As we get into this cold winter weather we are seeing more and more stunning December brides absolutely killing it with their frosty fashion looks and when it comes to a winter wedding’s there is always one style that reigns supreme — tis the season of the long-sleeved wedding dress!
Not only is winter prime time for some fantastically show-stopping full length sleeves to ward off the plummeting temperatures, it also comes right on the heels of the Fall 2020 runway shows where long and dramatic sleeves where one of the seasons biggest trends.
Why we love a long sleeve…
From Grace Kelly to Megan Markle, long sleeve wedding dresses have always been a fashion favourite for the royals. Historically the long sleeve style has represented a sense of modesty in bridal wear. Keeping wedding dresses elegant and portraying a sense of demure.
While that is true in one sense the long sleeve has also been re-imagined in so many varying forms from modern to sexy, feminine to fierce. We love to see how our designers keep the style evolving — long sleeves have never been more exciting!
PRINCESS GRACE KELLY OF MONACO AND PRINCE RAINIER (1956)
Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco married Prince Rainier in the Palace Throne Room of Monaco on April 18, 1956. Designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Helen Rose, Princess Grace’s wedding dress was the ultimate fairy princess look, complete with an embroidered pearl and Brussels lace bodice.
We love how truly beautiful this look was, from the dress to the make up to the princess herself. Everything about this whole look was thought with romance and regality in mind.
Rime Arodaky’s Suki is the ultimate romantic long sleeve bridal look for all of you winter brides. With the fitted white crepe silhouette, perfectly placed embroidery and flowery tulle detail sparkled on the cuffs, in the cowl back and train. Suki is part of Rime’s Mystical Love collection, which featured dresses embellished by ‘milky soft fabrics resembling divine immaculate snow, shining like a night star with shimmering snowflakes.’
Rime’s dresses include a touch of ethereal femininity which is portrayed in the delicate work of embroidered flowers and blooming buds. Suki is the epitome winter elegance. The heavy use of crisp white textiles reminds us of bright winter mornings, where everything is calm and dazzling. Exactly the feeling you need on your big day.
We’ve seen the long sleeve trend worn by many a style icon, none more recently than supermodel Hailey Beiber who’s Virgil Abloh customs designed wedding dress was one of the most stand out bridal looks of the year.
The gown featured the Off-White logo, as well as the words “WEDDING DRESS” spelt out in pearls, in designer Virgil Abloh’s signature font and style. The signature quotations were embellished into the long train, stating “TILL DEATH DO US PART”.
This look features an off the shoulder neckline with the arms being extravagantly long ending just above the fingertips, while the dress itself was subtly embroidered with the Off-White arrow logo.
Our designers here at the Mews are no strangers to a stand out sleeve. Margaux Tardits is the queen of the statement dress which always sleeves us wanting more.
Dorothy is one of our absolute faves. With the heavy ivory crepe fabric dress, long lace sleeves, backless with inverted V edged with scalloped lace and large pleats at the neckline.
This dress draws on structural and sheer effects to reveal confident femininity. Dorothy is perfect for those of you winter brides who still want to show a little skin why keeping covered enough to stay warm!
Meghan Markle is the perfect example of how to pull off a long-sleeved wedding dress. Aside from the obvious gorgeous style of her Givenchy gown, we love how she handled the logistics of her big day.
Meghan wore the more formal long-sleeved look for her indoor ceremony, then changed into a sleeveless halter dress for the reception.
If you don’t want to go for two separate dresses, we suggest adding detachable sleeves or a sleeved overlay to your dress whenever you want the coverage.
One designer who really knows her way around an overlay is heirloom inspired, Laure de Sagazan, whose romantic gowns give a casual nod to the past, whilst staying current with modern lace.
Try pairing your dress with one of Laure’s beautifully embellished lace overlays to give you two different looks in one. The Delerem top is perfect for this, made form Chiffon, Delerm features a delicate neckline and 3/4 sleeves in embroidered flocked tulle.
The embroidered detail looks as beautiful as falling snowflakes and is sure to add glistening icy magic to your ceremony look.
From fitted lace versions to flutter options, the possibilities are also greater than ever before.
That means traditional and bohemian brides alike can find long-sleeved wedding dresses that suit their personal styles. Simple or dramatic, romantic or unexpected, the choice is yours.