Italian wedding planning tips #2 – Rules on Shoulders, Keep ’em Covered!
For all of you lovely brides planning on getting married in any Catholic church in Rome, especially San Silvestro in Capite or the Irish College you will need to cover your shoulders.
This rule also applies to your guests, it is easy to pick up a light shawl to drape around you. I do my very best to mention this to every bride especially after an incident last summer, where the priest was adamant that he was not going to let the bridesmaids into the church in strap less dresses!
It is very disrespectful not to abide by this rule but remember it is only during the mass, obviously it makes sense if you match something up with your dress. One specific church in Rome has their own collection of shawls, but I wouldn’t recommend them, not very pretty. At one wedding last year we very nearly had to use one for a stunning bride that spent a long time getting ready, thankfully they were able to buy a more fashionable scarf at short notice! So please don’t think you can get away with it, you wont.
For anyone getting married in any of the Vatican churches there are very strict rules on correct attire, NO short skirts, absolutely NO minis, and obviously your shoulders must be covered. Hats are acceptable for both men and women but removed by the men once inside a church.
[quote]As far as the bride is concerned it is acceptable to wear a veil that will cover the shoulders while in the church[/quote]
Now you’re dressed, lightly, but covered lets talk about the shoes! In my next Italian wedding planning tips #3 – Cinderellas, and your shoes…
-SH x
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