25 modest ballgowns for your Catholic wedding
Finding a modest wedding dress can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Maybe someone forgot to tell the wedding dress designers that lingerie is for the wedding night, not the ceremony (you know the dresses I’m talking about if you’ve done any shopping already!) In all seriousness, I know that your time is precious, so I’ve sifted through the chaff and come up with some gorgeous, classy ballgowns and A-lines for you to explore.
If you’re curious why modesty matters, you can check out my post Catholic Wedding Dresses Under $600, where I talk about how Church guidelines on modesty are based on love, not shame. In this post, I’ll simply share some of the guidelines you’ll typically see from Catholic churches, and a good rule of thumb when looking for modest clothing. Then, you’ll receive some recommendations on REALLY pretty dresses! Since ball gowns have a lot more material, you’re not going to find a lot of quality ones under $500 (although they may go on sale). Still, I’ll list them in order of least to most expensive, ranging from around $550-$2,400.
Example Guidelines
Fully covered thighs
Fully covered bodice
Backs covered up to the shoulder blades
cleavage covered
some sort of strap or sleeve on the shoulder
While these guidelines are a start, how dresses fit each person varies. When you look in the mirror, you can try asking yourself:
Is it classy?
Does this clothing draw attention to me as a whole person?
Where to Shop
While I do recommend trying on dresses in person to zone in on your style, I highly recommend actually purchasing your dress online. For one, there is just way more variety, so you’re more likely to find the combination of everything you love. Secondly, it tends to be a lot cheaper, because you cut out the middle-man. Disclaimer: with ANY dress shopping, in-person or online, look at return policies. If you’re unsure about anything, message the seller. You’ll want to know whether you’re committing to a non-returnable or returnable item.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at some beautiful ballgowns! Affiliate Disclaimer: I won’t be able to show pictures for all dresses due to copyright reasons, but if a description intrigues you, click the link to view the product and pictures (I may receive payment from these affiliate links at no cost to you).
dresses
1. Take a look at THIS stunning cathedral gown with an illusion capped sleeve, featuring lovely lace applique throughout the bodice. It flows into a tulle skirt, costing only right around $550.
2. (Pictured above) Grace Kelly inspiration comes through strong on this one! The gorgeous lace on top gives way to a soft tulle, making a lovely balance. You’ll notice the bodice is a little see-through, but that is about the easiest fix you could ask a seamstress for. Find it HERE for $649.
3. (Pictured above) This classic look with the floral touches along the skirt makes the perfect summer wedding gown. Once again, I’d suggest getting your seamstress to add some extra lining in the bodice. At $649, THIS DRESS could come straight out of a fairytale.
4. Are you into the square neck trend? HERE is a satin long-sleeve with a square neck, buttons along the back, and slightly puffed sleeves, starting at just $599. If you’re looking for a fuller skirt, you could always wear a petticoat under most A-lines for that princess look.
5. Sheer, long bishop-sleeves grace THIS square neck ball gown. With organza skirts and train and delightful touches, like lace details on the cuffs, it his hard to beat under $700.
6. If you’re like Anne of Green Gables and just dream of puffed sleeves, this satin dress with short , poufy bishop-sleeves might be your cup of tea. Find it HERE for $733.
7. Fun fact, my best friend rocked this dress at her wedding! Satin, sweetheart illusion neckline with 3/4 sleeves, THIS DRESS is both alluring and classy and only $745.
8. Kate Middleton inspo HERE, from the scalloped V-neck and lace to the long train. Unbelievably only $800.24 as I’m writing this.
9. Here is a classic princess dress with half sleeves, illusion lace neckline, and a full skirt with beautiful lace embellishments along the hem and train. $835 for THIS lovely gown.
10. A sleeveless or capped sleeve option, THIS dress is customizable, with full, tulle skirt, and lace detailing along the bottom. Starting at $835 list price.
11. This dress is a delight, with lace-up back, leafy embroidery long sleeves, satin train, and square neck with slight sweetheart. A unique feature is a Basque waist for extra flare. Find it HERE for $850.
12. Simply royal, THIS long-sleeved ballgown is mostly satin, with lace details on the back and cuffs. The sweeping train will make you feel like Maria Von Trapp going down the aisle. Just under $900, it truly looks priceless.
13. Here is a Victorian-inspired dress with modern finish. The long sleeves are lightly-puffed, the bodice has a truly unique lace pattern, and the skirt is pleated satin, with a flattering belt. With a keyhole back for a modern touch, THIS remarkable dress is right around $950.
14. If you have a vision of an off-the shoulder satin ball gown, THIS might be the one you’re looking for. Its train is marvelous, with a lace-up back completing the look. This is one that’ll be more modest on some frames than others, but you could always add a little sheer underlay, too. It sits around $95o, but is sometimes 25% off.
15. THIS long-sleeved satin dress has a statement collar, and pearls overlaying the back. With a sweeping train and pearl buttons on the cuffs, this is another princess-worthy gown. Since the shop does all dresses from scratch, you could always request a higher back for a little extra coverage. Find it for just over $1K.
16. THIS sleeveless square neck has large floral lace with beading upon the bodice, a lace-up back, and a full tulle skirt, including a train. Just over $1,00o for this fun, fairytale dress.
17. HERE is another square-neck ballgown with long-sleeves with pearl beading throughout. Simple but breathtaking, it is under $1,100. You’ll notice it’ll need some lining in the bodice, which you can ask the seller to include.
18. I am sooo excited for you to see THIS ONE! The geometric lace is incredibly unique on the bodice and 3/4 sleeves! The skirt is satin with a train, and there’s even a tiny bow on the waist. Just over $1,000, this dress is a sight to behold.
19. Here is a lovely long-sleeve lace gown with elegantly placed floral patterns throughout the dress. With a shimmer and an illusion sweetheart neckline, there is a perfect blend of elegance and fun. Find it for under $1,200 HERE.
20. THIS is a pretty spot-on Grace Kelly - the buttons in front just get me! The very full satin skirt is so flattering against the fitted lace bodice, and you could have it for under $1,200.
21. Delicate lace fading slowly into soft tulle, here is a truly royal-looking gown. Long sleeves, pockets, modest V-neck, train, buttons, and sparkle - What’s not to love? Right under $1,200 - take a look HERE.
22. With an ethereal feel, this leafy 3D lace detailing throughout makes this modest boatneck stand out. Under $1,300 for THIS DRESS right out of a fairytale.
23. Lightly off-the-shoulder, THIS all-lace dress has a lace-up back, scallops along the collar-bone, a grand train, and bell sleeves, all for under $1,300.
24. Here is a square-neck covered with sparkles, with 3D flowers gracing the sheer long sleeves. With a lace-up back and flowing train, THIS DRESS is going to be unlike anything any of your guests have ever seen; under $1,500 for a priceless looking gown.
25a. With scallops along the neckline and hem, a pleated skirt, sweetheart illusion, and shimmering beads throughout, THIS sleeveless dress has intricately detailed lace. Regularly priced at $2,399, it can be on sale for much less.
25b. If you are into all-out lace, THIS long-sleeved dress may be right up your ally. Listed at $2,399, it can sometimes be found on sale for 30% off. (It’s pretty much the same as #25a, but with sleeves).
I hope you’re feeling inspired after viewing some ball gowns here today. Remember, you are the King of Heaven’s very own daughter. Ask Him, and He will help you find a dress that glorifies Him. and that you feel amazing in. God bless your wedding dress search, and your future marriage!
