What to Wear to a Vineyard or Winery Wedding Over 50 (To Look Absolutely Fabulous!)
There’s something about a vineyard wedding that feels straight out of a romantic movie—rows of grapevines, golden hour light, and wine glasses clinking under twinkle lights. Or maybe that’s just the Chardonnay talking!
If you’ve got a winery or vineyard wedding on your calendar and you’re over 50, you might be wondering what to wear that feels appropriate, polished, and beautiful. The good news? Wine country weddings are the perfect opportunity to lean into your feminine side and wear something a little more romantic yet relaxed and totally age-appropriate.
Whether you’re heading to Napa, Niagara-on-the-Lake, or a charming local vineyard, here’s everything you need to know to dress stylishly and confidently for a winery wedding after 50.
Lavender Chiffon Gown | sandals | gold clutch | earrings
What to Wear to a Vineyard or Winery Wedding Over 40, 50+ (And Look Fabulous!)
What is the Dress Code for a Winery Wedding?
Compared to a traditional church or hotel wedding, a winery wedding has a more natural and romantic feel, and your outfit should reflect that. You’re outdoors (often on grass or gravel), surrounded by greenery and vines, and the vibe is usually elegant but never overdone.
Think of it this way: you want to look elevated but not stuffy. Stylish, but still comfortable. And yes, you absolutely can be all of those things over 50.
4 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Outfit
1. The Setting and Level of Formality
Start by reading the invitation. Is the wedding rustic and casual, or upscale and formal? A barn beside the vines calls for a completely different look than an estate winery with a candlelit reception.
- Casual/Rustic: A floral midi dress, flowy maxi, or a pretty jumpsuit with wedge sandals or flats
- Elegant/Formal: An elegant cocktail dress or gown. For example, a chiffon or satin sheath, or lace number with block heels or dressy pumps
Also, check the venue online—look at photos to get a feel for the terrain and style. Grass? Gravel? Cobblestones? That will affect your shoe choice!
2. Let Nature Guide Your Palette
What is the best color to wear to a Vineyard Wedding? There’s no rule, but one of the easiest ways to look chic at a winery wedding is to lean into the landscape. Choose colors that echo the setting: grape green, deep wine, soft pinks, sun-washed sky blues, and golden tones all work beautifully. I love the idea of leaning into wine colors any time of year – merlot, burgundy, plum!
- Summer: Think floral prints, blush, sky blue, grass green, pink, lavender, champagne
- Fall: Deep plum, rust, forest green, or navy
- Winter: Jewel tones like sapphire, burgundy, or emerald in luxe fabrics like velvet or satin
3. Romance is the Theme—Lean Into It
If there’s ever a time to wear lace, flutter sleeves, or a one-shoulder neckline, this is it. Feminine details elevate your look and add that touch of softness that fits a vineyard setting perfectly.
- A lace cocktail dress in navy, plum, or soft mauve is timeless and elegant
- A cold shoulder or one-shoulder dress in satin or crepe adds understated drama
- Flowy fabrics like chiffon or georgette add movement and romance wo
- Soft painterly prints are romantic but also have a creative feel – a perfect fit with artsy wine culture
4. Plan for the Season—and the Weather
Even if the venue is dreamy, the weather at a winery can change fast—sunny in the afternoon, chilly after sunset. Dress accordingly:
- Spring/Summer: Light fabrics, breathable cuts, and a wrap or pashmina
- Fall: Layer with a cropped jacket or elegant cardigan
- Winter: Velvet, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes keep things warm and chic
Plum Gown | silver sandals | bracelet | earrings | clutch
What to Wear to a Winery Wedding: Outfit Ideas After 50
Still stumped? Here are a few outfit formulas that always work—especially if you’re over 50 and want to feel fabulous. Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars or dancing by the barrels, you’ll be dressed to impress.
Green lace dress | Pink also
A Lace Cocktail Dress is a Romantic
I mentioned the romantic vibe of a vineyard wedding. One way to inject some of that romance is with a dress made of lace. This is such a pretty one ( above), and the gorgeous shade of purple and blue is as delicious as the wine itself. A beautiful vineyard wedding guest dress like this would work well in the summer for a late afternoon ( 5:00) wedding, but it is also perfect for a September/ October vineyard wedding.
In the fall, wedding receptions often move indoors to a wine cellar where you dine seated by wine barrels. If you have been pondering what to wear to a Vineyard wedding like this, then this dress would look stunning! More lace wedding guest dresses here!
Floral Wrap Dress + Wedge Sandals
Flattering and effortless, a wrap dress works for all body types and looks great against vineyard backdrops. Choose a midi or maxi length in a botanical print for a summer look. Wedges give you height without sinking into the lawn.
One-Shoulder Dress + Statement Earrings
Are you attending a glamorous winery wedding? A one-shoulder midi dress in satin or crepe paired with statement earrings and strappy heels is elegant without being overdone. Choose jewel tones for a rich, grown-up look.
An Off the Shoulder Dress is Perfect
Many Vineyard weddings are elegant affairs that call for something with an air of sophistication. This gorgeous plum sheath dress is a perfect fit. The one-shoulder detail is very elegant and feminine, and the stunning turn-down satin neckline adds just the right amount of drama. This is a dress with a high presence, but it doesn’t overwhelm. Perfect for a wedding with a unique vineyard atmosphere.
