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 13 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. That’s why we love cap sleeve dresses for every bride—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, here are our favorite cap sleeve wedding dresses fit for every bride’s dream aesthetic.

Best Lace: Wtoo by Watters Philomene Gown

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

Best Back Detail: Azazie Cersei BG

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.

Price at time of publish: $419

Best Separates: Lulus Sweet Stunner White Lace Two-Piece Maxi Dress

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

For brides who love modern weddings, here's a wonderful choice. 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.

Price at time of publish: $99

For Gold Lovers: Revelry Chloe Sequin Gown

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

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

For the Classic Bride: Azazie Luxia BG

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

Bring on the charm with Azazie’s matte satin Luxia gown. The adjustable cap sleeves and pockets were made for today’s brides while the button back nods to tradition.

Price at time of publish: $319

For the Elegant Bride: Justin Alexander Delia

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: Not listed

For the Dramatic Bride: Morilee Signature Countess Wedding Dress

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 crown.

Price at time of publish: Not listed

For Vintage Loving Brides: Galia Lahav Pearl Gown

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: Not listed

Chiffon Favorite: Amsale Georgia

Length: Floor-length | Material: Chiffon

Your softest chiffon dreams have come true with Amsale’s Georgia. The ruched bodice’s sweetheart neckline and flutter cap sleeves touch upon timeless femininity while the full ball gown skirt adds a dash of wedding day whimsy.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

Best Budget: Lulus Icing On The Cake White Lace Short Sleeve Maxi Dress

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

We love a luxe bridal gown that doesn’t break the bank, and 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.

Price at time of publish: $109

Favorite Train: Kitty Chen Couture Stella

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: Not listed

For a Beach Wedding: Grace + Ivory Sloane

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

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

Most Versatile: Amsale Lakin

Length: Floor-length | Material: Organza

Can’t decide between sleeves or no sleeves? Amsale’s Lakin strapless corset organza gown comes with a cap sleeve overlay that gives you two looks in one, ideal for anyone who wants a second look for the reception.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

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.

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About the Author

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.