Bridal Gloves

Whether or not you decide to wear gloves is once again a matter of personal preference. Bridal gloves can be a beautiful way to complement your gown, especially if you are having a formal wedding. The style of glove that you choose will be determined, once again, by the style of your wedding gown. If your gown features embellishments such as lace, pearls, crystals or beading, then you may wish to create a more sophisticated and polished look by choosing gloves with similar trimmings. You should also attempt to match the colour and fabric of your gloves with that of your dress.

In terms of length, short length gloves should accompany long sleeved gowns, and short sleeved or strapless gowns call for longer gloves. There are generally four standard lengths of bridal gloves including, opera length, elbow length, classic/standard length and shortie or wrist length. The following guide may help you to decide upon a pair of gloves that is best suited to you and your gown.

Opera Gloves
Opera length gloves are the most formal style of bridal glove and best accompany strapless or sleeveless gowns. If your wedding is very formal then these are possibly the gloves for you. Opera length gloves extend the entire length of the arm and end at the shoulder or top of the bicep. This style of glove is fantastic if you like the look of strapless, open neck gowns, but also want to cover up a little.

Elbow Gloves
Elbow length gloves are best suited to short sleeved or off-the shoulder style gowns. This style of glove extends from the fingertip to either just above or just below the elbow. Elbow length gloves are also a very popular choice for bridesmaids. One thing to bear in mind is that this style of glove tends to draw attention to the upper arms.

Classic / Standard Gloves
Classic or standard length gloves are shorter than those styles mentioned above and typically end below the elbow, usually mid way up the forearm, or above the wrist. As with the elbow length style, they are best suited to short sleeved, cap sleeved or off the shoulder style dresses.

Shortie / Wrist Gloves
Shortie or wrist length gloves are considered to be the most informal style of bridal gloves. Typically they end between the base of the thumb and the wrist. They best accompany mid to long sleeve gowns and offer a fresh and feminine look.

If you are undecided about wearing gloves for whatever reason, keep in mind that there are many options to choose from. Ring ceremony bridal gloves are also something to consider. These gloves are especially designed to allow the bride to receive her wedding ring from her groom without removing her gloves. You will find that these gloves usually have a slit in the ring finger portion of the glove to allow the finger to slip out from the glove without the glove having to be removed.

Gauntlet style gloves are another option, which allows your hand to be exposed, reducing many glove limitations.