A bridal cape is the ultimate style statement. You'll be set to make a grande entrance on your wedding day.

A bridal cape is a unique and beautiful addition to elevate your wedding dress. Whether your wedding gown is simple and sleek or features detailed embroidery or lacework, there is a bridal cape for almost every gown. From long and flowing detachable panels that secure at your shoulder straps to a delicate and sheer cape that hug your shoulders and covers your back and arms, bridal capes are the perfect option when you don’t want to wear a veil.

When choosing a bridal cape, the key is to find a piece that complements your overall look and enhances your wedding day style. We have pulled together our top tips we recommend to our brides when it comes to selecting this high style bridal accessory.

1. Consider the theme of your wedding

  • Consider your dress: The right cape for you will complement the style of your wedding dress. Whether your dress is modern, vintage, classic or bohemian in style, your cape should harmonise with its design and fabric.
  • Wedding theme and venue: The overall theme of your wedding and venue will be an important consideration when choosing your wedding cape.  A dramatic, floor length cape will be perfect for a spacious formal event. A shorter cape will be more suitable for a garden or intimate wedding.

Photography by Lindsay Brunk | Bride Alex wears our DRAPED IN FLOWERS cape

SHOP THIS LOOK: Draped in Flowers bridal cape

2. Material and fabric are important

  • Fabric choice: The right cape for your dress should match or complement the fabric of the dress. Commonly, bridal capes are made from fine laces, tulle, chiffon and crepe and velvet, each offering a different look and feel.
  • Weather and season: Lighter fabrics are ideal for warmer seasons, however, depending on the embellishments, they can offer some coverage where lacework or florals are added.

3. Talk to your bridal accessories designer about the right design and length for you

  • Cape length: Consider your dress style, your height and the amount of drama you wish to create when choosing your cape length. Flattering lengths include fingertip and floor lengths.
  • Cape design: Talk to your bridal accessories designer about the right design for you. This will depend on the neckline and straps of your gown, the aesthetic you are after and the level of coverage you wish to achieve. Our capes can be modified into watteau style, draped cowl backs, bridal wings or bridal capes that hug that shoulders. We are available via email, Live Chat and socials to help you choose the right accessories for your bridal look.

SHOP THIS LOOK: SWAY bridal cape

4. Elevate your wedding cape with embellishments and fine details

  • Embellishments: Your bridal cape should enhance your wedding dress and accentuate any details it may have. Embellishments can be subtle or dramatic, the world is your oyster.
  • Colour: Choosing a cape in the right colour is important to ensure a cohesive and balanced look. Very few wedding dresses are actually white so be sure to find a cape that’s a complementary tone.

Photography by Love Is Rad Co | Bride Ali wears our DRAPED IN FLOWERS cape

5. Your bridal cape should be practical and comfortable

  • Ease of movement: Your cape should be designed in a way so that it’s well secured, particularly if you wish to wear it for both your ceremony and reception,
  • Attachment and fit: It’s important to chat to your bridal accessories designer about attachments. It should be easy for you and your bridal party to remove the cape when necessary.

6. When in doubt, choose a custom bridal cape that has been designed with you in mind

Are you unsure which bridal cape would best suit your dress? We would love to work with you to create a custom cape that complements the silhouette, length and style of your dress.

Here are some examples of some recent capes we have created for our beautiful brides. Some of these capes bring together our favourite styles from our collection. Others were modifications of existing styles to suit our brides.

Need personalised styling help?

Every wedding gown is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision and style. We love to work with our brides to create bridal capes that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day.

We are based in Australia and ship worldwide.

SHOP WEDDING CAPES

Discover our collection of custom wedding capes, customisable to suit you and your wedding dress.