22 Bridal Capes to Complement Any Wedding Dress Style

Elegant and statement-making

by
Sophie Moore
Sophie has worked in the fashion industry for over seven years and has been with Brides since 2013.
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Sophie Moore
Updated 12/08/20

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cape

PHOTO BY SARAH FALUGO

You heard it here first: bridal capes are the modern alternative to the wedding veil. From allover embellished styles to elegant floor-length silhouettes, bridal capes share the same stylish and romantic qualities of a veil and complement any style of wedding dress. Whether you're looking to make a serious fashion statement on your wedding day or you're seeking out a bridal cape for added coverage, we've rounded up the best bridal capes ranging from the ultra glamours to the ethereal.

What Is a Bridal Cape?

A bridal cape is an accessory that can be worn over a wedding dress. Bridal capes come in many styles from floor-length to cropped capelets.

For brides looking for showstopping drama, you'll love details like allover embellishments, bold color, and exaggerated lengths. If a minimalist vibe is more your speed, sheer silk, and tulle options are on offer both in full-length silhouettes and cropped capelets. And for the classic bride, there are scores of capes crafted from crisp fabrics and elegant laces to complement any simple wedding dress silhouette.

Whether you're getting married in the winter or summer or saying "I do" at a black-tie or backyard wedding, we've rounded up the best bridal capes for every bridal style, season, and wedding dress silhouette.

01
of 22

Most Lightweight: NoonOnTheMoonSilk Cape

cape

 Courtesy of Noon On The Moon

This stunning raw-edge tulle veil is simplicity at it's finest. Soft and gauzy, it's the perfect touch for brides wanting an alternative to a floor-length veil.

02
of 22

Best Allover Lace: Tadashi Shoji Floral Lace Capelet

capes

 Courtesy of Nordstrom

If you're going for a vintage-y vibe on your big day, consider this pretty lace capelet complete with a high-neck and soft ribbon tie. It's just the little hint of lace you've been searching for.

03
of 22

Most Romantic: Carine Gilson Lace Trimmed Cape

cape

 Courtesy of Matchesfashion

If you're choosing to wear a cape, you're probably looking to add a little drama to your wedding day look. Make an entrance in this long and diaphanous lace-trim cape.

04
of 22

For the Minimalist Bride: Davie and Chiyo Modern Bridal Cape

cape

Courtesy of Davie and Chiyo

Minimalist brides who want to keep it modern and unfussy will love the clean silhouette of this effortless cape. A simple style will always blend seamlessly with a sleek wedding dress.

05
of 22

Best for a Simple Neckline: Needle & Thread Patchwork Sequin Cape

sequin cape

 Courtesy of BHLDN

If you're wearing a simple dress like a clean strapless number or a satin slip, take your look to the next level with an embellished cape. This shimmering cape boasts sweet ruffles and twinkling sequins.

06
of 22

For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Erdem Lace Cape

lace cape

 Courtesy of Matchesfashion

For the fashion-forward bride, this exquisite Erdem cape is a no-brainer. Wear yours over a simple slip wedding dress or sleek jumpsuit.

07
of 22

For a Courthouse Wedding: thelotusbloomco Drape Back Cape

draped cape

 Courtesy of thelotusbloomco

Planning to say "I do" at City Hall? Consider pairing this cape with a bridal suit for an impossibly chic and memorable wedding day look.

08
of 22

Most Whimsical: WildestDreamsBridalStars Cape

cape

 Courtesy of Wildest Dreams Bridal

Brides throwing a celestial-themed wedding, we know you're out there! And this star-adorned cape is for you! Each star is of varying sizes and is embellished with translucent sequins for a subtle shine.

09
of 22

Most Unique: AllAboutRomance Draped Tulle Cape

cape

 Courtesy of All About Romance

For brides who don't want their shoulders or their dress to be covered, consider this cape that fastens at the shoulders. It acts more like a train than a cape and the best part is that it's detachable–perfect for hitting that dancefloor!

10
of 22

Best Raw Edge: thelotusbloomco

cape

 Courtesy of thelotusbloomco

You can never go wrong with a versatile raw edge tulle cape. This dreamy style could easily be worn with a simple slip dress or an embellished ballgown.

