Outdoor spring weddings can be tricky to dress for. Depending on the bride, you may be asked to wear anything from flip flops and shorts to a floor length gown. Even if the event is taking place outside, the bride and groom still have the right to request whatever attire they wish in order to keep their guests in line with the overall theme (whatever that may be). The real problem arises when no dress code is indicated, which is happening more and more often. Couples feel that their guests should be free to dress however they like, and out of their well intentioned kindness they leave you in the dark. Not to worry. For outdoor spring weddings, the attire is almost always the same unless otherwise indicated on the invitation. The trick is balancing the casual atmosphere with the formality of the occasion.
First, a flirty dress is always the norm for outdoor spring weddings. This means no pant suits. The atmosphere is soft and airy and only feminine attire will do. The dress can be short, but no higher than one or two inches above the knee. This is still a wedding, after all. You can go with spaghetti straps or with no straps at all if you like. The hot trend right now is to wear a metallic dress with ornate accessories, but if you prefer a lighter feel you can go with a structured tea length dress with a bit of tulle underneath for a fun effect. Keep in mind that the fact that this is an outdoor wedding in springtime doesn’t mean you are expected to show up in blue, yellow, pink, or any other traditional spring shade. Gold and silver are big right now, as well as emerald green, amethyst, red, black and white, and teal. As a matter of fact, most spring wedding attire this season will be in shades that are simply much deeper and more demure versions of those traditional pastels.
Shoes for outdoor spring weddings can be just a touch more casual if you like. Toning down a formal outfit with less formal shoes is actually a great way to ensure that your look is appropriate. Think open toes and lower heels. You can even get away with ballet flats if they are decorative and have just a bit of detail, such as a cutout or a touch of hardware. One of the hottest footwear trends for outdoor weddings this year, however, is the peep-toed shoe. They are still formal but offer a much more casual effect to the entire outfit than traditional pumps. They manage to say “springtime” and “formal occasion” all at once, making them a no-fail option. You might also consider heeled flip flops. The heel should be at least two inches, the strap should be leather, and the color should be neutral. As far as colors go in general regardless of what type of shoe you choose, think red, gold, silver, or white. Anything but black goes for outdoor spring wedding footwear.
Finally, if you’re reading this article for the boy/man in your life, you are probably trying to figure out how to balance his desire to wear a Hawaiian shirt and sandals to this once in a lifetime event with your desire to keep from being completely humiliated. Well, while a Hawaiian shirt is not appropriate unless the bride and groom are throwing a luau, your boy can be a bit more comfortable than he would be at a traditional wedding. No jacket or sports coat is required, and the color of the shirt (which ideally would be a long sleeve button down) can be whatever he chooses other than black or gray. Another perk….he doesn’t have to tuck it in if he wears dress pants other than khakis. In other words, the pants should be more formal if the shirt is going untucked. Otherwise, you just run the risk of looking sloppy. Finally, shoes are where the boys can have as much fun as they like in an outdoor spring wedding. While ratty tennis shoes aren’t encouraged, he can wear anything from plaid cloth to patent leather.
Remember, even if you are still a little stumped as to what you are expected to wear to this formal outdoor occasion, it is in poor taste to call the bride directly and ask. After all, if she chose not to include a dress code on the invite, then she wants you to use your common sense. If she is that concerned, she’ll call you or spread the word herself. Yes, that means you will simply have to use your best judgment. In any case, it’s best to overdress rather than underdress. The safest bet for women for this wedding season is a metallic dress in gold or silver with peep toed shoes, and for men and boys a button down shirt with dress shoes and black pants can’t be argued with. Keep the look formal overall, but tone it down just a bit with an untucked shirt or a more casual shoe to ensure that your spring wedding outfit is fresh, fun, and still appropriate for the occasion.
