Many brides and grooms postponed their weddings and celebrations in 2020, hoping to soon be able to party with their loved ones and friends. But some couples are working on sealing the deal in 2021 with pandemic guidelines in place for safety. Wedding planning takes on a whole new weight when it comes to putting COVID-19 safeguards into place — ideally, your guest list is as small as possible, in an outdoor or well-ventilated area, and the reception has been redesigned to prevent any high-risk coronavirus activities. One thing that every couple will have to think about? Face masks.
Wearing a face mask or covering in any public setting has never been more important, and everyone on your guest list and in your wedding party (and any potential event staff!) will need to be masked up. But stemming the risk of breathing in, or breathing out, any potentially infectious SARS-CoV-2 airborne particles doesn’t require you all to wear the same mask. In fact, there are specially designed face masks that make use of elements like lace overlays and sequin fronts — all while incorporating current recommendations on effective mask construction from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What to look for in wedding face masks:
The utmost protection against COVID-19 in any public setting comes from wearing respirators, also known as N95s. But as these are currently being reserved for healthcare workers and those at severe risk, it’s best to settle on medical grade and cloth-based options. When shopping for a mask for your intimate gathering, keep the following style and fit tips in mind:
- Consider double masking. Per a recent update on CDC guidance, wearing a form-fitting surgical mask as close to your face — while covering your nose and mouth — may provide added protection over cloth-based options alone. You can achieve similar protective measures by layering a cloth-based mask atop a disposable surgical mask, something that might make sense with many of the more breathable masks on this list.
- Choose a tight-knit woven cotton option. The most effective kind of cloth-based face masks are made from 100% cotton and should be worn over both your nose and mouth, according to the CDC. Depending on the climate, you may want to consider a cotton blend or alternative due to the fact that sweat is absorbed by cotton rather easily; you’ll want to look into a performance fabric-based option if you don’t want to frequently change your mask throughout your day.
- Shop for pure silk, not satin. Research published in late 2020 suggests that silk face masks are just as effective as single-use surgical masks, and can better alleviate moisture and humidity compared to cotton. Satin isn’t a type of silk, but is a type of weave; some may incorporate silk, but satin masks often include more polyester than necessary. Stick to pure silk options if you can!
- Look for any potential protective design features. You’ll want to ensure that any mask you choose has been made with multiple layers of fabric. Some masks will be equipped with an added pocket for a carbon-based filter, and most should come with options for adjustable ear or head straps, as well as a custom nose clamp to create a tight seal.
- Buy more than one! Weddings, even now, are meant to be enjoyed over many hours (and prepped for the entire day, right?). Your wedding party will likely need to be wearing masks all day, and will need to take breaks in private spaces to swap out any mask that may be soaked through due to condensation. Think about planning to carry extra clean masks in a separate isolated bag — something like this Pouch’d carrier here.
You’ll need to take special care when choosing a mask that has an overlay design. The front of your mask must remain entirely intact; there shouldn’t be punctures or perforations for lace, sequins, studs, or tassels, among other design features. If you choose a mask that doesn’t have a standard flat front or tier-fold design, be sure its outer and inner layers remain tightly woven.
Below, we’ve done the hard work for you in selecting unique face masks that are beautifully designed for your special occasion, using proper techniques and proper materials. These options work well for any bride or bridesmaid, and there are even options for grooms and groomsmen, too! Follow along as we highlight the best wedding face masks to wear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1
Cosabella Lace Face Mask
Cosabella Lace
bergdorfgoodman.com
$18.00
There’s indeed a lace overlay here that would pair beautifully with any gown or bridesmaid’s dress. But the masks’ three layers of cotton and spandex blend beneath it remain perfectly intact. You’ll find that the lace has also been manipulated into the masks’ folds, so nothing will stretch or tear on the big day.
2
Sequin Tweed Adult Contoured Face Mask
ST. JOHN COLLECTION
nordstrom.com
$50.00
The blinged-out sequins on this face mask are laid on top of a polyester and rayon blended front. There’s a pocket for an additional filter, but the adjustable straps make it a good option to wear with a disposable surgical mask.
3
Pure Silk Adult Pleated Face Covering
Slip
nordstrom.com
$39.00
A great option for bridesmaids available in 5 different shades, the exterior of this bestselling option is pure mulberry silk. Slip’s mask is also equipped with an adjustable noseband and custom ear loops.
4
Embroidered Cotton Mask
Cynthia Rowley
cynthiarowley.com
$58.00
A beautifully detailed option, this embroidered cotton mask is delicate and equally striking while also featuring many of the design specs we’ve highlighted. It’s a unique option for any bride.
5
3 Velvet Masks
Caraa
caraasport.com
$25.00
Neither silk nor satin, velvet is often made from a mix of silk and rayon, or polyester in this case. The inner lining is equipped with a slot for a filter, but the warm fit and coverage may be perfect for a colder climate.
6
Bride and Groom Embroidered Face Mask Set
Dear Elliott
amazon.com
$39.95
A pure cotton option, these masks are carefully embroidered to maintain the contour for a perfect fit against your nose and mouth. The design also includes a pocket for filters and elastic ties for an adjustable fit.
