30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (2024)

From floor-length gowns to shorter-than-short minis, we've found 'em all

By Courtney Smith, Maddy Alford and Clementina Jackson

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30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (1)

Long-sleeve wedding dresses have been a favourite down the aisle for years, and it's easy to see why.

Not only do they offer a more modest and timeless approach to a bridal outfit when combined with a full-length skirt and higher neckline, but they can also balance out any skin you have on show should you choose to go backless, get your legs out or both.

And luckily for us, there are more than a few celebrity examples floating around to show us exactly how to nail the added arm coverage. Grace Kelly was documented tying the knot in a gorgeous gown with long lace sleeves as far back as the 50s while in more recent times, everyone from Paris Hilton to Lily Collins and Sophie Turner have opted for full-length fits to say their 'I do's.

Not convinced unless a Royal has taken a trend for a spin? Worry not because both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle chose to keep things concealed from the shoulder down for their big days, and who could forget Princess Diana's major puff sleeve moment from the 80s.

Basically, if you haven't considered a long-sleeve dress for your wedding day, you may very well want to because we've gone and found some incredible 'fits for those getting hitched. Scroll on for our pick of the best long-sleeve wedding dresses to shop now, including everything from on-sale gems to budget-friendly options and more luxe designer buys.

Psst! Looking for more wedding day inspo? Why not check out our edits of the best bridal lingerie sets, the best wedding shoes and the best bridal jackets to complete your look?

1

best long-sleeve a-line wedding dress

Reformation Adwen silk dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (3)

1

best long-sleeve a-line wedding dress

Reformation Adwen silk dress

There's no denying just how good Reformation's dresses are (we did write a whole piece on them, after all), but this stunner may just take the cake. It's simple yet show-stopping with a killer open back, and we are here for it.

2

best sheer long-sleeve wedding dress

Whistles Cecilia dobby wedding dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (4)

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (5)

2

best sheer long-sleeve wedding dress

Whistles Cecilia dobby wedding dress

Now 50% Off

Modern, feminine and elegant AF, this Whistles dress is a winner for so many reasons. Its fluid fit is universally flattering, the sheer sleeves provide a pretty contrast, and the cut-out detail and buttons down the back ensure it's a delight from every angle. We're sold!

3

best long-sleeve blazer wedding dress

Safiyaa Trinidad asymmetric crepe playsuit

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (6)

3

best long-sleeve blazer wedding dress

Safiyaa Trinidad asymmetric crepe playsuit

A blazer dress is perfect for those heading to the town hall to seal the deal, and this one from Safiyaa is particularly dreamy. Add a fun bag and some even funner (yes, we know that sounds weird) heels, and you're all set.

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4

best designer long-sleeve wedding dress

16Arlington Solaria stretch-crepe maxi dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (7)

4

best designer long-sleeve wedding dress

16Arlington Solaria stretch-crepe maxi dress

Fashion girlies will recognise this one: it's 16Arlington's signature Solaria dress that was famously worn by Hailey Bieber, that's now had a bridal makeover in white. Love.

5

best long-sleeve lace wedding dress

Rixo Fleur lace maxi dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (8)

5

best long-sleeve lace wedding dress

Rixo Fleur lace maxi dress

It was a good day for us all when Rixo decided to launch bridalwear back in 2021, and a few years later, we still can't get enough of their vintage-esque designs. Take this head-to-toe lace maxi, for example. It's undeniably beautiful and available up to a UK size 22, just the way we like it.

6

best long-sleeve cut-out wedding dress

True Violet Bridal heart cut-out backless maxi dress in ivory

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (9)

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (10)

6

best long-sleeve cut-out wedding dress

True Violet Bridal heart cut-out backless maxi dress in ivory

Now 70% Off

We're obsessed with this True Violet wedding dress, that looks deceptively minimal from the front with its elegant high neck and long sleeves – while the back features a cute heart-shaped cut-out and dramatic train. Love.

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7

best off-the-shoulder long-sleeve wedding dress

Solace London Bella off-the-shoulder faille mini dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (11)

7

best off-the-shoulder long-sleeve wedding dress

Solace London Bella off-the-shoulder faille mini dress

Now 60% Off

We adore a dramatic off-the-shoulder moment almost as much as we adore seeing a mini make an appearance at a ceremony. Don't take too long, though, because this beaut is already on its way out.

8

best midi long-sleeve wedding dress

Ghost Freya midi satin dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (12)

8

best midi long-sleeve wedding dress

Ghost Freya midi satin dress

No one does pared-back bridal dresses quite like Ghost, and this satin midi dress with its cool cut-out chest detail is one of our faves.

