Real Brides Wearing Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

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

"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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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