The 16 Best Modest Wedding Dresses for 2024

Browse our top picks for religious ceremonies or just because.
Modest wedding dresses
Design: Natalie Romine,Photos: Wear Your Love, Morilee, Kelly Faetanini
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by
Sofia Deeb
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Sofia Deeb
Assistant Fashion Commerce Editor
  • Sofia writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide with a specialty in fashion and e-commerce.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Sofia was a writer for Santa Barbara Life and Style Magazine.
  • Sofia studied cultural anthropology and journalism at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Updated Jan 31, 2024
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Whether you're having a religious ceremony that requires you to dress with additional coverage or showing skin just isn't your thing, modest wedding dresses are an excellent option for your big day. Celebs like Paris Hilton, Priyanka Chopra, and Lily Collins all opted for modesty during their weddings, proving that sometimes, modest truly is hottest.

If you think all modest wedding dresses look the same, we're happy to report that simply isn't the case. Bridal gowns with more conservative silhouettes aren't limited to just long sleeves, high necklines, and A-line skirts anymore—there are actually lots of options out there that feel both sophisticated and fashion-forward. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling to discover 16 editor-approved picks for 2024 that are guaranteed to change your mind.

Why Choose a Modest Wedding Dress

There are a number of reasons why you might choose to wear a modest wedding dress on your big day. Maybe you're having a religious ceremony at a church, temple, or mosque and the venue requires you to keep your shoulders and chest covered. Maybe you're not comfortable wearing something overly revealing in front of your family and friends. Or maybe you simply love the timeless look that modest wedding dresses offer.

In our books, modesty will always be in style. As long as religious ceremonies exist, you can count on brides to opt for this wedding dress aesthetic. And because modest wedding dresses are so timeless, you won't have to worry about looking back on your wedding photos with regrets (you can add that to your list of pros).

The Best Modest Wedding Dresses for 2024

If you're looking for a modest wedding dress that makes a statement, your search ends here. These 16 gowns prove you can look incredible while covered up. Not to mention, many of them can even be worn with a hijab or other religious garments.

Pronovias Gale Gown

Pronovias long-sleeve modest wedding gown
Photo: Pronovias

The Gale gown offers Renaissance-era romance in a way that feels fresh and modern. Its sleek satin silhouette features a cowl neckline, bishop sleeves, and a ruched waist.

Size Range: 0 - 20

Reev Bridal Adeline Gown

Reev Bridal cape sleeve modest wedding dress
Photo: Reev Bridal

Get ready for your grand entrance. The Adeline gown boasts dramatic cape sleeves and a structured silhouette that's guaranteed to make a statement. Plus, its high neckline makes it hijab-friendly.

Size Range: Custom

Willowby by Watters Serene Long-Sleeve Lace Wedding Gown

Willowby by Watters long-sleeve lace modest wedding gown
Photo: Anthropologie

Here's a look you'll want to add to your try-on list. A lace mock neckline, sheer illusion sleeves, and all-over floral appliqués are just a few of the swoon-worthy details that make the Serene gown a standout pick.

Size Range: 0 - 26W

Justin Alexander Camryn Gown

Justin Alexander boat neck modest wedding gown
Photo: Justin Alexander

Modesty never goes out of style, and this gown proves it. With a boat neck and ball gown silhouette, it offers timeless elegance you're sure to love. Don't forget to top off your look with an equally elegant wedding veil.

Size Range: 0 - 30

Wear Your Love Mason Dress

Wear Your Love lace modest wedding dress
Photo: Wear Your Love

Found: The perfect modest wedding dress for boho brides. Made from lightweight materials, it's an excellent choice for a summer beach wedding. Pair it with stylish bridal sandals or even go barefoot in the sand.

Size Range: Custom

Azazie Marlin Gown

Azazie off-shoulder modest wedding gown
Photo: Azazie

Good news: You can score Meghan Markle's wedding look for less. At under $500 this off-shoulder gown with a fit-and-flare silhouette looks remarkably similar to the one worn by the Duchess of Sussex herself.

Size Range: 0 - 30

Morilee Nellie Wedding Dress

Morilee puff sleeve modest wedding dress
Photo: Morilee

Sheer puff sleeves add an element of playfulness to this otherwise pared-down gown. Finish off the look with a sparkly bridal belt, or let its stunning silhouette speak for itself.

Size Range: 16W - 32W

Justin Alexander Signature Sabira Gown

Justin Alexander puff sleeve modest wedding gown
Photo: The Knot

With long puff sleeves and a Queen Anne neckline, this ball gown looks like something straight out of a fairytale. In other words, it's the perfect choice for your 'happily ever after' moment.

