A casual outdoor wedding offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere for celebrating the happy couple. But choosing an appropriate outfit can be tricky when the wedding isn’t black tie. You’ll want an ensemble that’s dressy yet comfortable for an outdoor venue. Follow these tips for creating a chic look that’s suited to a laid-back outdoor wedding.

Factors to Consider for a Casual Outdoor Wedding Outfit

When selecting an outfit for a casual outdoor wedding, keep the following factors in mind:

Weather

Check the forecast leading up to the wedding and plan for the temperature and conditions. If rain is expected, bring a lightweight jacket or shawl. For a summer wedding, choose breathable fabrics and bring sun protection items like hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Venue

Will the wedding be in a garden, park or backyard? Terrain and formality will impact what you wear. Open-toed shoes work for grass or sand while closed-toe styles are better for gardens with gravel paths.

Time of Day

Daytime weddings allow lighter colors and fabrics while evening weddings have more formal attire. For a day to night wedding, choose versatile pieces you can dress up or down.

Dress Code

The invitation may offer dress code guidance like casual, semiformal or cocktail attire. This indicates the overall formality expectations. Avoid overly revealing or sloppy looks.

Elements of a Casual Outdoor Wedding Outfit

When building your wedding guest look, focus on these key items: shoes, dresses, tops, bottoms, jumpsuits and accessories.

Wedding Guest Shoes

Prioritize comfort with shoes that work on grass, dirt or sand. Stylish options include:

Wedges or low heels: Go for espadrilles, ankle-strap styles or wooden bottom wedges. Heels up to 2 inches work well.
Flat sandals: Ankle straps add security while walking outdoors. Metallic leather or patent sandals are dressy choices.
Ballet flats: Simple flats in canvas, leather or suede are comfortable and versatile. Add stylish details like bows, tassels or brooches.
Ankle booties or booties: Short boots pair well with dresses or skirts without exposing too much leg. Try block heels for stability.

Casual Wedding Guest Dresses

For a casual outdoor wedding, stick with breezy, lightweight dresses. Recommended styles include:

Sundress: Opt for sundress silhouettes with spaghetti straps, tie straps or flutter sleeves. A-line shapes in floral prints or pastels are versatile options.
Maxi dress: A flowy maxi dress is perfect for a garden or beach. Look for sheer fabrics like chiffon with ruffle or high-low hems.
Cocktail dress: Knee length cocktail dresses work for day or evening weddings. Shift styles in bright colors or prints are fashionable.
Wrap dress: Flattering wrap dresses made from jersey knits, silks or cotton blends combine comfort and casual elegance.
Shirtdress: Choose a shirtdress hitting around the knees. Belted waists and rolled sleeves give casual flair.

Tops for a Casual Outdoor Wedding

If you prefer separates, pair dresses tops with skirts, pants or shorts. Ideal blouse styles include:

Peasant blouses with smocked details, flowing sleeves and lace trim
Halter top with back tie straps to allow adjustability
Billowy blouses in silk or chiffon to stay cool
Embroidered or crochet crop tops with high waisted skirts
Wrap blouses that tie at the waist for a figure flattering silhouette

Bottoms for Casual Outdoor Weddings

Complete your outfit with chic bottoms options like:

A-line or full midi skirts in bright colors or prints
Wide leg cropped pants showcasing heels or wedges
Palazzo pants in breathable rayon or linen
High waisted shorts with t-shirts or tanks tucked in
Fitting pencil skirts hitting just below or above the knee

Jumpsuits for Casual Outdoor Weddings

Jumpsuits seamlessly put together a whole wedding guest look. Styles like:

Wide leg pants with a sleeveless or halter bodice
Fitted tank jumpsuits with low backs or cut-out accents
Culotte jumpsuits with a loose, cropped wide leg
Lace short jumpsuits with 3/4 or long sleeves
Printed playsuits with shorts instead of full legs

Accessories to Complete Your Look

Accessories polish your outfit and protect against outdoor elements.

