19 Chic and Cozy Bridal Shawls for Every Season

By
Sophie Moore
Sophie Moore
Sophie Moore

Sophie Moore is a former Brides editor and current contributing writer. With over five years of experience in bridal, she is an expert on all things fashion.

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Updated on 01/20/22

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Bride wearing a camel shawl with a lace wedding gown

PHOTO BY OLIVIA VAN DYKE

Whether you're throwing a winter wedding, looking to accessorize your wedding day look, or needing extra coverage during the ceremony—a wedding shawl is a chic and practical solution for all seasons and bridal styles.

What Is a Bridal Shawl?

A bridal shawl is a removable accessory that can be worn for warmth or modesty. It's worn over the shoulders and made from various fabrics to suit all seasons.

For winter brides looking to brave the elements, warm and luxe faux fur capelets and jackets are a stylish approach. For summer brides, lightweight pashminas and breathable tulle wraps will suit any warm-weather wedding. For the traditional bride, shawls in silk and intricate lace are sure to appeal to a classic aesthetic. No matter your bridal style, we've got you covered!

Read on for the best bridal shawls for every venue, season, and budget.

01
of 19

Most Lightweight: DavieandChiyo Sheer Chiffon Shawl

shawl

Courtesy of DavieandChiyo/etsy 
Buy on Etsy

This is the perfect option for summer brides who want just a little something to cover their bare shoulders. A light and airy chiffon shawl will have you living out your cottagecore dreams.

02
of 19

Best Topper: Bubish Feather Topper

shrug

 Courtesy of BHLDN
Buy on Bhldn

For the bride who has an affinity for old Hollywood glam, this fabulous shrug made from ostrich feathers (ethically sourced, of course) is definitely your vibe. We love this style worn over a slinky slip or paired with a short reception dress.

03
of 19

Best Allover Sparkle: BHLDN Beaded Topper

beaded topper

 Courtesy of BHLDN
Buy on Bhldn

A simple and delicate beaded topper is all you need to add some sparkle to your wedding day ensemble. This one from BHLDN provides sheer but ornate coverage.

04
of 19

Most Timeless: CostLlama Ivory Shawl

shawl

Courtesy of CosyLlama/etsy
Buy on Etsy

For the classic bride, this sophisticated style is a timeless option that will complement any pared-back wedding gown. Add in a pair of shoulder-grazing earrings for an unexpected touch.

05
of 19

Most Glamorous: alexbridal Faux Fur Wrap

bridal wrap

Courtesy of Alexbridal/etsy
Buy on Etsy

There is nothing more glamorous than a little faux fur accent to tie your winter wedding look together. Wear yours over a shimmering beaded gown or simple A-line wedding dress.

06
of 19

Most Cozy: Laremi Shawl with Satin Tie

shawl

Photo by Mountain Weddings
Buy on Etsy

For cold-weather weddings, this cozy woven shawl will keep you warm and stun in photos.

07
of 19

For the Traditional Bride: MODAcrochet Woven Shawl

shawl

Courtesy of MODAcrochet
Buy on Etsy

Soft and subtle, this cozy woven shawl is just what you need to keep warm without sacrificing style.

08
of 19

Best Pashmina: BHLDN Semi-Sheer Shawl

BHLDN Rue Pashmina

Courtesy of BHLDN
Buy on Bhldn

Whether you're tying the knot in a winter ceremony (and need an accessory for photos) or are in search of that "something blue," this dusty blue pashmina is the perfect accessory to elevate your bridal look. Layer it over an evening gown or bridal jumpsuit for a touch of fancy.

09
of 19

For the Laidback Bride: RDesignStore Mohair Wrap

bridal shawl

Courtesy of RDesignStore
Buy on Etsy

What bride doesn't love options? This lightweight and ethereal wrap comes in 38 different colors ranging from off-white to light lavender and classic navy.

10
of 19

Best Vintage-Inspired: DavieandChiyo Chantilly Lace Capelet

capelet

 Courtesy of DavieandChiyo/Etsy
Buy on Etsy

Calling all spring and summer brides! This floral capelet made from delicate chantilly lace is ideal for warm-weather nuptials. It's sheer, it's breathable, and vintage-inspired, to boot.