Size Range: 0 - 30

Maggie Sottero Millie Gown

Maggie Sottero floral appliqué modest wedding gown
Photo: Maggie Sottero

Here's a modest wedding dress that checks off all our boxes. Its floral appliqué-adorned bodice and full tulle skirt offer a classic bridal look you're guaranteed to love.

Size Range: 0 - 28

Modest by Mon Cheri TR12294 Gown

Modest by Mon Cheri satin modest wedding gown
Photo: The Knot

This satin gown's classic square neckline and simple silhouette make it the perfect blank canvas for accessories. Might we suggest a trendy embroidered veil?

Size Range: 0 - 28W

Justin Alexander Signature Bardini Gown

Justin Alexander puff sleeve modest wedding gown
Photo: Justin Alexander

You'll feel like royalty walking down the aisle in this modest ball gown. Puff sleeves and a basque waistline add to its regal charm. P.S.: It also has pockets.

Size Range: 0 - 30

Galia Lahav Ivy Stretch Crepe Wedding Dress

Galia Lahav stretch crepe modest wedding dress
Photo: Galia Lahav

Sometimes less is more. This clean silhouette with a boat neck and fitted long sleeves is a gorgeous option for minimalistic brides. Plus, it has a tasteful open back that makes for a dramatic exit.

Size Range: 00 - 12

Watters Raisa Gown

Watters lace modest wedding dress
Photo: Watters

Who says modest wedding dresses have to be boring? Certainly not us. With a lace mock-neck bodice and floral appliquéd skirt, the Raisa gown is anything but lacking in the bridal glam department.

Size Range: 00 - 24W

Sincerity Bridal Clean A-Line Dress with Chiffon Blouson Sleeves

Sincerity Bridal A-line modest wedding dress
Photo: The Knot

This cottage-core wedding dress was practically made for frolicking through fields of wildflowers. It's a lovely modest option for your outdoor wedding this spring or summer.

Size Range: 0 - 30

Pronovias Fawn Gown

Pronovias modest wedding gown with side cutouts
Photo: Pronovias

Subtle geometric cutouts on the waist take this simple wedding dress to the next level. Minimalist brides are guaranteed to love its striking silhouette.

Size Range: 0 - 32

Maggie Sottero Sahar Gown

Maggie Sottero modest wedding gown with pearl embellishments
Photo: Maggie Sottero

Here's a modest wedding dress with some unexpected detail. The Sahar gown's streamlined mock-neck bodice is met with an airy tulle skirt adorned in iridescent pearl embellishments.

Size Range: 0 - 28

Brands to Know for Modest Bridal Gowns

Continuing your search for the perfect modest wedding dress? A stylist at your local bridal salon can help guide you in the right direction. Of course, there are a few brands we think you should keep on your radar throughout your search:

Justin Alexander: This beloved bridal brand is known to be a little something for everyone—including those hoping to embrace modestly while walking down the aisle. Within Justin Alexander's extensive collection, you'll find plenty of looks with high necklines, long sleeves, and full-length skirts. Not to mention, they have options for every bridal style and budget.

Maggie Sottero: If you didn't think your search for a conservative wedding dress could get any easier, think again. On Maggie Sottero's website, you'll find a collection dedicated solely to modest wedding dresses. Their church ceremony-approved picks include gowns with half and full sleeves, high necklines, and of course, plenty of bridal glam.

Modest by Mon Cheri: In case you can't tell by the name, Modest by Mon Cheri boasts an incredible selection of modest wedding dresses for the contemporary bride. Their styles range from grand ball gowns with elegant embellishments, to simple, streamlined looks. With a wide range of sizes available and approachable pricing, there's plenty of reason to love this brand.

What to Look For in Modest Wedding Gowns

Modesty looks a little bit different for everyone, so what makes a dress feel modest for some brides, might differ for you. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in the dress you choose, whether you decide to cover up, or show a bit of skin. When in doubt, here are three key features you can look for during your search:

High Necklines

Don't get us wrong, we love a plunging neckline, but there's something so timeless about a more modest look. Boat necks, mock necks, and square necklines have been beloved by brides for centuries, and we don't see that changing any time soon.

Opacity

Despite being a major trend for 2024, sheer wedding gowns might not be your cup of tea. Not to worry! You can always opt for a gown in a more opaque fabric (and spoiler alert: there are plenty of options out there).

Minimal Cutouts or Slits

If your goal is to keep covered up, you should steer clear of wedding gowns with large cutouts or slits. While they may seem hard to avoid in today's bridal market, the good news is that so many of these dresses are customizable. Talk with your stylist or tailor to see if the dress you love can be altered to remove any unwanted cutouts or slits. Oftentimes, sheer fabric can be added to an open back, for instance, to create a more modest look.

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