll want to keep those shoulders covered.

Options:

Cap sleeves
Flutter sleeves
A chic blazer or lightweight shawl (pro move: you can ditch it for the reception 👏)

Avoid: Strapless, spaghetti straps, or backless dresses unless you’re bringing a cover-up. The pews are judging. (Okay, not really—but still.)

💃 3. Midi & Maxi Dresses FTW

Yes, you can still slay in a longer dress. In fact, they’re kinda perfect for Catholic weddings. Modest? Check. Stylish? Double check.

Look for:

Flowy chiffon or satin
Florals, jewel tones, or classic neutrals
Minimal cleavage (you’re not on Love Island, okay?)

Bonus: You’ll look amazing in group pics without overshadowing the bride.

🎨 4. Add Color (But Maybe Skip Neon Pink)

You don’t have to stick to black or beige, but maybe don’t roll up in hot pink with glitter bombs. Catholic weddings tend to lean more traditional.

Color tips:

Go for pastels, jewel tones, or classic shades like navy, emerald, or burgundy
Florals and patterns? Totally fine—just keep it elegant
White = BIG no unless you’re the bride or were explicitly told to wear it (and even then, triple-check 😅)

👠 5. Dress Code Quick Hits (For Guys Too!)

Let’s not leave the fellas hanging. Catholic wedding attire is all about “respectfully dressy.” Think Sunday best, not club night.

For women:

Dresses, skirts, or jumpsuits
Shoulders covered (even loosely)
Classy heels or flats (aka: maybe skip the sky-high stilettos)

For men:

Suit or slacks + dress shirt
Tie = yes
Jacket? Depends on how formal the invite is
No sneakers, unless they’re freakishly nice

⚠️ Things to Avoid (Unless You Like Attention… the Bad Kind)

Super short hemlines (if you’re wondering “is this too short?” it probably is)
Plunging necklines or super low backs
Loud, flashy prints that scream more Vegas than Vatican
Overly casual looks—this ain’t a backyard BBQ

✨ Final Thoughts: Dress Nice, Feel Nice, Respect the Vibe

Catholic weddings are super beautiful and filled with meaning. Yes, there’s a little more formality than some beach weddings or elopements, but you can still express your style while keeping things respectful.

Main takeaway: Modest doesn’t mean boring. Dress like your grandma and your Instagram followers would both approve. 😌

So yeah—pick something comfy, cute, and a little conservative. You’ll blend in perfectly, look amazing, and won’t spend the whole ceremony wondering if you’re underdressed. Win-win.

Got a go-to Catholic wedding outfit you swear by? Or a funny story from one you attended? Tell me—I live for this stuff. 😄