What seasons are cap sleeve wedding dresses best for?

Cap sleeve wedding dresses can work for most seasons, but it’ll be a good idea to check the weather before selecting this style. If you’re getting married during a colder month or season, you might need to consider wearing a bridal shawl or cloak to keep warm while outdoors.

Are cap sleeve wedding dresses casual?

Even though cap sleeves are commonly seen in everyday fashion, cap sleeve wedding gowns can be just as formal as other sleeved options. Pay attention to components like train length , fabric, and embellishments that’ll help determine the formality of the gown.

Are cap sleeve wedding dresses expensive?

The good news is cap sleeve wedding gowns aren’t typically more expensive than other sleeve lengths. In fact, without additional lace or embellishments lining both arms, you might even be able to find styles a little cheaper than long-sleeved options.

The 12 Best Cap Sleeve Wedding Dresses of 2023

As every bride knows: First comes love, then comes the wedding planning. And while there are a lot of different components that go into creating your perfect day, one of the biggest is selecting your day-of look. With wedding gowns coming in a variety of styles, fabrics, and cuts, you might be feeling a little lost on your journey to finding the one. For a modest yet modern look, we love cap sleeve wedding dresses—they can check off all the boxes for any bride’s style.

Unlike strapless gowns, which can sometimes slip down if not properly fitted, and long sleeves, which can be warm in hotter climates, cap sleeve gowns are not only comfortable, but odds are you’re already used to wearing them. Many shirts and day dresses come with this classic sleeve length, so you won’t have to worry about pulling or tugging on the big day. Plus, if you’re looking for a certain fabric or silhouette, there’s a good chance this common sleeve length will have plenty of options to fit your vision.

From fluffy tulle to soft chiffon and vintage-inspired numbers, we've researched the best cap sleeve wedding dresses on the market that fit every bride’s dream aesthetic. We considered each style's design, materials, size range, cost, and overall quality.

Read on for the best cap sleeve wedding dresses.

Our Top Picks

Best Budget:

Lulus Icing on the Cake Maxi Dress at Lulus

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Best Separates:

Lulus Lace Two-Piece Maxi Dress at Lulus

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Best Lace:

Wtoo by Watters Philomene Gown at Bhldn

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Best Back Detail:

Azazie Cersei Wedding Dress at Azazie.com

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For Gold Lovers:

Revelry Chloe Sequin Dress at Shoprevelry.com

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For the Classic Bride:

Azazie Luxia Wedding Dress at Azazie.com

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For the Elegant Bride:

Justin Alexander Delia Wedding Dress at Justinalexander.com

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For the Dramatic Bride:

Morilee Countess Wedding Dress at Morilee.com

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For Vintage Loving Brides:

Galia Lahav Pearl Gown at Galialahav.com

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Favorite Train:

Kittychen Couture Stella Dress at Kittychencouture.com

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Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Maxi | Material: Lace

We love a luxe bridal gown that doesn’t break the bank. Lulus' Icing on the Cake gown showcases fashion-forward floral lace over a nude stretch liner that flares out into an elegant mermaid silhouette fit for any formality. Pair it with a tousled up-do or loose waves for an effortless yet elegant bridal ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $119

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Chiffon

For brides who are hosting a modern weddings, here's a wonderful and on-trend option. Separates are such a fun bridal choice, and this lace and chiffon option from Lulus—featuring a slit skirt and illusion sweetheart bodice—is a bridal favorite at under $100. We can picture this beauty at an intimate garden wedding or boho beach ceremony.

Price at time of publish: $99

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn

Size Range: 00-15 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace

Calling all ladies who love lace! The exquisitely intricate corded lace of this spectacular Watters gown was specially made to fit the dreamy, form-flattering silhouette. Further elevated by a plunging neckline and a pearl button-back, every detail comes together to create a lace look like no other.

Price at time of publish: $1,400

Azazie

View On Azazie.com

Size Range: WD0-WD30, Custom | Length: Floor-length | Material: Chiffon

Dreamy with a touch of vintage, this gown was made for brides who crave both. The soft chiffon and elongating V-neckline of Azazie's Cersei gown will draw you in while the hand-beaded back and scalloped cap sleeves will make you fall in love. Pair it with simple pearl accessories to complement this classic style.

Price at time of publish: $419

Revelry

View On Shoprevelry.com

Size Range: TK | Length: Petite, Regular, or Tall Maxi | Material: Sequined fabric

Non-traditional brides will adore this sparkling frock. Glitzy gold dresses are one of the best new bridal trends, and this glamorous gown from Revelry has us seeing stars. The flattering cap sleeves, detachable cowl neckline, and figure-skimming silhouette is beloved by both brides and their babes.

