Beautiful Wedding Capes: 22 Wedding-Editor Approved Picks for a Totally Chic Look
Keep warm and comfortable at a winter celebration or add a pretty edge to your outfit with one of these beautiful bridal capes including cosy faux fur to floaty cover-ups
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Picking the outfit for your wedding day is one of the biggest decisions nearlyweds face. There are so many options out there these days, and be it a wedding dress, a two-piece skirt and top, or a chic suit, all of them can be made better by wearing a wedding cape.
Wedding capes are just as versatile as they are pretty; many of them can be worn for years after your actual wedding, meaning they are a wonderful investment piece for the future, as well as for your big day. They also come in a great range of different designs, from bridal capes with lace detailing, to long wedding capes that work well with short wedding dresses.
22 of the Best Wedding Capes: From Summer Styles to Warm Winter Picks
If you’re planning a winter wedding, you can pick up a cosy, fluffy, faux fur bridal cape from the UK or bridal cloak to keep you warm, while making you look elegant and sophisticated.
Those planning a summer wedding have plenty of options too. There are so many lightweight tulle, lace, and silk bridal capes, and they all come in varying lengths, from mini capelets to cropped styles, midis, and maxis that hit the floor. If you want a more modest wedding day look, a bridal cape is a great way to cover up in style.
Intrigued by the style? We’ve picked out 22 of the best bridal capes for all styles, tastes, and budgets. Plus, we tracked down an amazing tutorial showing you how to make a wedding cape yourself and spoke to Siu Coll, founder of wedding accessory brand Liberty in Love, who gives amazing expert commentary on the topic.
Pushed for time? Skip to your fave style section below...
Lace Bridal Capes
Wearing a lace wedding dress and want the perfect accessory? These lace bridal capes really hit the spot.
1. Carrington Beaded Lace Bridal Cape – £POA, Maggie Sottero
If you walk down the aisle in this showstopping design, you're bound to make an entrance that will blow your guests (and partner) away. It's the perfect pick if you're wearing a ball-gown wedding dress, as it looks like it has come straight from the pages of a fairytale.
The top is adorned with beautiful lace, as is the hem that will gracefully trail behind you.
Pros & Cons: Maggie Sottero make gorgeous wedding dresses, so you can opt for a gown that matches the bridal cape - the model above is wearing the Montgomery gown which has a beautiful fishtail style. Equally, you could style this cape with another wedding dress and it would look just as good.
2. Hooded Lace Wedding Cape – £235, Etsy
There's one celebrity wedding dress that comes to mind when looking for bridal cape inspiration - Lily Collins! She wore a sensational hooded cape to go with her incredible Ralph Lauren wedding dress and the above style from Etsy is an excellent dupe if you fell in love with her look.
It is available in white, black or blush and is handcrafted from corded lace with a scalloped edge detailing.
Pros & Cons: This bridal cape makes a unique alternative to a wedding veil. If the hood makes too much of a statement for you, wear it down for a more subtle look.
Sheer Bridal Capes
If you have a pearl wedding dress or a beaded gown with lots of detail, and want an accessory that'll work well alongside it, opt for one of these luxurious sheer bridal capes. The translucent fabric will still allow the detail of your dress to shine through.
3. Bridal Cape Veil – from £142.54, Etsy
This versatile piece perfectly bridges the gap between a wedding veil and bridal cover up. It’s made from soft English tulle, and the edges are decorated with chic lace with a thin silver thread. It comes in four lengths for you to choose from, but you can also order it to be made in a custom length if they don't have your chosen measurements.
It has clips on the straps which make it easy to fit onto any dress. "This cape veil is everything," says one shopper, "It added a very ethereal and romantic vibe to my dress. It was one of my favourite details from the day. Such a fun and non-traditional way to do a veil - if you’re thinking about it, BUY IT!"
Pros & Cons: There are 15 colourways to choose from if you want to mix up your attire from traditional white or ivory. This wedding cape won't keep you warm, but it's a fabulous accessory to add to your outfit for aesthetics.
4. Floral Secret Garden Cape – from £248.04, Etsy
Whimsical wildflowers on your wedding mood board? Why not match your outfit to the décor with this floral embroidered accessory. It's really unique and we reckon it'll garner lots of compliments from your guests.
There are several lengths you can choose from, plus you can customise it to have gold, silver or black attachments. Some reviews said that this wedding cape made their whole look come together, with one person saying, "I cannot express how gorgeous I looked and felt in this cape - it might have been more beautiful than my dress."
Pros & Cons: If you have a wedding dress with dainty straps, you'll need to sew the ring attachments to your straps, but this is simple job that won't take long.
5. Pearl Trim Bridal Cape – £75, Monsoon
If you are wearing a short wedding dress, we love the idea of pairing it with a sheer long cape like this model has done. It gives a formal touch to the otherwise relaxed outfit, so could be a great option if you are having a traditional ceremony, but want something playful for the reception. Simply remove the wedding cape post-ceremony and it'll completely transform your look from formal to fun.
