15 Jewish Wedding Dress Styles for Each Sect, and How to Shop for Them

When it comes to shopping for a Jewish wedding dress, there are lots of things to keep in mind: temple requirements, veil selection, modesty standards and more. But equally as important as hitting those marks is expressing your personal style—it's your day after all. We spoke with Smashing The Glass founder Karen Cinnamon and wedding planner Beth Berstein of Beth Bernstein Events about how to think about styling, how to shop for the dress and approach alterations and how to find designers who specialize in modest wedding dresses. Both experts emphasized tradition and the ways in which it plays into dress selections. In Jewish weddings, the dress—and the whole bridal look—gets some extra special moments to shine. "One of my favorite traditions of the Jewish wedding is the ceremony processional," Bernstein says. "Brides and grooms walk down the aisle with both of their parents. This signifies the joining of two families versus 'handing someone over' like property." It's during this special processional, and during the bedeken ceremony of veiling the bride, that all eyes are on the bride and her stunning dress. Read on to learn more about the requirements of Jewish wedding dresses and to see 15 gorgeous gowns that fit the bill.

In this article:

• Traditional Jewish Wedding Dress Requirements
• How to Shop Jewish Wedding Gowns
• Jewish Wedding Dress Ideas That Balance Tradition and Style

Traditional Jewish Wedding Dress Requirements

We've included the general dress requirements for each sect below, but every rabbi establishes slightly different rules for the temple they oversee. "It's always important to discuss directly with your own rabbi rather than assuming anything," Cinnamon advises. "It really depends on the rabbi—in some cases, requirements may be slightly looser."

• Orthodox: "Orthodox women must have almost every inch of their skin covered—and not only on their wedding day," Bernstein explains. "For bridal attire, this translates to full-length gowns with high necklines and sleeves and avoiding very fitted silhouettes. Open-toe shoes should also be avoided or worn with hosiery." Though some rabbis may be looser with the dress codes, Cinnamon adds that sheer paneling should be lined and the collarbone covered; no plunging necklines, high slits or open backs. Plus, "virtually all Orthodox brides will wear a veil," she says.
• Conservative: "Conservative brides have a lot more flexibility when it comes to their look. While not as strict as the Orthodox sect, Conservative Jews are, well, 'conservative,'" Bernstein says. Cinnamon elaborates: "They'll still want shoulders covered and necklines should be high enough so there's no visible cleavage. There's likely a little more leeway with slits and open backs; cap sleeves might also be okay." If there's any question on modesty, Conservative brides can add a capelet or jacket to cover their arms for the temple ceremony and remove it for the reception.
• Reform: "Reform brides really have free reign and tend to lean into the style of the moment," Bernstein explains. "Strapless gowns are very common, as are sleek shapes, deep-V cuts and strappy shoes." Cinnamon agrees. "There likely won't be strict guidelines about necklines, open backs or anything else. As always, though, it pays to check with your officiant just to be sure before you start shopping."

Find a rabbi you align with on all things, from the religious rites to the dress code. "The first place to go is your childhood temple since you likely have a connection there both with your heart and with a person you've known for years," Bernstein says. "If you didn't grow up going to temple services, search online for local congregations that align with your views."

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Editor tip: Find a rabbi near you in The Knot Vendor Marketplace by selecting a location and filtering for religious affiliation, ceremony types and/or wedding events.

How to Shop Jewish Wedding Gowns

So, where to start? Bernstein and Cinnamon offer some stellar shopping tips for finding Jewish bridal gowns, from inspiration to alterations.

Designer Search

Start by looking online for inspiration, Bernstein suggests. Use this search phase to hone in on wedding dress designers who are known for their modest designs, who do coverage well or who offer modifications to line or otherwise change up a dress. Some of Cinnamon's modest go-to's include Allure Bridals, Andrea Hawkes, Maggie Sottero, Morilee, Modest by Mon Cheri, Pronovias and Sareh Nouri.

