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Updated Aug 17, 2022Wondering What to Wear to a Barn Wedding? Read This Guide for Guests
These looks are guaranteed to look great on the dance floor.
It's not every day someone gets married in a barn. This rustic wedding venue usually lends itself to a nature-inspired aesthetic. Barn wedding venues are typically set on a large plot of land surrounded by greenery, mountain views or some other breathtaking scenery. At a barn wedding, the landscape takes center stage and is often reflected in everything from the decor to the laidback vibe of the wedding.
As you're picking out your outfit for a barn wedding, consider channeling this rustic and natural aesthetic in your wedding attire. A floor-length gown might not fit in with the more casual wedding vibe, while a midi dress with a floral print could be just right for the dress code. Neutrals, earthy hues and textured fabrics are all wedding guest options that will fit right in at a barn wedding venue. Of course, you'll want to consider the weather before you make any final decisions—if this is a summer wedding, you may not want to opt for a long-sleeve dress. However, a fall wedding might lend itself to that exact look. To help, we've rounded up some of our favorite barn wedding guest dresses and looks below.
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Things to Consider
1. Think about function in addition to style.
A barn wedding is likely going to have natural elements mixed into the decor and part of the wedding might even be outside on the grass, so you'll want to think about that when you're choosing an outfit. "When dressing for an outdoor barn wedding, function is as important as style," says Sarah Horton, brand director at Show Me Your Mumu. "Rustic settings often allow guests to embrace a casual elegance with shorter hemlines, and less heavy textured looks like beading."
2. Add some personality to your look.
Since the wedding reception is taking place in a more casual setting (compared to a country club or hotel), use this as an opportunity to lean into the aesthetic of the day. "Dressing for a barn wedding gives you more freedom to throw on a fun pair of boots or hat, where that might look out of place at a country club," says Lilly Sisto, press and partnerships manager at LoveShackFancy. Jazz up your outfit with a unique bag, belt or shoes to embrace the vibe of the venue.
3. Leave the ball gown at home.
Since a barn wedding errs on the more casual side (though not typically casual enough to warrant jeans), you'll want to leave your black tie attire at home. "Ditch floor-length gowns for shorter mini or midi length dress with a low block heel," Horton advises. Shoes with a sturdy base are the way to go, since it's likely there will be an outdoor aspect to the wedding and you don't want to have a difficult time walking on the grass.
Attire Ideas
If you're still wondering what to wear to your next barn wedding, we asked a few fashion experts at some of our favorite brands to give suggestions for barn wedding attire. "Classic florals and dusty solids perfectly complement a fall barn wedding," Horton recommends. "Light, flowy, casual elegance is key—at a barn wedding you want to look feminine and chic while still feeling comfortable taking a stroll through the fields during cocktail hour." Another recommendation is to take a closet staple and accessorize it accordingly. "I always love a slip dress," Sisto suggests. "You can dress it down for a barn wedding."
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Going bold with patterns is always a risky wedding guest attire move, but since a barn wedding typically doesn't call for formal attire, this could be your opportunity. This long dress features an eccentric and colorful print, and boasts a demure slit, adding a hint of sexy to a covered-up look.
When you're considering colors for your barn wedding guest dress, you want to focus on natural, earthy tones. This brown midi dress is taken up a notch with romantic details, like a floral print and tie straps.
It's all about the earthy tones when it comes to rustic weddings, so lean into the natural vibe and opt for a cotton stretch olive suit. This look is made from a cotton-spandex blend for a more relaxed and flexible fit.
From the flowy silhouette and ruffle sleeves to the unique patchwork details, this maxi dress is perfect for twisting and twirling on the barn dance floor.
This lightweight jacket works for both a summer wedding and a fall wedding. Plus, the tan hue evokes a more semi-formal, rustic vibe.
This long-sleeve chiffon mini dress is an easy-breezy outfit choice that can easily be matched with a pair of cowboy boots or a cowboy hat if you're looking to lean into the country wedding vibe.
An off-the-shoulder maxi dress is always a safe bet when it comes to guest wedding attire. The puff sleeves, pale yellow fabric and ruffle detail along the neckline make this a one-of-a-kind look.
Make a statement in this bold brown, copper and tan striped jumpsuit. The pleated wide legs and flowy silhouette are perfect for dancing the night away under the hand-hewn beams of a barn.
A wool coat is a great move for a fall wedding, especially when it comes in a cool plaid pattern like this Ted Baker London style. Try pairing it with a bow tie for a charming retro look.
The floral crocheted lace is the perfect complement to the sky blue hue of this maxi dress. Ideal for an outdoor wedding, pair this pretty piece with a statement belt and a pair of cowgirl boots to go full country in your wedding guest attire.