Pros & Cons: Shiny pearls sit on the trim of this bridal cape which elevates the neckline to luxe levels. If the high neck starts to feel uncomfortable, undo the fastening and it will still look amazing draped over your shoulders.
6. Sigourney Beaded Flutter Sleeve Bridal Cape – £POA, Maggie Sottero
Choosing a wedding cape that blends seamlessly into your wedding dress will give the illusion of sleeves but is something a little bit different. The Sigourney from Maggie Sottero is a bridal cape that's oh so ethereal, adorned with glistening beads.
From the front it will look as if it is part of the wedding dress, but from the back there is a gorgeous flourish created by the cape silhouette.
Pros & Cons: This bridal cape is best suited for a wedding dress with a low-back as the cape has a scoop back.
7. Floral Lace Bridal Cape – from £164.08, Etsy
Handmade in Italy, this simple yet striking accessory is designed to enhance a simple wedding dress and can be styled over an outfit crafted from any fabric. The sheer material is embroidered with floral motifs and is ideal for layering over a block colour so that they stand out.
Pros & Cons: Be careful when wearing this bridal cape that you don't damage the delicate material. The neckline has bias taping for support which also doubles as a design detail
8. Sparkling Bridal Cape – from £44.65, Etsy
We adore a sparkling wedding dress, and if you do too, we reckon this glitter cape will be right up your street too. It is available in eleven different lengths and in white, ivory, blush or black glitter. You can also add beautiful pearls if you want to add a traditional touch.
Pros & Cons: This wedding cape really comes into its own during the evening if you are having fairy lights. "It was beautiful as it sparkles under the light, especially during our first dance," explained one reviewer. If you get any fall-out from the glitter, this will only add to you sparkling!
9. Talia Soft Tulle Wedding Cape – from £134.59, Etsy
This soft tulle full length cape provides a stylish and classic finishing touch that traditional brides will love. It has a raw edge around the bottom so will fall gracefully and gather beautifully around your ankles.
Pros & Cons: This style is available in three different lengths - if you opt for the longest one, we recommend having someone on hand to hold it up and ensure you don't trip when walking as there is a lot of material.
Plain Bridal Capes
Sometimes less is more, and that's definitely the case when it comes to these plain wedding capes. Whether you pair it with a simple wedding dress, or one with bags of detail, it's sure to add to your W-day look.
10. Bridal Cape in Faux Fur – £165, Helen Moore
How adorable is this faux fur cape? With an optional hood, it would look amazing at a winter wedding. The cape comes in a variety of colours including a stunning soft brown that would be ideal for a country wedding if you want a rustic look.
Pros & Cons: It has a soft satin lining which will feel lovely against your skin. If the hood feels a little casual, it can be customised to come without one.
11. Ivory Faux Fur Cape – £115, Liberty In Love
This faux fur jacket by Liberty In Love is giving us all the vintage vibes and we reckon it will look gorgeous paired with a red lip (you'll find some great options in our wedding lipstick edit!). Lined with duchess satin it'll feel just as good on the inside as it does on the outside.
"I bought this for my winter wedding and it is gorgeous! So warm and cosy and it looks really expensive and luxurious," says one shopper.
Love the idea of keeping warm on your day? Check out our roundup of the best wedding coats that'll go well with your gorgeous gown.
Pros & Cons: This style of wedding cape can be worn post-wedding day too as part of an evening outfit. Be careful drinking and eating when wearing this cape - any stain will show up on the white fabric but can easily be washed off.
12. Long Wedding Cape – from £154.03, Etsy
A plain wedding cape doesn't have to mean boring - as proven by this design from Etsy. It would look lovely as another layer to a two-piece wedding dress, and adds a whimsical feel to a maxi skirt.
The movement that you will achieve from this cape is so special, especially as you twirl around the dance floor.
Pros & Cons: This bridal cape can be made to measure, so it will be the exact fit to your height and the look you want to create. When worn, it will cover up the bodice of your outfit so be mindful of that if you want that to be shown in any photographs.
13. Collete Soft Tulle Draped Wedding Cape – £245, Unveiled by Sophie
The Collette design is a cape made from soft, silk effect, drapey tulle and is the epitome of elegance. It gives the effect of a veil, but means you won't have to worry about the wedding hairstyle you go for to accommodate a veil.
All their capes come in their own gift box, which is great for storing and keeping safe before the big day.
Pros & Cons: The cape is attached with two hidden safety pins which can either loop around thin straps or go through the fabric - we recommend getting some help attaching them so you don't damage your wedding dress material.
14. Chiffon Wedding Cape – from £104.68, Etsy
This hi-lo cape is a really unusual style that you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. It is available in white or ivory and is simple, elegant and sophisticated. It is lightweight so won't feel heavy to wear, but will still give you some protection against the weather .
Pros & Cons: This style has a classic 'cape' silhouette, if you are looking for a design that ticks that box.
Statement Bridal Capes
If you're the kind of nearlywed who wants everyoneto remember your standout wedding day look, these statement bridal capes are sure to do the trick.
