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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Mobile | Gabbie Messer
If you’ve recently received a wedding invitation that says to wear garden attire, you might be wondering …
What exactly does that mean?
The first thing to know is that the garden attire wedding dress code doesn’t necessarily mean the wedding will be in a garden. It could be indoors, it could be outdoors, or it could be in an indoor/outdoor space with a garden party feel.
And, like all dress codes, it comes with its share of do’s and don’ts.
From appropriate colors and silhouettes to footwear and accessories, here’s what to wear when an invitation calls for the garden attire wedding dress code:
Our Favorite Garden Attire Wedding Guest Dresses
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Shelby Darling
Tailored or flowing, printed or solid, long or midi length... No matter what colors and silhouettes you prefer, it’s easy to find a garden attire wedding guest dress that suits your style!
Jenny Yoo Regina Dress
Jenny Yoo Regina Dress in Powder Pink
Available in various neutral, pastel, and bright colors, the Jenny Yoo Regina Dress is garden attire perfection. This midi dress is crafted in luxe-faille fabric. It features a full skirt, detachable puffed sleeves, and a flattering pleated bodice with a straight neckline.
Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown
Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown
With an all-over floral print, the Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown is a gorgeous choice for any warm-weather garden attire wedding. This full-length dress features a sleeveless bodice, an A-line skirt, and a high self-tie neckline.
Mac Duggal 68108 Dress
Mac Duggal 68108 Dress in White Multi
The Mac Duggal 68108 Dress is lightweight and flowing in soft chiffon with a vibrant all-over floral print. A tiered skirt trimmed with ruffles, a high halter neckline, and an open back make it perfect for any spring or summer wedding.
LulaKate Selena Dress
LulaKate Selena Dress in Yellow Jasmine
Ruffled short sleeves and a ruched bodice with grosgrain ribbon ties lend ultra-feminine charm to the LulaKate Selena Dress. This full-length gown is detailed with a flattering V-neckline, pockets, and soft ruffled tiers. We adore its pale shade of yellow with a subtle all-over print.
Smith & Quinn Isabella Dress
Smith & Quinn Isabella Dress
The Smith & Quinn Isabella Dress is easy and breezy in a tiered A-line silhouette with a square neckline and flutter sleeves. This floral dress includes a self-fabric sash to tie into a pretty bow or drape down the skirt.
Jenny Yoo Amelia Dress
Jenny Yoo Amelia Dress in Peony Garden Blue Multi
The Jenny Yoo Amelia Dress is a stunning choice for an upscale garden attire wedding. It’s beautifully crafted in luxe taffeta fabric with a head-turning peony print. This tea-length dress has a full skirt with functional pockets, a strapless bodice, and a sculpted sweetheart neckline.
LulaKate Ellison Dress
LulaKate Ellison Dress in English Garden Blue
Available in three lovely pastel prints, the LulaKate Ellison Dress exudes romance in a flowing A-line silhouette. The skirt features asymmetrical ruffled tiers and ruffle trim at the waist. The smocked, flounce bodice allows you to wear it on or off the shoulder.
Mac Duggal 56049 Dress
Mag Duggal 56049 Dress in Lilac Multi
With ruffles and pleats that create a rich texture, the Mac Duggal 56049 Dress is simply gorgeous from every angle. This midi dress features a flattering A-line silhouette with a V-neckline, ruffled sleeves, cutout sides, and an open back with crisscrossing lace-up details.
Bella Bridesmaids Exclusive BB140FP Dress
Bella Bridesmaids Exclusive BB140FP Dress in Butterfly Botanica Pink Sand
Our Bella Bridesmaids Exclusive BB140FP Dress is a gorgeous option for a semi-formal garden party wedding. It comes in a stunning satin twill fabric with an all-over floral print. A ruffled hem, a square neckline, and tie spaghetti straps make this midi dress as playful as it is chic.
Find the perfect dress for your next garden wedding shindig! View our collection of wedding guest dress styles.
What Does the Garden Wedding Attire Dress Code Mean?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Erica Dortch
The garden wedding attire dress code usually means the happy couple wants you to wear semi-formal attire to their outdoor wedding. However, garden attire weddings can also take place indoors.
Garden party attire requires a certain level of formality, though more relaxed than traditional, formal attire. The key is to choose a polished look that’s cheerful, comfortable, and appropriate for a natural outdoor setting.
Look for lightweight and breathable fabrics in flowing silhouettes or with whimsical details. Opt for light colors, floral prints, or bright hues to complement the natural setting.
How Should Women Dress for a Garden Party Wedding?
In the right fabrics and colors, you can nail the garden party dress code by showing up in a:
For guest attire, floral patterns are always a stylish choice. But it’s best to choose light, pastel colors and eye-catching brights over black, navy, and other dark neutrals.
When it’s time to choose your footwear, consider the fact that you might have to walk on grass. Opt for shoes that offer stability, like block heels, flats, or wedges, instead of stilettos and skinny heels that will sink into the grass.
Discover our favorite pastel bridesmaids’ dresses for your garden attire wedding in this post.
How Should Men Dress for a Garden Attire Wedding?
Guys — there’s no need to wear a tuxedo or a dark grey or black suit like you would for a more formal wedding.
Instead, choose lighter looks in fabrics like cotton, linen, and seersucker. Opt for softer colors in pastel hues or pale neutrals like light grey, tan, and light blue.
Depending on the venue, you might not need to wear a suit. A blazer with a button-down dress shirt and a pair of chinos or tailored dress pants may be all you need!
Garden attire weddings aren’t stuffy and formal events. So, consider adding a festive floral print tie or colorful pocket square to complete your look.
More Tips for Styling the Perfect Garden Wedding Look
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | Jay Barr
For a garden attire wedding that actually takes place in a garden setting, you’ll likely spend most, if not all, of the celebration outdoors.
Consider the season and location. Choose footwear, sleeve lengths, and fabrics that will make you feel most comfortable for the weather.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect outfit, get creative and add some fun accessories, like a:
As long as you keep it classy, accessorize in a way that showcases your style.
When choosing a wedding guest outfit, always consider the level of formality. Some garden attire weddings can be very laid back, while others may call for a much more formal dress code.
When in doubt, check the couple’s wedding website to understand what their big day is all about!
Every couple has a vision of how they want their wedding day to look. If the wedding invitation calls for garden attire, you can be sure they have a specific vision.
So leave your tuxedos, dark suits, and beaded evening gowns at home. Show up looking light, airy, cheerful, and ready to bring the couple’s wedding day dreams to life!
