If you’ve been dreaming of your wedding since you were a little girl, you’ve probably got the main parts of the vision worked out–the flowers, the venue, the gown. What most of us don’t really think of is the time of year. So, if you’ve always imagined yourself walking down the aisle in a gown with sleeves but you just booked your summer wedding, panic may be setting in. Can you wear sleeves for a summer wedding, or will it simply be too hot? We’ve got great news–it can be done and we’ll show you how!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Charla Storey Photography
GOWN | Marchesa
The main concern when it comes to wearing sleeves for a summer wedding is the heat, so let’s start there. You are going to be hot at some point on your wedding day, whether you get married in the winter or the summer. The average wedding is way longer than a Zumba class and you’ll be dancing your heart out wearing far more than your usual athleisure–so yes, you are totally going to sweat (sleeves or not) and that’s ok! That’s how you know you had a great time! You will sweat more in the summer than you will in the winter (depending on what they have the heat set to in your venue), so let’s talk about what you can do to minimize the sweat or at least make sure it doesn’t show.
GOWN + PHOTOGRAPHY | Inbar Freiman
Think loose–the less the sleeve is touching you, the better. Flutter sleeves are a great option for a summer wedding. Not only do they hover away from the arm preventing visible sweat stains, but they flow and allow for a breeze here and there (which you’ll definitely be thankful for on a hot summer day!).
PHOTOGRAPHY | Greg Finck Photography
GOWN | Rime Arodaky
Summer brides wanting sleeves and comfort are in luck this season because we are seeing more and more of these fabulous off-the-shoulder sleeves. They are great because they keep your neckline open and cool while covering the lower part of your arm that doesn’t overheat.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Pura Soul Photography
GOWN |Galia Lahav
If you have your heart set on fitted sleeves but are worried about getting too hot, consider shorter sleeves like these cap sleeves. They still give you the coverage and elegance of a sleeve without you getting overheated.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Jenny Quicksall Photography
GOWN | Ersa Atelier
If you’re shopping for a summer gown with sleeves, consider taking a more boho route with your wedding ensemble. Boho-style designs tend to be more light and airy in general and often have flowy statement sleeves.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Heather Payne
GOWN | Lee Grebenau
If you are on the fence about sleeves vs sleeveless, why not have both? Consider a gown with an asymmetrical neckline where one side is sleeveless and the other sleeved. The asymmetrical flutter sleeve on this gown adds just the right amount of coverage without adding to the warmth of the gown.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Mariel V
GOWN | Carol Hannah
Lace is a great fabric for summer sleeves. It has holes that let air pass through it and it also has a texture that distracts from any potential sweat marks.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Koman Photography
GOWN | Galia Lahav
Opt for a sleeve made from a fine fabric–like a tulle or English net. These fabrics are so sheer, they’re mostly air! What could be better for a summer wedding? Stay away from fabrics like satin and crepe as these will most definitely show sweat stains (eek!).
PHOTOGRAPHY | Esther Sun Photography
GOWN | Galia Lahav
If you want your sleeve to be more subtle consider a gown with an illusion neckline that carries into the sleeves. It gives the appearance that you’re wearing nothing on your arms and it feels pretty close to it!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Katie Grant Photography
GOWN | MXM Couture