Decoding The Dress Code: Here's What To Wear To A Garden Wedding!

Attending a wedding is the perfect excuse to play dress-up, but let's be honest—with dress codes in the picture, raiding your wardrobe for the perfect outfit can be quite tricky. But don't fret! We've started a new series called Decoding the Dress Code, where we give you the low-down on how to look stylish (and appropriate!) in any wedding. Follow Metro.Style to score party dressing tips and tricks—not only will you bag the title Most Stylish Guest, but your newlywed friends will also appreciate the effort.

This week, we shine the spotlight on garden weddings. There's no better way to witness a romantic sunset wedding than to be one with nature, is there? Whether it's set in an intimate backyard, a fancy botanical garden, or by the breathtaking mountainside, dressing up for a garden wedding is always fun. For your fashion fix, keep scrolling ahead.

 

READ: These Dresses Will Inspire You To Say 'I Do' In A Wedding Gown With Pockets!

 

1. Dress to impress—but stick to the dress code.

While garden weddings are generally more relaxed, always keep the dress code in mind—the couple usually states this in the invitation. Long dresses are perfect for formal occassions, while cocktail dresses are no-fail picks for semi-formal events. For casual, laid-back affairs, light and breezy sunday dresses work best. Skirts, slacks, and pantsuits are also great choices—just remember that wearing denim jeans to a wedding is a huge no-no.

 

Formal

Jessica Kienle-Maxwell wears a feminine long dress by Metrowear Icon designer Vania Romoff. We love the romantic touches in this look—soft fabrics, floral details, and a dainty off-shoulder silhouette!

Photo: Studio Vania Romoff

 

If you're not into floral prints, consider dresses in solid, earthy hues. These two-piece emerald green and old rose pink dresses by Rosenthal Tee x Karimadon are classy yet contemporary choices. 

Photo: @karimadonph

 

Semi-formal

Dance the night away in fun cocktail dresses. Steph Kienle-Gonzalez shows us how to party in style in this printed ensemble, a lovely RTW piece from Rosanna Ocampo's recent holiday collection.

Photo: Rosanna Ocampo

 

Heart Evangelista looks dashing as ever in a lavender number. The pleats and ruffles add a touch of playfulness and sophistication, perfect for a festive occassion.

Photo: @iamhearte

 

Smart Casual

Not really into dresses? Opt for a chic pantsuit instead! We love Georgina Wilson's bright coral ensemble. 

Photo: @ilovegeorgina

 

For smart casual events, Sunday dresses are highly recommended. Tip: Going to a garden wedding set in a cooler climate? Elevate a simple dress by pairing it with a plain turtle neck worn underneath—take it from fashion blogger Tricia Gosingtian!

Photo: @tgosingtian

 

2. Have fun playing with colors, textures, and patterns!

Unless the invitation states that you follow a specific color palette, garden weddings are the perfect venue to experiment with springtime hues, earthy tones, romantic ruffles, dreamy tulles, and nature-inspired prints. But while you can wear any color that complements the theme of the wedding, avoid wearing white at all costs—that shade is reserved for the bride (unless of course, she specifically requests that you arrive in white).

 

Romantic Ruffles

Outdoor weddings are intimate and picturesque—enjoy the moment by dressing up in the most romantic pieces. Gorgeous dresses with ruffled details let you to embrace your femininity in style. Check out Martine Cajucom's effortless, Instagram-worthy look!

Photo: @martine

 

Spring-Inspired Hues 

When attending a garden party, it's always a good idea to take wardrobe inspiration from Mother Nature herself. Pastel hues inspired by flowers, trees, the sky, and Earthy elements never fail. This pastel linen dress from Seek the Uniq is light, breezy, and super cute.

Photo: Seek The Uniq

 

Bold prints

Bold, standout prints go hand in hand with clean, classic silhouettes—Anne Curtis' printed A-line maxi dress is proof of this. Remember, when dressing up, it's all about balance! 

Photo: @annecurtissmith

 

Tulle

Take in the breathatking view by the mountanside in a dreamy tulle number. Bea Soriano-Dee's intricate dress is worth coveting! 

Photo: @beibeidee

 

3. Take the time, weather, and location into consideration.

Do your research before taking a trip to a destination wedding. Will it be cold? Bring a light jacket or a chic cover-up. Will it be held in a grassy spot? Wear dressy sandals, wedges, or block heels in lieu of stilettos—you wouldn't want your fancy heels to sink in mud, would you? For events taking place on hilly terrain, consider wearing boots underneath your maxi dresses, like how Anne Curtis and her bridesmaids rocked their OOTDs in New Zealand.

 

Photo: @solenn

 

Photo: Jimmy Choo

 

4. For the final touch, wear dainty accessories.

Dress-up any look with statement pieces! 

 

Matthew and Melka, known for its artisan pieces, offers unique finds that will make you the talk of the party.

Photo: Matthew and Melka

 

Ever since Catriona Gray's iconic Miss Universe win, ear cuffs have been all the rage. You too can wear the trend by sporting this handcrafted floral creation by Kamila's 4AM Art.

Photo: Kamila's 4AM Art

 

Artwork by Butchie Peña