Real Brides Wearing Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses

long sleeved wedding dresses ball gown
Elizabeth Fogarty Photography

Long-sleeved wedding dresses are often associated with a certain kind of look: one that's modest and traditional. That's at least in part due to the fact that the silhouette is beloved by royal brides. In actuality, though, wedding dresses with long sleeves are far from uniform. Take Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle—everyone's favorite British duchesses—for example. Each wore a vastly different take on the style. For more proof that long-sleeved bridal gowns are incredibly diverse, turn to real women. Each of the bride's in this gallery donned a stunning garment personalized to her and her big day.

As the following long-sleeved wedding dresses go to show, covered arms can be paired with almost any other design element. For example, lace is a popular fabric choice for the style, but it looks great in other materials, too. Same goes for dress shapes—A-line isn't your only option, though it's certainly pretty common (and just plain pretty). Add on the fact that long-sleeved wedding dresses can be embellished with anything from beading to embroidery, and the pool of possibilities only expands. You can even score one in a nontraditional color, whether you want romantic blush or bold black.

Our slideshow showcases tons of gorgeous looks, starting with this long-sleeved ball gown by Hayley Paige. The bride glowed in the unique style, which boasted a princess skirt and sheer bodice. If you're wondering how to wear a long-sleeved wedding dress, look to her for inspiration. Or, look to any of the women on the slides ahead. They each impeccably pulled off long sleeves.

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Lace Illusion Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

bride getting ready with bridesmaids in fall colors
Laura Ford Photography

The bride's lace wedding dress from Flora, which she purchased at San Francisco's Marina Morrisson, featured lovely sheer long sleeves; the lighter fabrication made the gown a good choice for a fall ceremony.

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Dramatic Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

bride and groom posing in front of french countryside property
Charla Storey

Tying the knot inside a church? Take a good look at this bride's wedding dress by Yanique at Dreamers and Lovers, which is demure enough for any venue but still incredibly interesting and beautiful—long sleeves, a cathedral train, and a sweetheart neckline underneath a modest high neck overlay made her romantic look an all-around winner.

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All-Over Illusion Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

meredith pierce wedding bride dress
Clark Brewer

If you've always dreamed of wearing a classic long-sleeved wedding dress, take note of this bride's look; she wore Monique Lhuillier's "Sistine" gown, which featured a high neckline and sheer sleeves.

04 of 33

Long-Sleeved Scooped Back Wedding Dress

samantha cody wedding bride in white dress and veil flowing in the wind
Minh Cao for Lauren Fair Photography

This bride's custom wedding dress from Shareen Bridal was equal parts elegant and classic, with a low back for extra oomph. The slightly puffed sleeves make a statement, while remaining nothing short of regal.

05 of 33

Long-Sleeved Patterned Wedding Dress

groom stands behind bride holding her arm while they both smile
Aislinn Eileen

This bride chose an Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress featuring a blue-and-white pattern or her big day. Whether you're opting for a city hall wedding or want to make a colorful statement, a short and sweet dress just like this one is a great option.

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Scalloped Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

wedding couple posing against modern metal siding
Feather & Twine

Your sleeves can most certainly make a statement. This bride chose Lihi Hod's "Orchid White" wedding dress for her big day, and we can't get enough of the intricate lace details that extended past the wrist in delicate scallops for a soft, sexy finish.

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Floral Embellishment Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

bride wearing white Alexandra Grecco dress with floral details
Lisa Ziesing (Abby Jiu Photography)

The bride's long-sleeved lace-covered Monique Lhuillier wedding dress offers the best of both worlds: coverage while still showing some skin. Plus, with floral embellishments and a sweetheart neckline, it's a gorgeous option for any style of wedding.

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Long-Sleeved Wedding Jumpsuit

cayla david wedding bride wearing a white jumpsuit and holding a colorful bouquet at the outdoor winery venue
Amanda Olivia

Long sleeves work on non-traditional wedding looks, too! Need proof? Take one look at this bride wearing a long-sleeved Rime Arodaky jumpsuit. It's somehow both modern and classic all at once.

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Modern and Modest Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

bride on wooden swing held up by ropes and floral accents kissing groom standing behind
Jessica Mangia

A modern Leanne Marshall gown with a V-neckline and long sleeves is a chic option for any style of celebration. This bride paired it with a soft and airy veil for an unexpected ethereal look.

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Open Back Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

crepe wedding gown from BHLDN with tailored silhouette and long sleeves with covered buttons
Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

This BHLDN wedding dress features long sleeves, a high neckline, and an open back. The scalloped edges on the open back add a touch of luxury to the vintage-inspired dress.

