Wear your heart on your sleeve

Who decided that all dresses have to be sleeveless or strapless? I know very few people who look good in sleeveless dresses, and even fewer who look good in strapless dresses. I, for one, have really heavy upper arms and elbows, and therefore avoid any tops or dresses that don’t cover them. If I do wear a sleeveless top or dress, I always pair it with a cardigan.

When it came time for me to find a wedding dress, my options were severely limited. I went to the type of bridal shop that lets you select your own dresses from the rack (as opposed to the bridal consultant selecting dresses for you). I pulled every dress in the store that had a sleeve and ended up with about 5 gowns in the dressing room. The pickings were THAT slim.

Luckily, this story has a happy ending! I found my wedding dress that day and absolutely love it. It accentuated all of my good bits (my waist and shoulders) and de-emphasized my not-so-good bits (my hips and thighs).

Photo credit: Andrea O'Grady

For some super-great advice on selecting a flattering wedding gown, read this post from my all-time favorite blog, Pursuing the Picture Perfect Wedding.

But let’s get back to gowns and sleeves.

There are loads of options out there for wedding dresses with sleeves, you just have to look. At the end of the day, I find dresses with sleeves to be elegant, sophisticated, and beautiful as the necklines almost always draw the eye up to your face, which, on your wedding day, is the most beautiful part of you!

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This gown is by designer Adele Wechsler, who is an eco-friendly designer. Doesn’t it look like something your grandmother might have worn on her wedding day (in a good way)?

Adele Wechsler - Style: Juniper - $$$$

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Here are a couple of vintage-inspired gowns by Alita Graham. Isn’t the lace romantic?

Alita Graham - Style: 31702897 - $$

Alita Graham - Style: 31622244 - $$

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These poofy princess gowns, by Demetrios Young Sophisticates, will let you live out your Cinderella fantasy!

Demetrios Young Sophisticates - Style: 2804 - $$$

Demetrios Young Sophisticates - Style: 2813 - $$$

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If your shoulders and collarbones are rockin’, accentuate them with this gown from Jacquelin Bridal.

Jacquelin Bridal - Style: 9501 - $$

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These lovely gowns from Italian designer Le Spose di Giò, made me absolutely swoon with delight when I saw them! I ♥ the way they marry romantic organza with modern high-fashion. Any bride would be utterly memorable on her wedding day in one of these beautiful designs.

Le Spose di Gio - Style: N1 - $$$$$

Le Spose di Gio - Style: N5 - $$$$$

Le Spose di Gio - Style: N29 - $$$$$

Le Spose di Gio - Style: N32 - $$$$$

If I had chosen to get married at city hall, I would definitely have opted for something like one of these more simple, yet equally stunning Le Spose di Giò looks.

Le Spose di Gio - Style: N19 - $$$$$

Le Spose di Gio - Style: N18 - $$$$$

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I adore the unique neckline and 3/4 length sleeves on this gown from Mon Cheri Bridals.

Mon Cheri - Style: 19223S Kimberly - $$

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Either of these two gowns, from Rina di Montella, would be perfect for a winter wedding.

Rina di Montella - Style: RB2812S - $$$

Doesn’t this one look like it’s covered in snow flakes?

Rina di Montella - Style: RB2818 - $$$

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Don’t forget about your ‘maids! Matchy matchy bridesmaids are a thing of the past! Why not let your girls choose their style and you pick the color? If everyone looks their best on your wedding day, it will show in the photos.

These sweet dresses from Siri come in a variety of colors, fabrics and styles. They are also available in white or ivory, which is perfect if you are looking for a dress for your low-key wedding or elopement.

Siri - Style: Loretta Young

Siri - Style: June Carter

Siri - Style: Fontainebleau

Siri - Style: Thalia

You can see that I have a penchant for sleeves. What’s your favorite wedding dress style?

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