When it comes to bridal accessories, the wedding veil has long reigned supreme, but for the modern bride looking to make a statement, a bridal cape is a fresh, fashionable alternative that adds drama, elegance, and individuality to your wedding look. Thinking about skipping the bridal veil for your wedding day? Bridal capes are a modern, fashion-forward alternative that add drama, elegance, and personality to your strapless wedding gown without compromising on tradition or style. In this post, our bridal stylist experts are trying on different bridal capes and sharing their tips to help you choose the perfect one to complement your wedding dress.
At Lovella Bridal, we know how personal your wedding day style is and bridal accessories are a great way to personalize your wedding day look. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to styling and accessorizing your wedding dress and this is one of our favorite aspects of our job as bridal stylists. It's so fun seeing the way every bride who wears a particular dress styles it a little bit differently. Whether it's a different veil, a different cape, accessories, earrings, a headpiece, your bouquet, your hair and makeup, all these amazing components that make it personally yours is a joy to see come together.
We recently had a bride who was looking for an alternative to a wedding veil and was considering a bridal cape but was unsure of what style to choose that would complement her strapless dress neckline. We recently discussed whether wedding dresses have matching bridal veils and we thought it would be fun to explore the same idea with bridal capes. While you might find some wedding dresses have matching bridal capes, the majority of them will not have a matching cape, but that is where the fun comes in and you can mix and match your bridal style! Let's explore the different options available when it comes to bridal capes and styling your wedding dress.
Video: Trying On Different Bridal Capes To Wear As A Veil Alternative
If you are a bride shopping for your dream wedding dress or searching for bridal accessories to style your wedding gown, you might be considering a wedding veil. If a bridal veil is not on your list of accessories to wear for wedding day, you might consider a bridal cape to add a bit of drama to your wedding day look. Before your next bridal appointment, tune in to our latest bridal styling and fashion advice video where we're trying on different bridal cape to wear as a veil alternative.
Why Choose a Bridal Cape?
Bridal capes are more than just a trendy alternative to veils. They offer versatility, personality, and a touch of couture flair. They come in various lengths, fabrics, and embellishments, making them perfect for both classic and modern brides. Whether you're going for ethereal romance or bold drama, there's a cape to complement your vision.
Dramatic Statement Cape
Our first option is a show-stopping cape from Nicole + Felicia, designed to pair with one of their stunning strapless gowns. This cape is its own standalone piece, not attached to the dress, and features layers of rich fabric that create maximum impact as you walk down the aisle. We love the bold floral details that pop against the more simple wedding gown.
One thing to note about this particular cape is that it is heavy. It’s a lot of fabric to create this beautiful detailing, so we would recommend wearing it for your ceremony and grand entrance into the reception, but then removing it for dancing, as you would a veil, so you can move and dance comfortably.
Bridal Stylist’s Tip: While this cape works beautifully without a veil, you could still add a simple cathedral-length veil if you want to layer your look. This combination can be breathtaking for photos and ceremony moments.
Sparkling Tulle Cape
If you're drawn to the soft, romantic feel of a veil but want something unique, a lightweight tulle cape with delicate sparkle or embroidery is the perfect middle ground. This cape option slips easily over your head, resting effortlessly on your shoulders without interfering with a strapless neckline.
Originally designed to pair with an embellished lace gown, this cape also looks incredible with a more minimalistic dress, allowing you to mix textures and create contrast.
Bridal Stylist’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to go “drama on drama.” A beaded or lace cape can elevate a fully embellished gown—or add a romantic flair to a simpler dress.
Short Lace Capelet
Looking for something a little more playful? A short lace capelet adds personality and movement while still giving the feel of a veil alternative. It’s perfect for a reception look or even for walking down the aisle if you're keeping things less traditional.
Lightweight and comfortable, this cape option simply rests on your shoulders and can also be ordered in longer lengths for added impact. This option also looks beautiful if you want to pair it with a wedding veil. If you go the shorter route, you can certainly wear the cape all evening long or can choose to remove it for your reception for a second bridal look.
Sparkle Glam Cape
Our final option is ideal for brides looking to make a grand entrance at their reception. This sparkling cape with a front closure adds glamour without overwhelming your neckline. It buckles at the front and flows over your shoulders like a little "bridal red riding hood" moment, perfect for a dramatic second look or a ceremony showstopper.
Bridal Stylist’s Tip: If the sparkle version feels too bold for your ceremony, consider customizing the same silhouette in a softer, lighter fabric for your walk down the aisle.
The Beauty of Bridal Capes with Strapless Dresses
What makes bridal capes such a fantastic option with strapless gowns is their freedom of movement and versatility. Since they don’t rely on straps or sleeves for support, you don’t have to worry about disrupting your neckline. Whether they drape over the shoulders, fasten at the neck, or simply rest like a shawl, capes add a sense of regality and elegance that feels both timeless and modern.
Whether you're drawn to the drama of a full-length cape, the romance of lace, or the sparkle of a reception-ready piece, there’s a cape to match your vision. And remember, like with veils, bridal capes are meant to enhance your dress, not compete with it. Choose one that complements your gown and makes you feel your most confident, beatiful self.
More Helpful Bridal Fashion Styling Advice
We hope you have found this advice helpful for wedding dress styling and what to consider when it comes to selecting a bridal cape. For even more helpful advice when it comes to bridal styling and the wedding dress shopping experience, be sure to check out our past posts:
- How to Choose the Right Wedding Veil
- 9 Must-See Wedding Accessory Trends From New York Bridal Fashion Week
- Do Wedding Dresses Have Matching Veils?
- How To Accessorize & Style Your Wedding Dress
About Lovella
If you're shopping for your perfect wedding dress, come visit us at Lovella Bridal in Glendale, CA. We carry wedding dresses in all sizes and styles, including plus-size bridal gowns and a full selection of veils and accessories. Lovella Bridal is the premier, luxury bridal wedding dress shopping boutique located in Los Angeles, California. Lovella features couture, feminine, modern and chic bridal gowns in all sizes from the best wedding dress designers. Schedule an appointment to find the wedding dress of your dreams at Lovella Bridal. We can't wait to help you!
About Wedding Fashion Expert
Our wedding dress shopping tips and advice are from Nayri, Lovella's own, in-house wedding fashion expert. Nayri is truly the expert when it comes to bridal fashion and wedding style. As the Wedding Fashion Expert, Nayri is the top bridal fashion stylist and the best-selling author of the book "I'm Getting Married And I Have Nothing To Wear," the ultimate guide to helping brides find their wedding day style and their perfect wedding dress. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel or listen to her podcast for more helpful and practical advice on wedding dress shopping.
