Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Dresses & Style Fashion A Fashion Trend We're Loving: Brides Wearing Capes By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Published on March 6, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Megan Morales Photography Recently, we've seen many brides turn heads on their wedding days thanks to fresh, contemporary fashion choices (think jumpsuits, hats, and colorful gowns). The latest bridal fashion trend to take off combines new-age style with a romantic, regal twist: Brides-to-be, meet bridal capes. Ever since Solange Knowles wore one on her wedding day, more and more engaged women have followed suit. The result? A look that is undeniably gorgeous and unexpected. While these wedding dress accents are definitely contemporary, they can still feel classic. For a traditional look, consider a lace-trimmed version. If you're throwing a modern event, a sleek cloak is your best choice. Believe it or not, bridal capes can even work in the context of a country wedding. Take the bride at this rustic celebration, which was inspired by the show Fixer Upper, for example: She wowed in a semi-sheer cape from Allure Bridals. If you look closely, you'll also notice the lace appliqués around the bottom of the garment, which added a dose of elegance. There are also a number of different ways you can wear and embellish a big-day cape. From sheer material studded with classic pearls to tulle decorated with the tiniest stars, there's a version of this dress accent out there for every bride-to-be and wedding style. Capes can also come in handy if you're planning a cold-weather event—they're a stylish way to keep warm. In the following slides, you'll discover brides who made this unexpected garment their own. Their stunning ensembles might just convince you to make the trend your own. 01 of 28 Trailing Sleeves Alyssa Ence Photography This Sassy Chic Bridal gown wowed for two reasons: Its unconventional beige hue and delicate fabrication (note the pretty accents that trailed behind each strap). 02 of 28 Pleated Jose Villa This bride added subtle texture to her wedding dress by topping it with Lihi Hod's pleated mini cape. 03 of 28 Patterned Studio Phylicia This trendy bridal ensemble was complete with a short, bell-sleeved dress and paisley-patterned cape by Daughters of Simone. See more short wedding dresses here 04 of 28 Airy Emma Pilkington Photography The sheerness of this Cherry Williams London cape made it seem lighter than air. 05 of 28 Old World Danielle Harris Photography Layer lace over lace for an Old-World feel. These two Robert Bullock pieces came together to create a timeless, vintage vibe. 06 of 28 Capelet Hannah Bjorndal Not all capes have to have length in order to make a statement. Take this pearl capelet by Jenny Yoo, for example. Unexpected Ways to Wear Pearls at Your Wedding 07 of 28 Wrap Around Big Bouquet Photography This bride accessorized her Jesus Peiro wedding dress with a chiffon cape by George Anthony Bridal. The gauzy material was sheer, so it didn't obscure the gown's unique bodice. 08 of 28 Embellished Bow Tie Photo A jeweled collar attached this Gibson Bespoke cape to the bride's custom Rebecca Schoneveld dress. Embellished Wedding Dresses for the Bride Who Wants to Make an Entrance 09 of 28 Lengthy Josie England Photography This bride's ensemble was beautifully dramatic thanks to her long, sheer Champagne And GRIT Co. cape. 10 of 28 Mixed Materials Chris & Ruth Photography Don't be afraid to mix materials for your dress and cape. Just look to this bride, who wore a Grace Love Lace silk gown with a lace cape, for proof that it works. Simple Wedding Dresses That Are Just Plain Chic 11 of 28 Regal Let's Frolic Together A substantial, all-lace cloak by A Bride by Samantha gave off royal vibes at this black-tie event. The 17 Best Royal Wedding Dresses of All Time 12 of 28 Open Front Eileen Meny Photography Show off the bodice of your dress by opting for a cape with an open front. This one by Rebecca Schoneveld did just that. 13 of 28 Sparkling India Earl This long cloak by Berta was a stand out in both length and design. Its crystal embellishments made every inch of the cape sparkle. Find more crystal ideas here 14 of 28 Modern Justin Aaron A modified cape made this Carla Zampatti wedding dress feel even more contemporary. It also added a bit of dimension to the column gown. 15 of 28 Lace Trim As Ever Photography Consider wearing a white capelet over your colorful wedding dress for a unique, multi-tonal look. This lace-trimmed capelet option Marisol Aparicio contrasted her blush dress beautifully. Our Favorite Colorful Dresses from Real Weddings 16 of 28 Lacey Capelet Melissa Alderton Photography The lace on this capelet (the bride bought it on Etsy!) nearly matched the fabric on the bodice of her Della Curva wedding dress. 17 of 28 Starry Rebecca Hollis Photography Stars covered this tulle cape by Galia Lahav. The bride chose this ensemble because the stars reminded her of the sky in Montana, which is where she grew up. 30 Celestial Wedding Ideas That'll Have You Starry-Eyed 18 of 28 Ultra-Sheer Nicole Delaine Photography This bride's organza cape was more than just a big-day accessory: It was made with love by her sister. 8 Ways to Involve Your Siblings in Your Wedding 19 of 28 Red This Modern Romance Get even more creative with your cape by bringing in some color. This ethereal Claire Pettiebone number featured red embroidery that wowed down the aisle. 20 of 28 Pearl and Sheer Roots of Life Photography Alyssa Kristin dotted this sheer cape with white pearls. 21 of 28 Lehenga Shades Photography This bride donned a gold and crystal cape by Sabyasachi Mukherjee over her traditional lehenga. Amazing Wedding Dresses from Around the World 22 of 28 Ethereal Someplace Wild Although this Naeem Kahn cape gave off subtle vintage vibes, the bride's Floressence flower crown brought a whimsical feel to her look. 23 of 28 Beachy Winsome and Wright The cape on this Leanne Marshall number fit right into this couple's beach nuptials. 27 Stunning Beach Wedding Dresses 24 of 28 Warm Weather Sophie Epton Photography A sheer, breezy cape from Tatyana Merenyuk prevented this bride from overheating during her Moroccan desert nuptials while also protecting her from the blazing sun. 25 of 28 Lace Addition Shannen Natasha of The Wedding Artists Collective A stretch of lace secured this silk Elizabeth Fillmore cape to the bride's shoulders. 26 of 28 Focal Point Kat Braman Laila Bridal Studio designed this silk chiffon cape; it was the focal point of the bride's big-day outfit. 20 Statement Wedding Accessories Worn by Real Brides 27 of 28 Gold Clasps Katie Parra Photography This bride opted for a tulle cape by Elizabeth Dye. The designer affixed the topper to the gown with gold clasps in the shape of flowers. 28 of 28 Fur Helen Cawte Photography A major benefit of capes? They work well at winter weddings, as evidenced by this bride's warm, faux fur-trimmed cape, which she had custom made. Stylish Ways Real Brides Kept Warm at Their Weddings Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit