Outdoor Wedding Outfit Guide: Seasonal Styles & Dress Codes
What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding
Outdoor weddings come in all forms: spring gardens, summer beaches, crisp fall barns, and winter wonderlands. Whether you're headed to a casual backyard celebration or a formal outdoor venue, we’ll break down what to wear by season, dress code, and location to make getting ready simple and stylish.
Outdoor Wedding Attire by Season
Spring Outdoor Wedding
Soft colors and fresh florals are perfect for spring weddings. Look for spring dresses with flowy sleeves and lightweight fabrics like chiffon or cotton. Layer with a cardigan or denim jacket when there's a breeze.
Go-to picks: midi dresses, floral jumpsuits, eyelet sets
Colors to try: blush, lavender, mint, butter yellow
Summer Outdoor Wedding
When temperatures rise, breathable silhouettes keep things cool and stylish. Choose lightweight materials and sunny colors.
Best fabrics: linen, cotton, chiffon
Recommended summer dresses: slip dresses, mini dresses, sleeveless maxis
Style with: sunhat, sunglasses, sandals or espadrilles
Fall Outdoor Wedding
Fall weddings call for deeper tones and cozy textures. Mix romantic silhouettes with seasonal shades.
Outfit staples: long-sleeve midis, wrap dresses
Accessorize with: ankle boots, suede clutches, faux leather jackets
Winter (Outdoor or Tent-Covered)
Yes, outdoor winter weddings happen. Dress in layers using deeper tones like burgundy or navy.
Layered looks: velvet dresses + tights + coat
Keep warm with: faux fur wraps, knit gloves, heeled boots
Outdoor Wedding Attire by Dress Code
Casual Wedding
Simple accessories and flat shoes or boots
Denim jacket or lightweight cardigan if needed
Formal Wedding
Elegant satin or chiffon gown (midi or full-length)
Refined jewelry like gold hoops or studs
Heeled sandals or pumps + sleek updo
What to Wear by Venue or Location
Garden Wedding
Romantic florals and flowy shapes feel right at home here.
- Outfit idea: floral midi + woven heels + lightweight wrap
Beach Wedding
Dress for sun, sand, and sea breeze. Stick to lightweight, breathable styles and easy-to-walk-in shoes.
- Outfit idea: strappy maxi dress + flat sandals + silk scarf + sunglasses
Forest or Mountain Wedding
Earthy colors and natural textures blend beautifully with this setting.
- Outfit idea: strappy maxi dress + flat sandals + silk scarf + sunglasses
Backyard Wedding
Simple and sweet is the way to go. Focus on comfort, but add personal touches.
- Outfit idea: eyelet mini + wedges + straw bag + tousled hair
Can You Wear Black to an Outdoor Wedding?
Yes, you can wear black dresses to an outdoor wedding, especially for evening events. Just keep the material light and the styling soft. Black chiffon, satin, or floral prints can look festive when paired with nude heels or pastel accessories.
Quick Tips for Outdoor Weddings
Choose walkable shoes: wedges or block heels
Bring a wrap or jacket just in case
Opt for crossbodies or clutches to stay hands-free
Stick to breathable, comfortable fabrics
Avoid white, and anything too short or clingy
Shop the Vibe
From spring ceremonies to late-summer receptions, Altar’d State has everything you need to dress the part and feel confident doing it.
