Long-sleeved wedding dresses have serious history. Take Princess Diana's iconic long-sleeved wedding dress. Designed by the Emanuels, featuring puffy sleeves and a voluminous skirt, her dress certainly inspired future generations of brides to come.
In recent times, we've seen many royal brides follow in her footsteps; Kate Middleton and Megan Markle, who both wowed in floor-sweeping gowns with long sleeves. We also can't forget the A-listers. From Paris Hilton to Kim Kardashian, long-sleeved wedding dresses have certainly had their fair share of love.
Why a long-sleeved dress? Well a long-sleeved dress can be an elegant choice for several reasons. It adds a touch of sophistication (look at the roster above) and can be particularly appealing for traditional weddings. Beyond aesthetics, long sleeves provide additional coverage, making it a suitable option for weddings held in cooler seasons. This style also allows brides to showcase intricate lace or embellishments and play around with accessories.
The great thing is that there are plenty of affordable high-street wedding dress shops with long-sleeved wedding dresses, so if this is something you're leaning towards, you've come to the right place. Whether you're going for a tea-length wedding dress or something a bit more formal we have the perfect wedding dress inspiration for you - and don't forget the veil, too!
SHOP: The Best Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress
Editor's pick
www.coastfashion.com
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Sequinned, draped and maxi - could you ask for anything more in a wedding dress? Now all you need to do is fetch that bouquet and veil, and you're good to go.
www.selfridges.com
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Light and airy silhouettes scream beach wedding. Just picture this dress trailing across a sandy stretch with the wind blowing. What is not to love?
www.asos.com
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If you're looking for an affordable wedding dress, look no further than ASOS. This backless dress complete with a bow, is simple, elegant and marriage material!
www.fwrd.com
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Heart set on a boho wedding dress? This dress is certainly a strong contender. Bell cuffs and ruffled hems - chef's kiss. A sleek bun would complete this look.
www.houseofcb.com
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Featuring a corset, mesh sleeves, and thigh-high slit, this dress is simply the definition of romantic. House Of CB should be your go-to if you want something figure hugging.
www.selfridges.com
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This Whistles mesh-sleeve number puts a very modern twist on long-sleeved wedding dresses. The sleeves are there but not there. If you're after something unique, it's a strong contender to add to your wedding mood board.
Long Sleeve Wedding Day Inspiration
For her royal wedding, Kate Middleton wore a lace, long-sleeved wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen.
Meghan Markle opted for a simple off-the-shoulder dress designed by Clare Waight Keller, then creative director of Givenchy, on her big day.
Nicky Hilton chose to wear a beautiful high-neck dress designed by Valentino.
For her star-studded nuptials, Kim wore a beautiful long-sleeved backless dress made by Riccardo Tisci, then creative director at Givenchy.
The Hilton sisters both opted for long-sleeved dresses for their weddings. Paris wore an Oscar de la Renta wedding dress that was inspired by Grace Kelly.
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.