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

Would you like to wear a wrap over a dress to cover your shoulders on your wedding day? Want to add a stylish detail to your bridal outfit? Are you wondering how to secure it in place?

I’m here to help you.

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

That’s why I’ve decided to share my fashion expertise with you today and give you my best tips for wearing a shawl for your wedding.

No matter the season of your wedding, a shawl is a very practical accessory that will keep you warm in chilly breezes and can also help create stunning photos. It fits seamlessly into bohemian and romantic weddings, adding a touch of elegance to your outfit. You can drape it elegantly over your shoulders after folding it in half widthwise, tie it at the front, or even 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 stole is suitable for your wedding theme and your dress,
• Which material to choose based on the style of your dress,
• Which colour of stole will best match 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 boho chic trend in the wedding world, we've seen many brides in recent years opting for a shawl to complement their wedding dress. What’s behind the growing popularity of this simple and lightweight accessory?

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

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

🔸 It's generally more affordable than a wedding jacket: however, it can certainly fulfill this role, especially if you're looking for a jacket to wear over a strapless dress.

🔸 Its free and natural vibe aligns perfectly with the bohemian-chic aesthetic. There are also many woven or embroidered shawls available that pair beautifully with a flowing bohemian dress.

🔸 Finally, it suits all body shapes! Whether you're tall or have curves, don’t hesitate to opt for a thick wrap that complements your figure. It will be perfect for highlighting your assets: your neckline and shoulders!

Which scarf should you choose?

There are several types of wedding stoles: you can find them directly in bridal shops or online. To help you find the one that suits you, I’d like to share my tips in the following lines.

Depending on the style of your wedding dress

The stole is a complementary accessory to your dress, designed to enhance its beauty: as such, 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 stole, adorned with lovely patterns, to complete your look and add a bit of depth to your outfit.

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

If your wedding dress is short, avoid choosing a wrap that is too long and falls below it.

What colour shawl should you 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 is elegant and perfect for this special occasion.
• Choose a colourful stole to create contrast and give your outfit a more bohemian and unique feel. In this case, try to select a colour that complements your complexion and contrasts nicely with your dress: avoid pastel shades and instead opt for tones like burgundy, ochre, etc. Try to echo this shade with another accessory in the same colour: jewellery, flower crown…

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

How to Keep a Shawl Draped Over 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 with this, I suggest exploring various techniques: take the time to try them out in advance, find the one that suits you best, and embrace it for your big day!

Resting on Your Shoulders

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

Tied at the Front

Tying a knot with your stole creates a look that is a bit more polished: it highlights your neckline and adds volume in that area, which is ideal if you want to draw some 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 as per the instructions in the previous paragraph.
• Then, instead of letting the ends of your scarf 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 acts like a collar. You might want to ask for assistance at this stage to ensure that the fabric is properly positioned on your back.

👉 If you prefer, you can also tie your knot to the side to add some flair to a plain dress.

With a Brooch

You can also use a brooch that matches your dress to secure your stole: in this case, fold it in half, still along the width, and then drape the stole around your shoulders. Fasten it using the brooch by crossing the two ends of the stole over your wedding dress.

In a Boléro

This technique involves lifting the front of your body by tying your shoulder behind your back. It's very practical as it prevents your shawl from slipping and adds a touch of elegance, especially if you have your hair styled in a bun.

Place the folded shawl across your shoulders, ensuring it sits neatly at your neckline. 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 tie a nice knot at the back.

Twisted at the back

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

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👉 Feel free to check out this comprehensive bridal video that offers tailored solutions for styling a shawl with a wedding gown:

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

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

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