Where can I shop for a bridal cape?

Bridal capes are a niche wedding accessory, so you might not find them at all bridal stores. Typically, capes are custom-made to fit your height, and plenty of small businesses specialize in this. Etsy is a great place to start your search, but some stores such as David's Bridal offer a selection of wedding capes as well. If you're purchasing a cape that isn't custom-made, make sure to bring it with you to your wedding dress fittings.

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. Capelets are just as popular as traditional capes and are great for brides looking for a subtle take on the cape look.

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.

16 Best Bridal Capes of 2023

A bridal cape is a modern alternative to the traditional wedding veil concept. Rather than wearing it on your head, you wear it over your shoulders and wedding dress. From all-over embellished styles to elegant floor-length silhouettes and cropped capelets, bridal capes share the same stylish and romantic qualities as a veil and complement various dress styles.

Before choosing a bridal cape, you’ll first want to consider your wedding dress silhouette. When shopping for a cape, determine what length, materials, and details will work best with your dress and overall wedding aesthetic, venue, and season. If you're hosting a romantic garden ceremony, you might consider a lacy bohemian style. Throwing a classic black-tie affair? A floor-length tulle option may be better suited for your bridal look.

To help you discover the best bridal capes, we researched the best options with these features in mind, whether you’re looking to make a bridal fashion statement or you’re seeking added coverage. For an understated look, we love the Amsale Alençon Lace-Trimmed Tulle Capelet. Looking for head-turning drama? Our top picks are the NoonOnTheMoon Hayden Cape and the All About Romance Draped Tulle Cape.

Read on for the best bridal capes on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Most Unique:

AllAboutRomance Draped Tulle Cape at Etsy

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For the Minimalist Bride:

DavieandChiyo Modern Bridal Cape at Etsy

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Most Lightweight:

NoonOnTheMoon Hayden Cape at Etsy

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For a Courthouse Wedding:

thelotusbloomco Drape Back Cape at Etsy

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Best Slip-On Style:

MineStyle Ivory Pearl Bridal Capelet at Etsy

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Best All-Over Pearls:

Bridal Separates Lace and Pearl Cape at Etsy

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For the Fashion-Forward Bride:

ASOS Applique Floral Wedding Cape at Asos

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Most Whimsical:

Wardrobe By Dulcinea Luna Bridal Cape at Etsy

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Best Florals:

Which Goose Wildflower Bridal Cape at Etsy

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Most Unexpected:

Society James Faye Hooded Lace Cape at Anthropologie

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Etsy / AllAboutRomance

View On Etsy

Size Range: Custom | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Final sale

The Morgan cape is perfect for brides with intricate dress detailing on the back that they don’t want to cover. Handcrafted using English net, this customizable cape is made-to-order in ivory, white, or silk white, and in lengths from 75 to 110 inches. Ideal for when you hit the dance floor, this lightweight and versatile cape detaches easily with tiny metal clips that are cleverly located on the cape's underside.

Price at time of publish: $169 for 75 inches

Etsy / DavieandChiyo

View On Etsy

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free Shipping | Return policy: Final sale

Brides who want to keep everything about their wedding minimalist, modern, and unfussy will love the clean silhouette of this effortless cape. The simple sheer style will blend seamlessly with a sleek wedding dress. Handmade from light and airy chiffon, the stylish high-low Beatrix cape pools dramatically at the back while the front lands at about the midriff.

Price at time of publish: $180

Etsy / NoonOnTheMoon

View On Etsy

Size Range: One size | Shipping: $11 standard shipping | Return policy: Final Sale

This stunning raw-edge tulle cape is simplicity at its finest. Soft and gauzy, it's the perfect touch for brides wanting an alternative to a floor-length veil that will enhance the intricate look of styles like beaded or embroidered wedding dresses. Handmade of English net, this lightweight contemporary cape is available in soft white, pale ivory, or ivory, and in lengths from 75 to 135 inches. The Hayden cape has a dramatic wide train and secures at the neck with a delicate gold or silver-finished chain clasp.

Price at time of publish: $195 for 75 inches

Etsy / thelotusbloomco

View On Etsy

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 5 days; custom pieces are final sale

This impossibly chic bridal cape will look equally stunning when paired with an intricately detailed bridal outfit for a courthouse ceremony. Made to order from sheer tulle in a range of colors from white, ivory, and champagne to beige, brown, and black, this stylish cape drapes from the shoulders and pools gracefully at the lower back. The cape attaches easily at the shoulders with the included silver bar pins.

Price at time of publish: $188 for 85 inches

Etsy / MineStyle

View On Etsy

Size Range: Custom | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

This slip-on sheer capelet drapes lightly and elegantly over the shoulders. It’s slightly longer in the back than the front and is handmade to order. You can choose from white, champagne, ivory, or black tulle adorned with matching pearls. With no ties, zippers, or clasps, the lightweight topper offers simplicity—ideal for a courthouse or summer wedding dress.

Price at time of publish: $6

Etsy / BridalSeparates

View On Etsy

Size Range: One size/Custom | Shipping: $22.65 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 3 days

The perfect combination of pearls and glitter, this flirty capelet makes the ideal addition to a simple wedding dress. Delicate lace lines the entire bottom of the capelet, which is slightly shorter in the front than the back. With a wide neckline that drapes gracefully across the shoulders, this handmade capelet will add a romantic touch to your wedding day apparel.

