Where can I shop for a bridal cape?

Bridal capes are a niche wedding accessory, so you might not find them at all bridal stores. Typically, capes are custom-made to fit your height, and plenty of small businesses specialize in this. Etsy is a great place to start your search, but some stores such as David's Bridal offer a selection of wedding capes as well. If you're purchasing a cape that isn't custom-made, make sure to bring it with you to your wedding dress fittings.

What is a bridal capelet?

A bridal capelet is a cropped version of a cape that covers your shoulders and typically hits above your elbows. Capelets are just as popular as traditional capes and are great for brides looking for a subtle take on the cape look.

Can I wear a bridal cape and a veil?

It's your wedding and you should feel free to wear whatever best reflects your personal style. However, if you're planning to wear a floor-length cape with a cathedral-length veil, you may run the risk of two competing styles getting lost in your overall look. Blushers and birdcage veils pair nicely with floor-length capes while cropped capelets are more conducive to longer-length veils.

The 14 Best Bridal Capes of 2024

A bridal cape is a modern alternative to the traditional wedding veil. Rather than wearing it on your head, you wear it over your shoulders and dress. From all-over embellished styles to elegant floor-length silhouettes and cropped capelets, bridal capes share the same stylish and romantic qualities as a veil while complementing various dress styles.

Before choosing a bridal cape, you'll first want to consider your wedding dress silhouette. Determine what length, materials, and details will work best with your dress and overall wedding aesthetic. Then think about the season and venue, as some capes provide more warmth than others. If you're hosting a romantic garden ceremony, you might consider a lacy bohemian style. Throwing a classic black-tie affair? A floor-length tulle option may be better suited for your bridal look. To help you discover the best bridal capes, we researched the options with these features in mind.

Read on for the best bridal capes on the market today.

Our Top Picks

For the Minimalist Bride:

DavieandChiyo Modern Bridal Cape at Etsy ($291)

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Most Lightweight:

NoonOnTheMoon Hayden Cape at Etsy ($195)

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For a Courthouse Wedding:

thelotusbloomco Drape Back Cape at Etsy ($178)

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Best Slip-On Style:

MineStyle Ivory Pearl Bridal Capelet at Etsy ($50)

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Best All-Over Pearls:

Bridal Separates Lace and Pearl Cape at Etsy ($98)

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For the Fashion-Forward Bride:

ASOS Applique Floral Wedding Cape at Asos (See Price)

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Most Whimsical:

Wardrobe By Dulcinea Luna Bridal Cape at Etsy ($149)

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Best Floral:

Which Goose Wildflower Bridal Cape at Etsy ($168)

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For the Boho Bride:

Esther Andrews Shooting Stars Fringe Cape at Estherandrews.com (See Price)

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For a Winter Wedding:

Unreal Fur Nord Faux-Fur Cropped Cape at Farfetch.com ($401)

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For the Minimalist Bride

DavieandChiyo Modern Bridal Cape

PHOTO:

Etsy / DavieandChiyo

$291 at Etsy

Brides who want to keep everything about their wedding minimalist, modern, and unfussy will love the clean silhouette of this effortless cape. The simple, sheer style blends seamlessly with a sleek wedding dress silhouette. Handmade from light and airy chiffon, the stylish high-low Beatrix cape pools dramatically at the back while the front lands at about the midriff.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free | Return Policy: Final sale

Most Lightweight

NoonOnTheMoon Hayden Cape

PHOTO:

Etsy / NoonOnTheMoon

$195 at Etsy

This stunning raw-edge tulle cape is simplicity at its finest. Soft and gauzy, it's the perfect touch for brides looking for an alternative to a floor-length veil. It also enhances the intricate look of wedding dress styles that have beaded or embroidered details. Handmade out of English netting, this lightweight contemporary cape is available in soft white, pale ivory, or ivory, and in lengths from 75 to 135 inches. The Hayden cape has a dramatic wide train and secures at the neck with a delicate gold or silver-finished chain clasp.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: $11 standard | Return Policy: Final Sale

