What to wear to a barn wedding?
Whether you’re the one getting married, a member of the wedding party, or a guest of the happy couple, deciding what to wear to a barn wedding can be tricky.
For a more traditional wedding, formal dresses and suits are often the go-to, with colours, styles and accessories to match the season. Barn wedding attire, however, is much less cut and dry.
The perfect attire for a countryside wedding
So, what should you wear to a barn wedding in the countryside?
Due to the rustic and outdoorsy nature of this type of celebration, barn weddings often take place in the spring or summer. This gives you a good idea of where to start for your English countryside wedding attire, as you’ll be looking for lighter fabrics. Take colour inspiration from the wedding theme or opt for pleasing pastels and summery shades.
Ultimately, it’s down to the happy couple to decide what they would like guests to wear, and whether they would prefer formal black tie or rustic wedding attire should ideally be made clear on the invitations.
Rustic barn wedding attire for her
If you’re looking for dresses to wear to a barn wedding, think floral prints, flowing maxi dresses and anything that screams boho chic.
Even though the look is less formal, you should still steer clear of very mini dresses! Spaghetti straps and bare shoulders are okay, but make sure to bring a light cardigan or shawl to cover up and prevent sunburn.
Don’t forget the accessories! Instead of hats and fascinators, try flower hair garlands, bows and ribbons. Remember that you’re likely going to be dancing on grass and soft ground, so flat sandals can be preferable barn wedding attire.
If you’re a guest you can get away with being much more casual, but what does a mother of the bride’s barn wedding dress look like? Something mid-calf length with short sleeves, flowing materials and a bold print in line with the wedding’s colour scheme would be a perfect choice. Pair this with wedge heels for added glamour without sinking into the grass.
Barn wedding attire for him
For guys, dressing for a wedding is usually pretty straightforward, as a suit and tie is a simple staple that always looks great at a formal affair. However, barn wedding men’s attire should be more casual, and it’s hard to know where to draw the line.
A short-sleeved shirt in a pastel colour or with a fun print paired with chinos and a smart pair of loafers is a great choice, but steer clear of shorts unless the dress code is really casual.
For a more formal look, a lightweight linen suit in a pale beige colour paired with a white collared shirt offers a great balance of traditional and casual. Brown shoes and an unbuttoned collar with no tie finish off this look.
Barn wedding reception outfits
Fortunately for evening guests, barn wedding reception attire can be fun, casual and comfortable.
As most of the formal photography has taken place, you’ve got a little more free rein when it comes to your outfit, and you won’t necessarily have to follow the rustic boho theme. However, it’s always a good idea to aim for something boho-inspired to fit in with the other guests.
Remember that the weather will start to cool off in the evening, so it would be smart to either choose an outfit with long sleeves or bring a blazer or shawl.
Planning a barn wedding?
Now you’ve decided what to wear, let’s sort the perfect barn wedding venue for the big day. Get in touch with The Hall Barns and see why our uniquely renovated barn is the perfect setting for your wedding.
