Wedding Shawl Guide: What to Wear Over a Dress

A wedding shawl solves a very British problem: a beautiful dress, a cool church, a breezy drinks reception and an evening that gets colder as it goes on. The right shawl keeps you comfortable without hiding your outfit. This guide explains how to choose a wedding shawl by colour, size and fabric, and how to wear it so that it stays in place from the ceremony to the last dance.

A pashmina-style shawl is the most popular choice for wedding guests because it is light, generous in size and folds into a bag. You can see the colours we offer in pashmina shawls for women.

Why take a shawl to a wedding?

• Warmth. Churches, marquees and evening receptions can all be cooler than you expect, in any season.
• Coverage. Some places of worship ask guests to cover their shoulders during the ceremony.
• Photographs. A shawl looks more considered than a coat or cardigan over a formal dress.
• Flexibility. It can be folded away when you do not need it.

How to choose the colour

Start with your dress, then your shoes and bag.

Dress	Shawl colours that work
Navy	Silver grey, blush pink, cream, a deeper navy
Black	Almost anything: red, plum, grey, gold tones or black for a clean line
Pastel pink or lilac	Soft grey, cream, a deeper shade of the same colour
Floral print	Pick one colour from the print, usually the quietest one
Green or blue jewel tones	Charcoal, navy, gold or cream

Two points of etiquette are worth knowing. Guests usually avoid an all-white or ivory look, which is traditionally kept for the bride, so if you choose a cream shawl make sure the dress underneath is clearly a colour. And if you are in the wedding party, check with the couple before choosing: bridesmaids' shawls are often bought as a matching set.

What size and fabric?

A long rectangular shawl is the most useful shape, because it is wide enough to cover both shoulders and long enough to cross at the front. Check the measurements in the product description and compare them with a scarf you already own.

For fabric, think about the season and the dress.

• Soft woven pashmina-style shawls are warm for their weight and suit autumn, winter and spring weddings. The black pashmina scarf and wedding shawl is a versatile choice.
• Silk and satin scarves are lighter and have more sheen, which suits summer weddings and evening dresses.
• Fine knits and lace are pretty but less warm; choose them for looks rather than comfort.

Always read the composition on the product page so you know exactly what you are buying.

Five ways to wear a shawl with a dress

1. Classic shoulder drape

Open the shawl fully, place it across your upper back and let the ends fall evenly over your arms. Hold it in the crook of each elbow for photographs.

2. One-shoulder throw

Drape the shawl over both shoulders, then take one end and throw it back over the opposite shoulder. This stays put better than the classic drape and leaves one hand free.

3. Front knot

Wrap the shawl around your shoulders and tie the ends in a loose single knot at the chest. It is neat for the ceremony and keeps both hands free for a glass and a plate.

4. Belted wrap

Hang the shawl around your neck so the ends fall straight down at the front, then fasten a slim belt over it at the waist. It works like a sleeveless jacket and will not move while you dance.

5. Low back drape

Let the shawl drop to the small of your back and carry it over your forearms. This shows off the neckline and back of the dress and suits evening receptions.

Keeping it in place

• A brooch or a decorative pin holds a front knot or one-shoulder throw securely.
• A fabric with a little texture slips less than a very smooth one.
• Fold the shawl in half lengthways for a narrower, firmer wrap if it is windy.

Shawls for bridesmaids and mothers of the couple

For bridesmaids, a set of shawls in one colour ties the group together in photographs and makes a practical thank-you present. The pink pashmina shawl and the grey and pink pashmina scarf are two softer shades to consider. For the mother of the bride or groom, choose a shade from the outfit or hat rather than an exact match, which can look heavy.

Frequently asked questions

What colour shawl goes with a navy dress for a wedding?

Silver grey, blush pink and cream all look fresh against navy. For a quieter look choose a navy shawl a shade lighter or darker than the dress.

Can a wedding guest wear a white shawl?

A cream or ivory shawl over a clearly coloured dress is generally fine. Avoid it if the dress is also very pale, so there is no risk of the outfit reading as white.

Is a pashmina warm enough for a winter wedding?

It is a good layer for indoors and for moving between venues. For time spent outside in winter, wear a coat for the journey and keep the shawl for the ceremony and reception.