What is a bridal shawl?

A bridal shawl is a removable accessory worn over a wedding dress or outfit. A bridal shawl is worn over the shoulders and made from various fabrics to suit all seasons. Whether you're looking for something to keep you cozy for a winter ceremony or you want to keep it modest for your walk down the aisle, bridal shawls are an excellent accessory for any wedding day ensemble.

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. When choosing your bridal shawl, it's a good idea to keep your wedding season and venue in mind.

How do you wear a bridal shawl?

This depends on which style of shawl you decide to go with. Since there are many different styles to choose from, there are also various ways to wear one. A bridal shawl can be draped around your shoulders and pulled to 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.

13 Best Bridal Shawls of 2023

Bride wearing a camel shawl with a lace wedding gown — PHOTO BY OLIVIA VAN DYKE

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

When shopping for a bridal shawl, consider the fabric and silhouette, as you'll want something to beautifully complement your wedding gown, align with the wedding venue and aesthetic, and be comfortable for the season you're getting married in. For example, winter brides braving the elements should opt for warm and luxe faux fur capelets and jackets. Meanwhile, summer brides may opt for lightweight pashminas and breathable tulle wraps. You can also consider any extra details to match your personal style. If you want a traditional bride look, shawls in silk and intricate lace are sure to appeal to a classic aesthetic.

To help you find the best bridal shawl for your wedding, we researched various options with these features in mind. For something eye-catching and bold, we love the bübish Berlin Feather Bolero in White and the alexbridal Ivory Faux Fur Wrap. For a cozy yet elegant accessory, our favorite finds are the CosyLlama Alpaca Wedding Shawl and the RDesignStore Mohair Wedding Wrap.

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

Our Top Picks

Best for the Laidback Bride:

RDesignStore Mohair Wedding Wrap at Etsy

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Most Timeless:

CosyLlama Alpaca Wedding Shawl at Etsy

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Most Glamorous:

alexbridal Ivory Faux Fur Wrap at Etsy

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Best for the Traditional Bride:

MODAcrochet Woven Shawl at Etsy

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Best for the Boho Bride:

mimetik Golden Polka Dot Tulle Shawl at Etsy

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Most Enchanting:

BHLDN Maxime Faux Fur Wrap at Bhldn

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Best Pashmina:

BHLDN Rue Pashmina at Bhldn

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Best for a Spring Wedding:

mimetik Lace Bridal Shawl at Etsy

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Best for a Winter Wedding:

David's Bridal Faux-Fur Mock Neck Capelet at David's Bridal

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Best Topper:

bübish Berlin Feather Bolero at Bubishluxe.us

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Courtesy of RDesignStore

View On Etsy

Effortless and laidback, this wedding wrap will look great on your wedding day and beyond. It's constructed from mohair and silk yarn for a warm and soft fit that's ideal for a winter wedding. And if you're a bride who loves to have options, you'll be happy to know this ethereal wrap comes in 38 different colors, ranging from off-white to light lavender and classic navy.

Price at time of publish: $73

Courtesy of CosyLlama/etsy

View On Etsy

For the classic bride, this sophisticated style is a timeless option that will complement any pared-back wedding gown. It's crafted from baby alpaca wool and synthetic fibers for a durable and soft fit. Since the alpaca wool is breathable and quick-drying, it's versatile enough to use in any season. We also love that it comes in several different colors and has a trendy raw hemline. Add in a pair of shoulder-grazing earrings for an unexpected touch.

Price at time of publish: $120

Courtesy of Alexbridal/etsy

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There is nothing more glamorous than this little faux fur accent to tie your winter wedding look together. It comes fully lined with a fleece lining to keep you extra warm during the cool weather. Available in three color options, it has a wrap silhouette that you can wear over your shoulders and clasp in two different ways. Wear yours over a shimmering beaded gown or simple A-line wedding dress.

Price at time of publish: $55

Courtesy of MODcrochet

View On Etsy

Soft and subtle, this cozy woven shawl compliments any traditional bridal look. It's crafted from fine acrylic yarn with 10 percent wool, making it versatile enough for summer and winter weddings. The satin ribbon closure adds an extra touch of elegance, and it comes in several colors. Pair this over a dreamy tulle or lace wedding dress.

Price at time of publish: $89

Courtesy of mimetik

View On Etsy

This gauzy, diaphanous, and gold-speckled shawl is just what you've been searching for to complete your boho wedding look. The sheer tulle is soft and airy and catches the light beautifully, making it ideal for a summer wedding. We also love how versatile the tube silhouette is, allowing you to wear it slightly off your shoulders or as a cape for extra coverage.