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Unique Neckline Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

annie brennan wedding bride
Clary Pfeiffer

Clean, simple, yet so chic: This bride wore an ivory Oscar de la Renta evening gown with long sleeves and an out-of-the-box neckline for her walk down the aisle, and the result was total perfection.

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Simple Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding simple vneck dress
Thecablook Fotolab

This simple Tara Lauren V-neck gown featured allover lace.

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High-Neck Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding high neck dress
Jillian Mitchell Photography

We're obsessed with this stylish bride's fashion choice: a fringed Alessandra Rich dress with a high neck.

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Long-Sleeved Lace Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding lace dress
Zach and Rosalie

Tadashi Shoji designed this bride's gorgeous fitted wedding dress.

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Long-Sleeved Vintage Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding vintage dress
Virgil Bunao

"Something borrowed" just got a whole lot sweeter. In honor of the tradition, this bride wore her mother's long-sleeved wedding dress on the big day.

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Long-Sleeved A-line Wedding Dress

tillie dalton wedding bride
Mariel Hannah Photography

This pretty Ines Di Santo number featured lacy long sleeves, beading, and an A-line silhouette.

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Long-Sleeved Short Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding short dress
Shannon Griffin Photography

Just because you're wearing long sleeves doesn't mean you need a long skirt. This bride stepped out in a contemporary tea-length style from BCBG.

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Off-the-Shoulder Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding dress off the shoulder
Betsy Blue

Flora designed this beautiful lace wedding dress, which boasted a Bardot neckline.

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Long-Sleeved Backless Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding backless dress
Jessica Lorren

This contemporary Stella McCartney gown was modest in the front but chicly daring in the back.

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Long-Sleeved Sheath Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding dresses sheath floral embroidery
The Hendrys Photography

Subtle floral embroidery made for the perfect accent on this bespoke Jenny Lessin wedding dress.

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Long-Sleeved Two-Piece Dress

ashley and justin bride portrait
Brett Heidebrecht

This bride's two-piece Willowby by Watters bridal set—which included a long-sleeved lace top and tulle skirt—was definitively bohemian.

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Long-Sleeved Casual Wedding Dress

wedding bride
Tec Petaja

The flowing skirt and open back gave this Lihi Hod wedding dress a laid-back look.

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Long-Sleeved V-Neck Wedding Dress

wedding couple walking
KT Merry

A long-sleeved gown can still be bold. Take this Inbal Dror wedding dress, which paired a plunging neckline with intricate embellishments.

24 of 33

Long-Sleeved Blush Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding blush dress
Ashley Seawell Photography

Looking for a wedding dress that's equal parts whimsical and romantic? Then this blush Martina Liana gown might be the one for you.

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Two-Piece Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding two piece dress
Taylor & Porter

At this wedding, the bride dazzled in an embellished crop top and matching skirt.

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Long-Sleeved Beaded Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding beaded dress
Annamarie Akins Photography

Talk about a statement gown. This bride's long-sleeved BHLDN wedding dress was covered with shimmering beads.

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Long-Sleeved Fit-and-Flare Dress

bride and groom recessional
Kristen Kilpatrick

Our favorite part about this Monique Lhuillier bridal gown? The detachable tulle overlay.

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Long-Sleeved Tea Ceremony Dress

long sleeved wedding tea ceremony dress
Greg Finck

How gorgeous was this bride's handmade red dress, which she wore to her wedding's tea ceremony?

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Colorful Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

Wedding bride
Maui Maka Photography

This bride fell in love with a teal Valentino gown—the embroidered piece looked surprisingly bridal.

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Nontraditional Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

wedding couple portrait
Michael & Carina Photography

A traditional shape (a long-sleeved A-line silhouette) balanced out this Monique Lhuillier bride's unconventional wedding dress color (bright pink).

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Elegant Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding elegant lacy neckline dress
Rebecca Yale Photography

This glowing bride put on a Louvienne bridal gown with a lacy neckline plus a simple skirt.

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Long-Sleeved Traditional Indian Wedding Dress

bride
Meg Smith

Manish Malhotra crafted this bride's unique and impressive traditional wedding dress.

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Long-Sleeved Mermaid Wedding Dress

long sleeved wedding dresses mermaid
Melissa Mills

We love this bride's sexy off-the-shoulder Paula & Jo gown, which had a corset bodice and sheer paneling.

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