What To Wear To A Summer Garden Wedding

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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.

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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]
- 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]
- 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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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]
- 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 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]
- 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.
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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]
- 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.
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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 steal the bride or groom's show.^[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]
- 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.
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Question

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

Yes! Rock that pantsuit!
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Cool weather mid afternoon to late afternoon/what should the ladies attire be.

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.
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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?

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.
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What to do if you are going to an Indonesian wedding but don't know what to wear? What kind of clothing should we wear for an Indonesian wedding

Wear something that covers your shoulders and hangs past your knees. Many women will wear Indonesian kebayas and sarongs, but you don't have to.
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If the wedding is at a park by a river, what should I wear?

Wear a blue dress and pumps. Also, bring flats so your feet are not killing you by the end of the night.
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What do I wear to a beach wedding in the Pacific Northwest? Temperatures are in 70's and dress is casual.

Wear a strapless dress that goes right above your knees or a little higher. Try to go with a solid color like white, pink, or blue. Pair it with a thin matching cardigan if you're worried about getting chilly.
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Can I wear a long dress to a park wedding?

You could, but I wouldn't recommend it because it might get dirty. I would definitely avoid wearing a floor length dress.
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Can I wear a gown that hugs the body and sneakers to a wedding?

You can totally wear the gown. Sneakers aren't okay for a wedding, since they are considered casual attire. But you can get comfortable dress shoes.
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Can I wear dress pants to an outdoor wedding?

Of course. Some people don't like dresses, and that's okay. Make sure they are formal, but don't let the legs go so far down that they could get dirty.
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What should I wear to a 6 p.m. formal July wedding in the South?

For a woman, you could wear a floor length gown of any style, neckline and sleeves. Choose the style you like, but don't steal attention away from the bride and groom. Some fancy flats or small heels would go well. For a man, you could wear some sort of tux or suit. Plus some formal shoes.

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If you don't know the dress code, don't hesitate to ask.
Choose cool fabrics such as linen, cotton and silk rather than artificial materials such as polyester if you're concerned about being too hot.
Outdoor weddings are perfect for showing of a dressy coat or classic Macintosh, outerwear can be smart too so if you have a smart coat, consider wearing it at a cooler weather outdoor wedding.

Stay away from flashy outfits that draw attention away from the bride and groom.
Most couples want guests to "dress up" and wear formal attire for their wedding.

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When dressing for an outdoor wedding, you'll want to choose a versatile outfit that you won't get too hot or cold in. For spring and summer weddings, choose a cool outfit like a sleeveless dress with a matching jacket or a suit made from a breathable material like cotton or linen. That way, you can easily add or subtract layers depending on the weather. For fall or winter weddings, go for a long-sleeved dress and jacket or a suit made from wool or cashmere. Regardless of the time of year, make sure you bring a rainproof jacket, umbrella, and waterproof shoes in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. For more tips, including how to choose accessories to go with your outdoor wedding outfit, read on!

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