Can a woman giving the bride away wear a dress with her shoulders showing?

: Is it appropriate for the woman giving the bride away to wear a dress with her shoulders showing?
The bride’s shoulders and arms will be lace covered. It is an afternoon wedding.
The dress in question is not strapless. Would a sheer black wrap with a brooch work?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Bubbles
Well, that this person is female instead of male obviously is not tradition. . . so maybe all rules are out the window?

Frankly – the woman giving away the bride is most likely over the age of forty, and the ceremony is in the afternoon – no. No, it is not appropriate.

bare shoulders are a pretty formal look, better suited to an evening, black-tie event. And regardless of the phsyical shape the lady in question is. . . well, there really are some looks that ought to be reserved for younger women. It’s not that this woman would automatically look *bad*, it’s just that there are gowns out there that would better befit the lady’s age. It’s not about looking hot, it’s about looking one’s best, and also, dressing in a manner that is age and event-appropriate.

Shrug. I doubt anyone will notify the media, but she’ll probably get tittered at. It ain’t the prom, and she ain’t 16 anymore.

Answer by badger
There is no rule about it as far as her clothing relating to the bride’s; but if you follow the truly old-fashioned rules of etiquette, strapless dresses should be reserved for evening wear. Some churches or synagogues have dress codes that would make bare shoulders a problem, which should be checked out in advance.

Answer by jct_pp
If its a religious place then some kind of shrug/wrap would be better

if its outside or a civil wedding then i dont see it as a problem – there is nothing revealing about shoulders

Answer by bluebellbkk
The sheer black wrap and brooch sounds perfect. I agree bare shoulders should really be kept for evening, unless it’s a really informal summer wedding.