Cold-weather wedding? Your bridesmaids shouldn’t have to freeze to look pretty in photos! From gorgeous faux fur shawls to soft pashminas, velvet wraps, and cute little jackets, these bridesmaid cover-ups add warmth without hiding those pretty dresses.
I’ve rounded up six lovely styles to shop, whether you’re planning a cozy fall wedding or a snowy winter celebration. You’ll also find ideas for matching wraps to bridesmaid dresses and choosing the right amount of warmth for your wedding day.
💕 Quick Picks: Pretty Bridesmaid Wraps to Shop
Short on time? These are some of my favorite cover-ups for fall and winter wedding days:
- Brown faux fur bridesmaid shawl – Best for winter weddings
- Faux fur stole – Best for a glamorous look
- Black satin bridesmaid wrap – Best for a sleek, formal look
- Soft pashmina wrap – Best lightweight option
- Champagne velvet shawl – Best for formal fall weddings
- Cropped faux fur jacket – Best for colder outdoor photos
6 Pretty Bridesmaid Shawls and Wraps for Cold Weather
1. Faux Fur Bridesmaid Shawls
Faux fur shawls are a gorgeous choice for winter weddings. They add texture and warmth while giving bridesmaid dresses a little old-Hollywood glamour. Look for a lined design with a hook or ribbon closure so it stays in place during photos.
Champagne, taupe, brown, and gray are versatile choices that complement everything from blush to burgundy bridesmaid dresses.
Best for: Winter weddings, outdoor portraits, and formal bridal parties.
Shop: Sissily Designs on Etsy for handmade faux fur shawls, wraps, and capes.
2. Faux Fur Stoles
A faux fur stole is a narrower alternative to a full shawl. It drapes across the shoulders and frames the neckline beautifully, especially with strapless and off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dresses.
Look for a stole with a clasp or ribbon closure to keep it in place. Champagne, ivory, silver gray, and black are classic options.
Best for: Formal winter weddings, glamorous portraits, and strapless dresses.
3. Soft Pashmina Bridesmaid Wraps
A pashmina is an easy, versatile layer for bridesmaids. It’s lightweight enough to drape over a dress without hiding the details, and a generously sized wrap provides coverage across the shoulders and arms.
Try champagne, burgundy, dusty rose, oatmeal, mocha, gray, or sage. These also make practical bridesmaid gifts that can be worn long after the wedding.
Best for: Fall weddings, cool evenings, and lightweight layering.
4. Velvet Bridesmaid Shawls
Velvet adds beautiful texture to fall and winter bridesmaid dresses. Its rich finish looks especially lovely with satin, chiffon, and other simple fabrics.
Consider champagne, burgundy, emerald, plum, navy, or chocolate brown. A softly draped style looks elegant without overwhelming the dress.
Best for: Formal fall weddings, evening ceremonies, and romantic winter celebrations.
5. Satin Bridesmaid Wraps
For a sleek, polished look, satin bridesmaid wraps are a pretty finishing touch. Their soft sheen looks especially lovely with satin bridesmaid dresses, but they also complement chiffon, crepe, and other formal fabrics.
Choose champagne, ivory, dusty rose, or a shade that coordinates with your wedding colors. Satin wraps are best for indoor receptions and mildly chilly evenings since they’re more decorative than insulating. If you’re planning outdoor winter photos, pair them with a warmer layer.
Best for: Formal weddings, coordinated bridal party outfits, and lightweight coverage.
6. Cropped Faux Fur Jackets
When a shawl isn’t warm enough, a cropped faux fur jacket offers more coverage across the shoulders, arms, and back. The shorter length also works beautifully with floor-length bridesmaid dresses.
Champagne, beige, brown, and black are easy to coordinate with seasonal dress colors. Buying for the whole bridal party? Look for matching bridesmaid jackets if you want everyone photographed in the same style. If your bridesmaids have different dress styles or preferences, ordering individual cover-ups in one coordinating color is an easy alternative.
Best for: Outdoor winter portraits, snowy weddings, and colder venues.
Looking for more gifts your wedding party can use beyond the big day? Browse these bridesmaid gift ideas.
What Color Bridesmaid Shawls Should You Choose?
Your bridesmaid wraps don’t have to match the dresses exactly. In fact, a complementary shade can look even prettier than trying to find an identical color in a different fabric.
- Dusty blue dresses: Silver gray, champagne, or ivory.
- Sage green dresses: Oatmeal, taupe, or champagne.
- Burgundy dresses: Champagne, camel, charcoal, or gray.
- Blush dresses: Champagne, dusty rose, or taupe.
- Black dresses: Black, charcoal, or champagne faux fur.
- Terracotta dresses: Cream, caramel, or warm brown.
- Navy dresses: Silver gray, champagne, or camel.
- Emerald dresses: Champagne, black, or warm neutrals.
Still choosing the dresses? Order free bridesmaid dress swatches before settling on your cover-up colors. Seeing the fabrics together in person makes coordinating the whole look much easier.
My favorite approach? Pick one coordinating color and let each bridesmaid choose the style she prefers. One might love a faux fur stole, while another would rather wear a cardigan. The shared color keeps the photos looking cohesive.
How Warm Should Bridesmaid Wraps Be?
Choose the cover-up based on the actual weather and how long your bridal party will spend outdoors.
- Mild fall weather: Pashminas and satin wraps.
- Chilly fall evenings: Velvet shawls, faux fur stoles, and substantial wraps.
- Cold winter weather: Faux fur jackets and thicker lined cover-ups.
- Snowy outdoor photos: Full-coverage coats, warm footwear, and gloves.
A decorative shawl won’t replace a winter coat in freezing temperatures. Keep extra coats and hand warmers available, and plan shorter outdoor photo sessions so everyone stays comfortable. For more ideas, see these ways to stay warm at your wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridesmaid Wraps
What should bridesmaids wear over their dresses in cold weather?
For fall weddings, try pashminas, satin wraps, or velvet shawls. For winter weddings, faux fur stoles and jackets provide more coverage. In freezing temperatures, a proper coat is the warmer choice.
Are faux fur shawls warm enough for winter weddings?
They can provide a cozy layer, particularly when lined, but smaller shoulder stoles may not offer enough coverage for freezing temperatures. Choose a full jacket or coat for extended outdoor photos.
Should all bridesmaids wear matching shawls?
Not necessarily. Matching colors create a coordinated look, but bridesmaids can wear different styles in the same shade. For example, combine faux fur stoles, full shawls, and pashmina wraps for a cohesive but comfortable bridal party.
Are pashmina wraps warm enough for winter weddings?
A thicker pashmina works for cool weather, but may not provide enough warmth in freezing temperatures. For outdoor winter ceremonies, consider lined faux fur or a proper coat.
How do you keep a bridesmaid shawl from slipping?
Choose a design with a clasp, hook, or ribbon closure, or add a small piece of fashion tape. A decorative brooch can also help secure a loose wrap. Have everyone try on the accessory with her dress before the wedding.