For a Courthouse Wedding

thelotusbloomco Drape Back Cape

PHOTO:

Etsy / thelotusbloomco

$178 at Etsy

This impossibly chic bridal cape will look equally stunning when paired with an intricately detailed bridal outfit for a courthouse ceremony. Made to order from sheer tulle, it comes in a range of colors including white, ivory, champagne, beige, brown, and black. This stylish cape drapes from the shoulders and pools gracefully at the lower back, and it attaches easily at the shoulders with included silver bar pins.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free | Return Policy: Final sale

Best Slip-On Style

MineStyle Ivory Pearl Bridal Capelet

PHOTO:

Etsy / MineStyle

$50 at Etsy

This slip-on sheer capelet drapes lightly and elegantly over the shoulders. It’s slightly longer in the back than the front and is handmade to order. You can choose from white, champagne, ivory, or black tulle adorned with matching pearls. With no ties, zippers, or clasps, the lightweight topper offers simplicity—ideal for a courthouse or summer wedding dress.

Size Range: Custom | Shipping: Free | Return Policy: Full refund within 7 days

Best All-Over Pearls

Bridal Separates Lace and Pearl Cape

PHOTO:

Etsy / BridalSeparates

$98 at Etsy

The perfect combination of pearls and glitter, this flirty capelet makes the ideal addition to a simple wedding dress. Delicate lace lines the entire bottom of the capelet, which is slightly shorter in the front than the back. With a wide neckline that drapes gracefully across the shoulders, this handmade capelet will add a romantic touch to your wedding day apparel.

Size Range: One size or custom | Shipping: $29.68 standard | Return Policy: Full refund within 3 days

For the Fashion-Forward Bride

ASOS Applique Floral Wedding Cape

PHOTO:

ASOS

View on Asos

This exquisite white appliqué cape exudes an ethereal quality when gently draped over the shoulders. Made of lightweight, sheer chiffon, the romantic lace design flares out and hits approximately at the elbows. The exterior is embroidered with a floral motif and features a snap front closure. For the fashion-forward bride, this graceful cape will look elegant over a classic slip wedding dress or a sleek jumpsuit.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free on orders $50+ | Return Policy: Full refund within 28 days

Most Whimsical

Wardrobe By Dulcinea Luna Bridal Cape

PHOTO:

Etsy / Wardrobe By Dulcinea

$149 at Etsy

Are you throwing a celestial-themed wedding? If so, this star-adorned capelet was created just for you. The sheer lace is decorated with embroidered star and moon figures in varying sizes, and is then embellished with translucent sequins for a subtle shine. You'll be able to transform almost any gown into a celestial-inspired wedding dress.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free | Return Policy: Final sale

Best Floral

Which Goose Wildflower Bridal Cape

PHOTO:

Etsy / Which Goose

$168 at Etsy

Calling all boho brides! We love how this colorful cape looks as if the embroidered flowers are actually growing on the sheer off-white tulle, adding a bit of whimsy to a garden wedding dress. This show-stopping cape attaches at the shoulders with lobster claw clips, depending on dress style. It's sure to make a statement as you walk down the aisle.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free | Return Policy: Full refund within 21 days

For the Boho Bride

Esther Andrews Shooting Stars Fringe Cape

PHOTO:

Esther Andrews

View on Estherandrews.com

This asymmetric knit cape is handmade from sustainable stretch cashmere. With a loose fit that drapes elegantly across the shoulders, it fits an inclusive size range from XS to 6X. The shooting star fringe is made of 100% hand-tied silk. It's perfect for summer brides looking for a wearable, lightweight cape to go with a country wedding dress—we can’t help but picture this avant-garde accessory at a rustic outdoor wedding.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Final sale

For a Winter Wedding

Unreal Fur Nord Faux-Fur Cropped Cape

PHOTO:

