A modest wedding dress does not have to look severe. A boho gown can cover the shoulders, arms and back and still feel light, with soft lace and a skirt that moves. This guide shows which of our gowns are modest as they are, which need one or two changes, and what can be adjusted before your gown is cut.
The short answer: choose a gown with long or elbow-length lace sleeves and a covered back, or start from any gown you love and ask for the changes you need. The neckline can be raised up to a high neck, sleeves can be added in the gown's own lace, the back can be raised or closed with buttons on most silhouettes, and a slit can be left out. Shany confirms every change with you before cutting. In Israel, where our studio is, modest gowns are a regular part of the work.
Every gown at Lace & Love is sewn by hand to order, in a standard size or made to your measurements, and shipped to the US free, with import duties paid.
What makes a wedding dress modest
Most brides who look for a modest dress mean some or all of these:
- Shoulders and upper arms covered, often with sleeves to the elbow or the wrist
- A neckline that sits at the collarbone or higher
- A covered back
- A lining you cannot see through
- A full-length skirt without a high slit
If your church, temple, synagogue or mosque has written rules for the ceremony, send them to Shany with your order. She checks each point against the gown before anything is cut.
Gowns that are modest as they are
Long Sleeve Classic. Long French lace sleeves, and the back comes covered or open. Choose the covered back.
Classic Long Sleeve. Long French lace sleeves, with an open or covered back, and an optional train for a formal aisle.
Gowns that need one or two changes
| Gown | As it comes | For full coverage, ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Liora | Long fitted lace sleeves, open back | A higher neckline, a closed back, no slit |
| Beatrice | Lace sleeves that stop past the elbow, open back | A higher neckline and a closed back |
| Astrid | High neck, flutter sleeves, open back | A closed back and longer sleeves |
| Evelyn | High neck, short lace-trimmed sleeves, open back | A closed back and longer sleeves |
| Cora | High collar and a covered lace back, with the top cut short above a chiffon skirt | A longer top, or the top joined to the skirt |
You can also start from any gown in the long sleeve collection, or from a sleeveless design you love, and ask for the changes below.
What can change before cutting
Neckline. A V-neck or sweetheart can be raised, up to a high neck.
Sleeves. A sleeveless gown can be given long lace sleeves, cut from the same lace as the gown, so nothing has to be matched by eye. Sleeve length is cut to your arm.
Back. The opening can be raised, and a closed back with buttons works on most silhouettes.
Lining. Gowns are lined in ivory or nude. Ivory is opaque and more covered. Nude reads as a skin tone under sheer lace. Lace sleeves show a little skin through the pattern, so if you need your arms fully covered, ask whether the sleeves can be lined.
Slit and straps. A slit can be left out or kept to the ankle, and thin straps can be widened.
The full list is in 8 things you can change at Lace & Love.
Questions
Can any of your gowns be made modest?
Most of them. The neckline can be raised, sleeves added, the back raised or closed, and a slit left out. Ask before you order, so Shany can confirm what works for the gown you chose.
Will added sleeves match the gown?
Yes. Sleeves are cut from the same lace as the rest of the gown.
Is the lace see-through?
The bodice is lined. An ivory lining is opaque, while a nude lining gives a skin-tone effect under the lace. Lace sleeves are sheer unless they are lined, so ask if you need them covered.
Do changes cost extra?
Some may. Shany tells you about any effect on the price or the timing before anything is cut.
How long does it take?
Five to six weeks to sew, then three to seven business days by express courier. Shipping to the US is free, with import duties paid. Order at least ten weeks before the wedding.
Two ways to order
From our studio. Free shipping to the US, and we pay the import duties. Shop the collection
On Etsy. The same studio, rated 5.0 across 215 verified reviews you can read before you order. Shop on Etsy
Questions first? Message Shany on WhatsApp or email shanysasson@gmail.com. She answers every message herself.
Start with a message
Tell Shany what coverage you need · Long sleeve gowns · Measurement guide
