Country Wedding Outfits for Guests: A Dress Code Breakdown

In recent years, we've seen a sharp rise in domestic destination weddings, with Colorado, Montana and other mountainous locales—excuse the pun—peaking. This has sparked a rise in country wedding attire, too, with more casual dress codes, Western-themed welcome parties and cowboy-coded details taking over.

"[Today] lots of couples are calling for country chic attire for rehearsal dinners and weddings no matter the venue," says Payton Ellis, the owner and lead consultant of Promise Event Planners in Colorado. "Many couples want to lean into the cowboy culture of Colorado and are having so much fun with it!"

But country weddings are far more than a passing trend. Across large parts of the country, they're the norm. A country wedding might take place outdoors on a private ranch in Arizona, in a restored barn in the Midwest or the foothills of the Appalachians. Each locale—and each individual wedding—calls for a unique version of the country wedding dress code. If you're wondering what to wear to a wedding with a country vibe, you need to be aware of the intricacies of each. Here, we break them down, pinpointing where to shop and what to look for.

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In this article: What Is Country Wedding Attire? | Country Wedding Dress Codes | Country Wedding Attire for Guys | Country Wedding Outfits for Women

What Is Country Wedding Attire?

The phrase "country wedding attire" can mean a variety of things, and, more likely than not, everyone you ask will have a different definition. (Most dress codes these days spark similar debates.) But here's a quick rule of thumb: Country wedding attire is what you might expect to wear to an outdoor celebration or a more rustic affair. Country wedding outfits might be worn for barn weddings, mountain weddings, farmhouse weddings or any wedding event with a Western theme. They're slightly more casual than your average wedding attire but still dressy casual—think sundresses rather than floor-length gowns. That said, country wedding outfits for guests have a range, and the invitation will usually dictate formality; see below for breakdowns on more specific country wedding dress codes.

Country Wedding Outfits for Guests

Country wedding attire for guests can be interpreted in any number of ways, from theme-y to black-tie (see some of the top dress code breakdowns below). But, even with more formal dress codes, the overarching concept of wedding attire for country weddings does lean more casual: Think ankle-length instead of floor-sweeping dresses, ruffles and tiers instead of plunging satin styles, and blue and neutral-toned suiting over black.

Country Wedding Groom and Groomsmen Attire

Country wedding groomsmen attire is typically still suiting, but you might expect to see lighter hues like tan and light gray over dark navy and black. Often, the accessorizing is what makes these looks. "Bolo ties have been trending with a lot of my grooms and groomsmen as of late," Ellis says. "And there's just something about a man in a suit and a cowboy hat!"

Country Bridesmaid Dresses

"On bridesmaids, I would expect to see ruffles, floral prints and maybe cowboy boots," Ellis says. "There are a lot of ways to play with accessories, like wrapping the girls' bouquets in vintage hankies or adding hats." Dresses might come from traditional bridesmaid dress brands (think tiered ruffle gowns or floaty chiffon styles) but can also be sourced from non-wedding brands like Free People, Anthropologie and Revolve. This sort of country-style wedding attire can also apply to female guests (see more below).

Wedding Dresses for a Country Wedding

When it comes to country wedding dresses, the bride will likely be leaning more bohemian—a country wedding is not usually the place for a taffeta ballgown (though it can certainly work with the right accessories!). You might expect to see her in a slinky white slip dress and lace veil or a billowing long-sleeve gown. Playing off the organic elements of nature, she'll likely avoid things that are overly structured or architectural.

Country Wedding Dress Codes to Know

Though the category generally leans more casual, there are subsets within country wedding apparel, and guests should still expect to follow a wedding dress code. Here are a few of the most common ones you might see denoted on invitations.

Country Chic Wedding Attire

This specific modifier implies a theme—an upscale take on it, but a theme nonetheless. It allows guests to express their creativity and lean a little more obviously Western. Country chic wedding attire for guests might include dresses with fringe or ruffles, handkerchief-inspired detailing, floral prints (on dresses for ladies or button-down shirts for guys) and colors that reflect nature. Play up your accessories to lean into this look. Opt for silver or turquoise jewelry, hats and cowboy boots (just make sure they look nice—leave your muddied pair at home).

Country Casual Wedding Attire

For country casual wedding guest attire, pull up your bootstraps. Men can wear jeans (opt for dark washes), and women can definitely wear pants—but remember, how you dress is a sign of respect toward the couple. Ladies, try a chic jumpsuit or pantsuit (pair a bolo with your blazer); guys, tuck in your shirts. Even with casual wedding attire, there are rules. "Definite no-nos would be a light-wash jean or distressed denim," Ellis says. "For the ladies, I would say no flip-flops." When in doubt, go dressier. "I don't think it's possible to really overdress, no matter what the attire calls for," Ellis adds.

