Wedding Cover Ups: 25 Stylish Choices
From classic bridal boleros and cosy shawls to cute capes and chic blazers, get ready to find The One in our edit of the best bridal and bridesmaid cover ups
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Once you’ve found your dream dress, suit or bridal two-piece, it’s time to turn your attention to those finishing touches, and for many that includes the perfect wedding cover up.
Bridal cover ups like jackets, shrugs, capes and wraps are a popular choice of accessory and it’s easy to see why. Not only can they be slipped on to add drama to a simple wedding dress or to help you create two looks in one, but they’re also a part of your look that you can wear again.
Then, of course, there are the practical benefits; certain wedding cover ups will help keep you warm, whether you’re marrying in the midst of autumn or winter, or you just want something to help beat the chill on those unpredictable spring/summer evenings.
When making your choice, think about the silhouette and neckline of your dress or outfit, as well as your personal style and the kind of look you want to create. We’d also always advise trying on the whole outfit ahead of the big day to ensure it looks perfect.
25 Best Wedding Cover Ups To Shop Now
Still undecided on which kind of wedding cover up to go for? Check out our edit of the best bridal cover ups below, including options for bridesmaids. Plus, we chat with Liu Coll, founder of bridal accessory specialists Liberty in Love to answer all of your wedding cover up FAQs.
1. Charlotte White Pearl Blazer – Nadine Merabi
You don’t have to wear a suit to sport a chic bridal blazer. You’ll find many a tailored bridal jacket on the UK high street but for something extra special, this decadent pearl-embellished design from Nadine Merabi is our pick.
- Sizing: XS-XXL
- Expert take: Made from a luxurious crepe and satin blend, this stylish jacket offers a structured fit – perfect for throwing over your shoulders for a nonchalant yet powerful look when the sun is playing hide and seek.
2. Addison Silk Crepe Jacket – Rixo
The gorgeous high neck, gathered shoulders and ostrich feather cuffs give this delicate silk-crepe jacket from Rixo a distinctly vintage-glam feel that’ll flatter both your waist and your wedding nails.
- Sizing: 6-20
- Expert take: We love this bridal cover up choice for a chic city or registry-office wedding look.
3. Pleated Cape with Bow – Mango
A modern alternative to a traditional wedding veil, this pleated cape from Mango with dreamy bow detail is lightweight, moves beautifully and looks great with short dresses and jumpsuits. A perfect pick for cool brides (and even cooler weather forecasts).
- Sizing: XS-L
- Expert take: Note that the vanilla hue may be darker than many typical bridal outfits, so be sure to try on the whole outfit to make sure it works.
4. Frida Fringed Bridal Jacket – Galvan
Romantic and ethereal with intricate floral embellishments and an unrivalled attention to detail, this bohemian-inspired bridal jacket from Galvan has ‘wedding fest’ written all over it. It’s made using silk velvet devore with satin trims and fringing.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: This would look divine over a simple slip dress.
5. Blush Pink Feather Jacket – Liberty in Love
Pink is as versatile as it is beautiful, and we think it makes a great alternative to white for nearlyweds who still want to bring the romance. This blush-coloured bridal jacket from Liberty in Love is crafted from super-soft marabou feathers and satin-lined for comfort and warmth.
- Sizing: 8-14
- Expert take: It goes without saying, this would be a dreamy (and cosy) addition to a winter wedding look.
6. Sequin & Bead Embellished Bridal Cape – Coast
Crystal beading and jewels bring a grown-up elegance, and this beautifully embellished chiffon wedding cape from Coast is perfect for jazzing up a glimmer-free wedding gown.
- Sizing: One size
- Expert take: Avoid a blinding effect by keeping this cape as your statement piece and choosing more pared back accessories.
7. Puffed Sleeve Bolero – BAÉ
A statement sleeve or power shoulder is the perfect way for modern nearlyweds to work a high-fashion, directional look down the aisle – and this puffed-sleeved bolero from BAÉ couldn’t be more fitting. Throw on over a strapless wedding dress for instant wow factor.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: Wear your hair swept back to keep the oversized shoulders in focus.
8. Sequin ‘Bride’ Bomber Jacket – Charlotte Mills
All that glitters… is a Charlotte Mills bridal accessory! The designer’s magical touch stems way beyond her beautiful shoe designs – as this ivory sequin bomber jacket with exquisite appliqué lettering shows. Perfect for your moment to shine.
- Sizing: S-XL
- Expert take: Get the most out of this statement jacket by wearing it to all pre-wedding events, such as your hen do, as well as on your wedding day. The relaxed fit means it can be dressed up or down.
