How to Wear a Shawl with a Dress for a Wedding?

Would you like to wear a shawl over a dress to cover your shoulders for your wedding? Looking to add a chic detail to your bridal outfit? Wondering how to keep it in place?

I will help you.

At Boho Via, our goal is to help you find the outfit of your dreams, especially for those special occasions.

That's why I've decided to share my fashion expertise with you today and provide my best tips for wearing a shawl on your wedding day!

No matter the season of your wedding, a shawl is a very practical accessory that will keep you warm in cooler weather, and it can also create some beautiful photographs. It fits perfectly with bohemian and romantic weddings, adding a touch of elegance to your outfit. You can drape it over your shoulders after folding it in half widthwise, tie it at the front, or secure it with a brooch. By fastening it at the back, you'll have even more freedom of movement!

Do you want more details? Read this article to find out:

• If a shawl suits your wedding theme and your dress,
• Which fabric to choose based on the style of your dress,
• What colour shawl will match your wedding gown best,
• Several detailed techniques for keeping it on your shoulders,
• And a wealth of inspiring wedding visuals to help prepare for your Big Day!

Why Wear a Shawl for Your Wedding or Special Occasion?

With the rise of the boho-chic trend in the wedding world, we’ve seen many brides in recent years opt for a shawl to pair with their wedding dress. What is it about this simple and lightweight accessory that has sparked such interest?

🔸 The shawl is very practical: easy to put on and take off, it is lightweight and protects you from both the sun and drafts.

🔸 It's an elegant accessory that adds sophistication to your wedding outfit.

🔸 It is generally less expensive than a bridal jacket; however, it can definitely serve that purpose, especially if you’re looking for a jacket to wear over a strapless dress.

🔸 Its free-spirited and natural vibe perfectly aligns with the boho-chic aesthetic. Additionally, there are many woven or embroidered shawls that pair beautifully with a long bohemian dress.

🔸 Finally, it suits all body types! Whether you’re tall or have curves, don’t hesitate to choose a thick stole that is proportionate to your silhouette. It will be perfect for highlighting your assets: your neckline and shoulders!

Which scarf to choose?

There are several types of wedding stoles available: you can find them in bridal shops or online. To help you find the perfect one for you, I would like to share some tips in the following sections.

Based on the Style of Your Wedding Dress

The shawl is a complementary accessory for your dress, designed to enhance it: therefore, it should match perfectly with it. If your dress is simple, without too many details or lace, you can opt for an embroidered or openwork shawl, featuring beautiful patterns, to complete your look and add some dimension to your outfit.

On the contrary, if your dress already has numerous embroideries, beads, sequins, or prominent lace embellishments, I would recommend a solid, flowing shawl, which will add a touch of chic simplicity to your overall outfit.

If your wedding dress is short, avoid choosing a stole that is longer and hangs below it.

What Colour of Shawl Should You Choose to Match Your Dress?

Is your wedding dress white or ivory? If so, you have two options:

• Opt for a shawl in the same shade for a bright, classic look that’s elegant and perfect for this special occasion.
• Choose a boldly coloured shawl to create contrast and add a more bohemian and original touch to your outfit. In this case, try to select a colour that complements you and contrasts well with your dress: steer clear of pastel shades and opt for tones like burgundy, ochre, etc. Try to tie in this colour with another accessory in the same hue: jewelry, flower crown, etc.

👗 If your dress is colourful, you can opt for a white or cream shawl to nod to the traditional colours of weddings, while adding a touch of brightness to your outfit.

How to Keep a Shawl on Your Shoulders?

Once you've found your shawl, it's important to know how to drape it over your shoulders on your wedding day. I suggest exploring several techniques: try them out in advance to find the one that suits you best and adopt it for your big day!

Shouldered by You

This is the simplest and most classic option. It will enhance most body shapes while still looking natural and light. To style it this way, fold your shawl in half widthwise, then drape it over your shoulders allowing it to cascade slightly over your arms.

Knotted at the Front

Tying your scarf can create a look that is a bit more polished: it highlights your neckline and adds some volume in that area, which is ideal if you want to draw a little attention to your bust. This option is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to a simple long dress.

Here’s the technique in detail:

• Start by placing it over your shoulders, following the instructions in the previous paragraph.
• Next, instead of letting the ends of your shawl fall, tie them together with a simple knot at the front, in the centre of your chest.
• Then, slide the fabric over your shoulders and arms, so that it covers your back and creates a collar effect. You may want to ask for help with this step to ensure the fabric is properly positioned on your back.

👉 If you like, you can also create a side knot to add a stylish touch to a simple dress.

With a Pin

You can also use a pin that matches the colour of your dress to secure your shawl: in this case, fold it in half, always widthwise, then drape the shawl over your shoulders. Secure it with the pin by crossing the two ends of the shawl over your wedding dress.

A Boléro

This technique involves clearing the front of your body by tying your shoulder behind your back. It’s very practical, as it prevents your scarf from slipping and adds a lot of flair, especially if your hair is styled in a bun.

Fold the shawl in half widthwise and drape it over your shoulders, positioning it across your chest. Then, take each end and wrap it under your arms and tie it at the back into a simple knot. You can ask for help to make a nice knot at the back.

Twisted at the Back

If your stole is sewn closed and doesn’t have any ends, you can drape it around your shoulders by twisting it once at your back. This type of arrangement works particularly well for light wool shawls.

👉 Feel free to check out this comprehensive video for brides that offers tailored solutions for pairing a stole with a wedding dress:

I hope this guide on stoles has answered your questions about them and has encouraged you to add this lovely accessory to your bridal outfit!

Are you still on the hunt for the dress of your dreams? Explore our collection of modern and bohemian wedding dresses directly from our online boutique dedicated to this style! We offer a wide selection of original and trendy wedding dress designs, ensuring you can find an unforgettable dress, no matter your taste or body type!

Bohemian Wedding Dress