Start Shopping

Once you've honed in on designers and found some inspiration you love, both Cinnamon and Bernstein highly suggest dress shopping IRL, as opposed to online. "Especially if you've got modesty standards that might be difficult to meet, a great bridal boutique will be able to steer you directly to options that make sense for you—and they'll be able to advise on styles that can be modified to suit your needs, spotting possibilities that may not be immediately obvious," Cinnamon says. Bernstein agrees, adding one caveat. "What I do recommend is keeping your entourage to a minimum," she says. "The more people, the more opinions, the more confusion, ultimately leading to indecisiveness and second-guessing. Take just one or two people that you really trust."

Editor tip: Use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find bridal salons near you that carry the designers you love. You can also use the fashion services filter to find shops that offer alterations.

Alterations and Add-Ons

Don't worry if you fall in love with a gown that doesn't meet the standards entirely—most dresses can be modified, altered or paired with accessories that offer more coverage. "There are so many options," Cinnamon says. "Toppers are a great choice for a bride who's looking to cover up for the ceremony but would like to enjoy her dress's original style for the reception. Toppers won't work with every gown, though; brides who need more coverage throughout the day, beyond the chuppah, may prefer to have their dresses altered. Depending on the style, there is a lot that can be done, and the staff at a good bridal boutique should have ideas—whether it's adding or lengthening sleeves, closing up a neckline or adding a lining to sheer paneling."

Don't Forget the Veil

All Orthodox brides wear a veil, and many Conservative brides do as well. But even for Reform brides, it's a fun and fashionable nod to tradition; though there are a few takes on the story, the rite goes way back. "Veils are a very important element of the Jewish wedding, with origins going back to the Biblical story of Isaac and Rebecca's wedding," Bernstein explains. "According to the story, Rebecca's father tricked Isaac into marrying his older daughter, Leah, by covering her face with a veil. The tradition of the Bedeken, where the groom lifts the bride's veil before proceeding with the ceremony, is a direct result of the lore. I suppose in modern times this can be considered the 'first look.'" For some, the ceremony is actually about lowering the veil (and in fact, Bedeken means "to lower"). "In this ceremony, which takes place either just before the chuppah or in the aisle itself as the bride walks down, the groom covers the bride's face with her veil," Cinnamon says. "The Bedeken means the groom has a last chance to make sure he's marrying the right woman! There's an alternate explanation that by veiling the bride, the groom acknowledges that he is marrying her for her inner beauty, beyond her physical appearance." Either way, veils are a fun and traditional accessory for Jewish brides.

Jewish Wedding Dress Ideas That Balance Tradition and Style

Jewish wedding dresses may have set requirements from a modesty standpoint, but there are certainly no restrictions when it comes to silhouette, fabric, embellishments and other design details. Brides can let their personal style shine. Here, we round up 15 styles that fit into one or more of the three sects—and have some flair of their own.

Pronovias Gale Dress

Photo: Pronovias

While some rabbis may deem the shallow V-back on this gorgeous satin gown appropriate for Orthodox weddings, we (and Cinnamon) deem it a perfect pick for the Conservative Jewish bride. The long sleeves and mermaid silhouette are beautifully bridal for the once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Size Range: 0–20

Modest by Mon Cheri Style TR22052

Photo: Mon Cheri

This gown—one of Cinnamon's picks for an Orthodox Jewish wedding dress—is made with lace, tulle and organza and features a ballgown skirt and illusions lace sleeves. (Note: Check with your rabbi before proceeding, as the scoop neck does reveal the collarbone.)

Size Range: 0-20

Sareh Nouri Primrose Dress

Photo: Sareh Nouri

A traditional Jewish wedding dress for Orthodox brides with an eye for style, this Sareh Nouri gown offers the look of a sweetheart strapless gown but with modest coverage in the form of a high-neck, three-quarter sleeves and an Alençon lace top. The Italian stretch mikado has a subtle flare and a cascading petal on the back.

Size Range: 0-30 (plus and petite sizing available)

Lulus Timeless Adoration White Embroidered Bishop Sleeve Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

This affordable Jewish wedding dress is a lovely option for a Reform bride and includes a sweetheart neckline and low V-back. The bishop-style sleeves are made from airy mesh and the bodice features floral embroidery.

Size Range: XS-XL

Reformation Adwen Silk Dress

Photo: Reformation

Our experts advise that an open back is usually allowed in Conservative Jewish weddings, but the rest of the dress should showcase modesty in response. This style from Reformation strikes a beautiful balance, with long sleeves and a high neckline. We especially love the chapel train and fluid silk charmeuse fabrication.