Country Western Wedding Attire

The most literal interpretation of a country dress code is that Western wedding attire is no holds barred, and you're more likely to see it for a rehearsal dinner or welcome party than the main event, as it steers more costumey than the other dress codes. Country Western wedding guest attire can definitely include cowboy hats and boots; if you don't want to go all in, consider pairing Western wedding guest dresses with subtle nods to the theme through accessories: bolo necklaces, turquoise jewelry and more.

More Country Wedding Dress Codes

• Country formal wedding attire: Even if they host a country wedding, some couples still opt for formal dress codes. "Typically, outdoor weddings are more casual, but there is something about a tux and gown in the middle of a field," Ellis says. Formal wedding attire at country weddings might include ankle-length dresses (be aware of anything that might drag in the dirt) and suits for guys; look for lighter neutral hues and blue over black. Country wedding guest attire such as this can call for heels—just be sure you know what surface you'll be walking on and choose wedges over stilettos.
• Country cocktail wedding attire: Even aside from country weddings, cocktail wedding attire allows for shorter dresses (not too short, though!) and open collars, but the overall look should still feel elevated. For country weddings, very dark wash denim is acceptable for men if paired with a blazer and button-down; dresses or jumpsuits work equally well for ladies.
• Country semi-formal wedding attire: You may see this modifier to make things clearer, but Ellis notes that couples use it interchangeably with country chic. Semi-formal wedding attire could include tiered dresses, floral prints, puff sleeves or ruffles, and should be dressed up with footwear and accessories that elevate the look. Guys should wear a blazer, but it can be open and worn without a tie.

Country Wedding Attire for Guys

Men's country wedding attire has quite a wide range, from dark wash denim and cowboy boots to full tuxedos accessorized accordingly. It's particularly important to refer to the dress code for guys—whereas a midi-dress for females might be appropriate in a number of settings, leaning too casual for guys could be a faux pas.

Where to Buy Men's Country Wedding Attire

First, get to know the dress code. Then, know where to shop. These four retailers are solid starting points for guys' country wedding attire.

Bonobos: The menswear brand does suiting and blazers as well as it does casual jackets, sweater polos and linen pants. Plus, it offers a wide variety of colors—think chinos in natural hues like fern green or ginger rose paired with organic floral shirts.

Nordstrom: Department stores are a great option for wedding attire of any dress code, and for easy shopping no matter where you're located. We especially love Nordstrom for menswear—it carries everything from Carhart to Canali.

Huckberry: Though the brand is best known for its workwear and basics, this men's clothier also offers blazers and suiting pieces that pair well with denim and more casual wedding attire (check out the styling of this stretch wool jacket!).

Wrangler: In the cases where jeans are acceptable (check the dress code!), nobody does it better than Wrangler: The brand has rodeo roots and its jeans are staples out West. There are a host of sophisticated dark washes and even black jeans on offer.

A Lightweight Sage Suit

Photo: Banana Republic Factory

Suits can lean a little more casual when it comes to country wedding male attire. Look for options made from linen blends or in unique colors; nature-inspired sage is always a win for the outdoors.

A Snap-Up Shirt

Photo: Wrangler

Forget button-downs—opt for a snap-up with your country wedding men's outfit. Wrangler makes a handful that are best suited for dress codes denoting country Western wedding attire. With on-theme embroidery on the chest and shoulders, keep the rest of your look more formal.

An Onyx Bolo Tie

Photo: YippoAccessories

Especially for men, a simple accessory can change up the more standard wedding look. Pair a formal suit or even a tuxedo with a bolo tie to make your look a perfect fit for formal or semi-formal country wedding attire dress codes. This one is sophisticated in classic onyx and black leather.

A Polo Sweater

Photo: SuitSupply

When it comes to country casual, no one says long sleeves are a must—but your look should still feel elevated. Opt for a cotton or silk blend in black, army green or cream, and pair it with pleated pants and loafers (socks optional) or boots.

Cowboy Boots

Photo: Boot Barn

Because no men's country wedding attire list would be complete without a pair of boots, here's our top pick. These vintage-style boots are an instant classic and, for country Western weddings, can be paired with ultra-dark denim. If the dress code says country formal or semi-formal, finish your suiting look with boots instead of oxfords.

A Suede Sport Coat

Photo: Nordstrom

Often, a sport coat, instead of a full suit, will work for country wedding dress codes. Look for one in tan or brown, and play with fabric, such as the suede in this notch lapel version by Michael Kors.

A Floral Button Down

Photo: Charles Tyrwhitt

Embrace the outdoors with a floral shirt—and depending on the dress code, you can even leave the tie and coat at home for many country weddings. Look for hues that match the destination: autumn colors for fall, and greens and grays for mountain weddings. A slim fit elevates and modernizes the look.

