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21 Chic Shawls for a Wedding

Updated on: Apr 10, 2023

21 Chic Shawls for a Wedding

Are you looking to incorporate shawls into your wedding? Here is a list of shawls for a wedding that you can implement for your special day!

Wedding shawls are the perfect wedding garment to accompany your dress or to make a statement during your special day. If you are trying to keep warm or you are trying to add a beautiful design element to your wedding dress, then a shawl is the perfect idea. For bridesmaids looking at shawls, make sure you coordinate with the bride and the color scheme. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is to outdress the bride or not match the color scheme. Here is our list of wedding shawls that will fit any wedding for both brides and their bridesmaids.

Need some advice on how to shop for bridal accessories (shawls or not)? Click here!

Summer Shawls for a Wedding

blonde bride sniffing white bouquet
Unsplash

1. Silk Wedding Shawl

A silk shawl can be a very elegant garment. The fabric should match the setting. Your wedding is the perfect setting to have a silk shawl draped over your shoulders.

2. Ivory Sheer Shawl

If you want a shawl that will seamlessly go with your wedding dress, then an ivory shawl is the perfect match. You want something to add to your wedding dress without stealing the show; picking a color that matches your dress will do exactly that.

3. Feathered Shawl

If you want to turn heads with your wardrobe design, then the search is over. A feathered shawl will turn heads with its elegant and unique design. Certainly, keep this shawl in mind for the bride. Having your bridesmaids wear a feathered shawl could distract too much from the bride. Consider adding the feather element to the shawls for the bridesmaids in a way that does not distract from the bride. 

4. Mesh Shawl

When you think of mesh, the first thing that comes to mind is thinly laced fabric, but it is much more than that. A mesh shawl can be extremely elegant and give you something to cover your shoulders with, prevent you from feeling weighed down, and not distract from the beauty of your wedding dress. Mesh shawls are also easy to coordinate with the bridesmaids or the family of the bride and groom. 

5. Bespoke Crochet Shawl

If you are looking for something to pass down or a truly unique shawl, then consider having one made. Bespoke shawls are made to order and can include designs that you want. Make sure you give plenty of notice because these can take upwards of five weeks to create.

6. Sheer Shawl

If you are having a warm summer wedding, then you will need something that won’t add too much warmth or cover up your beautiful dress. A sheer shawl is designed to add elegance without being too warm or covering up the beautiful design of your dress.

7. Something Blue Shawl

If you are looking for something blue, then look no further! A blue shawl is an easy find; most material shawls are made from a variety of colors and hues of blue.

8. The Beaded Shawl

The beaded shawl dazzles with its sparkle and elegance, but it doesn't have the weight that comes with heavier fabrics. Beaded shawls can come in different designs to fit your wedding dress style, so make sure you choose a fabric that matches your season and needs.

Fall Shawls for a Wedding

blonde girl in white dress and green shawl surrounded by greenery
Pixabay

9. Fall Themed Wedding Shawl

A fall wedding shawl can come in many different fabrics and designs due to the fickle weather. Procure a shawl with leaves as its pattern to include the season or a heavier fabric to accommodate the colder weather fall tends to bring. The earth-toned fall colors tend to bring that splash of color to any wedding for the bride and bridesmaids, without being too overbearing or covering up the beauty of any of the dresses in the wedding. 

10. The Borrowed Shawl

The famous saying goes “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. If you are looking to borrow something, see if your grandma or future mother-in-law has an old shawl that you can use for your special day. Adhering to the old rules is more than just a tradition; it is a way to show affection towards your loved ones by including their heirlooms in your wedding.

11. Plaid Shawl

Plaid is certainly going to stand out against a wedding dress. With its many colors, it makes the perfect accessory for a colder-season wedding and for a more personal look. Plaid shawls can also be subtle in their design and add a little pop of color without being too drastic. 

12. Woven Shawl

A woven shawl is a handmade garment that is made from a loom by interlacing fabrics. These are very common because they are very affordable and breathable. Woven shawls can be handed down from generation to generation and can be a great heirloom to add to your wedding experience. 

 13. Polka Dot Shawl

The polka dots give a bit of whimsical playfulness that only a shawl can give to your wedding ensemble. It can also be a shawl that can be used for more than one occasion. If you want to have a versatile shawl that can be used on other occasions after the wedding, a polka dot shawl is perfect for you.  

14. Monogrammed Shawl

A monogrammed shawl adds that personal touch to your wedding that will surely turn heads. If you are looking for shawls for bridesmaids, having their shawls monogrammed would make a great gift and memento to remember the special day. Having your shawl monogrammed is also the perfect way to embrace your new name and initials. 

Winter Shawls for a Wedding

blonde woman with black shawl in snowy forest
Unsplash

15. Snowflake Shawl

If you are having an indoor wedding and still want to include the season, then choose a snowflake design wedding shawl. These designs will have to be made to order. Snowflake shawls can add glittery glamour to any wedding dress, just as the snow glistens in the sun after it falls. The bride will gleam and glisten under the spotlight of her wedding. 

16. Fur Shawl

If you are looking to keep warm without taking away from your dress look, then a fur shawl is perfect. Fur shawls can add the perfect amount of a natural element, especially for an outside wedding or a wedding in the woods. Fur shawls also add a level of elegance and sophistication to the bride. If you don’t want to get real fur, faux fur shawls are readily available and inexpensive if you are on a limited budget.

17. Wool Shawl

Wool is an amazing fabric for its softness and versatility. If you want a shawl that is affordable and lends a bit of warmth, then a wool shawl is perfect. If you want something that your bridesmaids can coordinate, then wool is affordable and can be customized with its color.

18. Velvet Shawl

Velvet is timeless and with its versatile available color palette, it can be used for any season. Velvet shawls can be used to show your culture and heritage and honor your family by using a handmade shawl. Velvet shawls are a traditional garment in many cultures for the bride to wear and show respect to the family. 

19. Chiffon Shawl

Chiffon is a silk-woven, sheer material blend that perfectly matches your wedding needs. Chiffon shawls can add that hint of elegance and sophistication you want without overpowering the dress or the bridesmaid dresses. 

20. Cashmere Shawl

You only get to wear a wedding dress and shawl one night, so make it perfect and spend the extra bit on cashmere. Cashmere can be warmer than wool but still be very breathable; this combination is part of why the fabric is so pricey. A cashmere shawl is the epitome of elegance and class that will make you glad you didn’t cut costs.

21. Pashmina Shawl

Pashmina is a blend of wool and cashmere spun together to create an absolutely amazing shawl. This material makes the perfect choice if you are looking for something lightweight and affordable. 

Conclusion

After reading this list you should have an excellent idea of proper shawls for a wedding. Whether it is a snowy winter wedding or a garden wedding, you can find the shawl that will accompany your wedding dress perfectly or the bridesmaids. 

For more wedding-related content, check out our Wedding Budget, Wedding Checklist, and Wedding Ideas.

Written by: Jacob Wixson; Contributor: Allison Knowles

Allison Knowles

University of Central Arkansas

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Jacob Wixson

Baker College

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