9

best long-sleeve boho wedding dress

Asos Design Curve Florence plunge long-sleeve wedding dress with cutwork in ivory

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (13)

9

best long-sleeve boho wedding dress

Asos Design Curve Florence plunge long-sleeve wedding dress with cutwork in ivory

Boho babes wanting to float their way through the whole event whilst looking TDF, we've got you covered. Or rather, ASOS has, but we'd like to think we helped bring you and your dress of dreams together, right?

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10

best long-sleeve fitted wedding dress

Alessandra Rich Draped crystal-embellished duch*esse silk-satin mini dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (14)

10

best long-sleeve fitted wedding dress

Alessandra Rich Draped crystal-embellished duch*esse silk-satin mini dress

Follow Kourtney Kardashian's lead and choose a short wedding dress to say your 'I do's or save this for the after-party. Either way, you'll look pretty darn fabulous.

11

best long-sleeve ball gown wedding dress

Costarellos Tulle gown

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (15)

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (16)

11

best long-sleeve ball gown wedding dress

Costarellos Tulle gown

Now 40% Off

This tulle Costarellos gown is fit for a princess and is currently on sale with a major 40% off. We're loving the low v-neckline – ideal for showing off a sparkly necklace.

12

best long-sleeve backless wedding dress

True Violet Plus Bridal long-sleeve maxi dress in ivory

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (17)

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (18)

12

best long-sleeve backless wedding dress

True Violet Plus Bridal long-sleeve maxi dress in ivory

Now 55% Off

With a feminine bow and scooped-out back, you just know this long-sleeved gown will make for one unforgettable exit. Better yet, it's currently 55% off.

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13

best long-sleeve short wedding dress

Reformation Valencia dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (19)

13

best long-sleeve short wedding dress

Reformation Valencia dress

Ref really can do no wrong. We have a feeling this lace-looker will make for many a satisfied bride-to-be.

14

best long-sleeve v-neck wedding dress

Nobody's Child Ivory satin lace trim nessy midaxi dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (20)

14

best long-sleeve v-neck wedding dress

Nobody's Child Ivory satin lace trim nessy midaxi dress

Nobody's Child is known for their must-have everyday dresses, so we can't say we were too surprised to discover that their wedding options are just as covetable. If their sell-out rates are anything like the former, you'll want to be speedy, though or risk this becoming the one that got away.

15

best embroidered long-sleeve wedding dress

ASOS Design Elizabeth long sleeve wedding dress with beaded bodice

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (21)

15

best embroidered long-sleeve wedding dress

ASOS Design Elizabeth long sleeve wedding dress with beaded bodice

The intricate sequin embroidery on the bodice and sleeves of this ASOS gown makes it look *so* much more expensive than it actually is.

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16

best long-sleeve satin wedding dress

16Arlington Odessa cutout feather-trimmed satin midi dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (22)

16

best long-sleeve satin wedding dress

16Arlington Odessa cutout feather-trimmed satin midi dress

This feather-trimmed fella offers excellent coverage with a glimpse of skin up top for added intrigue. And then there's the statement sleeves. IOW, all eyes will be exactly where they should be for the entirety of the evening: on you.

17

best long-sleeve ivory wedding dress

Monsoon Floral long-sleeve wedding dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (23)

17

best long-sleeve ivory wedding dress

Monsoon Floral long-sleeve wedding dress

If you want a dress as romantic as the day itself, you can't go wrong with this puff-sleeved maxi from Monsoon. With hand-beaded embellishments and a delicate train, it more than meets the requirements.

18

best plus-size long-sleeve wedding dress

Asos Design Curve Eliza flutter sleeve embellished wedding dress

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (24)

18

best plus-size long-sleeve wedding dress

Asos Design Curve Eliza flutter sleeve embellished wedding dress

While the sleeves are definitely more 3/4 than full-length, the five-star rating, hundreds of likes and size range from UK 16 to 30 meant there was no way this gorg gown wasn't making the cut.

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19

best long-sleeve corset wedding dress

House of CB Elise sweetheart-neckline corset-satin bridal gown

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (25)

19

best long-sleeve corset wedding dress

House of CB Elise sweetheart-neckline corset-satin bridal gown

If 'wow's are what you want on the day, 'wow's are what you'll get wearing an incredible number like so. Delicate buttons run all the way down the back, while ruched mesh provides a subtle take on the sleeve, and a sweetheart neckline finishes it all off.