Farfetch

$401 at Farfetch.com

Winter brides are guaranteed to need a warm piece to wear on the big day and this luxe faux-fur option will do the trick. The cape comes in one size and features a classic collar and a concealed hook and eye closure. It's fitted at the shoulders and loose at the waist and has a cropped style that's both flattering and timeless—it fits perfectly with a range of different winter wedding dress styles.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: $10 standard | Return Policy: Full refund within 14 days

Most Eye-Catching

Noon On The Moon Crystal Cape

PHOTO:

Etsy / Noon On The Moon

$750 at Etsy

These strategically placed crystals are sure to catch the light as you float down the aisle and twirl on the dance floor. Draping effortlessly around your body, it's the perfect addition to a chic mermaid gown or simple column silhouette. Pair it with an up-do to show off all the sparkling details.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: $11 standard | Return Policy: Final sale

Best With Train

Katie May Emily Choker Cape

PHOTO:

$244 at Revolve View on Katiemay.com

If you want a bridal train, but aren't sold on wearing a veil, this one's for you. Made of sheer tulle with chantilly lace at the neck, the Emily Choker Cape cascades all the way down to the floor and continues to extend a few feet out.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Free 2-day | Return Policy: Free within 60 days

Best With Sleeves

A.B. Ellie Lunden Bridal Cape

$340 at Anthropologie View on Abellie.com

We also like this silky-sheer organza number by A.B. Ellie. Perfect for an outdoor fairytale wedding or a more formal indoor affair, the Lunden Cape flaunts oversized puffy sleeves and a long, sweeping train that'll make it look like you're floating down the aisle.

Size Range: One size | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

Best Beaded

Lara Gertie Tulle Beaded Capelet

View on Lara.com

This high-low capelet covers the shoulders, upper back, and décolletage with sheer tulle while botanical beaded detailing adds interest without distracting from the dress. Unlike most other bridal capes, we like that this one comes in five sizes.

Size Range: XS–XL | Shipping: Rates vary | Return Policy: Free within 14 days

What to Look For When Buying a Bridal Cape

Dress Style and Silhouette: When searching for a bridal cape, it's important to consider if your dress style will allow for it. Perhaps your gown has intricate detailing on the back or a long train. In that case, you might look for capes with a more open back design, such as this Drape Back Cape from Etsy. Comfort and functionality are key on the big day, so make sure your cape won't get in the way while you walk down the aisle.
Cape Length and Details: You'll also want to think about whether you want a long, flowing cape, a shorter design like a capelet, or something in between. If you'd like to have a train while walking down the aisle but aren't big on veils, consider the Katie May Emily Choker Cape. Beyond length, bridal capes come with various details and embellishments, such as fur, beading, lace, and embroidery. All-over pearls can be really lovely, too, as with the MineStyle Ivory Pearl Bridal Capelet.
Season and Wedding Venue: It's also essential to consider the weather. Of course, a summer bride may want a lightweight, airy cape made of tulle or organza, but a winter bride might wish to have a cape as a replacement for their coat. In this case, a heavier cape or capelet is the way to go—we love the Unreal Fur Nord Faux-Fur Cropped Cape.

FAQ

Where can I shop for a bridal cape?

Bridal capes are a niche wedding accessory, so you might not find them at all bridal stores. Typically, capes are custom-made to fit your height, and plenty of small businesses specialize in this. Etsy is a great place to start your search, but some stores such as David's Bridal offer a selection of wedding capes as well. If you're purchasing a cape that isn't custom-made, make sure to bring it with you to your wedding dress fittings.
What is a bridal capelet?

A bridal capelet is a cropped version of a cape that covers your shoulders and typically hits above your elbows. Capelets are just as popular as traditional capes and are great for brides looking for a subtle take on the cape look.
Can I wear a bridal cape and a veil?

It's your wedding and you should feel free to wear whatever best reflects your personal style. However, if you're planning to wear a floor-length cape with a cathedral-length veil, you may run the risk of two competing styles getting lost in your overall look. Blushers and birdcage veils pair nicely with floor-length capes while cropped capelets are more conducive to longer-length veils.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more. Additional products were selected by Theresa Holland, a commerce writer specializing in fashion, textiles, and events.

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