A cape is the easiest way to change your silhouette twice in one day without changing your dress. Worn over a slip gown for the ceremony, it adds drama, coverage, and a little bit of theater, then it comes off for the reception and you're back to the simpler dress underneath. It's become one of our favorite pieces for brides who want a non-traditional look without sacrificing the moment of a dramatic entrance. Here are six capes we carry right now, from a floor-length ostrich feather statement piece to a lace capelet under $200.
What to look for in a bridal cape
Capes range from a short capelet that covers just the shoulders to a floor-length piece with real train-like presence. Fabric changes the mood: silk chiffon and tulle drape softly and move with you, while feathers and beadwork read as a bigger statement and work best over a simple slip dress rather than a gown that's already detailed. Most capes attach at the shoulders with clasps or ribbon ties, which makes them easy to put on right before the ceremony and take off just as easily after.
Six bridal capes to shop right now
Royal cape, Théoro
An ostrich feather bridal cape with draped georgette at the hem, built to go over a silk slip dress and transform the whole silhouette. This is the biggest statement on the list, feathers and all. Made to order by Théoro, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Royal cape, $4,200.
Rodeo cape, Théoro
Made in Spain in very few units, from a haute couture fabric of embroidered beadwork with fringe trailing from the hem. It moves beautifully on the dance floor if you decide to keep it on past the ceremony. Made to order by Théoro, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Rodeo cape, $2,600.
Matadero cape, Théoro
A romantic midi cape in flowing silk chiffon, finished with ruffle detailing that catches the air as you move. It sits light on the shoulders, so it layers easily over a fitted gown without adding real weight or bulk. Made to order by Théoro, available at Mae Bridal. Shop the Matadero cape, $2,100.
English net bridal cape, Tailored Tulle
A soft, effortless cape in luxurious English net, attached at the shoulders with either small clasps or ribbons for spaghetti strap dresses. The most accessible entry point on this list, and an easy layer over almost any slip or sheath gown. Made to order by Tailored Tulle, available at Mae Bridal, in floor length and a few shades of white. Shop the English net bridal cape, from $225.
Pearl bridal cape, Tailored Tulle
The same soft, effortless drape as the English net cape, dressed up with scattered pearls in either a minimal or more dramatic placement. Attached at the shoulders with clasps or ribbons. Made to order by Tailored Tulle, available at Mae Bridal, in floor and chapel lengths. Shop the Pearl bridal cape, from $259.
Vivian lace capelet, Ariel Taub
A modern bridal statement piece for the fashion-forward bride, with a sculptural, wave-inspired lace trim. Short enough to wear through the whole reception without getting in the way. Made to order by Ariel Taub, available at Mae Bridal, in three colorways. Shop the Vivian lace capelet, $180.
How to choose a bridal cape
Start with what's underneath it. A cape is at its best over a simple slip dress or a minimal gown, where it can do the visual work that embellishment or a dramatic skirt would otherwise do. If your gown already has a lot going on, lace, beading, a statement sleeve, a plainer cape like the English net or pearl styles will layer more easily than a heavily embellished one.
Then think about how long you want to wear it. A capelet like the Vivian is easy to keep on all night, while a floor-length feather or beaded cape is more of a ceremony and photos piece that most brides take off before the reception gets going. If you're not sure, ask about trying the cape on with your actual gown at a fitting, since the proportions change a lot once it's over real fabric instead of a hanger.
Shop the full collection
Browse the rest of our bridal capes and robes collection for more layering pieces, from feather statement capes to simple net covers.
Bridal capes, answered
What dress works best with a cape?
Slip dresses and minimal sheath gowns pair best, since the cape adds the drama or coverage the dress doesn't already have. A heavily embellished gown can still wear a cape, just look for a simpler style like the English net or pearl capes so the two pieces don't compete.
Do I wear the cape for the whole wedding?
Most brides don't. A cape is usually a ceremony and photos piece, worn for the walk down the aisle and the first round of portraits, then removed before the reception so it's easier to move and dance.
Can I wear a cape instead of sleeves?
Yes, and it's one of the more popular reasons brides choose one. A cape gives you coverage on the shoulders and arms for the ceremony without committing to sleeves on the gown itself, and it comes off the moment you want bare shoulders back.
How does a cape attach?
Most of the capes here attach at the shoulders, either with small clasps or with ribbon ties, which makes them simple to put on over your dress right before the ceremony starts.
Ready to see them in person? Book an in-person fitting at our Santa Monica showroom, or book a live virtual shopping session from wherever you are.
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