Deborah Chan
Deciding what to wear to a barn wedding can be tricky. While a barn wedding errs on the more casual side, it's not typically casual enough to warrant jeans. So, what should you wear?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress Style | Midi, modern, flowy, floral, boho-chic, embroidered, A-line silhouette, spaghetti straps, bare shoulders, light cardigan, shawl, short sleeves, mid-calf length, flowing materials, bold print, smocked, mini |
| Dress Fabric | Soft floral print chiffon, soft linen, velvet, lace, earthy colours, pastel, lightweight linen |
| Footwear | Heels, wedges, block heels, flats, sandals, cowboy boots, loafers |
| Accessories | Sparkling jewellery, colourful bow ties, suspenders, fun socks, flower hair garlands, bows, ribbons |
| Suit | Blazer, chinos, slacks, button-down shirt, vest, dress pants, lightweight linen suit, white collared shirt, brown shoes |
| Season | Lighter fabrics for spring/summer, richer tones and layered looks for fall/autumn |
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What You'll Learn
Barn wedding attire for men
Barn weddings can vary in terms of dress code, from casual to black-tie, so it's important to check the invitation for any hints or specific instructions. If there's no indication on the invitation, consider the season and venue, and take your style cues from there.
For a casual barn wedding, men can opt for a short-sleeved shirt in a pastel colour or fun print, paired with chinos and smart loafers. If the wedding is in the evening, you could still get away with this more casual look, especially as most of the formal photography will have taken place.
If you want to lean into the rustic theme, choose vests or blazers, and swap out traditional suit trousers for khakis. You could also add some fun accessories like suspenders, colourful socks, and a bow tie. A lightweight linen suit in a pale beige colour is another option, especially if you want to strike a more formal note. For footwear, suede boots or brown shoes will complement the rustic setting.
If the dress code is black tie, a full tuxedo is appropriate. However, a suit and tie will usually suffice for a barn wedding, especially if it's during the day.
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Barn wedding attire for women
Barn weddings can vary in terms of dress code, so it's important to check the invitation for any hints about the formality of the event. Some barn weddings are black-tie, while others are more casual, so it's essential to dress appropriately for the level of formality.
If the barn wedding you're attending is formal, opt for a cocktail dress or a floor-length gown. You can add a bit of fun to your outfit with some sparkly jewellery or a pair of cowboy boots. If the wedding is in the summer, choose breathable fabrics and lighter colours. For a fall barn wedding, richer tones and layered looks are a good choice.
If the wedding is more on the casual side, a shorter dress is a good option. A midi dress with a floral print or a modern, flowy number is a great way to look elegant while staying comfortable. You can also opt for a dressy jumpsuit or a nice pair of black pants or a skirt with a dressy top. Just remember to leave your stilettos at home and opt for wedges, block heels, or flat sandals instead.
If you're still unsure about what to wear, you can't go wrong with a classic midi dress. Its streamlined silhouette can easily be dressed up or down depending on the vibe of the occasion. Add some eye-catching accessories, and you're good to go!
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Barn wedding attire for the mother of the bride
Barn weddings can vary in terms of dress code, from casual to black-tie optional. It's important to consider the dress code on the invitation, as well as the wedding theme. Some barn weddings are posh and elegant, while others are more boho with a rustic-chic feel, or even full-on country western.
For the mother of the bride, it's essential to prioritise comfort without compromising on style. Flowing silhouettes, soft fabrics, delicate details, and earthy tones create a look that's both sophisticated and seamlessly integrated into the pastoral ambiance of the occasion. Tea-length or midi dresses are popular choices, offering a balance between formal and casual. Asymmetrical or hi-low hemlines on longer gowns also work well, providing a modern twist and ease of movement on uneven terrain.
When selecting a colour palette, earthy tones like sage green, dusty rose, or soft taupe complement the rustic atmosphere. These subdued hues add warmth and depth to your outfit while reflecting the rustic charm of the occasion.
