What to Wear to a Barn Wedding

If you were invited to a barn wedding and are unsure of whether or not you should wear casual wedding attire, follow our guide!

A new trend for weddings is a country rustic barn wedding – a perfect venue for the bride who wants to throw down on their wedding day. With country themed barn weddings becoming increasingly more popular, you may find yourself invited to one and not sure about whether it’s formal, semi-formal, or casual attire.  

Not all barn weddings are the same. Don’t immediately assume that the event is semi-formal just because it’s in a barn… usually barn weddings are just as dressy as other weddings.

If you are nervous about being overdressed and the invitation you received does not specifically tell you what kind of attire to wear, you may want to contact the bride and groom. 

If you have been invited to a barn wedding and are unsure, we have you covered on what to wear. Put away that little black dress and heels, and take out those cowboy boots and get ready to throw down!

Is it Casual Wedding Attire? 

Depending on the bride and groom, a barn wedding may be more casual or more formal. Not all barn weddings are the same, so make sure you check in and make sure that you will not be over or under dressed.

Some brides will turn a barn wedding venue into an elegant, beautiful space. Other brides enjoy a more rustic, throw down party feel.

If you are in doubt about what to wear, always choose something that is fresh, free, and easy, instead of a stuffy professional look. 

Find the Right Length

Long dresses are usually associated with more formal events, but maxi dresses are a new, trendy alternative that will work nicely as proper attire to a barn wedding.

It’s true that extremely short, mini dresses are not appropriate for a wedding. Find an appropriate mid-length dress that is pretty, flowy, with lace or floral details.

Do not wear a tight fitting dress that you would wear to a club, opt for a midi dress that is chiffon or another type of free-flowing fabric. Pretty, appropriate dresses will fit the casual wedding attire of a barn wedding.

Choose the Right Color

Pretty dressy midi dresses are the perfect style, but what color should you pick? Floral prints in any color go perfectly in a rustic setting.

Obviously at a wedding the color white is off limits, but what about other colors? If you know a bride has chosen a specific color scheme for her rustic barn wedding, opt for a color you know does not clash with the theme. 

Fit in with the country-side surroundings and go for a fun pattern like gingham prints, lace, and stripes. 

Wear the Right Footwear

Barn weddings are usually in the countryside, where the ground is not even. Take this in consideration when choosing your footwear to the wedding. Maybe leave the stilettos home for this occasion. 

If you really want to fit in with the countryside barn wedding theme, choose to wear a pair of cowboy boots with your dress. You will fit in with the venue and the bride will appreciate you going along with the theme. 

What Should Men Wear?

Men should opt for some lighter colored suits. Grey and black suits may look too formal for the relaxed, countryside barn wedding. Definitely do not go for the tuxedo for a barn wedding. 

If you know the wedding is going to be casual for sure, leave the suit at home and wear a blazer and pants. A barn wedding is a perfect time to try out accessories like a bow tie, suspenders, or fun patterned socks.