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Barn wedding venues create a wonderfully romantic feel with their surrounding countryside and they really do make an idyllic setting for a outdoor wedding ceremony.

When the wedding season comes around, many of us are wondering what we are going to wear. From the moment you receive your invitation, you might be considering what kind of outfit you are going to choose and how to plan your accessories too.

However, if you’ve been invited to a barn wedding, you might find that your options are a little different. Your choice of outfit and shoes might be a little impractical when it comes to a more rural setting, so it’s important to bear that in mind. