Dress for an outdoor wedding – how to create a fashionable look?

Every bride dreams of a fairy-tale wedding reception, but not all choose to host it in an elegant banquet hall. Outdoor weddings are becoming an increasingly popular trend, characterized by their charming ambiance and incredibly romantic atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression. If you've received an invitation to a ceremony under the open sky, you're probably wondering which dress would best suit the occasion. Which style should you choose? Find out below!

How to dress for an outdoor wedding - a few words about the dress code

Outdoor weddings and receptions were once considered a novelty in Poland, a trend borrowed from overseas or Western Europe. Nowadays, however, they no longer spark controversy. In fact, more and more couples opt for hosting their celebrations in a more relaxed style.

Does this mean your outfit should completely differ from what we've grown accustomed to at traditional Polish weddings? The laid-back atmosphere of an outdoor wedding doesn't mean you should abandon the idea of wearing an elegant ensemble. However, you have much more freedom to experiment—allowing for controlled creativity.

Keep in mind a few unwritten yet essential rules when choosing your dress for an outdoor wedding. First and foremost—avoid white dresses. White is reserved for the star of the evening—the bride. Similarly, steer clear of shades like ivory or cream, as they can closely resemble white in daylight.

Is a black dress on the “blacklist” for weddings? Both yes and no. While it might be a perfect choice for a traditional wedding if paired with the right accessories, it could feel too heavy and out of place for an outdoor ceremony.

Also, avoid overly provocative cuts and lengths. You don't need to completely shun deep necklines or cutouts at the waist, but aim for designs that align with good taste.

Additionally, pay close attention to the details in your invitation or ask directly about any specific guidelines. The couple might have set a particular dress code—for example, a boho, Hawaiian, or English-style theme. In such cases, it's best to choose an outfit that aligns with the chosen motif. This shows respect for their preferences, even if it's not entirely your style.

Choosing the right dress for an outdoor wedding - location matters

An outdoor wedding is quite a broad term. Will the event take place under a tent near an elegant restaurant or medieval manor? Or is the couple hosting a modest gathering in their backyard or on the beach?

If it's the first option, pay special attention to the cut and length of your dress. Even though it's an outdoor wedding, dressing elegantly is still in good taste. A maxi dress with an empire waistline could be an excellent choice—making you look like a goddess while fitting perfectly with the event's character.

A backyard garden wedding follows slightly different rules. Here, you can opt for a more casual style. However, this doesn't mean showing up in something like a knitted mini dress. A boho-style outfit would be ideal—a flowing dress that highlights the romantic nature of the event while adding subtle elegance. This is perfect if you prefer lighter outfits that don't resemble Snow White's gown.

And what about dressing for a beach wedding? While Polish weather may not always cooperate, abroad it’s certainly feasible. When selecting your ideal wedding attire, consider potential heat as well as the ceremony’s vibe and comfort of movement. Avoid overly tight-fitting designs that make walking on sand difficult. Instead, go for flared cocktail dresses in an A-line shape or asymmetrical maxi dresses with one shoulder—channeling your inner Aphrodite.

Dressing for garden weddings - material matters

Your outdoor wedding dress should reflect the nature of the event through its design. Pay attention to the fabric used as well. Opt for lightweight materials that complement the ethereal atmosphere of such occasions while ensuring maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

A great choice would be dresses combining natural fabrics like cotton or viscose with synthetic fibers like elastane. This blend ensures your outfit is incredibly comfortable while maintaining its subtlety and delicacy.

Outdoor wedding dresses - what length?

Looking for a dress for an outdoor wedding but unsure about the length? You have complete freedom here! For more intimate celebrations with a relaxed vibe, a mini dress could be a great option—just ensure it doesn’t reveal too much skin. Pair it with unique accessories like a long trench coat for cooler evenings or flat lace-up sandals.

A midi dress is another fantastic choice—it’s both trendy and versatile, loved by younger women and mature ladies alike. This length offers elegance combined with casual flair.

Maxi dresses are perfect for garden or beach weddings! However, avoid overly tight styles that might hinder movement on grass or sand. Opt instead for gently flared designs or those with high slits—guaranteeing both comfort and elegance.

What color should your outdoor wedding dress be?

Outdoor weddings often evoke thoughts of highly romantic ceremonies dominated by light colors and floral motifs. You can follow this theme when planning your outfit for such special occasions by choosing pastel shades that have been fashionable for years—powder pink, light purple, canary yellow, pistachio green, or sky blue are just some suggestions.

Prefer bolder tones? Emerald green, fuchsia, or cobalt blue are almost always acceptable choices—but be cautious with black as it might appear too somber amidst floral decorations and soft hues.

Boho-style dresses: floral prints or ruffles? Check out Lou’s collection!

A boho-style dress is undoubtedly perfect for outdoor celebrations! Flowing fabrics paired with ethnic patterns or feather accents create stunning ensembles that exude elegance.

If classic styles appeal to you more—floral prints are timeless options! Choose between large patterns or delicate ones; either way will ensure you look tasteful and classy.

And what about ruffles? They’re ideal if you love showcasing femininity with a playful touch!