Temple Worship
Temple Bridal Dress Guidelines
Margaret Richards, former Matron, Jordan River Temple
On
a high shelf in my linen closet is a large box labeled
"wedding dress". I opened it one day and was
disappointed to see how extensively my beautiful
bridal dress had yellowed. When I made the dress 53
years ago, the lovely brocaded satin was a dazzling
white, and it qualified in every way for temple use.
But when I saw what time had done to the color, out
went my sentimental dream of having a granddaughter
wear my beautiful dress.
As
a temple matron, I had become aware of guidelines for
bridal attire, and I knew my yellowed gown would no
longer be acceptable for temple use. Realizing that
other members might benefit from this knowledge, I
mention the following guidelines (adapted from
"Brides' Dresses for Temple Marriages," Bulletin,
1992).
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Each dress should be white. Many things in the
temple are symbolic, and white brings to mind
purity, virtue, and cleanliness of body, mind, and
heart. Some fabrics may look white until you put
them next to a sheet of typing paper. If you are in
doubt about a fabric for your dress, try the paper
test or take a swatch of the fabric you plan to use
to the temple for appraisal before buying or making
your dress.
-
Brides should wear dresses that are modest, with a
high neckline and long skirt. Temple workers will
ask a bride to wear a dickey or fabric insert if her
dress shows the shoulder or collarbone.
Long sleeves are required. Because some current
styles of gowns have short sleeves, special sleeve
extensions are available at temples throughout the
world. However, you may wish to add your own
extension from fabric that would look good with your
dress.
-
Sheer fabrics must be lined. Camisoles and sleeve
liners may be worn under a dress that has sheer
areas or see-through lace panels. Brides who wish to
use their dresses later for temple sessions,
however, must have a permanent lining put in.
A train must be removable or designed in such a way
that it can be fastened into a bustle during the
temple ceremonies.
New styles of wedding dresses with long, slim skirts
have recently been brought to the temple. These
often have a long slit up the side or back of the
skirt, extending above the knee. Because such a
style is not appropriate for temple use, workers
will provide the bride with a long slip or back
apron to fill the gap. A bride may wish to furnish
her own modest filler instead.
-
Dresses should be free of elaborate ornamentation
and kept in harmony with the simple and sacred
nature of the temple ceremony. Also, each temple has
a selection of lovely wedding dresses that a bride
may use for the temple portion of the day's events.
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