Here’s why you need a cap sleeve wedding dress…

They’re also a secret style weapon, because a well designed cap sleeve wedding dress gives soft coverage while showing off your décolletage and arms. It also makes your shoulders appear a little wider, which is great for balancing proportions and giving the illusion of a slimmer waist. 

Below we’ve picked four of our favourite cap sleeve wedding dress styles to show you how versatile this delightful design feature can be…

Perfect proportions

Let’s start with figure-hugging Jamilla, which perfectly showcases the Anna Sorrano collection’s unique mix of timeless and contemporary styling. There’s floral embellished lace with delicate sparkling sequins and pretty cap sleeves to flatter the shoulders. Meanwhile, at the back, there a gorgeous on-trend keyhole design.

Cap sleeves work particularly well with a mermaid silhouette, as they widen the appearance of the shoulders. So, when combined with the flared skirt at the bottom, they give the illusion of a slimmer waist. We recommend adding a beautiful belt too, to highlight a neat waistline even more.

The detailing here really is exquisite. The sweetheart bodice features illusion lace front and back, while the intricate skirt has a layer of cobweb lace decorated with floral appliqués and sparkling clear sequins.

The tapered keyhole back is designed to be super flattering and the dipped back lining adds to the illusion of a smaller waist. There are also pretty buttons, leading to the fabulous skirt and its layers of frothy tulle. Just add a bouncy veil and you’re good to go!

A cut above

Phoebe is a beautiful A-line style covered with sequin embellished floral embroidered lace. There are scattered appliqués that graduate across the skirt before gathering together in a stunning lace hem. Alongside this there’s also a Chantilly lace underlayer for extra depth and a truly luxury feel.

Phoebe’s cap sleeves are cut a little higher than Jamilla’s. If you're not sure which style suits you best our instore Bridal Experts can help. The high illusion neckline, edged in delicate appliqués, is also a great look for brides who want attractive light coverage.

At the back the high illusion neckline continues, decorated with more pretty appliqués. Then covered buttons lead the eye down to the ravishing traditional train. It really is breathtaking! Pair this classic style with our understated Leonie belt and a simple, but stunning, satin-edged veil.

Delicate lace

Lace lovers might prefer Harriet, a flattering A-line with classic embroidered lace and a soft eyelash lace trim. It also features a lightweight tulle skirt, which keeps its structure and volume thanks to a bright ivory lining and layers of soft petticoats.

Harriet’s bodice has beautiful wide straps but the delicate illusion lace means they feel soft and understated. This light coverage also perfectly offsets the deep V-necklines front and back, providing just the right amount of attractive support. Then there’s the exquisite eyelash trim, which frames the neckline and the back wonderfully, giving the gown a subtle vintage feel.

We think this dress looks amazing styled with our classic Autumn hairband and our simple plain tulle veil. Alternatively, if you love this look but would prefer slimmer straps, then take a look at Cecilia instead.

A classic cap sleeve wedding dress

Finally we have Renell, a traditional tulle fit and flare covered with modern floral lace appliqués, embellished with shimmering sequins. With its voluminous godet skirt, this lace-up back gown elongates the body, creating an hourglass silhouette without feeling restrictive.

The modern V-neckline and ‘almost there’ cap sleeves are what really make this design stand out from the crowd. It’s a super flattering cut that highlights a beautiful décolletage. It also sits perfectly on the tops of the shoulders, showing off the arms to their very best.

The bodice is also fully structured, so it feels comfortable and supportive, while the stylish lace-up back is designed to give the perfect fit. Did we mention it also comes in both soft ivory or a pretty blush colour? The dreamy blush really makes the modern floral lace pop!

Try it with our traditional ribbon-edged Margot veil, our glittering Leonie belt and our classic Aurelia tiara to create a totally timeless look that your guests will remember for years to come.

Click here to find your perfect cap sleeve wedding dress, then try on your favourites at your nearest WED2B store. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter pages.