36 Long-Sleeve Wedding Dresses Ideas for All Your Bridal Moments (2024)

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Long-sleeve wedding dresses have an undeniable elegance that’s perfect for any bride. RememberKate Middleton’s satin Alexander McQueen gown, anchored with lace sleeves? Or how aboutHailey Bieber’s off-the-shoulder design by the late Virgil Abloh of Off-White? So romantic and stunning. Numerous celebrities and modern-day brides recently featured inVogue have chosen the timeless silhouette. When scrolling through our wedding coverage, you’ll see that the recently-wedGéraldine Guyot,Giorgia Gabriele,Paola Eulalia Saracino, and Paola Fendi all sheathed their arms with fitted sleeves.

It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice for brides. The additional fabric gives anydress a sophisticated and classic effect—perfect for a demure moment. Plus, the silhouette goes beyond lace; there are voluminous tulle ballgowns and gossamer mesh sleeves in versatile designs befitting every personality andceremony type. So whether you’re planning intimatecourthouse nuptials or a destination wedding at the beach, rest assured that you’ll look polished and glamorous in the long-sleeve wedding dress of your choosing.

Ahead, discover 36 options to wear on your wedding day. Plus, incredibly stylish options for all your wedding events, from your engagement party and bridal shower to the rehearsal dinner,after party, and post-wedding brunch.

Ceremony

The dress for your big day is what many brides center their entire wedding wardrobe around. A high-neck lace-trimmed tulle gown is one of the most timeless and romantic choices, while a satin crepe gown with gathered puff sleeves brings modern drama. If you’re the fuss-free type, an off-the-shoulder mini with draped tulle is stunning, while a bouclé and georgette midi is sophisticated and polished for a civil ceremony.

Rehearsal

The rehearsal dinner look is unquestionably the second most important look in your bridal wardrobe. As a dress that sets the stage before your big reveal the following day, there are two options. You can choose a long-sleeve style in the same tone as your wedding dress—perhaps a sequined lace mini or structural satin midi with a corseted waist. Or, take the moment to embrace a design in the opposite direction, like a sharp blazer dress or a fit-and-flare silhouette with crystal embellishments.

Bridal Shower

Bridal shower dresses are often sweet, delicate, and romantic. Think of lighter fabrics and silhouettes from midi to mini lengths for this daytime event. For an air of tradition, seek a long-sleeve lace design such as a creamy mini or broderie shirtdress with scalloped edges. Puff sleeves and bow accents whimsical touches for a more feminine look, while a collared silk midi with a buttoned waist boasts old-world elegance—vintage brides, this one’s for you.

Party

No bridal wardrobe is complete without a party dress. Whether for your bachelorette, reception, or a late-night celebration (a.k.a. the grande finale to your big day), fanciful touches are key. Think crystal embellishments, feathers, sequins, and fringe. Moreover, long sleeves bring elegant balance to mini hemlines and second-skin fits.

Engagement

Whether you’re celebrating your engagement with a party or taking photos to commemorate the occasion, you’ll likely want a gorgeous dress to kick off your bridal journey. A long-sleeve silhouette will strike a refined tone for this first act, whether you’re drawn to a sculptural sweetheart-neck column, minimal lace-trimmed shift, figure-skimming crepe maxi, draped silk-satin midi, or flouncy ruffle-hemmed mini.

Wedding Brunch

One of the final wedding events to follow your “I do’s” is the next-day brunch. With a more relaxed feel, this moment isn’t typically formal, wherein dresses crafted from cotton, linen, and crochet fabrics are perfect. But of course, details remain crucial to feel special—this is still a wedding event, after all. A hand-crocheted midi, floral appliqué cotton mini, or eyelet-detailed maxi are perfectly airy and romantic options. If you’re hosting said brunch at the pool or a beach club, go for a plunging V-neck silhouette with a crochet overlay or a linen mini with long bell sleeves to balance the short shape.