There’s something magical about attending an outdoor wedding, it calls for stylish attire and beautiful dresses are a perfect choice. You can’t rival nature and the illuminating light of the sun when it hits the golden hour at outdoor weddings. However, the one thing every soon-to-be-spouse and their outdoor wedding guests think about when holding a celebration outdoors is the weather. It’s often one of the main deciding factors when choosing wedding attire.
For example, stilettos don’t work well in the sand for beach wedding ceremonies, and ethereal fabrics aren’t the optimal choice for a fall wedding. Though, regardless of whether the formal wedding ceremony is at the height of the summer or taking place when the air becomes crisp in the fall, dressing for the elements is part of planning the formal attire. Whether it’s a calm backyard wedding or a formal black tie optional wedding, there are plenty of options that suit your personal style and are appropriate for the event setting. That’s why we’ve rounded up several of our favorite outdoor wedding outfit ideas full of skirts and dresses to spark inspiration for whatever weather and any dress code it may be during your wedding season.
Outdoor Wedding Outfits for the Spring and Summer
The seasons affect what to wear to a formal wedding. When the temperatures are warm, and the sun is shining for most of the day, sleeveless dresses, shorter hems, and flowy fabrics are ideal. The other factor to consider when choosing a wedding guest outfit is the location. It’s likely the dress code for a beach wedding is slightly different than a casual wedding held in someone’s scenic backyard.
The good news is when you have versatile pieces to work within your wardrobe, a simple swap out of layering pieces, shoes, and accessories can make your wedding guest outfit work for any destination.
Mika Scarf Dress for Beach Nuptials
Who doesn’t love getting invited to a tropical destination wedding? A warm-weather climate and ocean views make for a stunning backdrop for such a special occasion. It also often lends itself to less formal guest dress attire. You may be wondering what to pack for a beach vacation. Think flowy hemlines, lightweight materials, and bold, colorful prints to celebrate the outdoor summer wedding occasion.
The Mika Scarf Dress effortlessly encapsulates all three of these design trends with its vibrant, abstract, foliage print in deep shades of red and blue with hints of green and orange throughout. The moderate v-neckline and rayon material are semi-formal and wedding-appropriate for this halter-style dress, and the billowy maxi skirt is ideal for the ocean breeze. Plus, the 24K gold plate detailing adds a subtle sparkle to the look.
Wear with gold gladiator sandals for a comfortable yet chic appeal when worn on the beach. Then, add on thin gold bangles and delicate gold hoops to complete the stylish look. Then again, the dress is such a showstopper, wearing it sans jewelry works just as well, especially if wedding guests are encouraged to be barefoot in the sand.
Desert Nadia Midi Dress for a Garden Party
The timeless appeal of the Desert Nadia Midi Dress works well for a garden wedding. It’s effortlessly chic by combining neutral tones, which pair well with a colorful floral and greenery background. The features of the dress, such as the frontal stretchy panel and slit and underwired cups, elevate the stylish appeal of the dress.
Furthermore, the fit of the dress creates a flattering silhouette with a hemline that hits just below the knee. And the strapless bodice exudes a spring or summer vibe, which works beautifully for an afternoon ceremony. Then, as the sun sets, add a cape or lightweight jacket in crisp white to provide stylish coverage as the temperature cools down.
Light Candice Top and Rai Mini Skirt for a Backyard Celebration
Though many weddings are held in the late afternoon and evening hours, an early afternoon wedding is just as wonderful. Many prefer a twist on the typical wedding event with a ceremony held right after lunch in a sunny atmosphere like a favorite park or a loved one’s backyard. Such a location calls for an equally sunny look.
The vibrant yellow of the Light Candice Top and Rai Mini Skirt exude joy and happiness, highly suitable for the big day. Rather than one dress, two separates fit together seamlessly to make a complete outfit. Also, the linen-rayon material and modest neckline keep the look from feeling too casual. Wear with short block heels or flats and minimal jewelry as to not overwhelm the light and airy aesthetic of the attire.
