How to Dress for an Outdoor Wedding

Co-authored by Minoti Mehta

Last Updated: January 4, 2023 References

Weddings are huge events shared by couples with their families and friends. Attending such a big part of a couple's life calls for special wedding attire. Church and synagogue weddings are often easy to choose attire for, with guests wearing smart suits with ties or dresses. The rules seem to change drastically when dressing for an outdoor wedding. If you're invited to attend an outdoor wedding, you can choose a formal outfit based on weather conditions, the style or theme of the wedding, and the specific wedding location.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Analyzing the Weather

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Wear cool outfits for spring and summer weddings in hot climates. Selecting an outfit that you won't feel uncomfortably hot in is key. You won't enjoy yourself at the wedding if you're concerned about sweating or constantly fanning yourself. Be sure to keep your choice classy and suitable for the occasion. A wedding is a formal occasion even if it doesn't take place in a formal setting.^{[1]
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- You can often wear sleeveless, strapless, and halter wedding dresses for an outdoor summer wedding, and may choose to wear a matching jacket at night when the sun goes down.^{[2]
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- You should, on the other hand, feel appropriately formal in dress pants and a button-down shirt with a suit jacket over it. Dress shoes that can be comfortably danced in are a must. Opt for a tuxedo if the wedding is very formal, or if you are a member of the wedding party.
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Wear warmer outfits for fall and winter weddings. A long-sleeved dress or a suit made of warmer material may be more appropriate for a wedding during a cooler part of the year. If you plan on dancing, perhaps you can wear a jacket, cardigan, shrug, or shawl that you can then take off while you dance. Go for comfort over style, as the more comfortable you are, the more confident you will appear.^{[3]
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Plan for inclement weather. If there is a chance of rain, for instance, you will want to be prepared with a rain coat and umbrella. Wear shoes that are waterproof, and take a secure bag to stow any extra things that you may need, such as deodorant or makeup. If wearing a dress, be sure that it won't drag on the ground in order to prevent it from getting dirty.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Considering the Wedding Time and Location

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Check the wedding invitation for details. An outdoor beach or garden wedding has a more relaxed atmosphere and thus clothing may be less formal. If you are at all unsure about the dress code, ask one of the guests or the hosts. The last thing you want is to show up in inappropriate attire.
- A beach wedding is likely going to be windy and humid, so you will want your attire to endure those conditions. Consider avoiding a short dress that could become revealing in a strong wind, and wear a lightweight shirt under a suit jacket in order to reduce sweating. Pack deodorant in a bag, just to be safe.
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Research the venue beforehand. Outdoor weddings at prestigious wedding venues often require formal attire. Determine how upscale the venue is and how their clientele typically dresses.^{[5]
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- A wedding at a vineyard would require far dressier clothes than a backyard wedding. If you have any doubts, ask your hosts for their honest advice on appropriate apparel.
EXPERT TIP

Minoti Mehta
Event & Wedding Planner
Minoti Mehta is the Founder of Vermilion Weddings & Events, an event and wedding planning business based in San Francisco, California. Minoti grew up in the event and wedding planning space and has over five years of event planning experience. She has been invited to participate as a Delegate at five exclusive Event Planner Conferences including Destination Wedding Planners Congress and Planners Xtraordinaire and has become known as one of the Top Wedding and Event Planners in the San Francisco Bay Area. Minoti's work has been featured on NDTV India, Love Stories TV, Maharani Weddings, and WedWise India. Vermilion Weddings & Events was also awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2018. Minoti has a BS in Hospitality Management and Accounting from the University of San Francisco.

Minoti Mehta
Event & Wedding Planner

Our Expert Agrees: It's important to understand what is or isn't appropriate for the area you'll be visiting—you'd dress very differently for a wedding in Dubai than you would a wedding in Austin. However, you should also check the guidelines for the venue to learn about any restrictions, like not wearing clothing with corporate logos or what sort of dress is expected.
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Consider the wedding time. Night weddings often call for more formal attire than day weddings. Determine your look by checking the time of the event. Also look for key words, such as "black tie," which indicates formal attire.^{[6]
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- A nighttime wedding might get chilly, so take along a shrug, cardigan, wrap or jacket for the cool evening air. A noon wedding on a day without overhead cloud cover may get uncomfortably warm, so consider that and take sunblock. A hat is an option too, a dressy straw hat, a classic Panama hat or even a Stetson depending on the wedding theme.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Informal Attire

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Dress up instead of down. Just because a wedding is outdoors, keep in mind that it is still a very important event. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed for such an occasion, especially as you will likely be photographed.^{[7]
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- If choosing between a knee-length dress or floor-length gown, go for the gown. If you are torn between loafers and dress shoes, go for the dressier and more formal shoes.
2
Avoid inappropriate clothing choices. Do not show up wearing jeans, sneakers, shorts, or a T-shirt. Remember that this is a family event, so choose a classy and dignified look instead of a scandalous one. Never wear white to a wedding (unless the couple asks), as you do not want to twin with the bride.^{[8]
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Go light on the accessories for outdoor weddings. Not only will this give you a more relaxed and sophisticated vibe, but it will also make dancing much easier.^{[9]
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- There is no need to overdo your look with a hat or armful of bracelets. Go for the simplest options, as this will allow you more freedom and comfort.

Community Q&A

Question

Would it be alright for the Grandmother to wear a nice pantsuit to a very informal back backyard wedding?

Community Answer

Yes! Rock that pantsuit!
Question

Cool weather mid afternoon to late afternoon/what should the ladies attire be.

Community Answer

A fun dress that you feel comfortable in, along with shoes that will allow you to dance. Consider wearing flats for maximum comfort. Bring a light jacket or sweater in case the afternoon grows cold.
Question

What should I wear to a wedding in a meadow if it's really hot out? I'm 13, so would a sundress and slight heels be okay?

Community Answer

That sounds beautiful! However depending on the terrain of the meadow, I might suggest wearing flats, just in case the ground is uneven. You wouldn't want to twist an ankle.

Warnings

Most couples want guests to “dress up” and wear formal attire for their wedding.

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Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
Don't twin with the bride or groom.

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