7
Cilque Plush Silk Face Mask
Pure ivory silk for brides, and a few other shades for bridesmaids (or grooms!), this option is soft and breathable. The mask also features adjustable ear loops and a pocket for filters.
8
Silk Face Mask
La Perla
Saks Fifth Avenue
$65.00
A simple, clean design that both bridesmaids and brides will love, La Perla’s mask is made entirely from pure silk. It’s comfortable and breathable, and is offered in two different formal shades for any event.
9
Satin Fashion Face Mask With Floral Lace Appliqué
David’s Bridal
davidsbridal.com
$19.95
Pure satin acts as a background for an intricate silk floral motif embellished over the mask. The ear straps are extremely customizable with tabs for upper and lower earloop fit.
10
Corded Lace Applique Satin Fashion Face Mask
David’s Bridal
davidsbridal.com
$19.95
A blended satin option that is made with corded lace, this mask is breathable for warm and humid climate. It comes in two different tonal shades for brides.
11
Lylah Embroidered Face Mask
Tadashi Shoji
tadashishoji.com
$42.00
Equipped with a malleable nose wire, Tadashi Shoji’s bridal mask tucks away an extra pocket for added filtration. The cotton mask features an intricate design overlay on its front but is comfortably breathable.
12
Beaded Lace and Satin Adjustable Loop Face Mask
David’s Bridal
davidsbridal.com
$19.95
This cotton and satin blend mask features a beaded lace application that’s large enough to cover your nose, mouth, all while being anchored on your chin.
13
Destiny Crystal Face Mask
NATALIE MILLS
nordstrom.com
$22.50
A cotton mask with adjustable ear loops, this bedazzled option features a front that’s been carefully inlaid with crystals. There’s an interior pocket for filters, but the mask is roomy enough for a layer underneath if necessary.
14
Butterfly Mask
Claire Pettibone
clairepettibone.com
$78.00
An intricate and delicate design, Claire Pettibones’ mask is printed on a cotton-toile blend and is bound with a silk inner layer.
15
Sequin Face Mask
St. John
Saks Fifth Avenue
$50.00
The wool and polyester front of this sequin-adorned mask is finished with a knit design. There are adjustable ear loops on this mask, and the contoured design means you’ll be able to wear a mask underneath comfortably.
16
Caraa Mask Pack
Caraa
caraasport.com
$25.00
There are so many wonderful pastel colors for these cotton-printed masks to choose from. Caraa’s masks could work for any bridal party, guests included.
17
Metallic Face Masks
Jonathan Simkhai
bloomingdales.com
$40.00
Both grooms and brides can catch the light with this delicate mask inlaid with metallic fibers; this mask will glimmer in the light during an evening ceremony. Its generous fit makes it a great option to wear with a disposable surgical mask underneath.
18
Rhinestone Face Mask
Emerald Sundae
nordstrom.com
$20.00
This polyester mask features hundreds of rhinestones that have been carefully placed with adhesive to avoid puncturing the mask’s front. If you’re constantly finding that masks are too large for a snug fit on your face, reviewers say this one is smaller than most.
19
Reusable ‘MasQini’ Cloth Face Covering
PQ Swim
bergdorfgoodman.com
$20.00
The nylon and spandex front here is repurposed from PQ Swim’s mainstay line, so it’ll be lighter than most on this list. Wear it with an additional mask layer beneath if you can.
20
Sculpted Flip-Sequin Cloth Mask
Eugenia Kim
bergdorfgoodman.com
$22.00
A wonderful option for your wedding party, these bridesmaids-friendly masks are made with a polyester front that’s been covered in light-catching sequins. You’ll find these masks in five different complementary shades.
21
Luxury Ivory Lace Bridal Face Mask With Tulle Ties
BettyToMyBoo
etsy.com
$18.50
A top-seller on Etsy, this beautiful bridal option uses tulle as a tie that will be secured at the nape of your neck, which will certainly blend seamlessly into any veil. The designer has lined the outer mask with a form of satin and careful embroidery; plus, they’re able to make custom masks in another color upon request.
22
French Lace Mask With Adjustable Bands
ColorThreadBoutique
etsy.com
$20.00
We can’t get enough of the intricate lace and beading overlay here! There are multiple design schemes you can choose from, but all masks are equipped with two layers of cotton and a pocket lining for an additional carbon filter layer.
23
Wedding Party Face Masks
BestDayEverSpot
etsy.com
$9.95
A fun option for the entire wedding party! This best-selling cotton mask comes in multiple screenprinted designs for every special guest on your big day.
24
Bridal Mask
whichgoose
etsy.com
$18.00
This design is deliberately understated, but it’s eye-catching all the same — and the cotton mask front is lined with delicate tulle for a polished look.
25
Quarantined for Life Wedding Face Masks
ForYourParty
etsy.com
$24.00
If you’re looking for a surgical-style option, why not try a customized option? You can select a message, color scheme, and a finish for all of these disposable masks. You’ll also be able to manipulate the earloops for a tight, seamless fit.
Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping Institute
Textiles Director
Lexie Sachs earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University, and she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing.
Zee Krstic
Associate Health Editor
Zee Krstic is a health editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, where he covers the latest in health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends, and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle.
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