Modest Wedding Dresses for Modern Brides

Image: Poetica 2014 collection  from Divine Atelier via Bridal Musings

Further to requests from readers for  more  wedding dress ideas on the blog, and from some in particular who were struggling to find modest (or tznius) wedding dresses that were also fashion forward  and bang on—trend, I called upon the  expertise of Karen Whybro, owner of the legendary  Rock The Frock bridal boutique.

Rock The Frock  specialises in British—designed and made wedding dresses for brides who  want to wear something that truly reflects their  personality, so  not surprisingly, Karen really knows her stuff. She’s picked out some styles that you’re going to love, alongside some great  tips for what to think about when embracing  ‘modest’ for  your wedding day.

Oh, and by the way, the  real Jewish wedding featured earlier this week with beautiful  bride, Magda,  is a sensational  example of how to nail the  ‘modest’ look.

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Nothing evokes the regal beauty of Grace Kelly like a modest wedding dress…

High necklines, full length sleeves, feminine lace and rows of ivory buttons conjure images of elegance, style and romance for the ultimate in wedding day attire. And, thanks to Kate Middleton reviving the modest wedding dress with her spectacular Sarah Burton gown, the choice among bridal designs is as broad and breathtaking as ever. Whether you love the traditional vintage style or prefer something more modern, this round-up of beautiful dresses showcases the best in modest masterpieces!

Kate Middleton on her wedding day in her Alexander McQueen ‘modest’ wedding gown. Image: FBStop

Here are my top tips for choosing modest for your wedding day:

Consider fabrics

There’s no doubt that lace is feminine, elegant and graceful but all-over lace isn’t everyone’s preference. If you’re longing for something less fussy and more simplistic, consider a silk or satin skirt with lace detailing to the bodice and sleeve.

Dress: Ersa Atelier Elizabeth

Dress:  Cymbeline Ironie

Know your necklines

A neckline can make or break a dress and, for the modest gown, this is a crucial element to selecting the best shape for your body type. High collars look beautiful on slim, long necks whereas a lower neckline suits those with a larger bust. Remember, sweetheart necklines don’t have to be just for strapless dresses – why not choose an illusion covering for the bodice, giving the appearance of a lower neckline while retaining your modesty.

Dress: Heloise by Leanne Marshall available at  Rock The Frock

Dress: Amelie by Carolina Herrera

Lose the length

Modest doesn’t have to mean floor sweeping trains. If you’re opting for a higher neckline and full length sleeves, selecting a shorter skirt can add a fun and flirty edge to a modest dress. A true vintage style would be ballerina length – just falling at your ankle and still showing off those beautiful shoes!

Dress: Darla by House of Mooshki available at Rock The Frock

Dress: Original 60s dress available at  Rock The Frock

Select embellishments

A full length lace dress may not need a great deal of detail as the pattern of the fabric will be a big impact itself. However, with a silk or satin gown, embellishments can truly add that special something. Beautiful beading, twinkling crystals or stunning sequins will truly sparkle on your big day and can be applied to edging, belts or necklines for that finishing touch.

Dress:  Badgley Mischika

Dress: Colour Nude Cateline

Something old, something new….

A modest dress is undeniably more traditional, which is perfect for those longing for an heirloom gown. Many original vintage wedding dresses have all the elements of the modest dress with higher necklines and full length sleeves. Choosing an original vintage piece, dating from the 1940s onwards, is a fantastic way to choose that dream dress while evoking the true elegance of the past.

Dress: original 40’s gown  available at  Rock The Frock  (image by  Rebecca Douglas Photography)

Dress: original 70’s gown  available at  Rock The Frock  (image by  Claire Macintyre Photography  )

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Thank you Karen from Rock The Frock! Wow, aren’t these ideas and designs  absolutely  exquisite? I’d love to see these dresses on real brides so be sure to let me know if you’re wearing something similar for your big day!

If you want to pick Karen Whybro’s brain on more ideas for wedding dresses, visit her at:

Rock The Frock bridal boutique
First Floor, Cromwell House
Battlesbridge Antique Centre
Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RF
+44 (0)1268 661982

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