11
of 22

Best Capelet: David's Bridal Beaded Lace Appliqué Trim Cape

cape

 Courtesy of David's Bridal

For brides who love a traditional look, opt for a lace-trimmed capelet. It's just the right amount of detail to add to your dress, not detract from it. Keep accessories simple and classic.

12
of 22

Most Versatile: SeniDey Tulle Cape

wedding cape

 Courtesy SeniDey

If this cape makes you want to run along the beach–tulle floating in the wind, then you've found your perfect match. Little details like a keyhole back that ties at the neck, make this style all the more sweeter.

13
of 22

Best Subtle Details: Monique Lhuillier Brie Crystal-Embellished Swiss-Dot Cape

cape

 Courtesy of Monique Lhuiller

If you're worried about any added bulk when it comes to a bridal cape, fear not! This swiss-dot tulle cape boasts a slim fit across the shoulders and gathered pleating to keep it in place. We are also loving how the crystal-embellished neckline looks like a piece of sparkling jewelry.

14
of 22

For a Black-Tie Wedding: David's Bridal Long Tulle Cape with 3D Flowers

cape

 Courtesy of David's Bridal

This cape is fit for royalty and the perfect complement to a princess ballgown. Glide down the aisle in tulle embellished with the prettiest 3D flowers.

15
of 22

For the Glamorous Bride: Alexandra Grecco Feather Cape

cape

Courtesy of Alexandra Grecco

If you're coveting that old Hollywood glitz and glam look, then you need to get yourself a beaded feather cape. The movement of the feathers and the sparkle of the beads will make your aisle feel just like the red carpet.

16
of 22

Most Vintage-Inspired: Davie and Chiyo Lace Cape

cape

 Courtesy of Davie and Chiyo

There is something to be said about just really beautiful lace and with this style cape, you have the option to choose from four very different but equally as gorgeous laces.

17
of 22

Best Allover Pearls: Bridal Separates Lace and Pearl Cape

cape

 Courtesy of Bridal Separates

The perfect combination of pearls and lace dot and line this flirty capelet making it the perfect addition to a simple wedding dress.

18
of 22

For the Boho Bride: Miguelina Sheer Lace Cape

crochet cape

Courtesy of Orchard Mile

Summer or destination wedding bound brides can wear capes too! Especially if they're made from easy, breezy sheer lace like this gorgeous style from Miguelina.

19
of 22

For a Garden Wedding: La Voile Rose Floral Embroidered Cape

cape

 Courtesy of La Voile Rose

We love how this colorful cape looks as if the flowers are actually growing on the tulle. Floral details are kept lighter at the top to allow for the back of the dress to be seen.

20
of 22

Best Slip-On Style: LaVoileRose Pearl Capelet

pearl cape

 Courtesy of LaVoileRose

If you're looking for a more seamless bridal cape that doesn't tie at either the front or the back, opt for this circular slip-on style capelet.

21
of 22

DavieandChiyo Pearl Embellished Caplet

caplet

 Courtesy of DavieandChiyo

These strategically placed shimmering pearls are sure to catch the light at just the right moment to make for the most stunning wedding photos.

22
of 22

Best for Off-White Gowns: fashionmeme Floor Length Pearl Cape

bridal cape

 Courtesy of fashionmeme

We love all of the sweet details on this floor-length cape from the scattered pearls to the ethereal off-white tulle. This style is for the bride who is truly a romantic at heart.

Shopping FAQs

Thinking about wearing a cape on your wedding day? We've answered three common questions brides ask when shopping for a bridal cape.

  • What is a bridal cape? A bridal cape is worn over a wedding dress and can either fasten at the front or back, at the shoulders, or slip on over your head. Bridal capes come in many lengths from floor-length to cropped capelets.
  • What is a bridal capelet? A bridal capelet is a cropped version of a cape that covers your shoulders and typically hits above your elbows.
  • Can I wear a bridal cape and a veil? It's your wedding and you should feel free to wear whatever best reflects your personal style, however, if you're planning to wear a floor-length cape with a cathedral length veil you may run the risk of two competing styles getting lost in your overall look. Blushers and birdcage veils pair nicely with floor-length capes while cropped capelets are more conducive to longer length veils.

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