Are you thinking of wearing a shawl over your dress to keep your shoulders warm on your wedding day? Looking to add a touch of elegance to your bridal outfit? Wondering how to keep it in place?
I'll help you.
At Boho Via, our aim is to help you find the outfit of your dreams, especially for a special occasion.
That's why I've decided to share my passion for fashion with you today and offer my best tips on how to wear a shawl for your wedding.
No matter the season of your wedding, a shawl is a very practical accessory that will keep you warm if there’s a chill in the air, and it also makes for some stunning photographs. It blends beautifully with bohemian and romantic weddings, adding a touch of elegance to your outfit. You can simply drape it over your shoulders after folding it in half widthways, tie it at the front, or secure it with a brooch. By fastening it at the back, you'll be even freer to move around!
Do you want more details? Read this article to find out:
- If a shawl suits your wedding theme and your dress,
- What fabric to choose based on the style of your dress,
- Which shawl colour will best complement your wedding dress,
- Several detailed techniques to keep it in place on your shoulders,
- And plenty of inspiring wedding visuals to help you prepare for your Big Day!
Why wear a shawl for your wedding or special occasion?
With the rise of the bohemian chic trend in the wedding world, we've seen many brides recently opt for a shawl to pair with their wedding dress. What has sparked such interest in this simple and lightweight accessory?
🔸 The shawl is very practical: easy to put on and take off, it's lightweight and protects you from both the sun and chilly drafts.
🔸 It's an elegant accessory that adds sophistication to your wedding outfit.
🔸 It is generally less expensive than a bride's jacket: however, it can certainly fulfil this role, especially if you’re looking for a jacket to wear over a strapless dress.
🔸 Its free and natural vibe perfectly aligns with the boho-chic aesthetic. There are also plenty of woven or embroidered shawls that will pair beautifully with a long bohemian dress.
🔸 Ultimately, it suits all body shapes! Whether you’re tall or curvy, don’t hesitate to choose a thick stole that’s proportionate to your figure. It will be perfect for highlighting your assets: your décolletage and shoulders!
Which shawl should you choose?
There are several types of stoles for brides: you can find them either in bridal shops or online. To help you find the one that suits you best, I’ll share my tips in the following lines.
According to the style of your wedding dress
A shawl is a complementary accessory to your dress, designed to enhance its beauty: it should match perfectly with it. If your dress is simple, without too many details or lace, you might opt for an embroidered or openwork shawl, featuring lovely patterns, to complement your outfit and add some depth to your look.
On the other hand, if your dress already has plenty of embroidery, beads, sequins, or prominent lace details, I would recommend a simple, flowing stole, which will add a touch of chic simplicity to your overall outfit.
If your wedding dress is short, avoid choosing a stole that hangs lower than the dress itself.
What Colour Scarf to Choose to Match Your Dress?
Is your wedding dress white or ivory? If so, you have two options available to you:
- Opt for a stole in the same shade for a bright, classic look that’s very elegant and perfect for this unique occasion.
- Choose a colourful stole to create a contrast and give your outfit a more bohemian and original vibe. In this case, aim for a colour that complements you well and contrasts nicely 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 that shade: jewellery, flower crown…
👗 If your dress is colourful, you might opt for a white or cream shawl to nod to the traditional wedding colour, while adding a bit of brightness to your outfit.
How to Keep a Shawl on Your Shoulders?
Once you've found your shawl, it's crucial to know how to drape it over your shoulders on your wedding day. To help with this, I suggest exploring several techniques: try them out in advance to discover which one suits you best, so you can wear it confidently on your big day!
Carrying the Weight
This is the simplest and most classic option. It enhances most silhouettes while looking natural and light. To style it this way, fold your stole in half widthwise, then drape it over your shoulders letting it fall gently over your arms.
Knot at the Front
Tying a knot with your shawl creates a slightly more polished look: it highlights your neckline and adds volume in that area, which is ideal if you want to draw a bit of 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 draping it over your shoulders as per the instructions from the previous paragraph.
- Then, instead of letting the ends of your wrap hang down, tie them together with a simple knot at the front, in the centre of your chest.
- Next, slide the fabric over your shoulders and arms, so that it covers your back and forms a sort of collar. You may want to ask for assistance with this step to ensure the fabric is properly positioned on your back.
👉 If you fancy, you can also tie your knot to the side to add some flair to a simple dress.
Using a Brooch
You can also use a brooch that matches the colour of your dress to attach your stole: in this case, fold it in half, widthwise, then drape the stole around your shoulders. After that, use the brooch to secure it by crossing the two ends of the stole over your wedding dress.
In a Bolero
This involves clearing the front of your body by tying your shoulder behind your back. This technique is very useful as it prevents your scarf from slipping off and gives you a lot of style, especially if your hair is styled in a bun.
Place the folded shawl across your shoulders so that it sits on your décolletage. Then, take each end and wrap it under your arms and tie it at the back with a simple knot. You can ask for assistance to create a nice knot at the back.
Twisted at the Back
If your stole is stitched closed and doesn't have any ends, you can drape it around your shoulders by twisting it once at the back. This style works particularly well for lightweight wool shawls.
👉 Be sure to check out this comprehensive video for brides that offers tailored solutions for wearing a wrap with a wedding dress:
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I hope this guide on stoles has answered your questions and convinced you to add this lovely accessory to your wedding outfit!
Are you still on the hunt for your dream dress? Check out our collection of modern and bohemian wedding dresses available on our dedicated online shop! We offer a wide variety of unique and trendy wedding dress designs, so you can find an unforgettable gown, no matter your taste or body shape!