Q: What do you think about the strapless and shoulderless bridal dresses for Catholic nuptial Masses? — Kathleen

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

It’s not often that Ask a Priest is asked for an opinion about women’s clothing. What follows is a pastoral observation.

A wedding is an expression of a man and a woman’s love and lifelong commitment to each other. Their fidelity rules out any unbecoming behavior with other people.

One way they can reinforce their fidelity and guard their marital chastity is by helping others around them live chastely.

This in turn implies modest dress and behavior. And what better way to start a marriage than to live that kind of modesty from Day One?

For that reason, strapless and low-cut, shoulderless dresses wouldn’t be high on the list of recommended attire. (See this article for related reading.)

Such dresses can be a temptation for others, either in the area of chastity or of vanity, and thus a bit incongruous for what should be a sacred event in a sacred place.