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Wedding dress sleeves come in a variety of styles, fromstrapless to long sleeves and everything in between. Choosing the right sleevesfor you depends on your personal style and external factors like the weather.
Here’s a detailed look at the top 8 types of wedding dresssleeves and some excellent alternatives.
Types of Wedding Dress Sleeves
1- Strapless Wedding Dresses
Stylish wedding gown by EL Design Studio. Check price here.
Strapless wedding dresses are among the most popular stylesof bridal gowns as they accentuate your figure, drawing attention especially toyour bust and waist. Over 75% of all wedding dresses come in this style, makingit a very in-style choice.
The strapless style is typically chosen for ball gowns, A-lineand sheath wedding dresses but can come in a range of other silhouettes andlook amazing on almost everyone. These gowns are perfect for a petite bride, asthe dress doesn’t overwhelm you with tons of material. However, if you haveprominent shoulders, a strapless dress might not be your best option as it canmake you look larger at the top.
Strapless gowns look gorgeous with a well-chosen statementnecklace or pair of earrings, and a bracelet to match.
2- Spaghetti Strap Wedding Gown
Spaghetti strap wedding dress by Blush Fashion. Check price here.
This style of sleeves have very thin straps that look likespaghetti – thin, long and pencil-like. Unlike strapless dresses, spaghettistraps provide a little extra lift to the dress, supporting the bride to keepthe dress comfortably up with the minimal amount of material shown.
Spaghetti strap are perfect for princess style dresses withlarge skirts, sheath dresses or dresses with empire waists. They tend to lookless formal than strapless dress styles, but this of course depends on the overalldesign.
For a practical and comfortable option, spaghetti straps makea good choice. They’re ideal if you want a strapless look without the worry ofthe dress moving out of position.
3- Wedding Gown with Straps
Strap wedding dress by PT Bridal Handmade. Check price here.
In between spaghetti straps and cap sleeves comes the strapwedding gown, featuring straps a few inches wide attached to the top of yourdress on either side.
Straps provide additional support, keeping your dress upnicely, while also becoming an integral part of the design. These straps can beembellished with beading, lace, pearls or crystals to add a touch of bling anddetail to your dress.
Straps on a wedding dress can suit a range of styles, butare especially perfect with ball gown style dresses for a classic look. For amodern twist and a statement look, try a one-shoulder strap. You can also optfor detachable straps, giving you two looks with one dress.
4- Sleeveless Wedding Dress
Sleeveless wedding gown by EL Design Studio. Check price here.
No, a sleeveless wedding dress isn’t a strapless gown. Ratherit a dress without sleeves, but with more support than the strapless style.Off-the-shoulder, halter, illusion and bateau are some necklines that are typicallysleeveless without being strapless.
Sleeveless gowns can look more formal and are comfortable towear. There’s less scope for wardrobe malfunctions and a pleasing balance inthe top and lower halves of the dress.
5- Cap Sleeves Wedding Gown
Cap sleeve wedding dress by Kala Kala Bridal. Check price here.
Cap sleeves can come in a range oflengths and styles, but are typically easy to identify because they cap thecurves of your shoulders. They’re typically small, round sleeves that are fixedto the top part of the dress, with no sleeve under the arm. These sleeves arevery popular as they have a casually confident, feminine look and are veryversatile. They can also come in detachable versions, which give moreflexibility to the bride.
Cap sleeves are comfortable and easy to wear. They’re quitecasual looking, and are perfectly suited for more bohemian, casual stylewedding dresses but can also suit more formal A-line and mermaid style gownsdepending on the style of sleeve. Cap sleeves can be very elaborate but theycan also be barely-there, and can range in style from subtle to puffy.
6- Short Sleeve Wedding Dress
Short sleeved wedding dress by Milamira Bridal. Check price here.
Short sleeves are longer than the cap sleeve but stops aroundthe elbow. These sleeves are clearly there, offering more coverage and modestyto the bride. Short sleeves can vary in style, but are typically flat andbody-fitting. However, puffier, elaborate sleeves can make a statement andreally stand out.
Short sleeves tend to look best with column or sheath dressesthat flow straight down, but don’t tend to complement ball gown style dressesin general as the bride can get lost in all the fabric.
7- Three Quarter Sleeve Wedding Dress
Three quarter sleeve lace dress by Milamira Bridal. Check price here.
This style of sleeve falls midway between elbow and wrist,often extending just a few inches past the elbow. Again, three quarter sleevescome in a variety of styles, with some popular options being lace embellishedsleeves, bell sleeves (narrow at the shoulders and wide at the bottom half) anddetachable three quarter sleeves.
Three quarter sleeves on wedding dresses has a formal, moresophisticated look. It’s a nod towards the vintage styles of the mid-20thcentury, and is undoubtedly feminine and classy to look at.
8- Long Sleeve Wedding Dress
Stylish long sleeve wedding dress by New York City Bride. Check price here.
You only have to look at the wedding pictures of royal bridesto see how important a part long sleeves play. Royal brides are traditionallysupposed to wear long sleeves for their wedding dresses, as this ensuresmodesty, sophistication and respect to the church.
While you might choose long sleeves for another reason,there’s no denying that long sleeves look grown-up, classy and very chic. Longsleeves typically extend up to the wrist or just beyond, and can come in avariety of styles, from fitted to big and dramatic as seen on Princess Diana’swedding dress.
For wintry weather, long sleeves offers welcome respite fromthe cold but in summer, choose long sleeves made of lace or other sheermaterial to provide more breathability and comfort.
Alternativesto Sleeves
Bridal bolero by Mokka Bridal. Check price here.
If you want sleeves for your ceremony but not for the entireday, here are some alternatives that give you flexibility to take off thesleeves when you want:
1- Detachable sleeves
We’ve mentioned this a couple of times above, but here goes again. Detachable sleeves can be fixed onto your dress via snaps or buttons and can be simple straps, or elaborate full-length sleeves. Just ensure that the sleeves complement the dress and look like a single cohesive outfit.
2- Bridal Bolero
A fashionable bridal bolero that elegantly covers your shoulders can easily be taken off to show off a strapless dress. Depending on the weather, you can opt for a heavier bolero or a barely there lace style.
3- Bridal Cape
Yes, capes aren’t just for superheroes, they can be for sheroes on their wedding day too. A bridal cape suits column and body-con dresses, adding a bit of movement and flow at the top, while providing coverage and warmth. Choosing a quality matching cape can make a world of difference. Capes rest around the shoulders, and are generally tied in the front to keep them secure.
Bridal cape by Dave and Chiyo. Check price here.
4- Bridal Shawl
This can be styled in many ways and can be the same color as the dress or a different color for a statement look. Bridal shawls can be thick, woollen designs or light and airy pieces depending on the weather and the look you’re aiming for. While they can be a hassle to arrange and will tend to keep moving around on you, they’re also very practical and versatile.
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