How to Wear a Wrap over a Dress for a Wedding?

Would you like to wear a shawl over a dress to cover your shoulders on your wedding day? Add a chic detail to your bridal outfit? Are you 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 a special event.

That’s why I’ve decided to share my expertise as a fashion enthusiast with you today, offering my best tips on how to wear a stole for your wedding.

No matter the season of your wedding, a shawl is a very practical accessory that will keep you warm in case of chilly breezes, while also enhancing your photos. It fits beautifully with bohemian and romantic weddings, adding elegance to your outfit. You can drape it over your shoulders after folding it in half, tie it in front, or secure it with a brooch. By fastening it at your back, you’ll have even more freedom to move!

Want more details? Read this article to find out:

• If a stole fits your wedding theme and your dress,
• What fabric to choose based on the style of your dress,
• What color stole will look best with your wedding gown,
• Several detailed techniques for keeping it 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 scene, we’ve seen many brides in recent years opting for a shawl to complement 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 breezes.

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

🔸 It is generally less expensive than a wedding jacket: however, it can definitely serve this purpose, especially if you are 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 many woven or embroidered shawls that would go wonderfully with a long bohemian dress.

🔸 Finally, it fits all body types! Whether you’re tall or have curves, don’t hesitate to choose a thick shawl that complements your figure. It will be perfect for accentuating your best features: your neckline and shoulders!

Which Scarf Should You Choose?

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

Depending on the Style of Your Wedding Dress

The shawl is a complementary accessory for 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 can opt for a embroidered or openwork shawl, featuring pretty patterns, to complement your outfit and add some depth to your look.

On the contrary, if your dress already features a lot of embroidery, beads, sequins, or prominent lace inserts, 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, try to avoid choosing a shawl that hangs lower than the dress.

What color shawl should you choose to match your dress?

Your wedding dress is white or ivory? If so, you have two options:

• Opt for a stole in the same hue for a bright, classic look that is very elegant and perfect for this unique occasion.
• Choose a colorful stole to create contrast and add a more bohemian and original touch to your outfit. In this case, try to select a color that flatters you and contrasts well with your dress: avoid pastel shades and opt for tones like burgundy, ochre, etc. Try to echo this color with another accessory, such as jewelry or a flower crown…

👗 If your dress is colorful, you can opt for a white or cream shawl to nod to traditional wedding colors 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. To help with that, I suggest exploring several techniques: practice them in advance to find the one that fits you best, and then use it on your special day!

Hanging on Your Shoulders

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

Tied at the Front

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

Here’s a detailed look at the technique:

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

👉 If you’d like, you can also create a side knot to add some flair to a simple dress.

With a Brooch

You can also use a brooch that matches the color of your dress to secure your wrap: in this case, fold it in half, widthwise, and then drape the wrap around your shoulders. Next, pin it with the brooch by crossing the two ends of the wrap over your wedding dress.

In a Bolero

The goal is to clear the front of your body by tying your shoulder behind your back. This technique is very practical because it prevents your scarf from slipping and gives you a lot of style, especially if your hair is up in a bun.

Place the folded shawl over your shoulders, aligning it with your neckline. Then, take each end and bring it under your arms and tie it in a simple knot at the back. You can ask for help to create a nice knot at the back.

Twisted at the Back

If your shawl is sewn closed and doesn’t have ends, you can drape it over your shoulders by twisting it once at your back. This style works particularly well for lightweight wool shawls.

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

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

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

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