Gone are the days of sticking purely to tradition – nowadays, you can get married almost anywhere! One popular choice is on the farm, a location many country folk feel right at home in. However, dressing for a rustic or countryside wedding requires a little more thought than your everyday farm attire.
Weddings can be notoriously tricky to dress for, even if you’re not part of the wedding party. You want to look sophisticated and stylish, but never overshadow the couple. To help, we’ve pulled together our favourite rustic wedding outfit ideas and shown how you can adapt classic countryside looks for a wedding setting.
Balancing Style and Practicality
A barn or farm wedding is a tricky event to dress for because it can fall anywhere on the casual–formal spectrum. That’s why the very first step is to check the dress code and theme with the couple. Some may want cocktail dresses and suits, while others lean into casual chic outfits for farm weddings – with wellies even encouraged!
Don’t forget the weather, either. Outdoor weddings in the countryside can quickly be spoiled if your outfit isn’t weather-appropriate. Always plan ahead with layers and practical footwear just in case.
Colours and Fabrics for Rustic Weddings
Farm and countryside weddings often have a “natural” theme. This means earthy tones, subtle checks, and floral designs work best. Avoid anything too bold or flashy that takes away from the rustic charm (and steals attention from the bride and groom).
- Light cotton pieces are perfect for summer farm weddings.
- Tweed, wool blends, or heavier fabrics work beautifully for cooler seasons.
- Neutral tones like cream, navy, sage, or blush are elegant yet understated year-round.
Women’s Alternative to a Dress: The Tweed Suit
If you’re not a fan of dresses, don’t worry—a tweed three-piece suit is a perfect alternative. Stylish, warm, and country-inspired, it’s ideal for autumn or winter countryside weddings.
- Blazers – A tweed blazer provides a snug layer that’s ideal for weddings throughout cooler seasons. Style a printed shirt in complementary tones below.
- Waistcoats – Layer atop a crisp shirt for a slightly more formal look and complete the celebratory ensemble with a coordinating blazer.
- Skirts – Match with a patterned shirt and heels for formal occasions, or dress down with knee-high boots for future wear beyond the wedding.
Styling Tips for Countryside Wedding Guest Fashion
The key to what to wear to a barn or farm wedding is blending elegance with comfort. Here are some styling ideas:
Practical Accessories for Farm Weddings
Practical accessories can make all the difference at a farm wedding. Think wide-brimmed hats for sun protection, a lightweight scarf for when the temperature drops, and a small crossbody bag to keep your essentials safe while dancing.
Rustic Yet Elegant Footwear Choices
Heels may look the part, but stilettos are a nightmare on uneven ground. Loafers, heeled boots, or even polished Chelsea boots are far more practical. You may even want to keep a pair of wellies in the car – just in case.
Jacket Options for Outdoor Weddings
Don’t forget layers! Tweed blazers, chic ponchos, or smart wax jackets are stylish ways to stay warm when the sun goes down.
FAQs: Countryside and Farm Wedding Outfits
Should I wear a hat to a farm wedding?
A hat is optional, but can add a stylish country touch. Go for a lightweight Panama in summer or a heavier wool felt hat in winter.
Is tweed suitable for farm weddings?
Yes – tweed is perfect for farm weddings. It’s stylish, practical, and fits the rustic countryside setting.
What colours are best for a rustic wedding?
Neutral and earthy tones blend perfectly with the countryside setting. Avoid neons or metallics, which can look out of place.
When it comes to countryside wedding guest fashion, the balance lies in being rustic yet refined. From stylish accessories and tweed blazers to practical yet elegant footwear, your outfit should feel at home in the farm setting while still celebrating the formality of the day.
Above all, comfort is key. If you can eat, drink, and dance the night away in your outfit, you’ve nailed the look.