In 2011, when Kate Middleton married Prince William, she wore an ivory and white satin dress featuring long sleeves and a bodice covered in couture lace by Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton.
Kate was supposedly inspired by Grace Kelly’s wedding dress, the silk taffeta and antique Brussels lace gown made by MGM costume designer Helen Rose that’s since become one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time.
If you’re thinking of opting for a long sleeve wedding dress, you’re not alone. In fact, in the last few years the demand for brides wanting a wedding dress with sleeves has soared, quickly taking over the 90s and 00s trend for the shoulder-baring strapless wedding dresses. And for that we are very grateful.
Since then, celebrities and royals have caught the long-sleeved wedding dress bug. From Hailey Baldwin’s floor-length gown with lace sleeves designed by Virgil Abloh for Off-White to Miranda Kerr’s stunning Haute Couture Dior satin gown with button sleeves, it seems the rest of the world has quickly realised just how unbelievably flattering and timeless a long sleeve wedding dress actually is.
Let’s face it, sleeves always look good and they mean brides don’t need to worry about awkward photo arm poses or getting cold. Mostly though, there’s not the extra pressure of feeling like you need to be champion weightlifter before you get married. Remember when Pippa Middleton tied the knot and her toned abs launched a thousand ‘Pippa arm workouts? ’ As if brides need another stress to add to the list. We’ll pass, thanks hun.
Luckily, with the long sleeve wedding dress trend looking like it’s going nowhere right now, there are plenty of truly stunning options to shop. Whether you’re looking for a playful bell sleeve, something sheer or lace, these are the very best long sleeve wedding dresses whatever your budget.
