Wedding gloves - possibly the most important pair of gloves you'll ever wear. With many choices and lots of things to consider, finding the right pair is no easy task. Luckily we've crafted a simple 'how to choose' guide using our expert knowledge, so you can say yes to the bridal gloves of your dreams.
What are wedding gloves?
Wedding gloves are gloves that a bride will wear on her wedding day. Also known as bridal gloves, evening gloves or occasion gloves, they're designed to enhance the wedding outfit and style. Wedding gloves came about as a sign of high status and modesty in the Victorian era. With particular focus on being worn at formal events, they made their way into wedding attire. Now they're a unique accessory that offers luxury, elegance and refinement.
Why wear wedding gloves?
Wedding gloves aren't necessary for wedding ceremonies, but can add a touch of luxury as a special accessory. After all, it's the day to go all out! As bridal gloves are an extension of your style, it's an opportunity to put your own spin on things and feel fully yourself on your special day. Lots of brides love them for adding grace, sophistication and as a stylish statement piece.
What to consider when shopping for wedding gloves
The dress
风格
This is a big one. What style are you looking to match with? Sleek, modern, bohemian, traditional or perhaps more fairy tale princess? If your dress is more detailed and intricate, pairing with embellished gloves could be really flattering, for instance with more vintage and layered outfits. Think detail and patterns like lace or a decorated pair. But something more minimalistic would match a simpler gown. The goal is to enhance your dress, so coordinating on shade, material, style or, better yet, all three will look utterly harmonious.
Sleeve length
The sleeve length of your dress plays an important role, determining the length of your gloves. The general rule of thumb is the longer your sleeves, the shorter your gloves should be. So, if you're wearing something strapless or with thin straps, you could wear any length, but for longer sleeve wearers, wrist length gloves or above-wrist are the most flattering options.
And do you know what the weather is, (or supposed to be), in that season? If celebrating in summer or even hotter climates, you may want to look for a shorter length of glove. Or if going strapless on a cooler day, it might be nice to introduce longer gloves to add warmth to your look while still achieving elegance. Remember to consider practicality and how long you want to wear them for!
Dress length
Dress length can also be a good indicator of the length of your gloves. Does your dress reach the floor? Then long gloves, such as opera length or above elbow, would pair beautifully, elevating the graceful nature. If your dress is more tea-length or midi, shorter gloves around the wrist could be the better option, perfect for a cute and flirty feel.
Colour
Getting the glove colour as close as possible to the shade of your gown will make you feel like it's a match made in heaven. Although, a bold choice could be to contrast with a brightly-coloured pair for a splash of fun colour. Whether you pick something pastel or a shade that pops, colour can really determine the wow factor. Just be cautious about having too wide a colour palette as this could begin to clash.
Fabric
If your dress is made from satin or silk, you could pair that gorgeous glossy fabric with a complimentary satin or silk glove. Or are there lace or scalloped seams? Intricate details can bring even more depth when alongside a gown with embellishments too. This is not to say a simpler glove wouldn't work, it could act as a chic accompaniment to the dress, letting it have the spotlight.
Don't forget about other textures, like tulle, which provide a lighter, more unique, provocative elegance. Again, matching the texture and material to the dress will feel more cohesive and fitting. As matching the level of sheen and even elements like the weight of the fabric all contribute to how it's worn. No matter the style, look or general vibe you're aiming for, there's a glove for you.
The other accessories
Another important consideration is the other elements of your wedding day outfit, such as the other accessories. Coordinate your look seamlessly with your choice of shoes, headwear, other jewellery or anything that contributes to your overall appearance. Again, the aim is to coordinate with the star of the show - the dress. So, try to complement clean, modern lines with sleek accessories and more detailed extras with an outfit more maximalist and textured.
Something to mention here is how you wear jewellery with your bridal gloves. Think about how your preferred gloves will feel when worn with jewellery, such as bracelets and rings. A lot of this is, again, personal preference. Some brides simply wear the rings over the gloves or even go fingerless, while others take off the gloves at the altar and others for the whole ceremony.
The wedding venue
Lastly, remember your surroundings! Do you have a certain theme to follow, or is there any particular style to match alongside the bridal party or even the venue? Usually, the wedding theme can lend itself to design elements and choices that integrate well with your attire, such as florals for an outdoors wedding or vintage-inspired details if marrying in an historic building. It could even be a focus on something special to you and your partner. Ultimately anything that feels fitting and right for you is always the best choice.
And there you have it. Wedding gloves offer unlimited styling options - no wonder they're becoming such a popular choice. All that matters is that you find something comfortable that resonates with you for a day of love. After all, you can't spell gloves without love!