20

best square-neck long-sleeve wedding dress

Asos Design Toby statement square neck and bow back wedding dress in ivory

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (26)

20

best square-neck long-sleeve wedding dress

Asos Design Toby statement square neck and bow back wedding dress in ivory

Business from the front and a major bow moment from the back in a simple silhouette that oozes elegance? Don't mind if we do...

30 unforgettable long-sleeve wedding dresses for your special day (2024)

FAQs

What color of wedding dress should an older woman wear? ›

Older brides can and do wear white on their wedding day if they choose to. White is a classic and timeless choice for wedding attire that symbolises purity, new beginnings and the celebration of love.

What are the most worn wedding dresses? ›

A-line and ball gown silhouettes are widely popular wedding dress styles due to their universally flattering nature as well as their equally traditional and grand appearance. The silhouette cinches at the natural waistline before flaring outwards.

What is an illusion wedding dress? ›

What is an Illusion Wedding Dress? An illusion wedding dress features a sheer fabric, often tulle or lace, that covers all or part of the bride's décolletage. In some cases, the illusion fabric reaches the bride's neck.

What do most brides wear under their dress? ›

Wedding Dress Undergarments

On their wedding day, many brides wear invisible panties, shaper shorts and strapless bras and bustiers. Garments such as these can make a bride feel confident, without worrying over visible panty lines and bunching fabrics on her special day.

What does a 60 year old bride wear? ›

You can't go wrong with classic tea length wedding dress for older brides, and this lacy modern design is a prime example. With a gently flared skirt and vintage touches, it may just be the icing on the cake for your bridal look.

What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

What are brides wearing in 2024? ›

Delicate lace, sheer fabrics, corsetry, and bodices reminiscent of lingerie styles are being incorporated into wedding dresses in 2024. Slip dresses and silk fabrics are also gaining popularity, offering a simple yet elegant look while staying on-trend. These styles showcase the bride's figure subtly and tastefully.

What wedding dresses are out of style? ›

A wedding-dress designer says sheer gowns will start to go out of style in 2024 as brides opt for more timeless looks.

What is the most common color to wear to a wedding? ›

If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

What makes a wedding dress look expensive? ›

Things like hand-beaded designs or delicate lace take hours to create. Premium fabrics come with premium prices. While white crinoline runs about $2 a yard, higher quality fabrics can cost up to $100 a yard. These are all features that feed into the higher pricing found in designer boutiques.

What is the meaning of getting married in a black dress? ›

Some may be concerned about what it means to wear a black wedding dress. While the traditional white wedding dress was meant to symbolize innocence, a black wedding dress depicts elegance, power, mystery, and individuality.

What is a mermaid style wedding dress? ›

The mermaid dress gets its name from its characteristic flared-out bottom, which resembles a mermaid fin. This style is designed to accentuate the curves of the female body by hugging the waist and chest and flaring out at the bottom, creating an hourglass figure or a “mermaid silhouette.”

Why does the groom look under the bride's dress? ›

The groom usually goes under her dress to find the band, removing it with his hands or teeth. The groom then tosses the garter to a crowd of bachelors, and the person who catches the garter is said to be the next one to be married, making this tradition the male equivalent of the bridal bouquet toss.

Can you go commando in wedding dress? ›

Some brides might feel more comfortable wearing no underwear at all, especially if they generally opt to go commando or skip the bra. This isn't an inappropriate option, but Brickman warns caution.

What is the thing on the leg under the wedding dress? ›

What Is the Wedding Garter? The wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under the wedding dress. During the reception, the groom will remove the garter from underneath the bride's gown (with his hands or teeth) and toss it into the crowd. The garter toss is very similar to the bouquet toss.

What should an elderly woman wear to a wedding? ›

Kaftan or tunic-style dress

A kaftan or tunic-style dress is a great option for wedding guests who don't want anything too tight, but also don't want to wear something boring.

What should a 67 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Pantsuits, jumpsuits, and dresses are appropriate choices for casual weddings. Women over 60 can choose knee-length, tea-length, or full-length dresses for most wedding themes. A full-length gown is the most suitable choice for formal or black-tie events.

What do older brides wear in their hair? ›

Hair pins or hair combs can be an option, embellishing a sleek up do. Side tiaras can work well, particularly in short hair. Birdcage veils definitely work well but steer clear of cutesy bows. Either a beaded or embellished centre of elegant sculpted feathers work well.

Should older brides wear veils? ›

Whether it is incorporating a bit of color so that you don't look so traditionally bridal, choosing a short veil or headpiece that makes you feel beautifully feminine and chic, or going with a nontraditional cape for a bit of shoulder and arm coverage, the options are endless for older brides.

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