Price at time of publish: $189

Azazie

View On Azazie.com

Size Range: WD0-WD30 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Matte satin

Bring on the charm with Azazie’s matte satin Luxia gown that would be right at home at an elegant black-tie wedding. The adjustable cap sleeves and pockets were made for today’s brides while the button-back nods to timless tradition.

Price at time of publish: $319

Justin Alexander

View On Justinalexander.com

Length: Floor-length | Material: Stretch crepe

Modest met her match in Justin Alexander’s Delia gown. Decadent stretch crepe hugs your curves before cascading down to a cathedral-length train while beaded floral appliqués cover the cutout sides, back, and cap sleeves for a note of flirty femininity.

Price at time of publish: Inquire for price details

Morilee

View On Morilee.com

Size Range: 0-28 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Organza

Brides looking to level up the drama on their day need a gown as big as their event. The only thing missing from Morilee’s Countess gown, with its pleated, beaded skirt, cathedral-length train, and full, floral applique skirt, is your bridal crown.

Price at time of publish: Inquire for price details

Galia Lahav

View On Galialahav.com

Size Range: Custom | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk crepe

Silk crepe, lace details, and cascading pearl and sequin fringe chains create the most astounding ‘20s inspired gown fit for any Gatsby bride. The best part: It’s made to order based on your exact measurements for the most flawless fit.

Price at time of publish: Inquire for price details

Kittychen Couture

View On Kittychencouture.com

Size Range: 0-28 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace

Make the aisle your runway with Kitty Chen’s Stella gown. The figure-forming silhouette paired with the lace detailing and high keyhole neckline are wow-worthy on their own but add in the cathedral-length double-layer train for one exquisite wedding day look.

Price at time of publish: Inquire for price details

Grace + Ivory

View On Graceandivory.com

Size Range: Custom | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk

Throwing a beach wedding? Ceremonies on the shores mean lightweight fabrics that beat the heat and catch the wind, like Grace + Ivory’s Sloane dress. The airy silk skirt and French-inspired lace bodice form a breathtaking beachside aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $1,995

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi-length | Material: Tulle

Perfect for a courthouse wedding or low-key backyard ceremony, this dreamy dress from Lulus features flutter cap sleeves and a full tulle skirt—creating a whimsical and romantic vibe. We also love the dynamic neckline and low back design that add a subtly sexy touch.

Price at time of publish: $88

What to Look For in Cap Sleeve Wedding Dresses

Style and silhouette

It's essential to consider the style and silhouette options when shopping for your dream wedding dress. Whether you prefer body-hugging mermaid gowns, loose-fitting slips, or glamorous ballgowns, there's a silhouette to suit your style that also has cap sleeves. When it comes to the cap sleeves, specifically, consider the length and fit. Glam brides will love fitted and frilly cap sleeves—such as the Lulus Flirtatious Feeling White Tulle Flutter Sleeve Dress—while laidback brides might prefer more casual cap sleeves that fit comfortably around the arms and shoulders.

Materials and formality

Whether you're hosting an elegant black-tie wedding or an intimate backyard ceremony, there's a cap sleeve wedding dress to suit any wedding formality. Full tulle or organza gowns with embellished sleeves are perfectly on-point for formal affairs—we love the Morilee Countess Wedding Dress. On the other hand, lightweight fabrics like linen or even crepe would be right at home at casual summer weddings.

FAQ

What seasons are cap sleeve wedding dresses best for?

Cap sleeve wedding dresses can work for most seasons, but it’ll be a good idea to check the weather before selecting this style. If you’re getting married during a colder month or season, you might need to consider wearing a bridal shawl or cloak to keep warm while outdoors.
Are cap sleeve wedding dresses casual?

Even though cap sleeves are commonly seen in everyday fashion, cap sleeve wedding gowns can be just as formal as other sleeved options. Pay attention to components like train length, fabric, and embellishments that’ll help determine the formality of the gown.
Are cap sleeve wedding dresses expensive?

The good news is cap sleeve wedding gowns aren’t typically more expensive than other sleeve lengths. In fact, without additional lace or embellishments lining both arms, you might even be able to find styles a little cheaper than long-sleeved options.

Why Trust Brides

Rachel Varina is a social media, digital marketing, and editorial expert with over seven years of professional writing experience. Her work has appeared on sites such as Betches and Elite Daily.