You can consider four ways to learn how to add sleeves to a wedding dress. This article will recommend the best sleeve and strap options to consider, detachable details in case you want to be sleeveless after the ceremony, and even no-sew add-ons to cover your arms.
For other wedding dress fixes, browse our blog for tutorials. For example, you might be interested to learn how to alter a too-deep V-neck wedding dress.
4 Ways On How To Add Sleeves To A Wedding Dress
Best sleeve types for a wedding dress
Talk to your tailor about their recommended sleeve type for your wedding dress. It can be as simple as cap sleeves, something stylish and unique like puff sleeves, or more subtle yet elegant off-shoulder sleeves.
The bride can consider her taste or the modesty required by her culture, religion, or place where the wedding will be held when deciding what sleeves to add to the wedding dress. The tailor can then alter your wedding dress, followed by the fitting once it’s attached.
If you’re confident with your sewing skills, you can learn how to alter a wedding dress yourself. However, it would be best to let your seamstress sew the sleeves if you’re unfamiliar with sewing to avoid accidentally ruining the dress.
Straps for the wedding dress
A more straightforward way to add sleeves to a wedding dress is to use straps instead. It wouldn’t require more modifications, so it’s a good option, mainly if the time is limited to alter the dress.
Your seamstress will use straps on pre-made sleeves, so you’ll have the option to remove the sleeves if needed. But if you only need some coverage on the shoulders, another consideration is lace applique.
Lace applique straps can be detailed to add interest to the wedding gown. They are also easily customizable, which means you can opt for a one-strap style if you prefer.
Detachable details
Straps are not the only detachable options to add sleeves to a wedding dress. In addition, there are removable sleeves that brides can easily attach and remove themselves.
An example is the tulle sleeves, and there are many styles to choose from to ensure that you’ll get what flatters your upper body best. Then, you only need to slide your arms through each removable sleeve to transform your sleeveless wedding dress.
Besides tulle sleeves, there are also lace cover-up sleeves. The final look can easily make anyone feel like royalty, and it’s even a subtle way to still feel sexy without overstepping modesty.
Add on accessories
Finally, there are different accessories the bride can wear to add sleeves and cover her arms or shoulders. Again, choosing the color and style to complement her wedding dress is critical.
Those who have no time for alterations or can’t find removable sleeves can opt for caplets or boleros. Caplets or capes are a stylish way to add sleeves to your dress without sacrificing your overall style.
On the other hand, boleros are available in different styles and materials that it should be easy to find what would be best for your dress. And what’s great with them is you can potentially reuse them for other occasions.
Can Long Sleeves Be Added To A Wedding Dress?
Long sleeves can be added to a wedding dress as it’s expected for the wedding dress to be altered anyway after the first fitting. The tailor usually schedules the wedding dress so that it’s possible for the bride to have three fittings before the wedding date.
It would be best to mention the need for the long sleeves as soon as possible so your seamstress will have enough time and you can check what it will look like once added. You can also take inspiration from the sleeves of the other dress in the shops and ask the tailor if it’s possible to have them on your chosen dress.
If the dress can’t be altered for some reason, there are detachable long sleeves that you can wear during the ceremony. They wear like gloves, so they’ll also be easy to remove if you want to go sleeveless after the ceremony.
Speaking of which, you might enjoy how to bustle a wedding dress to know how to remove the dress train stylishly for the reception.
How Do You Cover Arms In A Sleeveless Wedding Dress?
You can consider detachable sleeves or straps to cover your arms in a sleeveless wedding dress. Some fashion accessories you can also wear include a bridal bolero, wedding dress topper, and wedding jacket.
This way, you won’t be changing the overall design of the sleeveless wedding dress if you think that it’s already perfect as is. However, you might need your arms covered during the ceremony, so a quick way to do so is to add accessories instead.
For example, it might be disrespectful to show arms or shoulders in the type of wedding you’re having. However, this doesn’t mean you must choose a sleeved dress that you don’t want since many wearables and removable sleeves are also typically available in the dress shops.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You just learned how to add sleeves to a wedding dress using four ways.
You can have your chosen sleeve style attached or use removable accessories. Overall, you can always transform your dress if needed, which is why it’s best to schedule your fitting early.