1.  Floral Print 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. Naturally, the easiest way to fit in with the botanical theme is to wear feminine, floral wedding guest attire.  This pretty pink floral dress is a great example.

2.  Pastels always Work

In terms of color, for an afternoon wedding, you could go a couple of different ways: Pastel floral dresses are always appropriate. Or,  you could wear brighter florals, so long as they didn’t look too tropical. (Leave loud Hawaiian tropical prints for a beach or destination wedding).

Florals prints on navy, black or purple backgrounds can also be lovely and are sometimes considered more formal garden wedding attire since the flowers are on very dark backgrounds. If you are wearing a dress like this, be careful that the look isn’t dark or moody. An outdoor wedding is a light, sunny, happy event, so nothing edgy or goth-like.

3.  Lace is Lovely

Lace is always a perfect choice for a wedding, and it’s particularly romantic for a garden wedding. This pretty pale pink lace dress with the bell sleeves is classic with a modern twist. Wedge heels are easier to walk in than skinny heels if the wedding is outdoors.

4.  Ruffles are Romantic

Attending any wedding, particularly one 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.

Concerned about looking too girly?  Look for a dress that has one simple statement ruffle and banish all other nods to girly-ness with a sophisticated clutch and heels to ground your outfit.  If the nuptials take place on the grass and not a patio, then black heels may be better, or even a wedge heel.

5.  Maxi Dresses Go With the Easy Breezy Feel

A flowy, feminine maxi dress with a romantic feel is another good option for a garden wedding. A floral print is always lovely, especially in chiffon,  but you could also go with a solid color. (See my post on guidelines for maxi dresses for an afternoon wedding.)

6.  A Pretty Sundresses is Fine for a Very Informal Wedding

Some couples get married in their backyard because they want the wedding to be very 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, and a blouse, or a casual maxi dress. Dress your outfit up with a bit of 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 other types of weddings. Here are some suggestions.