Top 7 Long-Sleeve Wedding Dresses for Your Special Day

Contrary to popular opinion, long-sleeve wedding dresses are neither outdated nor boring. In fact, they’re just the opposite. Check out this beautiful long-sleeve lace mermaid gown designed by Rosa Clara for fashion influencer, Martha Sierra on her marriage to Tom Peuteman. 

Or Nicky Hilton’s custom-lace embroidered gown with a high neckline and long lace sleeves:

Source: Getty Images

Thinking of choosing a long-sleeve wedding dress for a big day? You’re just in the right place!! In this article, we’ll review our top picks for long-sleeve dresses. We hope you find one that fits you perfectly. 

But before we go into that…

Let’s be candid: Long-sleeved wedding dresses are (very) stylish and modest. They’re always trendy and a perfect way to stand out from the sea of strapless designs we see online! 

Obviously, long-sleeved wedding dresses are also perfect for the fall season (to protect you from the cold), but you can style them for any time of the year. Plus, if you have any scars, tattoos, or blemishes on your skin that you’ll love to conceal on your big day, opting for long-sleeved wedding dresses is your best bet. 

Another huge plus is that they can help you create a balanced silhouette, especially if you want to draw attention to your lower body. You can add embellishments like beads, embroidery, or sequins to the sleeves or choose a design to make a statement. For example, see how the bishop sleeves in this dress make the bride look elegant and sophisticated. That’s the power of choosing the right sleeve! 

Now that you know the benefits of a long-sleeved wedding dress, here are seven styles you can draw inspiration from on your big day. 

This Rosa Clara elegant but timeless piece was created for the modern bride! The intricate detailing on the bodice and sleeves combined with the soft, flowy skirt is perfect for brides looking to make a statement on their special day. 

The bodice is made from delicate, intricate patterned lace with a blend of tulle netting. The sheer sleeves and thigh-high slit make it a perfect option for spring and summer weddings. If you have long legs and would love to show them off, that would be better! The slit is one of the standout features of the dress, and you can’t help but notice it. To perfect this look, pair it with minimal jewellery and a fingertip-length veil. We particularly love how it adds a bit of sensuality to the overall look without sacrificing elegance in any way. Lovely!!

Detachable sleeves made its debut in the fashion industry in the Regency era, and there’s no doubt it’s not going away anytime soon. This romantic, off-the-shoulder bridal gown from Rosa Clara’s Collection is perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

Adding the detachable puffy sleeves gives you two looks in one, making it perfect for brides who want versatility on their big day. Who doesn’t want to switch dresses for reception? You could easily go off with your groom in the off-the-shoulder style and grace the reception wearing the sleeves. Your choice!

The dress features a delicate lace bodice, carefully adorned with floral embroidery for a soft, romantic look. You’ll love how it carefully accentuates the waist and leads into the flowing tulle skirt for an even bolder look.

Ever dreamt of a fairytale wedding dress for your big day? Then you’ll love this timeless A-line wedding dress from Rosa Clara. It features exquisite allusion lace sleeves that delicately grace your arms and add a stylish feel to the dress. See for yourself:

If you prefer statement sleeves, you can easily request to add beads, sequins, or Swarovski crystals along the lace patterns. Or, you can add buttons or jeweled closures at the wrist to create a vintage design. Your pick! You’ll love the deep v-neckline, which adds subtle sensuality to the dress without overpowering other elements.

You can never go wrong wearing bishop sleeves!

This elegant dress was designed for the bride who wants a minimalistic, sophisticated, and confident look all in one dress. The crepe sheath softly skims the body and cascades into a gentle, flowy train at the back, giving the gown a sleek silhouette.

We’d say the magic happens behind, too. Check out the dramatic V-line at the back of the dress, secured with a trail of covered buttons that lead the eye down to the sweeping drain. As expected, the sleeves add the perfect finishing touch to the entire look, elevating the gown’s simplicity and aura. Pair this dress with modest jewelry and heels for the perfect look.

This is another piece with detachable sleeves but with a more romantic style. The bodice features intricate lace detailing, adding texture and femininity to the look, while the sweetheart neckline enhances the bride’s décolletage with a soft, flattering shape.

The billowing, sheer long sleeves add a whimsical touch, flowing gracefully from the shoulders and tapering at the wrists with delicate lace cuffs. This contrast between the structured, lace-appliqué bodice and the airy, ethereal sleeves creates a beautiful balance, making the dress feel light yet luxurious. The back side also features a plunging V-neckline that surely leaves a lasting impression as you walk down the aisle.

Tip: You can perfect this look with a long, lace-edged veil to echo the bodice. Also, opt for dropping earrings (like in the image above) or a subtle necklace to enhance your beautiful neckline. If you’ll be wearing the gown without the sleeves, pair it with a simple bracelet or cuff to add some style.

This is custom Alter Me! We’ve not fully launched our bridal collection yet, but we are always available to make your dream dress a reality. That’s what we did for Courtney, the bride in this picture. She would have her wedding in winter but wanted a beautiful dress to match the season, so we created just that. Check out her review:

For her, we chose a soft, square neckline that perfectly graces the decolletage. We paired this with sheer bishop sleeves to add a bit of romance and style to the overall look.

This is another classic bespoke wedding dress from Alter Me!

Instead of bishop or fitted sleeves, we decided to go creative by finishing the sleeves with bell cuffs at the elbow. We also chose a square neckline to draw attention to her graceful neck and complement the lace sleeves.

The intricate lace patterns cascade down the dress, leading to a row of elegant buttons that trace the back, adding a vintage touch to this modern piece. The dress is crafted to hug your figure in all places, making it perfect for all body types. If you want to own the bohemian look, pair it with a Juliet cap veil made from soft tulle and lace trim. Also, the breathable quality of the lace helps you stay comfortable, especially if you’re going to have a summer wedding. 

Before making accessory choices, consider the dress’s style and fabric (particularly the sleeves, whether they are made of lace, georgette, or tulle).

For dresses with intricate lace sleeves, opt for simple jewellery like pearl or diamond studs and a simple pendant necklace that won’t compete with the lace’s delicate patterns. If your gown features minimalist sleeves, such as smooth satin or georgette, a bit of sparkle with a statement bracelet or (and) a pair of chandelier earrings will do the magic.

It is also important to consider your neckline when choosing a veil. A high neckline pairs beautifully with a sleek fingertip veil or a cathedral veil edged with lace, and for more open necklines, like a square or V-neck, a delicate, beaded veil or a lace-edged option can add a touch of romance to your looks. Finally, choose shoes that make you look confident, enhance your frame, and allow you to dance freely and move around comfortably.

Well, this depends on your preferences. Long-sleeve and short-sleeved wedding dresses are elegant, and you can choose based on the season and the vibe you want to create on your big day. However, long-sleeve dresses tend to be more appropriate for brides who want to look formal, modest yet chic and regal.