Price at time of publish: $51

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

Channel your very own Narnia-inspired nuptials with this enchanting faux fur wrap that's ideal for December ceremonies. Not only will this gorgeous topper keep you toasty, but it's practically made for a rehearsal dinner under the stars. It comes in four different colors and is constructed from polyester with a silky satin lining for a comfortable fit. You can drape it on or off your shoulders and keep it secure with the hook-and-eye closure.

Price at time of publish: $98

Courtesy of BHLDN

View 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. If you are partial to keeping things traditional, it's also available in ivory and champagne colors. It has a trendy raw edge and is crafted from breathable wool and silk. Layer it over an evening gown or bridal jumpsuit for a touch of fancy.

Price at time of publish: $48

Courtesy of mimetik/etsy

View On Etsy

This sheer lace shawl from mimetik is the ideal barely-there cover for a spring wedding. The floral pattern is extra dreamy, and the circle silhouette allows you to wear it in several ways—think loosely draped off your shoulders or as a lace bolero. It comes in four colors, including a warm and feminine blush tone for the bride who wants a bit of color.

Price at time of publish: $51

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

If you're getting married on a snowy mountaintop or during the winter months, cover up with this mock neck faux fur capelet. It's made from breathable acrylic and polyester fabric and comes fully lined. It easily drapes over your shoulders and stays secure thanks to the hook-and-eye closure. Wear this over a body-hugging dress for some added glamour.

Price at time of publish: $80

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bubishluxe.us

For the bride who has an affinity for old Hollywood glam, this fabulous topper 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. It has a satin lining for a comfortable and lightweight fit, and the sleeveless silhouette makes it ideal for warm-weather weddings.

Price at time of publish: $369

Courtesy of Etsy.

View On Etsy

For the fashion-forward bride with a modern and minimalist aesthetic, look no further than this cropped mesh cover-up. It can easily be worn over your wedding dress or with a bridal suit for a super chic city hall wedding. The balloon sleeves feel especially elegant, adding an unexpected element and dimension to your bridal ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $79

Courtesy of Farfetch

View On Farfetch.com

Nothing could be chicer than this faux fur shawl that sits casually and effortlessly on or off your shoulders. The front twist design and paneled back feel especially trendy, and it all stays closed with a hidden hook-and-eye closure. Wear yours with a strapless gown to really showcase your bare and statuesque shoulders for a winter wedding.

Price at time of publish: $308

Courtesy of BHLDN.

View On Bhldn

Calling all spring and summer brides! This simple yet dreamy capelet made from delicate gossamer tulle features sparkling beadwork and romantic floral accents that will effortlessly complement your bridal style. Ideal for warm-weather nuptials, this option is sheer, breathable, and vintage-inspired, to boot.

Price at time of publish: $350

What to Look for in a Bridal Shawl

Season

Bridal shawls come in a wide range of silhouettes and fabrics to suit all seasons and bridal styles. So, when shopping for a shawl for your big day, consider the season you're getting married to ensure a comfortable fit. 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–we especially love the mimetik Lace Bridal Shawl.

Venue and Style

When searching for a shawl to complete your dream wedding ensemble, you'll also want to keep in mind the overall aesthetic of your wedding–take the location, venue, and wedding color scheme into consideration. If you're hosting a black-tie affair at a city venue, you can add a little drama to your look with embellishments, shimmering sequins, or brightly colored appliqués. On the other hand, romantic lace designs, floral patterns, and lightweight materials are better suited for intimate garden weddings or beachside ceremonies. Of course, you'll also need to think about the style of your wedding gown. Your bridal shawl should elegantly complement your dream dress, not detract from it. Look for styles that match the vibe and style of your gown to create a cohesive look–are you going for a minimalist ensemble, a boho aesthetic, or a glamorous and chic style?

FAQ

What is a bridal shawl?

A bridal shawl is a removable accessory worn over a wedding dress or outfit. A bridal shawl is worn over the shoulders and made from various fabrics to suit all seasons. Whether you're looking for something to keep you cozy for a winter ceremony or you want to keep it modest for your walk down the aisle, bridal shawls are an excellent accessory for any wedding day ensemble.
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. When choosing your bridal shawl, it's a good idea to keep your wedding season and venue in mind.
How do you wear a bridal shawl?

This depends on which style of shawl you decide to go with. Since there are many different styles to choose from, there are also various ways to wear one. A bridal shawl can be draped around your shoulders and pulled to 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.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.

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