15. Gold Star & Pearl Wedding Cape – from £142.06, Etsy
Whether you opt for a celestial wedding dress, or this fabulous starry accessory worn over the top of a plain wedding dress, you'll be rocking a look that is out of this world. The Stella cape comes in four different lengths and is adorned with a gold glittering star, moon and unicorn pattern.
"Words cannot even explain how incredible this cape is," exclaims one customer. "I felt ethereal and the most beautiful I have ever felt in my life. The quality is outstanding and my photographers had so much fun with it. My seamstress also thought it was the coolest thing she had ever seen!"
Pros & Cons: This wedding cape will shed a little glitter according to reviewers, but it'll look so sparkly as you move.
16. Chocolate Faux Fur Cape – £115, Liberty In Love
Winter weddings can be incredibly romantic and beautiful, but there’s always the worry you might get cold. You could opt for a bridal jacket, but if you want something that is a little more formal, this super warm design has a luxury feel and looks sophisticated.
Pros & Cons: This design has specifically been selected with dense fur to add comfort and warmth. The dark colourway means any makeup transfer around the high neckline won't show.
17. Petunia Midaxi Cape – £265, Needle & Thread
This champagne hue is ideal for anyone after a neutral shade, who also wants to sway away from straight-up white. It’ll sparkle under the light as you walk down the aisle and create a truly romantic silhouette.
Inspired by Edwardian vintage artwork, it is made up of richly embroidered bouquets in delicate pastel shades. Shimmering iridescent sequins are also scattered throughout for a glistening effect.
Pros & Cons: You can wear this wedding cape with all kinds of outfits and it will still make a statement - we love the idea of pairing it with a floral wedding dress like this model has done.
18. Embellished Bridal Shoulder Cape – £65, Monsoon
A statement wedding cape doesn't necessarily have to be full length - this design from Monsoon will flush elegantly over your shoulders. It is decorated with pearl and champagne beading, with a scalloped edge that would look amazing layered over a vintage wedding dress.
Pros & Cons: This wedding cape will complement a strappy gown well as it won't feel uncomfortable or look bulky placed over the top.
19. Margot Midaxi Cape – £335, Needle & Thread
Looking for something to really transform your simple and minimalist wedding gown? This floral sequinned tulle cape will add a touch of sparkle to your wedding style and also goes nicely paired with the Margot Cami Ankle Gown.
Pros & Cons: These embellishments look like sparkling snowflakes falling down - it would make a wonderful addition to a Christmas wedding look.
20. Ivory Feather Bridal Cape – £245, Liberty In Love
Getting married somewhere super chilly? This ultra-fluffy cape oozes Hollywood glamour and can be worn for years after your actual wedding at special occasions. It will certainly make an impact and keep you so cosy and comfy during your big day.
Pros & Cons: This is the kind of wedding cape that will instantly take your wedding day outfit to glamorous heights. It is made from real marabou feathers so might not be suitable for everyone.
21. Dahlia Grecian Floral Embroidered Wedding Cape – £120, Meadow Sweet Bridal
Just like wedding dresses, capes and cover ups don’t need to be white or ivory. In fact, we’re head over heels for this embroidered cape with peach toned roses, peonies and green leaves. It’s a great choice for botanical or garden weddings and is available in eight different lengths.
Are you opting for a peony bouquet? This will be a lovely nod to that.
Pros & Cons: If you are wearing a white wedding outfit, the peach colourway will contrast beautifully against it. It has a draping back so is ideal if you have a dress that you want to show the back of.
22. Suzi Embellished Cape – £79, Etsy
If you love vintage style, you'll fall head over heels for this 1920s inspired beaded bridal cape. Featuring delicate beaded tassels and diamanté details, this piece will add plenty of sparkle to your ensemble.
"This piece is such amazing quality! Perfectly stitched, weighted nicely and has beautiful beads. I bought this to wear as a cape over my wedding dress and it absolutely turned heads!" says one reviewer.
Pros & Cons: Despite the level of embellishments, this bridal cape won't feel heavy or uncomfortable. Store this carefully as to not damage any of the delicate beading.
What is a Wedding Cape?
Forget images of superman, a wedding cape is a chic accessory.
"A bridal cape is a type of accessory worn over the shoulders or draped around the neck and arms," explains founder of Liberty in Love Siu Coll. "It offers more coverage than a shawl or stole and adds a modern, statement-worthy look to any bridal look. It is typically made from fabrics such as tulle, lace or faux fur."
Can You Wear a Wedding Cape and a Veil Together?
If you can't decide between a bridal cape and wedding veil you might be tempted to wear them together but Siu advices against. "I wouldn't recommend that you wear a cape and veil together since their flowy silhouettes may clash. It's best to choose one. If you'd like additional coverage, you could opt for a smaller cover-up like a stole that won't clash with your veil," she says.
How to Make a Wedding Cape
Want to rock something totally unique on your big day? Why not make your own wedding cape? It's way easier than it looks, trust us. We'd follow this tutorial if we were you, it shows you how to create not one but two gorgeous wedding capes.
Why not take some inspiration from these wedding dresses with secret messages? You could get a message stitched into a tulle cape!
