Despite the overwhelming popularity of strapless and sleeveless wedding dresses, the traditional long-sleeved wedding dress is back in style with many modern brides opting for this classy, old-fashioned option. A number of influences, including wedding seasons, religion, family obligations and the influence of celebrities have helped the long-sleeved wedding dresses become popular again.
Winter Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses
For a winter wedding, wedding dresses with sleeves are perhaps the most appropriate and most practical option. Many such gowns are made with the specific purpose of being worn for a winter wedding. Dresses made of heavy materials such as stain, silk and velvet allow for warmth during the ceremony and reception.
Religious Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses
Many different religions require brides to adhere to certain dress codes if they wish to be married in their place of worship. For example, it is typically standard for brides being married in a Catholic church to wear sleeved wedding dresses to cover their shoulders. For a Jewish bride, the regulations are more stringent. Covering of the shoulders is a requirement for even the most liberal Jewish faiths, but 3/4-length sleeves are the most common choice for Jewish brides.
Heirloom Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses
Many brides have been put in the situation of being offered a family heirloom bridal dress that has been worn by a previous woman in the family. Since many older dresses feature long sleeves, brides who choose a heirloom dress need to embrace the trend fully. As opposed to modern long-sleeved wedding dresses, antique or older dresses often feature lace or organza as opposed to satin or silk as the sleeve material.
Famous Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses
Perhaps the single most well-known wedding dress with sleeves around the world is the wedding dress of Kate Middleton, the recent bride of England's Prince William. Her dress combined a mix of modern and traditional, with old-fashioned, long Chantilly-lace sleeves paired with a deep v-neckline. Priscilla Presley, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis all also opted for long-sleeve dresses. These celebrities make the long-sleeved trend become popular.