Size Range: 0-12

Andrea Hawkes Corin Gown

Photo: Andrea Hawkes

British designer Andrea Hawkes designs with an eye toward sustainability—in fabric selections, production processes and more—and has a decidedly modest POV. Many of her pieces would be appropriate for Orthodox or Conservative Jewish brides, and a range of jackets in her "Together" collection are the perfect pieces to cover the shoulders or an open-back detail. Cinnamon especially recommends the collection's Corin gown.

Size Range: Custom sizing

Modest by Mon Cheri Style TR11988

Photo: Mon Cheri

Both experts suggest trying gowns on in person so you can see and feel exactly where the neckline hits and the hem falls, for instance. This Modest by Mon Cheri style most likely works for Orthodox brides—just be sure to try it on for collarbone coverage.

Size Range: 0–20

Viktor&Rolf Mariage Taffeta Volant Dream

Photo: Viktor&Rolf

Strapless is an acceptable silhouette for Reform Judaism, and we especially love this style for the way it pairs with a dramatic veil in the Jewish tradition. For brides in other sects, try adding a topper that tucks into the strapless—rather than laying overtop—like this one by AMSALE.

Size Range: 0–20

Elizabeth Cooper Aria Dress

Photo: Elizabeth Cooper

Elizabeth Cooper is a Utah-based label whose mother-daughter design team keeps modesty top of mind. The Aria dress is ultra on-trend with its puff sleeves, but covered-up enough for Conservative brides. The floaty organza fabrication keeps things light and airy even with full coverage.

Size Range: Custom sizing

Galia Lahav Peachy Gown

Photo: Galia Lahav

For Reform brides not tied to specific dress requirements, Israeli designers are having a major moment. Though their designs are sultry, they offer a connection to tradition—so you can pay homage to your heritage while being fashion-forward and maybe even showing some skin. Galia Lahav is a favorite in the category; the label's Peachy gown has a plunging V-neck and open back, and intricate 3D floral embroideries from top to mermaid skirt.

Size Range: Custom sizing

Willowby by Watters Serene Long-Sleeve Lace Wedding Gown

Photo: Anthropologie

Orthodox wedding dresses can still be high-style. Willowby by Watters proves it with a stunning mock neck long-sleeve wedding dress finished with eyelash lace edges. The dress is sheer, so it should be paired with a maxi slip dress; further style it with the coordinating Goody corset over top.

Size Range: 0-26W

Sincerity Bridal Chiffon A-Line Gown with Sabrina Neckline

Photo: Sincerity Bridal

Lace, cap sleeves, airy chiffon skirt: This is one of those Jewish wedding gowns that offers femininity at the highest level. Pair this with crystal chandelier earrings and a cathedral-length veil for the ceremony.

Size Range: 0–30

Mira Zwillinger Milli Dress

Photo: Mira Zwillinger

Another Israeli designer pick from Bernstein, this Mira Zwillinger dress is what bridal dreams are made of with a fresh straight strapless neckline and full A-line skirt. This dress works as beautifully in the temple as it does beneath a floral chuppah at a garden wedding—especially when paired with the coordinating floral veil. Good news for Orthodox and Conservative brides: The label makes a coordinating long-sleeve topper.

Size Range: Custom sizing

Carfelli Awesome Dress

Photo: Carfelli

The name says it all: This dress is awe-inspiring for Conservative or Reform Jewish brides. The style takes a covered-up Orthodox look and opens it up a bit, adding a V-neck, open square back and slit in the skirt—while still feeling temple-appropriate. Then, the shimmery sequined lace is stunning for the black-tie reception after the ceremony.

Size Range: 2–18

Monique Lhuillier Elodie Dress

Photo: Monique Lhuillier

Just because Orthodox Jewish bridal gowns are traditional doesn't mean they have to be outdated. Monique Lhuillier makes full-coverage high fashion with this long-sleeve lace gown that's giving all the Kate Middleton vibes; Bernstein pegs the style as a favorite for Orthodox weddings.

Size Range: Custom sizing