More and more couples are opting to be married outdoors, which may leave you wondering about appropriate outdoor wedding guest attire. In past posts, I have talked about what to wear to a beach wedding and what to wear to a vineyard wedding. How about what to wear to a garden wedding? Here are a few ideas.
1. Floral Dresses are a Natural Choice
Garden weddings range from low-key affairs at home in the backyard, to elaborate spreads in large parks surrounded by lush gardens and fountains. They are pretty, romantic and usually very traditional. Naturally, the easiest way to fit in with the botanical theme is to wear feminine, floral wedding guest attire.
For an afternoon wedding, you could go a couple of different ways: pastel dresses are always appropriate, or you could wear brighter florals, so long as they didn’t ook too tropical. (Leave loud Hawaiian tropical prints for a beach or destination wedding).
Florals prints on navy, black or purple backgrounds can be lovely and are sometimes considered more formal garden wedding attire, since the flowers are on very dark backgrounds. If you are wearing a dress like this be careful that the look isn’t dark or moody. An outdoor wedding is a light, sunny, happy event, so nothing edgy or goth-like.
2. Lace is Lovely
Lace is always a perfect choice for a wedding, and it’s particularly romantic for a garden wedding. This peach lace dress with the halter neckline is classic with a modern twist.
3. Ruffles are Romantic
Attending any wedding, and particularly one in a garden setting, is a little like being part of a romance story which is why a dress with a feminine and romantic ruffle would fit right in.
Concerned about looking too girly? Look for a dress that has one simple, statement ruffle and banish all other nods to girly-ness with a sophisticated clutch and heels to ground your outfit. If the nuptials take place on the grass and not a patio, then black heels may be better, or even a wedge heel.
4. Maxi Dresses Go With the Easy Breezy Feel
A flowy, feminine maxi dress with a romantic feel is another good option for a garden wedding. A floral print is always lovely, especially in chiffon, but you could also go with a solid color. (See my post on guidelines for maxi dresses for an afternoon wedding.)
5. A Pretty Sundresses is Fine for a Very Informal Wedding
Some couples get married in their backyard because they want the wedding to be very small, low-key and super casual. In this case, you would not need to wear a cocktail dress. Casual backyard wedding attire could include a pretty sundress, a skirt, and blouse or a casual maxi dress. Dress your outfit up with a bit of jewelry and some pretty accessories to make it more festive.
Do you have other ideas for backyard or garden guest wedding attire? Let me know. Or maybe you need ideas what to wear other types of weddings. Here are some suggestions.
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Hi! I love your posts, but what about a fall outdoor garden wedding in New England; i.e., colder temperatures? I’m stumped. I used Rent the Runway in the past but their listings are either too formal (sequins/ball gowns) or too short/cocktail/young style for a more, ahem, mature figure. And shoes! OMG, what shoes to wear in the fall, outside, on uneven terrain — matching said unknown dress? Help!
Hi Heather, outside in the fall in New England?.. who knows because it can be really chilly and windy or it can be still and as hot as summer. The weather is so kooky. I’d probably wear something with sleeves long or short in a fall color. These are nice:https://rstyle.me/n/c7y2tib52f7 or https://rstyle.me/n/c7y2t5b52f7 or https://rstyle.me/n/c7y2xdb52f7 or https://rstyle.me/n/c7y2x7b52f7. Maybe this:https://rstyle.me/n/c7y2ytb52f7. You might also want to look into wraps! https://rstyle.me/n/c7y228b52f7 The fall cocktail dresses are just starting to arrive but in a couple of weeks there should be more so hopefully you will have some time to shop. Best wishes! Deb
Hi Deborah, I have really enjoyed reading your advice. I am 61 years old and would appreciate you showing some 16W plus size clothing for an evening wedding and where to purchase. I love all the dresses shown above. Thanks
I was at a location today where a wedding was taking place. All of the women in the bridal party and all the female guests were wearing lace dresses of various colours. Either lace dresses are extremely popular wedding attire this year, or they planned it.
Lace wedding guest dresses are very popular, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a co-incidence!
Oh all of these outfits are stellar. I would wear any one of them to a wedding or any other summer special occasion. Dinner al fresco, for example. Beautiful choices!
Grass and or gravel is killer with skinny heels. You WILL sink, and if they are fabric covered, possibly stain them. Flats, wedges, or wider chunkier heels are a much more stable choice.
I love your posts usually Deborah, but on this occasion I couldn’t see myself wearing any of these outfits. I think, personally, that all those frills/ruches/lace would be too much for me aged 47! But I go by the maxim that if a woman feels confident and can carry it off, well, why not!
Hi Elizabeth, between the time the style board was created and posted the toille dress sold out so I have substituted, but will keep looking to see if I can find another. Cheers, Deborah
Lovely suggestions. Just thinking that if on grass the stilettos would sink in the ground. Maybe wedges or flats (I know they don’t look any where near as polished)
Hi Carol,
I mentioned in the post that a different type of shoe is more appropriate if the wedding is on the grass. It’s good if you can do a little research first. Some outdoor weddings, especially if they are at an outdoor venue, are on a patio, so you’d be o.k. It just depends. The main thing is you want to feel comfortable walking around. Cheers, Deborah
Agree!
I would recommend a wedge rather than a heel for outdoor celebrations. It’s much easy to walk on grass.
What if I have my little white keds (new pair, of course) dyed to match a midcalf flowered dress. I’m 69 years old.
Hi Karen, I think a pair of soft ballet flats would be much prettier and just as comfy. Keds just wouldn’t look right. They would definitely pull from the dress and look heavy.