Necklines are also important to consider. Versatile necklines such as V-neck, scoop, or sweetheart flatter a range of body types and allow for easy accessorising. Choose a neckline that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
In terms of footwear, consider the venue and whether you'll be walking on grassy or uneven areas. Wedges or block heels are a better option than stilettos, which may sink into the grass or mud.
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Barn wedding attire for different seasons
Barn weddings are more casual than weddings in other venues, so it's best to leave your black-tie attire at home. Floor-length gowns are likely not the best choice for a barn wedding, as they may not be practical for the rugged, outdoor setting. Instead, opt for a shorter mini or midi-length dress with a low block heel. You'll want to wear shoes with a sturdy base, as you may find yourself walking on grass.
For a spring barn wedding, you may want to wear a midi dress with a floral print. Classic florals and dusty solids complement a fall barn wedding. If it's a summer wedding, you may want to avoid long-sleeve dresses. A fall barn wedding might lend itself to a long-sleeve look. For a winter barn wedding, you could wear a slip dress, which can be dressed down for a barn wedding.
You can also accessorize your look with a fun pair of boots or a hat, which might look out of place at a more formal wedding venue. You can also add a unique bag, belt, or shoes to embrace the vibe of the venue.
If you're looking for a place to buy a barn wedding outfit, you might try Abercrombie & Fitch, Anthropologie, or Arula.
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Barn wedding attire for different dress codes
When it comes to barn weddings, it's important to remember that not all are the same. Some couples may opt for a posh and elegant theme, while others go for a boho-chic rustic vibe, and some might even go for a full-on country-western theme. The key rule in choosing an outfit is to follow the dress code on the invitation. If there is no specified dress code, here are some general guidelines for different levels of formality.
Casual
Barn weddings are generally more on the casual side, but that doesn't mean you should show up in jeans. A good option for men is a button-down shirt with chinos or slacks and loafers. You can also try a blazer with dress pants and a button-down shirt, or a vest and pant combo if it's warmer. For women, a midi dress with a floral print is a great option. You can also opt for a soft floral print chiffon gown, which can be dressed down with flat sandals. If you want to lean into the rustic aesthetic, consider neutrals, earthy hues, and textured fabrics.
Semi-formal
Semi-formal or dressy casual clothing is often the best choice for barn weddings. For men, a blazer, dress pants, and a button-down shirt are a good option. You can also add some eye-catching accessories like a colourful bow tie or suspenders. For women, a midi dress with heels or wedges is a safe choice. If you want to go for a longer dress, the Dessy Group's Lovely LB001 slip dress is a great option, which can be dressed up with heels and sparkling jewellery.
Formal
If the barn wedding is a formal affair, men should wear suits with a jacket and tie. For women, a cocktail dress or a floor-length gown would be appropriate. If you want to lean into the country-western theme, you can add some sparkly cowboy boots or a hat.
Black-tie
While barn weddings are usually not black-tie events, some couples may request this dress code. In this case, men should wear tuxedos, and women should wear floor-length gowns.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of dress you wear to a barn wedding should depend on the season, venue, and dress code. Typically, barn weddings are semi-formal or dressy-casual, so a midi dress with a floral print could be a good choice.
Barn weddings are usually more casual than traditional weddings, but it's important to remember that they are not usually casual enough for jeans. If the wedding is more laidback, men can wear a blazer with chinos or dress pants and a button-down shirt. Women can wear a dressy jumpsuit or a midi dress.
Barn weddings often involve walking on grass or uneven surfaces, so it's best to avoid stilettos. Instead, opt for block heels, wedges, or flat sandals.
You should avoid ultra-formal attire such as floor-length gowns or tuxedos, unless explicitly stated on the invitation. You should also avoid overly casual looks like jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers.
Abercrombie & Fitch, Anthropologie, Arula, and Banana Republic all offer barn wedding-ready attire for men and women.