11
of 19

For a Winter Wedding: David's Bridal Faux-Fur Mock Neck Capelet

capelet

Courtesy of David's Bridal
Buy on David's Bridal

If you're getting married on a snowy mountaintop or during the winter months, then you'll need a cover-up that is not only warm but also complements your venue.

12
of 19

Best Wrap: Maneesha Ruia Lacy Shawl

wrap shawl

 Courtesy of BHLDN
Buy on Bhldn

A simple shawl with lace trim always pairs beautifully with a minimalist sheath or slip dress. This lightweight style from BHLDN has summer wedding written all over it.

13
of 19

For a Spring Wedding: mimetik Blush Lace Shawl

shawl

 Courtesy of mimetik/etsy
Buy on Etsy

If you're looking for just a whisper of something either to cover bare shoulders during the ceremony or to add a pretty accessory to your wedding day look (or both), choose a sheer lace shawl. This style from mimetik comes in four colors including a warm and feminine blush tone.

14
of 19

For the Boho Bride: mimetik Golden Polka Dot Tulle Shawl

shawl

Courtesy of mimetik 
Buy on Etsy

This gauzy, diaphanous, and gold speckled shawl is just what you've been searching for to complete your summer wedding look. Sheer tulle is soft and airy and catches the light beautifully.

15
of 19

For a Courthouse Wedding: Molly Goddard Cropped Tulle Wrap

wrap top

Courtesy of MatchesFashion
Buy on Matchesfashion.com

For the fashion-forward bride with a modern and minimalist aesthetic, look no further than this cropped tulle wrap jacket that can easily be worn over your wedding dress or under a bridal blazer for a super chic city hall wedding.

16
of 19

Most Unique: Tadashi Shoji Star Motif Mesh Capelet

capelet

Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji
Buy on Tadashishoji.com

Brides who love a celestial theme or anything that isn't a floral motif—we see you! This modern mesh capelet has all of the details, and none of the frills, and boasts a unique star-embellished trim.

17
of 19

Best Faux Fur: Unreal Shawl

faux fur shawl

Courtesy of Farfetch
Buy on Farfetch.com

Nothing could be chicer than a faux fur shawl that sits casually and effortlessly. Wear yours with a strapless gown to really showcase your bare and statuesque shoulders.

18
of 19

Best Beaded: Needle & Thread Embroidered Capelet

beaded jacket

Courtesy of Needle & Thread
Buy on Needleandthread.com

This capelet is not for the bride who shies away from making a statement. This floral embroidered tulle number would be the perfect addition to a simple wedding dress.

19
of 19

Most Enchanting: BHLDN Maxime Faux Fur Wrap

BHLDN Maxime Faux Fur Wrap

Courtesy of BHLDN
Buy on Bhldn

Channel your very own Narnia-inspired nuptials with this gorgeous faux fur wrap that's perfect for December ceremonies. Not only will this enchanting topper keep you toasty, but it's practically made for a rehearsal dinner under the stars.

What to Look for In a Bridal Shawl

Bridal shawls come in a wide range of silhouettes and fabrics to suit all seasons and bridal styles. For brides throwing a fall or winter wedding, shawls crafted from heavyweight materials like wool, faux fur, and sumptuous cashmere are perfect for fending off chilly breezes. Tying the knot in the spring or summer months? Shawls made of whisper-thin fabrics like tulle, lightweight lace, and silk are dreamy options for warm-weather celebrations. And if you're looking to add a little drama to your look, go for shawls embellished with shimmering sequins or brightly colored appliqués.

FAQ
  • What is a bridal shawl?

    A bridal shawl is a removable accessory worn over a wedding dress/outfit. A bridal shawl is worn over the shoulders and made from various fabrics to suit all seasons.

  • What are the types of bridal shawls?

    Bridal shawls come in many shapes, sizes and fabrics. Some popular bridal shawls are semi-sheer pashminas, faux fur shrugs, beaded capelets and lightweight wraps.

  • How do you wear a bridal shawl?

    A bridal shawl can be draped around your shoulders in the front or wrapped around your shoulders and tied at the back. Shrugs and capelets typically rest on the shoulders and tie at the front, back or side.
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