A Tuxedo

Photo: Bonobos

Even as country weddings become more popular, it doesn't mean formal and black tie goes away—and "there is something about a tux and gown in the middle of a field!" Ellis says. Style yours with a bolo tie (see above) or incorporate a handkerchief to give it that country edge; you can also wear the jacket open and skip the cummerbund.

Cowboy Hat

Photo: Tecovas

A hat can take any outfit into country wedding territory and is usually acceptable and even welcome (check the dress code) as long as it's structured, clean and sophisticated. Tecovas is a standout for elevated options, like this shantung straw version with a creased crown.

Super Dark Denim

Photo: Wrangler

If you're going the Wrangler route, opt for dark washes, like these slim-fit jeans in dark stone. Then, dress up the rest of your look: Pair these with a sport coat in camel or tan and a tie, or a slim-fit button-down.

Country Wedding Outfits for Women

Ladies' country wedding attire offers a little more leeway than men's in that many styles can transition between dress codes. For country semi-formal wedding attire, look for midi- or maxi-length dresses with tiers, ruffles, texture and floral or organic prints.

Where to Buy Country Wedding Outfits for Women

Women have endless options when it comes to shopping for wedding guest dresses. Here are some of our favorites for country wedding guest attire in particular, known for their boho vibes and solid quality.

Free People: Though the brand now has everyday clothing and even fitness apparel, its bread and butter is dresses with a bohemian flair, like this ombre maxi. We also love the retailer for wedding-ready accessories.

Rent the Runway: Our top tip for finding attire you don't think you'll wear more than once? Rent it. While most country wedding attire for female guests is rewearable for other weddings and events, with rentals, you can lean into the theme a little more without unnecessarily breaking the bank.

Altar'd State & Arula: Based in the foothills of Tennessee's Smokey Mountains, Altar'd State and its plus sister brand Arula offer attire that seems made for country weddings. Shop maxi dresses, chic boots, hats and more with inclusive sizing.

Lulus: The brand's dedicated wedding shop breaks attire down by category: wedding guest, bridesmaid, bachelorette and more. In the guest category, floral prints, tiered ruffles and floaty fabrics abound—all of which fit perfectly into country wedding dress codes.

A Ruffled Midi

Photo: Bloomingdale's

This AQUA dress comes in a range of hues, but we love it in deep chocolate brown to wear to an outdoor wedding. Pair it with a light camel cowboy hat and ankle-height booties to complete the country look.

A Textured Maxi in a Natural Hue

Photo: Lulus

This style rides the line between casual and country formal wedding attire; it all comes down to how you style it. Pair with wedges and silver or gold jewelry for a more formal look; to dress it down, throw on a pair of cowboy boots—the high slit will show them off.

An Ankle-Length Drop Waist

Photo: Free People

This Hutch dress is on-trend with a drop waist and can be styled in so many ways. We love it with flats for grassy weddings, and the length is perfect, as you don't want gowns that might drag through the dirt.

A Pair of Boots

Photo: Altar'd State

Cowboy boots pair well with country wedding guest dresses, especially for cocktail attire dress codes (shorter hemlines better showcase the shoes!). Opt for a fresh pair in a color like this pretty petal pink that dresses up the concept. The best part? They're as practical for outdoor events as they are chic.

A Tiered Sage Style

Photo: ASTR The Label

Sage is a stellar color for country weddings, pulling in a pretty hue from nature and beautifully complementing a wide variety of skin tones. This ASTR The Label dress—which also comes in lilac, another pretty outdoor shade—would look great with a gossamer neck scarf.

A Floral Corset Dress

Photo: Azazie

Midis are more than acceptable at country weddings (and they look great with boots); and corsets, in addition to being on-trend, have their own old-west feel. This floral frock combines all of the above, and at a reasonable price point, to boot.

Silver Accessories

Photo: 12th Tribe

Country wedding attire often comes down to the styling. Look for chunky silver necklaces like this one from 12th Tribe—a label out of California known for serving up festival fashion—turquoise stones or hammered metal finishes.

A Black Jumpsuit

Photo: Revolve

There is nothing quite as versatile as a black jumpsuit—it works for country weddings, ballroom weddings and beyond. (And, being that you'll be able to wear it in so many ways, it's worth a bit of a splurge.) This one has a fun sleeve detail and a fantastic fit; pair it with a chunky Western belt or turquoise drop earrings.

A Patchwork Maxi

Photo: Arula

Patchwork prints are a chic nod to handkerchiefs and make for a great country wedding guest outfit. This one is extra feminine in pink with mismatched floral prints and pairs as well with cowboy boots as it does with heels or wedges.

A Wool Cowboy Hat

Photo: Aritzia

A cowboy hat finishes any country cocktail wedding attire look, and this one in wool with leather trim is especially nice for fall weddings. It comes in several chic shades, including black, which could even be worn with more formal attire.