OFF THE SHOULDER SLEEVES

Off the shoulder wedding dress sleeves are made for brides that want a style that’s both flirty and elegant. They highlight your collarbone while allowing for comfortable movement as they lay gently beside your shoulders and arms. 

Style H1487 from our Moonlight Couture line is a sparkly 3D lace wedding gown with off the shoulder sleeves. It features a lace bodice that is accented with sequins for a bit of added sparkle. 

Another top style selection we have that includes these soft sleeves is Style T112, a Mikado wedding dress with leg slit.

DETACHABLE SLEEVES

Many designs now offer the option of detachable sleeves. This is a newer trend in the bridal world that we absolutely love. This type means you instantly have two looks in one style for your big day.

Meet Style H1482. Coming in a grand ball gown silhouette, this wedding dress with off the shoulder detachable bishop sleeves is remarkable in every way. The classic sweetheart neckline paired with both embroidered and beaded patterns is the definition of lavish. You can wear the sleeves during the formal ceremony for an off the shoulder style, then remove them once the sun sets and you’re ready to dance.

CAP SLEEVE

Cap sleeves are smaller and hug the curve of your shoulder. They can look different depending on the dress material used. This type often creates a romantic and somewhat modest look. Some gown designs come with detachable cap sleeves, which adds versatility by allowing brides to change up their look during their special day. 

Typically considered more casual than formal, cap sleeves are perfect for minimalist or bohemian style weddings. They blend shoulder coverage with sultry elegance.

Moonlight style J6834 is a lace wedding dress that features embroidered rustic floral and leaf shaped lace appliques from the cap sleeves all the way down to the tip of the chapel train. This gown is perfect for a spring or summer courtyard wedding.

BISHOP SLEEVE

This sleeve type works well for brides looking to be a bit more modest. This style is typically long, flows all the way down the arm and then ends with a cuff at the wrist. 

Beautiful from top to bottom, Style M5043 is a modest illusion bishop sleeve wedding dress that will have you falling in love the second you slip it on. The long illusion style plays the perfect balance of classy and modern with just enough arm exposure. The form-fitting mermaid silhouette and lace chapel train will add flow to your steps down the aisle. Even for brides not looking for a modest gown, this style can be the perfect boho wedding dress.

SHORT SLEEVE

Longer than the cap style, short sleeves hit somewhere around mid-bicep on the arm. This is another style that tends to be found on bridal dresses with a more modest design. 

For some glamor in your gown, Style M5042 was made for the most fashion forward modest brides. This gown features sheer tulle short sleeves that fall effortlessly down your shoulders and create a fairytale princess look. Not only is this style comfortable and laid back, but also exquisite with a metallic lace decorated bodice that offers a hint of shimmer to your wedding day look.

Another option is Moonlight Modest style M5051. This A-line crepe gown features a trendy square neckline. The short puff sleeves lay perfectly against your arms, giving you a fairytale Cinderella look. This modest gown includes pockets at the side, letting you keep any essentials with you.

THREE-QUARTER SLEEVE

A comeback wedding dress trend for the vintage inspired bride, three-quarter sleeves are considered formal and hit around ¾ the way down an arm. Classy and elegant, the three quarter length gives the bride arm mobility while retaining a more modest and sophisticated look. This style is best suited for fall and winter weddings. 

SPAGHETTI STRAPS

Spaghetti straps don’t provide the arm coverage that other sleeve options do, but they do provide support that a strapless dress would not. 

If you want to add some sparkle to your summer time wedding, beaded straps are perfect. Style T956 is a sleek crepe design that includes a classic deep sweetheart neckline and delicately placed beads along each strap.

Style H1527 is a uniquely lavish drop waist wedding gown with floral and leaf lace throughout the bodice and straps. Designed with tulle, this style combines floral forward lace with beaded detailing along the bodice to create an eye-catching look. The spaghetti straps are paired with delicate lace details and a deep V-neckline that will have your partner swooning as you walk down the aisle.

PUFF SLEEVES

Puffy sleeves add both an elegant and vintage touch to a bridal gown. They are currently seeing a moment as fashion from the Regency era has recently become more popular due to shows like Bridgerton. Puff sleeves include an area of bunched fabric that creates the ‘puff’ look. They are seen on anything from short to long-sleeve styles, and even off-the-shoulder styles. 

Style T931 is a beautiful satin gown that includes unique, detachable puff sleeves. The classic A-line wedding dress design is paired with a strapless sweetheart neckline to create a timeless, elegant look. The puff sleeves add the perfect finishing touch.

POET SLEEVES 

Sleeves continue to be a big wedding gown trend in 2023, and one type we are seeing more of is the poet sleeve. This type adds an instant ethereal look to any design. The poet sleeve is typically loose-fitting, includes a bit of volume, some embellishments, and a cuff at the bottom. 

Style M5057 from our Modest collection is a v-neck bridal dress crafted with net fabric, tulle fabric, and floral lace appliques. The design includes long poet sleeves that instantly add a romantic feel to the overall look.

BELL SLEEVES

Bell sleeves are a distinctive design feature that resemble the shape of a bell. They fit snugly at the shoulder and then flare out wider toward the elbow, forearm, or wrist, depending on the sleeve length. This style can add a touch of romance or bohemian flair to a wedding gown. They can be made from various materials, including chiffon, lace, or sheer fabric. 

Style M5037 from the Moonlight Modest Collection is a chiffon gown that features ¾ length bell sleeves. This romantic A-line wedding dress will have your partner swooning at the altar. The bodice, covered in lace appliques featuring hand-sewn crystals, pearls, and sequins, features a drop-waist that flows beautifully into a chiffon skirt. 

FLUTTER SLEEVES

Flutter sleeves are just as they sound, a soft and flowy short sleeve that gently drapes over the upper arm. Their loose, fluttering fabric adds a whimsical and delicate touch to a bridal gown. These sleeves are often made from lighter materials such as chiffon or tulle, allowing them to move gracefully with the bride's movements. They can range in length from just covering the shoulder to extending down the arm.

If you’re looking for a gown that feels both ethereal and rustic, Style M5052 could be your dream dress. This mermaid wedding gown is crafted with lace that features a beautiful staggered pattern and a delicate sweep train. The dress provides coverage while still giving a stylish, airy feel, thanks to the light flutter sleeves.

Final Takeaway

Whether you’re looking for a sexy off-the-shoulder gown or something a bit more modest and formal, be sure to choose a gown that makes you feel one of a kind and true to yourself!

We love the different wedding dress sleeve styles that are currently trending. Ready to start looking? Contact a Moonlight Bridal authorized retailer today to schedule your appointment or browse our wedding gowns online.