Are you attending a backyard wedding and have no idea what to dress in? Look no further! These suggestions will keep you perfectly poised for the occasion and comfortable in any of these backyard wedding guest dresses.
From sundresses for summertime to fall frocks you’ll love to rock at the wedding, we’ve got your backyard wedding guest style covered.
Casual Backyard Wedding Guest Dress Ideas
First, here’s a tip: for country weddings or backyard nuptials, think casual… but it’s still a wedding. So it’s a laid-back style with a little flair thrown into the mix. It’s an exciting and memorable occasion, so you’ll want to wear a dress; however, ditch the long formal gowns, opulent bead-work, and embroidery. Instead, swap out fancy styles for sundresses and maxi skirts in fun, floral prints and colors of the season.
What should women wear to a backyard wedding as a guest?
A dress in a mini, midi, or maxi length is ideal for a wedding guest to wear. You’ll be in a backyard setting or a field, country, or barn-like venue, so dress appropriately for the weather and bring along a sunhat, pair of comfortable boots or shoes, and wear a fabric that isn’t too thick or heavy during the summer and fall months.
What should the bride wear?
A backyard wedding commands a less formal dress code, so the bride can wear an alternative to a traditional dress if she prefers. One suggestion is this beautiful floral embroidered dress, ideal for a backyard celebration! By AWBridal. The bride will feel gorgeous wearing this all day or as her reception dress outdoors.
Choose a casual yet dressy look.
How do you achieve a slightly laid-back but dressed-up look? For the summer, choose a floral print sundress or a midi-length dress with ruffles for a laid-back look. In the fall, go with a long-length maxi dress or a midi-length style that borrows colors of the season.
Wear block heels, sandals, or flats instead of stilettos.
Swap formal footwear for a comfortable backyard-friendly approach. You won’t be able to walk on grass in high heels, as they’ll keep digging into the dirt. Instead, wear a shoe with a flat bottom, even a block heel for sturdiness, a wedge for comfort, or flats for a dance-all-night style that’ll never let you down outdoors.
Carry a fun purse and wear accessories.
Instead of an evening bag, bring along a coordinating purse or bag that looks fun and party-ready — without being too formal. And make sure you wear some funky earrings or minimalist jewelry to add a little formality to your overall look. This will help balance out the tone so you’re not too laid back for the occasion.
Now for the dresses! Here are hand-picked dresses for backyard wedding guests to wear that are perfect for the summer or fall months.
Backyard Wedding Guest Dress Styles
1. Tie-Strap Jacquard Midi Dress, $72
This stylish midi-length dress has fun tie-straps for a laidback wedding style. Get it here.
2. High-Low Floral Print, $79
Dance the night away under the stars in this stylish casual wedding guest dress with a high-low hem and fantastic floral print. Available here.
3. Sunny Yellow Tiered Sleeveless Dress, $82
Bring out the bright sunny yellow shade in this sleeveless dress with stylish tiers. Perfect for wearing as a guest to a backyard wedding. By Lulu’s.
4. Short Sleeve Navy Floral Sundress, $70
This dress was made for summer backyard weddings! It works well for a backyard wedding guest dress in the fall months, too. Get it with short sleeves and a hint of ruffle from here.
5. Floral Embroidered A-Line Mini Dress, $100
Go short in the summer with this laid back wedding guest dress that is casual and cool, yet totally refined for a fun reception. Shop here.
6. Ruffle High-Low Hem Floral Print Midi, $66
This country wedding guest dress is perfect for summer or fall and pairs nicely with boots. Or wear it with your fave block heels to dress it up a bit! I love this floral pattern and yellow color. Strappy neckline makes it laid-back and comfortable, yet fashionable. Buy here.
7. Navy Floral Print Maxi with Cut-Out and Ruffles, $65
If you love a casual backyard wedding guest dress with cut-outs and ruffles, but you want it to be suitable for a reception, look no further than this stylish outfit! I love the floral print and long maxi-length, made for dancing the night away; the cute cut-outs make it fun and laid back. Get it here.
8. Mock Neck Green Floral Midi, $75
With its pretty pattern and green shade, this midi length dress is ideal for backyard wedding guest attire and country weddings, too! The mock neckline is a fun twist. By Lulus.
9. Strappy Floral Print Midi, $79
This navy blue surplice midi is perfect for backyard nuptials. See your favorite couple tie the knot in this midi-length dress with strappy neckline and cute floral pattern. Available here.
10. Black Floral Maxi, $89
Want a simple backyard wedding guest dress that is elegant, too? Look no further than this maxi with a pretty floral print and a long-length skirt. Get it here.
11. Navy Floral Pattern Dress with Tulip Skirt, $69
This is one of my favorite wedding guest dresses for backyard weddings whether in the summer or fall. The pattern is beautiful and the length is fun and flirty, hitting mid-calf for a midi length and finished off with a stylish tulip hem. Available here.
12. Mustard Yellow Ruffle Sleeve Maxi, $96
This is the color of the moment! Love the mustard yellow color, a bit of ruffle on the sleeves, and a long relaxed silhouette by way of maxi skirt. See it here.
13. Emerald Green Midi Wrap Dress, $62
With a cut-out cold sleeve shoulder and a deep v-neckline, this adorable midi wrap dress is the perfect outfit for backyard weddings this fall and summer. Get it here. Other colors available here.
14. Ruffled Maxi Floral Print Dress, $98
I couldn’t love this dress any more than I do! It’s one of the best backyard wedding guest dresses for 2023 and features a little bit of ruffle, a floral print, a maxi length, and tiers. It’s perfect for backyard or country wedding attire for guests. By Lulu’s.
15. Ruched Navy Blue Surplice Midi with Floral Print, $57
Stylish, ruched, and ready for dancing, this surplice midi is a backyard wedding guest dress dream come true. Get it here.
16. Sage Green Puff Sleeve Midi, $59
This casual wedding guest dress is ideal for backyard receptions. Wear it to your next one and it’ll become your new favorite outfit. Get it here.
17. Slate Blue Swiss Dot Midi, $63
Choose a little something blue for the backyard wedding and be the best-dressed guest in Swiss dot with a midi length and adorable shoulder tie straps. By Lulus.
18. Fall Rust-Colored Maxi, $69
And last but not least, this elegant wedding guest dress is suitable for backyard weddings and country-style receptions, due to its fun and flowy skirt, deep v-neckline, and strappy style. The color shown — rust — is a popular choice for fall. Get it here.
And there you have it: perfect options for what to wear to a backyard wedding as a guest! I hope you enjoyed these dresses and found one to wear this season. If you did, let me know in the comments: I’d love to hear which are the best backyard wedding guest dresses, according to our readers! :)
P.S. Planning your backyard wedding? Read 9 Helpful Tips for Planning a Backyard Wedding for suggestions. Also, consider informing wedding guests of the dress code ahead of time! It’s helpful as a guest to know exactly what to expect when choosing what to wear.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