Palazzo Pants + Dressy Blouse
If you’re not a dress person, a flowy pair of palazzo pants with a silky blouse is a sophisticated and comfortable alternative. Add a belt and a bold earring, and you’re good to go.
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
Shoes: Choose terrain-friendly shoes—block heels, wedges, or flats with embellishment all work beautifully.
Bag: A small clutch or structured crossbody adds polish. Bonus if it’s metallic or has texture.
Wrap or Layer: Even in summer, vineyards cool down at night. A light wrap or dressy jacket is a must.
Jewelry: Choose one or two standout pieces and let the rest of your outfit take center stage. Think earrings or a bold cuff, not both.
FAQs About What to Wear to a Winery Wedding After 50
Can I wear white to a winery wedding?
Skip white—it’s still a no-go unless the bride specifically says otherwise. Try soft neutrals like champagne or blush instead.
Are jeans OK for a vineyard wedding?
Generally, no. Even casual winery weddings call for something a little more refined. A jumpsuit, maxi dress, or wide-leg trousers are a better fit.
Can I wear black?
Absolutely. Black is always chic—just soften the look with a floral print, lace detail, or colorful accessories to keep it from feeling too formal or heavy for a daytime outdoor setting.
What if the wedding is on gravel or grass?
Leave the stilettos at home. Opt for block heels, wedges, or even embellished flats. Trust me—your ankles will thank you.
More Winery Wedding Guest Dresses
Wine Not?
A vineyard wedding is the perfect excuse to wear something romantic and beautiful—especially after 50, so go for it! You don’t need to go over the top to look amazing. Just choose pieces that flatter your figure, feel good to wear, and take a little inspiration from the setting. Nature, romance, and a touch of glam—cheers to that!
I’ve linked some more of my favorite vineyard wedding guest outfits above to help you get started. Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars or dancing by the barrels, you’ll be dressed to impress.
What an excellent article! It’s a must-share with my grown daughter, who wants something different for a wedding.
Hi Elizabeth, Glad you liked the post. winery Weddings are so beautiful! You’re in nature but it is also a very classy, yet relaxed event. Best wishes..you’ll sure know what to wear!
Oh my goodness, I love NOTL!!! Been there many times. The Prince of Wales is a beautiful place to stay, and I always made my way to the Butterfly Conservatory and surrounding botanical gardens. I never tried it, but I heard positive reviews of the local ice wine. Great post; beautiful outfits!
Hi Carolyn, Yes! Dr. D. and I love Niagara on the Lake! We’ve stayed at the Prince of Wales a few times, the last time for our 25th wedding anniversary during Covid. It’s such a pretty town!! One of my favorite things to visit on my birthday and have high tea at the Prince of Wales. It’s such a magical place. Ice wine – you must try it. It’s sweet and delicious – such a specialty of that area. Such a treat. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Deb
How fun, I never experienced high tea at the Prince of Wales, but I did have a dessert there that to this day is still my absolute favorite: key lime crème brûlée. I have never had such a unique and delicious dessert, it was incredible! The staff told me their pastry chef had genuine key limes flown in from Florida, so she could squeeze the juice fresh.
Nice Collection! All these outfits are beautiful and perfect to wear for a vineyard wedding. Mainly, the navy sheath dress is gorgeous; I love it.
Thank you for your Inspiration! I love all the Looks <3
xx
Anette à la Happiness
http://www.heppiness.de
Deb,
I read your post. Are the recommended outfits appropriate for the mother of the bride? Any recommendations?
Hi Ann, I’d most likely go with the purple lace or blue cold shoulder dress as they are a little dressier than the first two floral ones. Both these would fall into the semi-formal category. If you want something more formal, you might choose a dress with more embellishment or a long skirt.
The purple floral dress, I love it. I want if for a vineyard wedding I have to go to mid-August.
Agreed. This dress is beautiful and perfect for a vineyard wedding. Can you share the designer?
Hi Kerry, This is an older post, so that dress is sold out. What do you think of this:https://rstyle.me/n/c7yxb6ueue or this: https://rstyle.me/n/c7yxdiueue? They have the same feel and would both be lovely.
My son is getting married at a vineyard in Cali. MOB is wearing a casual, floral dress from Anthropology.
I’m at a loss on what to wear. I prefer long.
HELP!
I’m the groom’s mother and would appreciate your comments regarding an appropriate dress for the wedding and reception to follow immediately. The event will be in Iowa In November at a winery. I’m looking for your recommendations on—an appropriate style for me, a 57-year young petite woman 5 foot tall and 115 pounds. Your help is appreciated.
Hi Pam, I have written a post on that, so here it is. I hope it helps:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/how-to-dress-for-a-vineyard-wedding/.
I loved your ideas for accessorizing these dresses. They look great.
My son is getting married in the UK this summer, and I’m not having luck finding or knowing what to wear. I like the sheath dress look, but I’m over 50 and want to be stylish and classy. Most dresses online are shown on young models, so it’s hard to tell what it would look like on me. Can you recommend something with a jacket (it can be cold in the UK) or where to shop? Thank you.