Sleeves

Add sleeves or straps

Strapless is what most bridal shops carry, and sleeves are what a lot of brides wish it had. The good news: this is one of the most forgiving changes you can make, and it can be done without cutting into the dress at all.

Detachable or sewn in?

• Detachable sleeves are separate pieces that sit on a band of elastic at the upper arm, or tie, snap or hook onto the bodice. Nothing on the dress changes, you can take them off for the reception, and it's the easiest place to start.
• Sewn-in straps or cap sleeves look like the dress came that way. They usually mean opening the bodice lining, and on a boned bodice they change how it sits, so make a quick test version in cheap muslin first.

Match the lace before anything else

White, ivory and "diamond white" look alike online and nothing alike next to your dress. Order swatches, or take the dress to a fabric shop. Some brides get a perfect match by cutting lace appliqués off the train or the hem allowance, which is exactly what one seamstress below did.

How other brides did it

• Lace sleeves and shoulders on a strapless taffeta gown (Julann Blake, sewcreatelive): from the muslin test to lace appliqué shoulders and cap sleeves, with step photos.
• Adding shoulders and sleeves to a strapless dress (Julann Blake again): raises the sweetheart neckline too, and reuses lace cut from the train so it matches.
• Behind the scenes of a wedding dress alteration (Kristina J.): a bride's own gown given a stretch-lace bodice, scalloped sleeves and a pearl-button back.
• Making detachable sleeves (video, Anderson Bridal Alterations Academy).
• Detachable lace sleeves to match the veil (video, Anikina sews): a home sewist's project.
• Adding straps to a strapless wedding dress (video, Ava's Bridal + Alterations).
• Sleeves, glitter tulle and lace added, train taken off (video, Ava's Bridal): several changes to one dress.

Want someone to make them?

Marginelli, in London, makes detachable straps and sleeves by hand. Or buy ready-made detachable bridal sleeves and have a local alterations shop tack them in place.

What you'll need

• Muslin: for the test version. It's cheap, so you can get the shape wrong a few times.
• Bridal lace trim or lace appliqués: bring a swatch of your dress when you choose.
• Illusion tulle: the sheer base that lace sleeves are usually built on.
• Clear elastic: for detachable sleeves that sit on the upper arm.
• Fine silk pins and fine hand-sewing needles: thick pins leave holes in satin.

Try the dress on with the sleeves pinned in place, then lift your arms and hug someone. If a sewn-in sleeve pulls, it needs more room under the arm.

More ways to make the dress yours: adding lace, beading or pearls, adding a bustle, or start from all the projects.