Modern bridal designs have some of the most dramatic and exciting sleeve styles that we have seen so far in bridal fashion.
From unexpected oversized, to surprising volume - contemporary wedding fashion is getting exciting when it comes to sleeve design. With the addition of all of these new and playful styles, the traditional strapless ball gown is no longer the dominating dress in bridal fashion. We have gathered 20 of our favorite dramatic sleeve designs, and we can't wait to see what other new designs we surface in the coming years.
Ruffles
Ruffles have always been a popular wedding day accent. From antique styles to contemporary trends. And these unique ruffle accented sleeves may have you wanting to add a more contemporary feminine touch to your wedding day look.
01. Oversized Ruffles
Houghton brings us a dramatic sleeve design with this oversized ruffle design. These show stealing sleeves add so much interest to this otherwise classic column wedding gown.
02. Sheer Polka Dots
Dreaming of sheer polka dot fabrics for your wedding day style? Well you may be after seeing this next dramatic sleeve design. This classy contemporary bridal style is finished off with some delicate polka dotted tulle sleeves with ruffle detailing.
03. Dotted Ruffles
If you are loving the polka dotted tulle style from above then you are sure to love this one as well! Another dramatic sleeve wedding style featuring off the shoulder tulle dotted ruffle sleeves.
04. Ruffle Texture
Looking for a ruffled dramatic sleeve style that is a little less feminine and delicate? Then this look is for you. The short, tight ruffles of this next design create an almost spiked like texture down the sleeves and neckline of the gown. A truly one of a kind accent.
05. Edgy Drama
Take that same spike-like ruffled texture to the next level with this patchwork wedding gown from Viktor Rolf. A bold wedding day style that is not for the faint of heart.
Volume
What better way to add some drama to your wedding day look than with a little volume? And these sleeve styles do just that!
06. Sheer Volume
These sheer voluminous sleeves add intense drama to this already stunning contemporary wedding style from Livne White.
07. Asymmetric Volume
Add some very unique volume to your wedding day look with this modest cut gown. An oversized bow at the shoulder leads into asymmetric ruffle sleeve detailing. A dramatic sleeve accent that completely transforms this look.
08. Shoulder Puff
A unique wedding style from Viktor Rolf that is all about volume. Dramatic off the should puff sleeves enhance the already voluminous oversized style of the rest of the gown. Get ready to make a big statement with this one!
09. Draped Drama
Vera Wang brings us a unique contemporary wedding style that is sure to leave you a bit breathless. What really steals the show with this look are the dramatically draped tulle sleeves that gather to create unexpected volume.
Detached
Can't decide whether you want to do strapless or rock some sleeves on your wedding day? Well with these detached sleeves, you can have your cake and eat it too!
10. Geometric Florals
Half Penny London brings us a gorgeous contemporary wedding gown that combines geometric and floral embroidery. To add another modern twist to this gown, the look features detachable sleeve that let you decided when you want to go strapless, or add a touch of drama on your big day.
11. Removable Puffs
A stunning modern day princess ball gown that is structural, clean, and surprising. The most surprising component of this style are the detachable puff sleeves. These dramatic sleeves give you the ability to take them or leave them throughout your big day.
Medieval
We are throwing things back to Medieval times with these long training sleeve designs.
12. Training Florals
This unique wedding gown really brings on the drama with its one of a kind training Medieval sleeves. This looks goes to show that the traditional train style is for so much more than just the base of a bride's skirt!
13. Medieval Lace
Stop everyone in their tracts with this show stopping lace gown with dramatic Medieval inspired sleeves. The hip hugging mermaid cut of this gown mixes beautifully with the oversized Medieval butterfly sleeves.
14. Ethereal Drama
Our next Medieval sleeves have a delicate ethereal about them. These dramatic sleeves are soft and feminine - and are the perfect accent for this stunning gown from Nicole Spose.
Oversized
Oversized sleeves play with our imagination and surprise us in exciting and unexpected ways.
15. Draped Lace
A short wedding style from Vera Wang that features completely unique lace draped sleeves that are oversized and dramatic.
16. Rolled Up Drama
Rime Arodaky brings us one of the most surprising dramatic sleeve styles on our list. These rolled up, oversized cut sleeves are dramatic and completely unexpected. A stunning modern detail that really takes this look to the next level.
17. Poetic Drama
A contemporary, romantic wedding style featuring oversized poet sleeves that add so much drama to this style. Feminine romance with a modern twist.
18. Length Drama
Vera Wang brings us a stunning nude tulle and lace gown that is both romantic and modern. This look features delicate tulle sleeves that are just slightly oversized enough to cover the brides hands. A delicate, and whimsical detail.
Structural
Stunning structural sleeves add contemporary accenting to any wedding day look.
19. Suit of Armor
Vera Wang brings us a stunning contemporary wedding style that features suit of armor inspired structural sleeves that are absolutely stunning.
20. Clean Cut
A clean cut modern ball gown from Rita Vinieris. This look features hard structural cut off the shoulder 3/4 length sleeves. These sleeves are surprising and add a beautiful contemporary finish to this modern day Cinderella gown.
By Kathryn Schrotenboer
Lindsey