9. Tori Lace Topper – Catherine Deane
For fashion-led designs with a distinctly feminine edge, look no further than the charismatic creations of Catherine Deane. This gorgeous lace topper is a great way to switch up your look from day to night, and the pretty scalloped edging around the sleeves, neck and hemline is super flattering.
- Sizing: 4-18
- Expert take: Wear this over a spaghetti-strap dress for the big day – then with jeans or a midi skirt for every occasion after.
10. Pearl Trim Bridal Cape – Monsoon
Since this divine pearl-trim wedding cape from Monsoon is so simple, you can be as bold or demure as you like with your outfit choice, and it complements both long and short wedding dress styles.
- Sizing: One size
- Expert take: The pretty pearl detail around the neckline adds a touch of glamour in lieu of a necklace.
11. Long-Sleeve Lace Overlay – Olive Lane Ltd
For a classic look, this long-sleeved corded lace overlay from bridal specialists Olive Lane can be worn over your wedding dress or alone as the top half of a bridal two-piece. We adore the scalloped hem and think it pairs beautifully with a blush-coloured tulle skirt.
- Sizing: 6-30
- Expert take: Choose from two crop and sleeve lengths to ensure a perfect fit. It has poppers at the back to make it easy to slip in and out of on the big day.
12. Plissé Bolero Jacket – COS
A bolero is more or less a cropped jacket – and is usually structured in terms of its silhouette. They’re also more generally associated with formal outfits, but for a relaxed take on the wedding cover up, this plissé version from COS sits somewhere between a jacket and a cardigan.
- Sizing: XS-L
- Expert take: Style this with COS’s matching slip dress for instant registry-office ceremony chic.
13. Organza Bow Jacket – Halfpenny London
With a background in celebrity styling and designs that make use of the most beautiful fabrics, Kate Halfpenny is your woman to call on for chic wedding cover ups with an edge. Alongside her dreamy dress designs, you’ll find a whole range of coats, shrugs and toppers within her collections – this sheer organza short-sleeved jacket is one of our long-standing favourites.
- Sizing: Made to order
- Expert take: The oversized bow is both playful and timeless. This bridal jacket would work over any dress in lieu of a veil – or style with a trouser set, as Kate has done here.
14. Tulle Bolero – Sister Jane
How to make a beautiful dress magnificent? Add the opulent romance of layers of tulle in the form of this diaphanous cape from Sister Jane, of course (and earn yourself some serious W-day style points).
- Sizing: XS-L
- Expert take: The satin rose pin is removable, but we think it adds a little something extra!
15. Silver-Grey Ostrich Feather Bridal Stole – Liberty in Love
Add a touch of wild-beauty-meets-old-Hollywood with this ruffled feather wedding wrap from Liberty in Love. It’s super lightweight and is designed to be worn off the shoulders, either off-centre or fastened in the middle.
- Sizing: One size (10-14)
- Expert take: A super simple way to take your look from day to night at a black tie occasion.
16. Satin Trench Coat – Galvan
Decadently luxurious and eternally elegant, satin is a must for those who want to exude glamour. This ankle-grazing bridal coat from Galvan is lightweight, drapes beautifully and features a sash tie waist for nearlyweds who want a more tailored vibe.
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Expert take: Planning a winter wedding? Add faux fur or crystal accessories to heighten the luxe element of your bridal look.
17. To The Moon & Back Cropped Leather Jacket – Niamh Designs
If you love the idea of a bespoke leather jacket, Niamh Designs is the place to head, with a huge range of custom designs. We found ourselves drawn to this celestial-inspired cropped bridal jacket, which would look great with a range of dress styles – but especially those with a full tulle skirt.
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Expert take: We love the words, ‘To The Moon & Back’ but you can customise the wording to say something more meaningful to you.
18. Remi Jacket – Bo & Luca
Turn your aisle into a red-carpet moment in this divine couture jacket from Australian label Bo & Luca. The hand-beaded piece depicts climbing marigolds rendered in bugle beads and accented with faux pearls, sequins and faceted crystals. The silk-satin ties at the wrist are a perfect finishing touch. It really is a work of art.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: This sheer bridal jacket comes in two colour options; champagne gold (pictured) and pearl (an off-white).
19. Embellished Bridal Shoulder Cape – Monsoon
A capelet is another easy way to change up your look from day to night – and this heavily embellished bridal cape from Monsoon would work brilliantly with most dress and jumpsuit styles. We love the scalloped detailing, in particular.
