What is a modest wedding dress?

Everyone has their own definition of modesty, but typically, modest wedding dresses feature high- necklines , covered shoulders, and floor-length silhouettes.

What are some ways to make my wedding dress more modest for the ceremony?

Shawls , jackets, faux fur stoles, and boleros are all stylish ways to cover up for the ceremony.

Do modest wedding dresses come in a range of styles?

Yes! Modest wedding dresses come in a wide range of styles to suit any bridal aesthetic from traditional and classic to modern and bohemian.

17 Best Modest Wedding Dresses of 2023

Brides / Chloe Jeong

Whether you're a bride-to-be with conservative tastes or your wedding venue calls for traditional attire, modest wedding dresses are a sophisticated choice for brides looking for coverage on their wedding day. Since no two brides are alike, conservative wedding dresses come in varying degrees of modesty to suit all bridal styles. For brides seeking full-coverage gowns, styles with high necklines, long sleeves, and floor-length silhouettes are traditional and timeless. If your aesthetic is modest and minimal, opt for simple gowns with clean lines and fluid silhouettes. And when it comes to modest wedding dresses that are true to form and statement-making, you can't go wrong with dramatic cape gowns and dresses with eye-catching embellishments

Whether your aesthetic leans traditional, modern, or bohemian, read on for the best modest wedding dresses for every type of bride.

Our Top Picks

Best High-Neck:

Galvan Galvan Praiano Beaded Silk Maxi Dress at Modaoperandi.com

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Best Tulle Sleeves:

Amsale Kier Gown at Amsale.com

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Most Simple:

DB Studio Crepe and Satin Wedding Dress at David's Bridal

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For the Traditional Bride:

Sachin & Babi Embellished Lace Column Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue

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Most Comfortable:

Tom Ford Twist-Front Long-Sleeved Jersey Gown at Matchesfashion.com

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Most Sophisticated:

Roksanda Tulle-Trimmed Silk-Crepe Gown at Net-a-Porter

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Best Chiffon Sleeves:

Pion Dress Bridal Modest Long Sleeve Wedding Dress at Etsy

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For a City Hall Wedding:

Roksanda Tulle-Trimmed Cady Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best Puff Sleeves:

Reformation Wedding Dress at Reformation

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Best Embroidery:

Erdem Wedding Gown at Net-a-Porter

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Courtesy of Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

For those looking for extra coverage, a high-neck wedding dress is a great option. This style from Galvan is seriously show-stopping and offers complete coverage from the neck downwards. As an unexpected touch, the cuffs are finished with shimmering imitation pearl beads.

Price at time of publish: $2,595

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

We love a gown with long sleeves, and this style from Amsale is no exception. The sleek silhouette coupled with delicate sleeves strikes the perfect balance between modern and romantic. We recommend this look for the bride-to-be who is looking for sheer coverage on top.

Price at time of publish: $4,850

Mid-Sleeve Satin Plus Size Wedding Dress

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

A classic bride's dream, this minimalist wedding dress is the epitome of timeless. The dramatic ball gown skirt is perfect for making a grand entrance while the seamless pockets are ideal for stashing your cell phone and lipstick. Note that while the neckline is modest, this gown does feature a low back.

Price at time of publish: $699

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Classic with a twist, Sachin & Babi's Marist gown is perfect for the traditional bride. While the draped skirt is simple, the bodice features 3D floral lace embellished with faux pearls and beads for a look that's both polished and playful.

Price at time of publish: $1,225

Courtesy of Matchesfashion

View On Matchesfashion.com

This striking gown from Tom Ford is a stunning choice for the fashion-forward bride. Crafted from soft jersey fabric, this dress was not only designed to be sleek and architectural but comfortable, too.

Price at time of publish: $4,650

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Elegant and sophisticated, this lightweight gown oozes Old Hollywood glamour. Details like oversized cuffs and a banded waist make this style all the more flattering and sophisticated.

