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 color shawl should a bride wear?

While most brides stick to white and ivory shawls, there is no rule saying you can't experiment with some color. Depending on your dress, a champagne or light pink can be the perfect compliment to your ensemble. You can also opt for a light blue shawl for your " Something Blue ." Available in both champagne and blue, BHLDN Rue Semi-Sheer Raw-Edge Pashmina Wrap is ideal for those looking to switch it up.

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.

The Best 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.

Since you've likely spent a significant amount of money and time finding the perfect wedding dress, you deserve a shawl that compliments the dress, rather than detracts from it. Yet we understand if you don't want to a spend a ton of money on another wedding accessory. Thankfully, wedding shawls come in all price points and styles. To help you find the best bridal shawl for your wedding and budget, we researched various options, looking for inclusive size ranges, various color options, and high quality materials.

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

Our Top Picks

Best Glam:

Alex Bridal Ivory Faux Fur Wrap at Etsy

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Best Color-Options:

MODAcrochet Woven Shawl at Etsy

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Best Size Range:

RDesignStore Mohair Wedding Wrap at Etsy

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Best for a Courthouse Wedding:

Marcella NYC Sheer Bolero at Etsy

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Best Wool:

CosyLlama Alpaca Wedding Shawl at Etsy

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Best Boho:

mimetik Golden Polka Dot Tulle Shawl at Etsy

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Best Budget:

Lulus White Faux Fur Stole at Lulus

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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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Etsy

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Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 4 | Materials: Faux Fur

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

MODcrochet

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Size: XS-8XL | Colors: 58 | Materials: Mohair Acrylic Blend Yarn

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 almost 60 different colors. Pair this over a dreamy tulle or lace wedding dress.

Price at time of publish: $89

RDesignStore

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Size: XXS-5X | Colors: 41 | Materials: Mohair, Silk

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 41 different colors, ranging from off-white to light lavender and classic navy. Most of all, we love how it comes in a wide range of sizes, starting from XXS and going to 5X.

Price at time of publish: $73

Etsy

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Size: XS-XXL | Colors: Off White, Black | Materials: Mesh

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

Etsy

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Size: One Size | Colors: 7 | Materials: Alpaca wool

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

Etsy

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Size: Made to Measure | Colors: Ivory with Gold Dots | Materials: Tulle

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

Lulus

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Size: One Size | Colors: White | Materials: Polyester

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 white 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: $48

Anthropologie

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Size: One Size | Colors: 4 | Materials: Wool, Silk

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

Etsy

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Size: One Size or Made to Measure | Colors: 5 | Materials: Lace

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 five colors, including a warm and feminine blush tone for the bride who wants a bit of color.

Price at time of publish: $51

David's Bridal

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Size: XS/S-3X | Colors: Ivory | Materials: Acrylic, Polyester

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

Anthropologie

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Size: S-L | Colors: Ivory | Materials: Tulle

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

Etsy

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Size: 200 or 220 cm | Colors: Ivory | Materials: Organza

Handmade from lightweight organza, this wrap slightly sparkles in the sun and light. It's ideal for those brides who want slight shimmer, without full-on sparkle. It does ship from Spain, so be sure to order in advance.

Price at time of publish: $31

Society James Kylie Embroidered Sequin Tulle Capelet

Anthropologie

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Size: XS-XL | Colors: Ivory | Materials: Polyester

A simple and delicate sequined topper is all you need to add some sparkle to your wedding day ensemble. This one from Society James provides sheer but ornate coverage. The bow-tie front adds extra elegance.

Price at time of publish: $445

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. A faux fur stole like this one from Alex Bridal keeps you chic and cozy. 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

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. Society James Sequined Capelet adds just the right amount of sparkle to any bride seeking a little extra shimmer.

On the other hand, romantic lace designs, floral patterns, and lightweight materials are better suited for intimate garden weddings or beachside ceremonies. With its simple knitted look, we think ModaCrochet Woven Shawl is perfect for a rustic wedding.

Style

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? Try a simple shawl like this handmade silk design. For those who love vintage details, Jenny by Jenny Yoo Odessa Sheer Embroidered Tulle Capelet delights.

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 color shawl should a bride wear?

While most brides stick to white and ivory shawls, there is no rule saying you can't experiment with some color. Depending on your dress, a champagne or light pink can be the perfect compliment to your ensemble. You can also opt for a light blue shawl for your "Something Blue." Available in both champagne and blue, BHLDN Rue Semi-Sheer Raw-Edge Pashmina Wrap is ideal for those looking to switch it up.
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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