Price at time of publish: $98

ASOS

View On Asos

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

This exquisite white applique cape exudes an ethereal quality when gently draped over the shoulders. Made of lightweight, sheer chiffon, this romantic lace cape flares out and hits approximately at the elbows. The cape is embroidered with a floral motif and features a snap front closure. For the fashion-forward bride, this graceful cape will look elegant over a classic slip wedding dress or a sleek jumpsuit.

Price at time of publish: $110

Etsy / Wardrobe By Dulcinea

View On Etsy

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Final sale

Brides throwing a celestial-themed wedding, we know you're out there. And this star-adorned piece was created just for you. The sheer lace capelet is decorated with embroidered star and moon figures in varying sizes. It's then embellished with translucent sequins for a subtle shine, so you can transform almost any gown into a starry wedding dress.

Price at time of publish: $149

Etsy / Which Goose

View On Etsy

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 21 days

Calling all boho brides! We love how this colorful cape looks as if the embroidered flowers are actually growing on the sheer off-white tulle, adding a bit of whimsy to a garden wedding dress. This show-stopping cape attaches at the shoulders with lobster claw clips, depending on dress style. It's sure to make a statement as you walk down the aisle.

Price at time of publish: $100

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: S-XL | Shipping: Free on orders over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Delicate and airy yet daring, this cape from Society James is a truly timeless piece. Pair with a minimalist slip dress to let the cape's detailing shine. This wide, sweeping ivory cape has a floral pattern and a hood for a unique and unexpected look. The cape closes simply at the neckline with a hook and eye fastener.

Price at time of publish: $548

Etsy / DavieandChiyo

View On Etsy

Size Range: Custom | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days

For an understated yet embellished capelet, the Elenna—with tiny pearls applied to delicate, sheer tulle—stands out. The wide, finished neckline gives the capelet a relaxed and elegant look. Those strategically placed shimmering pearls, which complement any type of pearl wedding accessory (such as pearl earrings and hairpins), are sure to catch the light for the most stunning wedding photos.

Price at time of publish: $138

Monique Lhuillier Brie Crystal-Embellished Swiss-Dot Cape

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: S-L | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

This statement cape from Monique Lhuillier is made of sheer white Swiss-dot tulle. The lightweight ankle-length cape is cut slim across the shoulders, has gathered pleating to keep it in place, and has a loose, drapey fit—beautifully paired with a strapless wedding dress of the same length. We also love that the crystal-embellished neckline looks like a piece of sparkling jewelry.

Price at time of publish: $1,208

Amsale AlenÃ§on Lace-Trimmed Tulle Capelet

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: 0-6 | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

If you're looking for a cape on the subtler side, consider this simple lace capelet from Amsale. With a bateau neckline and Alençon-lace trim, this graceful capelet has a minimalist design that makes it a fitting addition to any style, from trumpet to tea-length wedding dresses. The top is completely sheer with lace trim on just the lower third of the ivory cape.

Price at time of publish: $330

Esther Andrews

View On Estherandrews.com

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days; Custom pieces are final sale

This asymmetric knit cape is handmade from sustainable stretch cashmere. The cape drapes loosely across the shoulders and fits an inclusive size range from XS to 6X. The shooting star fringe is made of 100% hand-tied silk. Perfect for summer brides looking for a wearable, lightweight cape to go with a country wedding dress, we can’t help but picture this avant-garde accessory at a rustic outdoor wedding.

Price at time of publish: $1,100

Farfetch

View On Farfetch.com

Size Range: One size | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days

Winter brides are guaranteed to need a warm piece to wear on the big day, and we love this faux-fur option from Unreal Fur. This ivory cape comes in one size and features a classic collar and a concealed hook and eye closure. The cape is fitted at the shoulders and loose at the waist and has a cropped style that is flattering and timeless so it will go well with different styles of winter wedding dresses.

Price at time of publish: $366

Etsy / Noon On The Moon

View On Etsy

Size Range: One size | Shipping: $11 standard shipping | Return policy: Final sale

These strategically placed crystals are sure to catch the light as you float down the aisle and twirl on the dance floor. Draping effortlessly around your body, it's the perfect addition to a chic mermaid gown or simple column silhouette. Pair it with an up-do to show off all the sparkling details.

Price at time of publish: $750

What to Look for When Buying a Bridal Cape

Dress style and silhouette

When searching for a bridal cape, it's important to consider if your dress style will allow for it. Perhaps your dress has intricate detailing on the back or has a long train. In this case, you might consider capes with a more open back design, such as the thelotusbloomco Drape Back Cape. Comfort and functionality are key on the big day so make sure that your cape won't get in the way while you walk down the aisle.

Weather and venue

It's also essential to consider the weather. Of course, a summer bride will want a lightweight, airy cape, but a winter bride might wish to have a cape as a replacement for their coat. In this case, a heavier cape or capelet is the way to go—we love the Unreal Fur Nord Faux-Fur Cropped Cape. When choosing a cape style that's best for you, consider your wedding dress silhouette, as well as your overall wedding venue, theme, and season.

FAQ

Where can I shop for a bridal cape?

Bridal capes are a niche wedding accessory, so you might not find them at all bridal stores. Typically, capes are custom-made to fit your height, and plenty of small businesses specialize in this. Etsy is a great place to start your search, but some stores such as David's Bridal offer a selection of wedding capes as well. If you're purchasing a cape that isn't custom-made, make sure to bring it with you to your wedding dress fittings.
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. Capelets are just as popular as traditional capes and are great for brides looking for a subtle take on the cape look.
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.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

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