- Sizing: S-L
- Expert take: The weighty feel of this intricately beaded cape makes it feel much more expensive than its £65 price tag. It also means it will stay put, for a more comfortable fit.
20. Cream Cord Lace Jacket – Self Portrait
For a wedding cover up that feels more tailored, this detailed cord-lace jacket from Self Portrait will make the ultimate chic addition to your wardrobe. Whether you go long, short, trousers or jumpsuit, it brings a retro-romantic feel to your bridal style that still feels sharp and sleek.
- Sizing: 4-16
- Expert take: Featuring jewelled buttons and lace trims, we love how this can be easily dressed up or down after the big day.
Best Bridesmaids Cover Ups
Looking for a bridesmaid cover up? We've rounded up some seriously chic options for cover ups for bridesmaids.
21. Sequin Embellished Poncho – Accessorize
When the sun goes down and your wedding party are still enjoying dinner and drinks in the courtyard, this pretty poncho from Accessorize will look great styled over a satin slip dress. We adore the delicate sequin detail and open sleeves, which drape beautifully over the shoulders.
- Sizing: One size
- Expert take: The pale pink hue is our pick, but you can also shop this poncho in champagne and black.
22. Bridesmaid Shawl – Etsy
This handmade shawl from MalainaShop at Etsy is made from an ultra-light fabric and comes in more than 50 different colours, so you’re sure to find one that works with your bridesmaids’ outfits.
- Sizing: One size
- Expert take: These pretty bridesmaid cover ups have amassed tons of five-star reviews: “Beautiful shawl and excellent quality, I’m thrilled with my purchase,” reads one.
23. Powder Blue Feather Bridesmaid Bolero – Liberty in Love
Still searching for your something blue? Let your bridesmaids be it, in this pretty powder-blue bolero. The perfect way for your maids to channel their inner old-Hollywood glam.
- Sizing: One size (10-14)
- Expert take: Either pair this with a blue bridesmaid dress in a similar shade, or use to add a pop of contrasting colour.
24. Sequin Bomber Jacket – Niamh Designs
Give them a gift they won’t forget on the morning of the wedding in the form of this ultra-cool sequin bomber from Niamh Designs. Not only will they give your photos a fun, rock'n’roll edge but they’ll look incredible when the sequins catch the light on the dance floor!
- Sizing: 8-14
- Expert take: Personalisation is also available if you want to have something added to the back.
25. Satin Shawl – Club L London
When all else fails, you can’t beat a satin shawl to keep your bridesmaids looking chic and feeling warm, particularly for a black-tie occasion. This reasonably priced wedding wrap from Club L London comes in four gorgeous colours.
- Sizing: One size
- Expert take: A shawl in a matching or complementing colour is the perfect way to add coverage to arms and shoulders without detracting from the dress.
Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Cover Ups
We caught up with Liu Coll, founder of Liberty in Love, who told us everything we need to know about wedding dress cover ups, including how to choose the perfect piece for you.
What Can I Wear to Cover Up at My Wedding?
“If you're looking for a gorgeous cover up to top off your bridal ensemble, you have lots of options. Cover ups come in all sorts of shapes, fabrics and sizes. Think classic stoles, wraps and boleros, which are perfect for a traditional bridal look.
"Other great options are capes and jackets, which are available in a wide range of silhouettes and styles. In terms of fabrics, you can take your pick from cover ups crafted from faux fur, feathers or intricate lace,” explains Liu.
How Can I Hide My Arms in My Wedding Dress?
“The cropped shape of boleros and stoles are good choices for covering the tops of your arms while (crucially!) allowing you to show off your beloved dress," says Liu. "For a practical solution in colder temperatures, a larger cover up, such as a jacket or cape, is ideal for warding off the chill.”
How Do You Wear a Bridal Wrap?
“To wear a bridal wrap, simply drape it around your shoulders and allow the ends to hang loose. Lighter-weight wraps can be tied at the front. If your bridal wrap has fastenings, wrap around the shoulders and neatly fasten into place,” Liu suggests.
What Do I Need to Consider When Choosing a Bridal Cover Up?
“The two key things to consider when choosing your bridal cover-up are the season you're tying the knot in and your bridal style," says Liu. "For summer weddings, lightweight fabrics such as tulle and lace work best. In contrast, cold weather celebrations call for heavier weight fabrics, like faux fur or feathers – which are perfect for channelling a luxe winter wedding vibe. In terms of style, choose a cover-up that speaks to your personal taste, as well as complementing your dress (silhouette, fabric, embellishment, neckline).”
Don't forget the finishing touches that can make a big difference to your bridal look – we've put together an edit of the most beautiful wedding hair accessories.
