If you are newly engaged and are looking for some bridal style inspiration before you begin shopping for your wedding dress in the Pacific Northwest area, you are in the right place! If you are unsure of where to start when trying on bridal dresses in the South Sound, we would recommend coming into see us at Weddings With Joy in Olympia and trying some styles with an off-the-shoulder neckline. A wedding dress with off-the-shoulder straps or sleeves is a popular style with brides because it is a style that is almost universally flattering on every body shape and size.
![A-line, scoop neckline wedding dress with floral lace appliques and off the shoulders straps. Weddings With Joy.](https://weddingswithjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/a-line-floral-lace-wedding-dress-off-shoulders-weddings-with-joy-683x1024.jpg)
Why We Love Off The Shoulder Dresses
We love a wedding dress with an open neckline and recommend it to many different brides for many reasons, but most of all, it’s a flattering style for many different body types. Off the shoulder style wedding dresses are so popular because it only refers to the top portion of the dress, so brides can have the bottom style dress that works best for their shape from ball gown to fit and flare to an empire or drop waist and more. Plus, if you are a bit broader in the shoulders, an off-the-shoulder neckline can help visually balance your body proportions. If you are narrower in the shoulders, the off-the-shoulder straps can help add a bit of width to the upper body.
Off the shoulder straps or sleeves with a boat style neckline can help add a bit more dimension to your bridal dress or even a playful design element. It also allows our brides to show some skin a without being overly sexy.
We also love an off the shoulders style wedding dress for the straps! Yes, you can have many different styles straps for your wedding dress with an off the shoulder style, which many brides want for the fashion element, but also for comfort, support or to cover up for the weather or if they are having a church ceremony. You could choose a style with drapey off the shoulders straps for a more bohemian vibe, or opt for lace-detailed off the shoulders cap sleeve or long sleeves for a classic bridal style.
About Dresses With Straps & Sleeves
One important factor to consider when choosing to wear an off the shoulders neckline dress on wedding day is limited mobility. This style of strap or sleeve is going to slightly limit the range of motion of your arms that you wouldn’t have with a strapless style wedding dress.
You will only be able to lift your arms so high before you risk tearing the fabric of your off the shoulders straps or sleeves. This may not be a problem for all brides, but if you are one who wants to be able to freely hug all your guests and dance the night away uninhibited on the dance floor, then you might consider a second dress to change into for your wedding reception that has a different neckline.
Another option would be to choose a dress that has removable off the shoulders straps so you can change your bridal look for the reception and move around freely. Some wedding dresses will come with off the shoulders straps that are removable or you may be able to make this change in the alterations process. We love a 2-in-1 style wedding dress and an outfit change without the added expense of a whole other bridal dress. Simply remove the sleeves for a completely different look from ceremony to reception or after party!
Even with slightly limited arm mobility, an off-the-shoulder neckline with straps or sleeves is still a beautiful choice for many brides and we would encourage our joyful brides to try on this style of dress before making a final decision.
Our Favorite Off The Shoulder Dresses
We couldn’t let you go without sharing a few of our favorites! Lace, beads, tulle – we can’t get enough! Enjoy a few of our favorite off the shoulders style wedding dresses that we carry right here at Weddings With Joy in Olympia, WA.
![Modern, lace detailed wedding dress with v-neck and off shoulders straps. Weddings with Joy.](https://weddingswithjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lace-detailed-off-shoulders-straps-wedding-dress-weddings-with-joy-683x1024.jpg)
![A-line wedding dress with lace details and tulle off the shoulders straps. Weddings with Joy.](https://weddingswithjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/a-line-lace-bodice-wedding-dress-tulle-off-shoulders-straps-weddings-with-joy-683x1024.jpg)
![Floral lace wedding dress with off the shoulders straps. Weddings with Joy.](https://weddingswithjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/floral-lace-off-shoulders-straps-wedding-dress-weddings-with-joy-683x1024.jpg)
![v-neck, lace detailed wedding dress with off the shoulders straps. Weddings with Joy.](https://weddingswithjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/v-neckline-floral-lace-wedidng-dress-off-shoulders-straps-weddings-with-joy-683x1024.jpg)
![Off the shoulders straps lace wedding dresses with long trains. Weddings With Joy.](https://weddingswithjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/off-shoulders-straps-lace-wedding-dresses-long-trains-weddings-with-joy.jpg)
What do you think? Does an open neckline wedding dress match your bridal style? We love the romantic and feminine touch an off-the-shoulder strap or cap sleeve can add to any bridal dress. And we love the added comfort and support straps and sleeves on an open neckline adds for brides of all sizes.
If you aren’t sure what your bridal style is, be sure to take our free Bridal Style Quiz to help you determine what wedding dress is right for you. And, be sure to book a bridal shopping appointment at our bridal store in Olympia, WA to try on one (or several!) of our affordable luxury bridal gowns to see what fits you the best and makes you feel joyful for your wedding day!
Speaking of wedding dress shopping, we have our best bridal stylist tips on how to make the most of your bridal shopping appointment and how to know what style appointment is best for you.
About Weddings With Joy
If you’re a bride in the Pacific Northwest or planning a wedding in the South Sound, Seattle, and Portland, OR areas, come visit our amazing bridal boutique in Olympia, WA full of beautiful wedding dresses. At Weddings With Joy, we offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience for our joyful brides through our personalized attention and bridal styling support as they find their perfect wedding day look. Weddings With Joy features stunning wedding dresses in all shapes, sizes, and styles as well as the best tuxedo rentals and suits in Washington state. Request your bridal shopping appointment in the South Sound to find your dream wedding dress! We can’t wait to help you become a joyful bride!