Bandhani Red Zoe Slip Dress for a Picturesque Cityscape
The feminine chic allure of the Bandhani Red Zoe Slip Dress is the perfect wedding outfit to welcome in the season of spring. The flattering cut and flow of the dress feel like a breath of fresh air after a long, cold winter season. As far as spring or summer outdoor wedding outfits go, this dress works anywhere.
Whether it’s a botanical garden, zoo, boathouse, or another venue option, it’s a must-have dress for wedding season because it looks great on everyone. Elevate the shoes with heels or flats, silver jewelry or gold. It’s the timeless versatility that makes it a favorite and ready to wear with or without accessories.
Outdoor Wedding Outfits for the Fall and Winter
When the sun begins to set earlier, and the temperature can drop several degrees within an hour, it signals the arrival of a new season, and that you can lean towards winter skirt outfits. Although the attire switches to heavier materials, long sleeves, and rich jewel tones, it doesn’t mean you have to put your summer wardrobe away for good.
Simply add on layering pieces and switch to closed-toe shoes versus strappy sandals when it comes to footwear. Here are three outdoor wedding outfits that can transition from resort wear during the summer to an outdoor wedding in the fall.
Bandhani Klein Pivot Thami Short Dress for a Patio Ceremony
The classy sophistication of the Bandhani Klein Pivot Thami Short Dress is a lovely transitional piece from late summer to fall. Long sleeves balance out a short skirt, which makes for a versatile combination. However, it’s really the beautiful blue and gold lotus floral print that steals the show of this design.
Wear the dress with strappy sandals and keep the legs bare during the early days of fall. Or wear over it a tailored pair of white pants for a modernized update as the days edge closer to winter. When it comes to outdoor wedding ideas, this luxurious wardrobe piece can be worn in a number of different ways.
Burgundy Teresa Midi Dress for a Winery Wedding
The rich, dramatic color of the Teresa Midi Dress is the best wedding guest dress to compliment a ceremony held at a winery. It combines a classic silhouette with trendy design elements like ties in the front and balloon detail style straps. The bold warmth of the red hue blends in well for a fall wedding aesthetic and can be layered with a long silky duster or a cropped satin jacket for warmth.
Pair with metallic heels or up the trend factor by wearing stilettos in a shade of red slightly different than the dress. Then, layer on a pair of sheer black tights when you want more coverage on the legs. However you decide to style the look, this midi effortlessly blends flirty with formal for the ultimate in wedding guest attire.
Agra Bia Long Dress for a Rustic Affair
For a rustic-themed ceremony, the Agra Bia Long Dress is a spot-on selection for the occasion. The beautiful deep purple print and the feminine scalloped hemline is a gorgeous combination that offers a country-chic vibe. Plus, the flirty tie and silk pleats on the front and back are special details that add to the maxi dress look.
For the chillier months, pair them with ankle boots and a matching jacket or button-down cardigan. Add a pair of gold chandelier earrings and layer thin gold necklaces for a hint of sparkle, and you can easily transition this dress from a summer to a winter look.
Klein Yana Short Dress for Vows at an Elegant Estate
Dream weddings are often held at impressive estates with elaborate architecture and well-kept gardens. The structure and streamlined silhouette of the Klein Yana Short Dress create a modern alternative for an outdoor wedding celebration. Dresses of all lengths and styles are an easy go-to option when it comes to wedding attire.
Flirty details like a bustier neckline and tie parallel straps keep the look fresh, while adding accessories can instantly make the look more formal. Layer on a sparkly black jacket or faux fur coat and matching pumps for additional luxurious appeal. Or add an intricate headpiece and statement jewelry to add texture and color to the outfit. It’s easy to stylish on the wedding circuit when you’re ready to switch things up.
Get the most out of your resort dresses by repurposing it for your next outdoor wedding outfit ideas. When you build an outfit around such timeless pieces, there are many ways to change the look and make it fit for where you are. Remember to take into account the location, climate, and dress code of the occasion. Then, have fun being creative with putting together different options. With the right accessories and comfortable dress shoes, it’s easy to coordinate multiple looks with only a few key pieces. Whether you’re figuring out a wedding outfit or what to wear on a girl’s night out, these timeless pieces will always serve you well.
