What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding as a Guest

There’s something inherently magical about an outdoor wedding. Regardless of whether your loved ones decide to tie the knot in the fall, spring, or somewhere in between these two seasons, feeling a soft breeze ripple through as you watch the happy couple say “I do” can make for a breathtaking moment. Depending on the month in which the nuptials take place, the newlyweds may choose to continue the outdoor celebration with their reception. They may construct an open-air tent for the occasion—or opt to transform a beachfront venue into an unforgettable dance floor. However, even though you may be eagerly anticipating the outdoor festivities, you may also be confused about the dress code. Unlike indoor affairs, at an alfresco celebration, you’ll need to account for the weather when planning your attire. Yet even though you’ll need to think about how the temperature, sun, and wind factor into your look, you’ll also want to remain appropriate.

Luckily, there’s some key guidance to go off of when deciding what to done. “The venue will give you an idea of how formal the event may be,” says Grace Thomas, the founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully. “The location really does set the tone for the attire. Generally, a wedding on the beach would be more casual than a wedding set in a vineyard or at an outdoor resort.” Beyond the setting, you’ll also want to consider the area surrounding the ceremony and reception site. “Will you be walking on sand or grass?,” she asks. “[If so,] a flat shoe or block heel will be your best option. For a warmer day, you’ll want to wear materials that are breathable like linen or cotton. If you’re in a chiller climate, adding a suit jacket for men or a shawl for women will help you stay warm throughout the night.”

Below, Thomas breaks down how to figure out what to wear for any outdoor wedding, regardless of the season.

What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding in the Fall

When it comes to a fall celebration, lean on the hues associated with the season. “A palette of gold, orange, rust, or sapphire are beautiful colors to wear during this season,” Thomas says. “If you’re attending a wedding in early fall, a dusty blue is another great color to choose from.” And while you may be warm during the day, expect the temperature to drop a bit when the sun sets. “Look for a dress with sleeves, a lightweight suit, or a pashmina or blazer to wear over your dress,” Thomas suggests.

For men, Thomas recommends looking to warmer dark tones when selecting a suit, such as navy, brown, and charcoal. “Since it tends to be milder in the fall, you likely won’t need a heavy coat, so you can make a statement with your suit jacket,” she says. “Look for fabrics like cotton or wool-linen blends, which will provide a little warmth.”

What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding in the Winter

While it’s unlikely you’ll be watching your loved ones tie the knot in the middle of a snowstorm, some couples still opt to have their winter weddings outside. When it comes to such an affair, layering and picking an ensemble made with warm materials is key. Instead of selecting a pastel hue, consider a seasonally-appropriate jewel tone. “Think about the outfit in pieces: a jacket will be a key item to your outfit, so something a bit more formal will be best, such as a long wool or peacoat,” Thomas says. You may even consider matching your coat to the rest of your outfit.

Men should also consider warmer fabrics, like a wool-blend suit. “Tweed is a great fabric for a winter season wedding, as it’ll look the part and keep you warm,” Thomas says. “If you’re in a really cold climate, make sure to accessorize with a scarf and gloves, which is where you can add a little print or color to make your outfit pop.”

What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding in the Spring

As the weather starts to warm, your outfit will as well. For a springtime celebration, play with lighter and brighter hues. “Your color palette expands this season into florals and brighter and bolder colors,” Thomas says. “Think romantic pinks and reds. Light blue is another beautiful color to incorporate into your dress this season. Pastels will always be a great choice for any spring wedding.” Depending on the dress code, men can also consider light blue suits, rather than an all-black look, Thomas says.

What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding in the Summer

When attending a summer celebration, expect to be hot—and potentially a little sweaty. Opt for a strapless or sleeveless dress that’s made of a light fabric, such as linen, chiffon, or lace. Men may consider selecting a linen suit. “Opt for bright colors such as blues, pinks, and yellows, or patterns that incorporate these colors,” Thomas says. “Colors like light blue and beiges are great options for jackets, pants, and suits this season.”