Hat: Wide brim sun hats, floppy straw hats, fedoras, etc.
Sunglasses: Oversized sunglasses in fun colors or metallics
Shawl or pashmina: Lightweight wraps to wear if temperatures drop
Jewelry: Dainty layered necklaces, cuff bracelets, drop earrings
Clutch: Small bags like beaded, metallic, or embroidered clutches

What to Avoid Wearing to a Casual Outdoor Wedding

Some outfits are better suited to indoor affairs. Steer clear of:

Evening gowns, prom dresses or overly embellished styles
Excessively high heels that sink in grass
Dark heavy fabrics like velvet or wool suited for cold weather
Mini skirts or shorts unless permitted by the dress code
Casual denim, cut offs, gym clothes or flip flops
Anything overly revealing, sheer or showing a lot of skin

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

For casual beach weddings, lean into breezy, nautical inspired styles.

Beach Wedding Dresses

Maxi dresses in lightweight jersey, cotton voile or chiffon
Halter or strapless maxi dresses with ruffled hems
High low hemline dresses showing a pop of leg
Lace or crochet dresses over swimsuits or tanks

Beach Wedding Separates

Mix and match:

Swimsuits with sheer cover ups, kimonos or duster cardigans
High waisted shorts with off the shoulder or crop tops
Printed mini or midi skirts with tanks and bathing suit tops
Lightweight wide leg pants with blouses unbuttoned over bikini tops

Beach Wedding Shoes

Water friendly footwear choices for the sand:

Flip flops decorated with jewels, beads, flowers or bows
Metallic or cork wedge sandals with ankle straps
Flat or low wedge thong sandals in patent leather, silver or gold
Jelly shoes, fisherman sandals or espadrilles

What to Wear to a Rustic, Barn or Backyard Wedding

Embrace casual elegance for a wedding at a ranch, barn venue or private residence.

Rustic Wedding Outfit Ideas

Knee length sundress or fit and flare dress with cowgirl boots
Flowy maxi dress with Southwestern motifs and patterns
Palazzo pants with an off the shoulder blouse and simple sandals
High waisted denim shorts with a peasant top and ankle booties
Plaid button down shirts layered over camis with cutoff shorts

Rustic Wedding Shoes

Footwear that pairs well with rustic chic style:

Cowboy boots – leather, suede, embossed patterns, etc.
Ankle booties – try block heel or cowboy silhouette
Espadrilles with rope soles for laidback flair
Flat lace up gladiator, d’orsay or oxford shoes
Simple strappy leather or suede sandals

What to Wear to a Garden, Vineyard or Park Wedding

Dresses that float through gardens and vineyards set a romantic mood.

Garden Wedding Outfits

Printed wrap dress or lace shift dress with flat sandals
A-line midi dress with short sleeved cardigan and ballet flats
High-low hem maxi dress with wedges and a straw hat
Seersucker suit with tie straps instead of shoes
Palazzo set with crop top or peasant blouse on top

Garden Wedding Shoes

Footwear for navigating trails and grassy areas:

Lace up d’orsay flats in suede or canvas
Espadrilles with ankle tie straps and rope soles
Low block heel ankle booties or booties
Ballet flats with ribbon ankle ties to secure shoes
Wedge sandals with peep toes to show off pedicures

What to Wear to a Fall or Winter Outdoor Wedding

Crisp weather calls for cozy dresses, layers and closed toe shoes.

Fall Wedding Outfits

Fitted turtleneck sweater dress with tights and booties
Faux suede shift dress with tall riding boots
Sequined top with faux fur jacket, jeans and booties
Short sleeve cocktail dress with patterned tights and pumps
Midi wrap dress and longline cardigan with ballet flats

Winter Wedding Outfits

Long sleeve sequin gown with faux fur shawl
Velvet skirt with cable knit sweater and over the knee boots
Satin high low dress with sheer tights and ankle booties
Sleeveless turtleneck midi dress with knee high riding boots
Jumpsuit with blazer and moto booties

What to Wear to an Evening Outdoor Wedding

After the sun sets, bring out more formal evening attire.

