15 Dreamy Bridal Sweaters and Wedding Cardigans to Pair with Your Dress

It's possible for winter brides to be both cozy and chic.
White wedding cardigan with sparkly sequins
Photo: ModeSens
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by
Carli Brennan
carli brennan headshot
Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Nov 21, 2023
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If you are a winter bride, you'll want to ensure you aren't sacrificing style for warmth. Enter bridal sweaters and cardigans. While many winter brides opt for a jacket or wrap, pairing a dreamy bridal cardigan with your wedding dress is a fashionable alternative that will keep you looking stylish and cozy.

Layering a bridal sweater or cardigan over your wedding dress is a great way to keep warm when the temperatures drop. You could make the sweater a part of your bridal look, or just keep it on hand as a backup for if you get cold throughout the night. Whether you opt for a chunky knit or a lightweight layer, there's a bridal sweater out there to match every bride's personal style and budget.

In this article:

15 Cozy Bridal Sweater and Cardigan Styles You Can Shop Now

Winter brides get to have fun with endless bridal sweater and cardigan options. From a classic white bridal cardigan to a statement-making bridal cardigan, there's truly something for every bride.

1. Free People Marilyn Pullover in Ivory

White feather sleeve bridal cardigan
Photo: Free People

This glamorous pullover sweater adds just enough wow factor for your special day. The off-the-shoulder silhouette and feather-trimmed sleeves elevate the classic style. Pair it with a minimalistic bridal gown to up the drama.

Size range: XS-XL

2. PartOfMeDESIGN Bridal Cardigan in Ivory

Ivory reversible lace bridal cardigan
Photo: PartOfMeDESIGN

A sweet eyelash lace trim adds a romantic allure to this cozy bridal cardigan. The best part? It's designed to be reversible so you can opt for either a low back or v-neck style, depending on what goes best with your dress.

Size range: S - XL

3. By Anthropologie Embellished Knit Shrug in Ivory

Ivory Embellished Knit Bridal Cardigan
Photo: Anthropologie

Boho brides, this one's for you! We're swooning over this sparkling embellished shrug. Pair it over a slinky slip gown for an effortless cool girl bridal look.

Size range: One Size

4. For Love & Lemons Laurel Cardigan in White

Ivory knit bridal cardigan with pink ribbon detail
Photo: For Love and Lemons

A dreamy satin ribbon is woven through this feminine pointelle cardigan for a perfect pop of color. Pair it with a pair of satin pink heels like these ones from Seychelles to perfect the ballet core trend for your wedding day.

Size range: XXS - XL

5. Abercrombie Crew Pearl Button Cardigan in Cream

White Pearl Button Bridal Cardigan
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

Classic pearl buttons elevate this cream-ribbed cardigan. It's simple enough that it won't distract from your dress, but the pearl detail makes it still feel special enough for a wedding. Pair it with a pearl necklace and earrings to complete the elegant style.

Size range: XXS - XL

6. Kimchi Blue Blossom Cardigan in Light Blue

Light blue knit bridal cardigan with white floral details
Photo: Urban Outfitters

Let this gorgeous sweater be your something blue for your wedding day attire. We especially love the whimsical flower button detail.

Size range: XS-XL

7. Everlane The Alpaca Wrap Sweater in Snow

Alpaca wrap sweater bridal cardigan
Photo: Everlane

A classic bridal wrap sweater is the perfect choice for a winter wedding. The timeless shape is reminiscent of ballerinas, making it an elegant pick for a wedding. Plus, you can re-wear it long after the wedding festivities have come to a close.

Size range: XXS - XL

8. Free People Mina Cardi in Champagne Combo

Furry champagne bridal tie cardigan
Photo: Free People

This sequin-adorned furry cardigan features a shawl collar and ribbon tie-front closure. The champagne color makes it the perfect luxe addition to a winter wedding wardrobe.

Size range: XS-XL

9. Reformation Clara Crew Cardigan in White

White knit bridal cardigan
Photo: Reformation

Minimalist brides searching for an understated bridal cardigan, look no further. This soft alpaca cardigan is perfect for adding a layer of warmth without distracting from your wedding dress. This versatile style could be paired with a wide range of wedding dress styles.

Size range: XS-XL

10. LoveShackFancy Saxson Cardigan in Cream Puff Pink

Light pink bridal cardigan
Photo: Reformation

Baby pink is a great option for brides who don't want to go the traditional white route for their wedding cardigan. This preppy style features metallic gold buttons and gold thread throughout for extra glamour.

Size range: XS-XL

11. Hollister Cozy Tie-Front Crop Cardigan in White

Fuzzy tie-front white bridal cardigan
Photo: Hollister

This tie-front fuzzy cardigan is a great budget-friendly option for a bridal cardigan. It'll keep you warm all night without being too bulky.

Size range: XXS - XL

12. Tularosa Manny Sweater in Ivory

White ruffle knit bridal sweater
Photo: Revolve

This beautiful pointelle sweater features a feminine ruffled trim and flared sleeves. Layer it over a simple satin column gown for maximum impact.

Size range: XS-XL

13. Reformation Relaxed Cashmere Wrap in Gossamer

Cashmere bridal sweater wrap
Photo: Reformation

This elegant bridal wrap cardigan is from Reformation's collaboration with the New York City Ballet, so it's perfect for any brides looking to channel some ballet core style into their wedding day look. Pair it with an A-line tulle wedding dress for an on-point(e) wedding wardrobe.

Size range: XS-XL

14. Naadam Fancy Cashmere Cropped Cardigan in White

Ivory cashmere bridal cardigan
Photo: Naadam

You can't go wrong with a classic cashmere cardigan. This luxe rendition is the perfect delicate layering piece for a winter soiree.

Size range: XS - 3X

15. Sézane Aurore Jumper in Ecru

Off the shoulder white bridal sweater
Photo: Sézane

An off-the-shoulder sweater is a subtly sexy take on the bridal sweater. Pair it over a strapless wedding dress for a collar-baring look that will still keep you warm and cozy.

Size range: XXS - XXXL | Material: Mohair blend

What to Look For in a Wedding Sweater or Cardigan

When looking for a wedding sweater, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure your final look comes together perfectly on the big day whether your inspiration is Kate Middleton or Kate Moss.

Know Your Intent

When deciding on a bridal sweater or cardigan, it's important to know what your intent is for the sweater. Are you looking to wear it all night long or just for the ceremony? This will help to inform your decision, as a sweater you will be wearing all night long will ultimately become a part of your bridal look and will obscure part of your wedding dress.

Try It On

Be sure to try on your bridal sweater with your dress so you can get the full picture of how the two pair together. This may seem simple, but ensure you leave yourself enough time to pivot to another sweater or cardigan if your original one doesn't look how you imagined it in your head. We recommend starting shopping for a sweater a few months in advance so you have time to make your final decision. You can also bring the sweater to your dress fittings to see how the two pair together.

Pay Attention to Color

Keep in mind how the color of your wedding sweater will pair with your wedding dress. Enlist a trusted friend to take a few photos for you in different lighting to ensure the sweater and dress look cohesive in a variety of environments. Whether you choose to go fully monochromatic or want a pop of color, be sure that the style you choose goes nicely with your wedding dress.

Be Mindful of Warmth

If you are getting married in a cold location, be sure to opt for a cardigan that will provide sufficient warmth. Fabrics like cashmere and wool are great options because they are lightweight, but still provide significant warmth. Decide whether you are wearing a sweater for style only or for warmth and use that to guide your shopping.

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