Price at time of publish: $2,375

Courtesy of Pion Dress Shop

View On Etsy

This simple gown is a winning choice for brides who gravitate towards clean and classic silhouettes. Covered buttons line the back for an elegant touch. Wear yours with delicate personal jewelry for an utterly timeless look.

Price at time of publish: $549

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

We can't think of a more perfect pick for a city hall wedding than this midi dress from Roksanda. The puff sleeves and tulle-trimmed neckline are fashion-forward and unexpected.

Price at time of publish: $2,225

Reformation

View On Reformation

Cottagecore enthusiasts rejoice! This gown is full of sweet details like puff sleeves and feminine ruffles and is begging to be worn to your romantic and rural wedding.

Price at time of publish: $428

Erdem Alvaro Belted Ruffled Tiered Embroidered Silk-Organza Gown

NET-A-PORTER

View On Net-a-Porter

For the modest bride with a penchant for vintage-inspired dresses, this Erdem number is your dream wedding dress. It's cut from silk organza and features dream sheer sleeves and romantic ruffled cuffs. Wear yours with pearl earrings and a pillbox clutch.

Price at time of publish: $7,495

Courtesy of Rosa Clará

View On Rosaclara.es

Brides coveting a princess or Duchess of Hastings moment will love this undeniably romantic gown from Rosa Clará featuring a modest but alluring neckline and feminine ruffled sleeves.

Courtesy of Watters

View On Watters.com

Allover lace adds dimension and texture to a modest wedding gown. The slightly sheer bodice strikes the perfect balance between sexy and conservative.

Courtesy of Matchesfashion

View On Matchesfashion.com

Donning a modest wedding dress doesn't mean you can't bring the drama! Not only will this statement-making cape dress leave a lasting impression but it will make for some seriously stunning wedding photos.

Price at time of publish: $9,825

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

For a modest wedding dress that doesn't break the bank, you can't go wrong with this sleek ASOS gown. Since this style features an open back, you may opt to accessorize with a shawl or bolero–especially if you're looking for slightly more coverage.

Price at time of publish: $225

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Anthropologie

Looking to wear anything but a wedding dress? Modern and modest this bridal suit from Daughters of Simone is perfect for the bride who appreciates clean lines and architectural details.

Price at time of publish: $530

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

Featuring an illusion neckline and sheer sleeves adorned with floral embellishments, this lighter-than-air gown is a particularly striking choice for a summer or destination wedding. Complete your look with barely-there makeup and sweep your hair up to showcase the pretty round neckline and keyhole back.

Price at time of publish: $375

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

If you're throwing a black-tie wedding, look no further than the 'Saida' gown from Amsale. The combination of a delicate lace bodice and silk wool skirt set this ball gown apart from the rest. Wear with pearl drop earrings and a classic tennis bracelet.

Price at time of publish: $6,995

What to Look for in a Modest Wedding Dress

Since every bride's definition of modest may vary, there are many different styles of conservative wedding dresses to suit every bride's needs. If you're looking for a full coverage wedding gown opt for floor-length silhouettes with long sleeves, high necklines, and covered backs. For brides seeking out a modest yet modern dress, select styles crafted from sleek materials like structured crepe or liquid silk. Looking for something a little more dramatic? Go for a statement-making ball gown with striking embellishments like shimmering beadwork, intricate lace, and even colorful floral prints.

FAQ

What is a modest wedding dress?

Everyone has their own definition of modesty, but typically, modest wedding dresses feature high-necklines, covered shoulders, and floor-length silhouettes.
What are some ways to make my wedding dress more modest for the ceremony?

Shawls, jackets, faux fur stoles, and boleros are all stylish ways to cover up for the ceremony.
Do modest wedding dresses come in a range of styles?

Yes! Modest wedding dresses come in a wide range of styles to suit any bridal aesthetic from traditional and classic to modern and bohemian.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.

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