Evening Outdoor Wedding Dresses

Halter ruffle gowns showing a hint of leg
Strapless lace fit and flare dresses paired with shawls
A-line chiffon dresses with sparkling belt accents
Sequin, satin or metallic cocktail dresses to sparkle at night
Off the shoulder long sleeve gowns for cooler temps

Evening Outdoor Wedding Shoes

Embellished heels – try something with sparkle
Ankle strap block heels for stability
Pointed toe kitten heels for a retro vibe
Platform heels or wedges to avoid sinking in grass
Metallic or glitter detailed sandal heels

What to Wear If You’re a Wedding Guest Over 50

Guests over 50 can balance style and comfort with these chic outfit ideas:

Kaftan dress with minimal accessories beyond a cuff bracelet
Bright sheath dress with lightweight scarf and low heels
Jumpsuit with lace kimono and strappy sandals
Wide leg printed pants with beaded camisole and wedges
Flowy long sleeve midi dress with statement earrings

Prioritize comfort and versatility for day-to-night transformations. Stay cool with natural fabrics that breathe and bring a pashmina or jacket in case the temperature drops after sunset. Low block heels, modest wedge sandals or ballet flats allow you to keep up with activities and dancing.

What to Wear If You’re a Wedding Guest in Your 20s

For guests in their 20s, fun and flirty outfits suit the younger crowd:

Printed wrap dress with tie straps and flat sandals
High-waisted shorts with off the shoulder top and block heels
Colorful maxi dress with sunglasses and statement earrings
Romper jumpsuit with espadrilles and jewelry
Lace skater dress with booties and leather jacket

Take some style risks like crop tops, cut outs, mini skirts or bold accessories. But be wary of very short lengths if the wedding is in a house of worship. Bring a pashmina to cover up if needed.

FAQs about Casual Outdoor Wedding Attire

How do I choose shoes for an outdoor wedding?

Focus on comfort and stability with low or block heels under 2 inches. Platforms or wedges avoid sinking into grass or sand. Straps across the ankle or slingback style help secure shoes outdoors.

What should mother of the bride wear to a casual outdoor wedding?

Mothers of the bride or groom should choose outfits that suit their style. A knee length dress or dress suit works well. Bring a hat for sun protection and select comfortable shoes for walking on various surfaces.

Can you wear black to a casual outdoor wedding?

Black is no longer taboo for wedding guests. For a daytime outdoor casual wedding, try lighter black fabrics like lace or linen paired with accessories in brighter colors. Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet or dark sequins more suited to formal affairs.

What do you wear under a casual wedding dress?

With lightweight fabrics, consider a slip for coverage. Nude shapewear like high waist slips helps smooth lines. Strapless bras work with halter, strapless or spaghetti strap dresses. If your legs will show, bring nude underwear. Look for no show or low profile undergarments.

How do you dress business casual for an outdoor wedding?

Business casual for a wedding allows separates like dresses instead of suits. Pair dress trousers, khakis or dark jeans with light blouses, sweaters or polos. Finish the look with flats, loafers or low wedges. Bring a blazer or cardigan in case of cool temps after sunset.

Can you wear jeans to a casual outdoor wedding?

Dark wash, dressy jeans work for casual outdoor weddings, especially paired with nicer tops. Avoid overly distressed, embellished, shorts, cutoffs or skinny jeans. Jeans with a jacket or blazer elevate the look. Ask the couple for guidance if unsure.

Conclusion

A casual outdoor wedding invites you to embrace effortless elegance. Keep the location and time of day in mind when building your outfit. Go for versatile, lightweight dresses, separates and accessories that transition from day to night. Most importantly, check with the couple if you need guidance on attire. Your presence celebrating their big day is the best gift!

What to Wear to a Casual Outdoor Wedding