If you’re attending an event this summer, finding the perfect dress for a wedding or bridal shower is important. Garden weddings (and bridal showers) are bursting in popularity in recent years. The setting is romantic, the colors are awe-inspiring, and the attire is so beautiful! Garden party dresses are having their moment in the sun because of their unique versatility. They work well for many different themes, settings, and they look so pretty! The tiers, the ruffles, the floral patterns – we’re here for the beauty and charm of it all. In this blog post, we’ll show you stylish garden party dresses for weddings this summer and help you find the perfect wedding attire to wear. I’ll also show you the top shoes and accessories to wear. Let’s go!
Understanding the Dress Code: Garden Parties vs Formal Weddings
A garden party dress code is different than a formal wedding. For instance, a formal dress is one that is floor-length and typically falls under the style of “formal” or “semi-formal” dress code. A garden party dress, on the other hand, is more fitting for cocktail attire weddings that have a bit more of an informal style. Since it typically is held outdoors in a garden setting, you’ll be looking for a dressy garden party outfit.
Look for these appropriate dress styles:
• LENGTH Midi, Mini, or High-Low Hemlines | Some maxi are OK if they’re more casual
• DETAILS Ruffles, tiers, and lace – all elements of garden party dresses
• PATTERNS Floral prints are a huge plus for a garden party dress, but not required
• COLORS Solid colors are a great alternative – look for wedding attire in bright summer colors or pastel shades for spring
Finding the right fabric is important, too. Read on for material suggestions.
You’ll see what that entails in this comprehensive garden party dresses list below.
Finding the Right Fabric
Look for lightweight and breathable fabrics suitable for outdoor weddings. Some of these include chiffon, linen, cotton, and some varieties of satin. Don’t wear anything too heavy, since the weather season calls for hot, often humid weather especially in a garden-like setting.
Sleeves are OK, but find something with a short sleeve or cap sleeve style for added breathability.
Embracing Floral Prints: Adding a Touch of Nature to Your Look
Floral prints are all the rage with garden party dresses, whether you go big and bold or muted and minimalist. There are plenty of floral prints showcased below to show you the sheer versatility of this trend.
Examples of Garden Party Guest Dresses
Here are some of my favorite garden-inspired party dresses. They’re all from Lulu’s and you can find more here. They have SO MANY right now, and these are all under $100ish.
1. Lavender Ruffle Dress
Lavender is having a moment and I’m here for it with this sweet ruffle dress in a midi length.
2. Pleated Floral Busier Print Dress
Go strapless with this pleated floral print dress that’s giving Bridgerton.
3. Bright Orange and Purple Floral Print Midi
Go bright, go bold! Orange and purple make a fabulous combination in this floral print garden party outfit.
4. Backless Floral Lace Mini Dress
This floral lace mini is having a major moment: it’s adorable!
5. Light Yellow Halter Midi
I love a classic halter midi. It’s the perfect neckline and this color combination is stunning!
6. Pleated Blue Floral Print
You can’t go wrong with garden party wedding dresses in pleats and pretty floral designs.
7. Blue Flower Print Dress with Short Sleeves
Want a short sleeve guest dress? You’ve got it! This one is perfect for a springtime soiree.
8. Green Floral Satin Halter Dress
I like the way this satin floral halter looks, especially its bright and bubbly color palette.
9. Purple Floral High-Low Maxi
A high-low maxi is just what this dress code calls for during a casual, low-key summertime garden celebration.
10. Satin Floral Print Midi
I never saw a satin floral midi I didn’t love! Here’s a great example of what to wear.
11. Black and White Tie Shoulder Strap Dress
Tie strap dresses are all the rage – and combined with this floral print, it’s very versatile!
12. Magenta Floral Print Dress with Short Sleeves
This magenta color palette is moody and rich, but it works perfectly for a more formal garden setting. Love the cut of the neckline and the sleeves!
13. Light Pink Floral Shoulder Strap Maxi
Here’s another tie-shoulder for a romantic garden party outfit!
14. Pink Strapless Midi
A strapless midi in pink: perfect!
15. Tulip Hem Navy Floral Midi
This tulip hem navy midi is a fan-favorite with solid reviews!
16. Red Floral Print Chiffon Maxi
Go comfy in this floor length red floral print maxi made of chic and stylish chiffon.
17. Powder Blue Pleated Maxi
Everyone is loving this powder blue maxi with pleats, myself included!
18. Hot Pink Tiered Pleated Midi
If you like pleats, tiers, and ruffles, this hot pink dress is a perfect combination.
19. Strapless Floral Maxi
Skip the straps and go for a strapless floral maxi-length party dress for the garden wedding.
20. Tiered Organza Tie-Strap Dress
This organza tie-strap dress looks elegant and comfy to wear, easy to accessorize, and so breezy for summertime!
21. Tiered Floral Print Midi
This tiered dress is one of my favorites. I like the muted color palette for total versatility: any theme, any location!
Last but not least, let’s talk about how to add the finishing touches to your garden party outfit.
Accessorizing Your Garden Party Dress: Adding the Finishing Touches
When adding accessories to your outfit, consider the theme: garden party! You don’t want to overdo it, so here are some ways to keep accessories light and minimal for this outdoor event.
Shoes
Since you’re likely outdoors on uneven terrain, like grass, be sure to wear a flat sandal, pair of flats, wedges, or a heel with a wide block that won’t sink into grass (the way stilettos can). Here are some suggestions.
► For more shoe suggestions, see this huge collection.
Bags
Carry a cute little floral handbag or natural raffia material that ties into the garden aesthetic. Try to coordinate an element of the bag with your wedding outfit – or go neutral and it will go with everything. Here are some suggestions.
Jewelry
Wear a nice pair of hoops or studs, floral earrings, or a nice necklace to accentuate your look. That’s it!
Now that you know how to dress to impress, you have a great understanding of the dress code, choosing the right fabric, embracing floral prints, and accessorizing, you’re on your way to the big party! Let me know which garden party dresses are your favorite and, hopefully, which one you picked for the big event! I’d love to hear from you.
Chat soon!
xo
Emma
