Gorgeous Ideas for What to Wear To a Garden Wedding
Many couples opt to be married outdoors, and the pandemic has increased those numbers even more. This may leave you wondering about what is 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. The easiest way to fit in with the botanical theme is to wear feminine, floral wedding guest attire. This pretty one-shoulder floral cocktail dress is a great example.
shop the post
2. A Lace Cocktail Dress is lovely
Lace is always a perfect choice for a wedding, and it’s particularly romantic for a garden wedding. This pretty powder blue fit and flare lace dress is soft and feminine.
shop the look
3. Pastel Dresses are Garden-like
Pastels are soft and romantic, so they are always appropriate for any wedding. Or, you could wear brighter colors, so long as they didn’t look too wildly tropical. (Leave loud Hawaiian tropical prints for beach or destination weddings). This mint green cocktail dress is light, elegant, and perfect for the occasion.
shop the post
Pastel or bright floral prints on a navy, black or purple background can also be lovely. These can sometimes be considered a little more formal garden wedding attire since the flowers are on very dark backgrounds. If you choose to wear a dress like this, be careful that the overall look isn’t dark or moody. An outdoor wedding is a light, sunny, happy event, so nothing edgy or goth-like.
shop the look
4. Ruffle Dresses are Romantic
Attending any wedding, particularly in a garden setting, is a little like being part of a romance story, which is why a dress with feminine, romantic ruffles would fit right in.
Are you concerned about looking too girly? Look for a dress with an elegant vibe. Add a sophisticated clutch or a dressy bag with a chain strap and heels to ground your outfit. If the nuptials take place on the grass and not a patio, then wedges, block heels, or a sturdier heel may be better than a thin pointy heel.
5. Maxi Wedding Guest Dresses are Dreamy
A flowy, feminine maxi dress with a romantic feel is another good option for a garden wedding. This floral, ruffle high/low maxi dress works best for more casual garden weddings where the mood is natural, laid back, and free-spirited. A chiffon maxi would be lovely for a more formal garden wedding. (See my post on guidelines for maxi dresses for an afternoon wedding.)
6. Dressy Jumpsuits have a Chic Vibe
A dressy jumpsuit like this pink one is another option for a garden wedding, or you could go for a long gown that opens us to classy skinny dress pants. Make sure the look is soft and flowy to get an elegant, relaxed look. Wide-leg pants are also sophisticated and stylish on a jumpsuit.
7. A Sundress is Fine for a Casual Garden Wedding
Some couples get married in their backyard because they want the wedding to be 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, a blouse, or a casual maxi dress like a chiffon sundress. Dress your outfit with some 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 on what to wear for different types of weddings. Here are some suggestions.
Deb was surprised that you showed me a white dress for a garden wedding.
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 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 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 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 enjoyed reading your advice. I am 6 years old and would appreciate you showing some 16W plus size clothing for an evening wedding and where to purchase it. I love l the dresses shown above. Thanks
I was at a location today where a wedding was taking place. All the women in the bridal party and the female guests wore lace dresses of various colors. Lace dresses are trendy wedding attire this year, or they planned it.
Lace wedding guest dresses are trendy, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a coincidence!
Oh, all of these outfits are stellar. I would wear any of them to a wedding or any other special summer occasion. Dinner al fresco, for example. Beautiful choices!
Grass and or gravel is killer with skinny heels. You WILL sink them, possibly stain them if they are fabric-covered. Flats, wedges, or wider chunkier heels are much more stable.
I love your posts usually, Deborah, but on this occasion, I couldn’t see myself wearing any of these outfits. I think 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, why not!
Hi Elizabeth, between the time the style board was created and posted, the tulle dress sold out, so I have substituted, but I will keep looking to see if I can find another. Cheers, Deborah
Lovely suggestions. Just thinking that if on grass, the stilettos would sink into the ground. Maybe wedges or flats (I know they don’t look anywhere 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 at an outdoor venue, are on a patio, so you’d be o.k. It just dep nds. The main the ng is you want to feel comfortable walking around. Cheers, Deb, ah
Agree!
I would recommend a wedge rather than a heel for outdoor celebrations. It’s much easy to walk on the 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 wouldn’t look right. They would pull from the dress and look heavy.