Rivini by Rita Vinieris

Sleeves Elevate These 14 Stunning Wedding Gowns

Which style would you choose?

Sleeves are back in a big way this year. Their appeal is obvious, says Rita Vinieris, designer of the bridal wear brands Rivini and Alyne: “They can give an Old World allure to a gown, but they also can be incredibly modern depending on the overall styling and design of the wedding dress.”

For Vinieris’s Fall 2022 bridal collections, sleeves are a standout feature. “Currently I’m loving two types of sleeve moments,” says the designer. “One is a statement sleeve with a personality that is playful yet complimentary to the dress. The other is a slim sleeve that looks like a second skin. As long as the sleeves are designed to be in perfect harmony with the dress, you can’t go wrong.”

Sleeves have been a feature of wedding gown for decades, but Vinieris points out that they all but vanished from bridal wear in the early 2000s, when strapless gowns became the predominant fashion choice. Then the Royal Wedding of 2011 happened, and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, brought the sleeve back with her Grace Kelly-inspired wedding gown featuring full-length illusion lace sleeves, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

An interesting thought: Exactly 30 years before Kate’s wedding day, Princess Diana turned bridal style conventions of the time upside down largely due to the voluminous puffed sleeves of her wedding dress, which became a trend for well over a decade.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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In the age of multiple wedding looks, Vinieris says she has gotten creative with her sleeves, designing several of her wedding dresses with detachable sleeves to allow for easy and dramatic switch-ups. “This gives a bride versatility on the day because it’s like having two dresses in one,” she explains. “Detachable sleeves are perfect for a bride that may need to have her shoulders covered for the ceremony but then prefers to convert the dress into a strapless or sleeveless look for the reception.” 

From cap to flutter, bell to blouson, there’s a sleeve to suit every bridal fashion vibe. Here are 14 sleeved wedding dresses we love.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Christian SirianoChristian Siriano dress, $24,102, christiansiriano.com

This ornate, Deco-inspired gown features pearl and crystal-beaded illusion sleeves.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Nouvelle AmasaleNouvelle Amasale dress, $5,391, amasale.com

For a breezy bohemian mood, a flutter sleeve is the perfect choice. This Chantilly lace and floral tulle dress by Amsale is the dreamiest.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Yolan CrisYolan Cris dress, yolancris.com

This architectural gown gets its cool quirk factor from statement-making puffed sleeves.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Grace Loves LaceGrace Loves Lace dress, $3,400, graceloveslace.com

An alluring off-the-shoulder neckline combined with second-skin stretch lace sleeves make the Nathalia dress a total show-stopper.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Reem AcraReem Acra dress, reemacra.com

A cool contrast to the open back, this super-short cap sleeve will add a sweet touch to your wedding look.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Halfpenny LondonHalfpenny London dress, halfpennylondon.com

The oversized detachable sleeves paired with this dramatic ball gown combine to create a 2022 take on Princess Diana’s classic ’80s wedding dress.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Paloma BlancaPaloma Blanca dress, palomablanca.com

There’s something to be said for simplicity, isn’t there? This column gown with tailored sleeves is a minimalist bride’s dream.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Blue Willow by Anne BargeBlue Willow by Anne Barge dress, annebarge.com

A small draped off-the-shoulder sleeve enhances the strapless neckline. It’s a perfect choice if you want just a hint of arm coverage.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Danielle FrankelDanielle Frankel dress, daniellefrankelstudio.com

A master of draping, New York-based designer Danielle Frankel adds flowing sleeves to a liquid-silk cowl neck gown.

 

wedding dress sleeves
TruvelleTruvelle dress, $2,750, truvelle.com

With delicate full lace sleeves and a sweeping chiffon skirt, this gown by Vancouver brand Truvelle is very Duchess of Cambridge-inspired.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Rivini by Rita VinierisRivini by Rita Vinieris dress, ritavinieris.com

Rivini’s “Gwyneth” dress features luxe lace full-length sleeves with delicate button detailing at the wrist—the epitome of elegance.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Alexandra GreccoAlexandra Grecco dress, alexandragrecco.com

Paired with a sleek matte crepe bodice and skirt, these embroidered illusion sleeves become the star of the show.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Jenny PackhamJenny Packham dress, jennypackham.com

A plunging V-neckline combines with 3-D floral detailed sleeves to create a romantic gown with a decidedly modern-meets-vintage flair.

 

wedding dress sleeves
Ines Di Santo CoutureInes Di Santo Couture dress, inesdisanto.com

The most dramatic wedding dress sleeve of all: the bell sleeve. We love this style for its fashion drama and playful personality.

 

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