You fell in love with a strapless gown. Then you remembered your wedding is in January, in Toronto.
You don’t have to choose between the dress and the season. Sleeves and coverage can be designed into your gown so it feels made for a winter wedding, while still looking like the dress you chose.
Long sleeves
Full-length sleeves are the most transformative change for a winter gown.
- Illusion sleeves with lace. Sheer tulle sleeves with lace appliqués placed to flow from the bodice. Elegant, but they add little warmth.
- Fitted satin or crepe sleeves. Clean, modern and warmer. They need careful patterning so you can still lift your arms.
- Soft bishop sleeves. Full sleeves gathered at the wrist, in chiffon or organza, for a romantic look.
On a strapless gown, long sleeves need something to attach to. That is usually an illusion neckline or a structured off-the-shoulder band, designed together with the sleeves. Adding full sleeves to a strapless gown is one of the hardest changes to make well, so it isn’t usually our first recommendation. We’ll talk you through the other options first.
Detachable sleeves
If you want coverage for the ceremony and photos outdoors, but freedom on the dance floor, detachable sleeves give you both. See our guide to detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves.
Capes and toppers
A cape or sheer topper adds drama and coverage without changing the gown itself. Lace-edged capes, cathedral-length tulle and structured shoulder pieces all work with a strapless bodice, and come off for the reception.
Raising the neckline
An illusion neckline rising to the collarbone or neck adds coverage and pairs naturally with long sleeves. See changing the neckline on your wedding dress.
What we look at first
- The bodice. Sleeves must be supported without pulling the neckline out of shape.
- Movement. You need to hug, hold your bouquet and raise a glass. We fit every sleeve for movement as well as looks.
- Fabric match. Ivory and white vary widely. Sometimes a deliberate contrast, like lace on illusion tulle, looks more refined than a near-match.
Fabric, timing and cost
You bring the fabric, lace or trim, and we tell you exactly what to look for and how much. Adding sleeves or coverage is redesign work. The work takes four to five months, so we recommend a design consultation about seven months before your wedding. If your winter date is sooner, talk to us now, and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible on your timeline.
Gown redesigns start from $2,500 and are quoted to your gown after we have seen it on you.