How to style a shawl with a dress for a wedding?

Are you thinking of draping a shawl over your dress to cover your shoulders for your wedding? Want to add a stylish touch 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, highlighting my best tips on how to wear a scarf for your wedding!

No matter the season of your wedding, a shawl is a very practical accessory that helps keep you warm if there's a breeze and also looks great in photos. It complements bohemian and romantic weddings beautifully, adding elegance to your outfit. You can easily drape it over your shoulders by folding it in half width-wise, tie it at the front, or secure it with a brooch. By fastening it at your back, you’ll have even more freedom of movement!

Want to know more details? Read this article to find out:

• If a shawl suits your wedding theme and your dress,
• Which material to choose based on the style of your dress,
• What shawl colour will go best with your wedding dress,
• Several detailed techniques to keep it on your shoulders,
• And plenty of inspiring wedding visuals to help you prepare for your Big Day!

Why Wear a Stole for Your Wedding or Special Occasion?

With the rise of the boho chic trend in the wedding scene, we've seen many brides in recent years opt for a shawl to wear with their wedding dress. What’s the appeal of this simple and lightweight accessory?

🔸 The shawl is very practical: it's easy to put on and take off, lightweight, and provides protection from both the sun and drafts.

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

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

🔸 Its free-spirited and natural vibe perfectly matches the boho-chic aesthetic. There are also many woven or embroidered shawls that will pair beautifully with a long bohemian dress.

🔸 Finally, it fits all body types! Whether you are tall or have curves, don’t hesitate to go for a thicker shawl that is 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 bridal stoles available: you can find them directly in bridal shops or online. To help you find the right one for you, I’d like to share some tips in the following lines.

Depending on the Style of Your Wedding Dress

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

On the other hand, if your dress already has a lot of embroidery, beads, sequins, or prominent lace details, I would recommend a solid and flowy shawl that will add a touch of chic simplicity to your overall outfit.

If your wedding dress is short, avoid choosing a stole that is too long and hangs lower than your dress.

Which shawl colour should you choose to match your dress?

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

• Opt for a stole in the same shade for a bright, classic, yet very elegant look that’s perfect for this special occasion.
• Choose a colourful stole to create contrast and add a more bohemian and original vibe to your outfit. In this case, try to pick a colour that flatters you and contrasts well with your dress: avoid pastel shades and go for tones like burgundy, ochre, etc. You can also incorporate this colour with another accessory, such as jewellery or a flower crown…

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

How to keep a shawl on your shoulders?

Once you’ve found your stole, it’s important to know how to drape it over your shoulders on your wedding day. To help you with this, I suggest exploring several techniques: try them out in advance to find the one that suits you best and make it your go-to for your big day!

Resting on Your Shoulders

This is the simplest and most classic option. It enhances most body shapes while keeping it natural and light. To do this, fold your shawl in half widthwise, then drape it over your shoulders letting it fall slightly over your arms.

Tied at the Front

Tying your scarf can give a more refined look: it highlights your neckline and adds volume in that area, which is great 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 described in the previous paragraph.
• Next, instead of letting the ends of your shawl hang down, tie them together with a simple knot at the front, centred on your chest.
• Then, slide the fabric over your shoulders and arms, ensuring it covers your back and forms a collar. You can ask for assistance at this stage to ensure the fabric is properly positioned on your back.

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

Using a Brooch

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

A Boléro

The goal is to create an elegant front posture by tying your shoulder behind your back. This technique is really practical because it prevents your scarf from slipping off, and it adds a touch of style, especially if your hair is styled up in a bun.

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

Twisted at the Back

If your wrap is stitched together and doesn't have any ends, you can drape it over your shoulders by twisting it once at your back. This style works really well for light wool shawls.

👉 Feel free to check out this special wedding video that offers tailored solutions on how to wear a shawl with a wedding dress:

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I hope this guide on shawls has addressed your questions about them and convinced you to add this beautiful accessory to your bridal outfit!

Still on the hunt for your dream gown? Check out our collection of modern and bohemian wedding dresses available directly on our dedicated online store! We offer a wide selection of unique and trendy wedding dress designs, so you can find an unforgettable gown that suits your style and body shape!

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