35 Bridal Capes For The Extra Bride

Certain brides want to embody a timeless look on their wedding day, choosing a classic gown that flatters their figure just so, perhaps topped with a veil, and finished with a beauty look that’s simple but elegant. Others consider their wedding day the ultimate time to shine (which it is!) veering in a dramatic direction with their wedding dress, makeup, and accessories. For this type of bride, we’re all about the cape trend.

Oscillating between whimsical and theatrical, bridal capes are a modern alternative to the veil and have been a fixture in wedding collections for the past couple of seasons with designers like Ines Di Santo, Zuhair Murad, Berta, and Naeem Khan leading the way. A statement-making trend, bridal capes range from ultra-glamorous to demure, meaning there are styles to suit myriad bridal tastes whether you’re the extra type, entirely minimal or frilly and feminine. From glistening beads to delicate lace appliqués and pearl or feather adorned, bridal capes deliver on drama for those unabashed by extravagance. If a quieter statement is more your speed, sheer silk and tulle options are on offer both in full-length silhouettes and cropped capelets.

A cape is perfect for the bride looking to enhance her wedding dress but it’s also ideal for those in need of an extra layer either for the sake of appearing modest for a church ceremony or in chillier weather. Shorter capes give certain wedding dresses a vintage feel which is great for the bride channeling a retro vibe. If your dress is on the simpler side, a cape is an enchanting touch and perfect if you want the option of a glitzier layer but don’t want to commit to it for your entire wedding. You can go full-on dramatic, however, with an intricate gown and equally ornate cape. The sky’s the limit—it’s all about what suits your bridal aesthetics best.

Think you’re into a bridal cape for your wedding day? Here, we’ve plucked 35 versions to push you toward yes from straight-off-the-runway versions to affordable finds. Cue the theatrics.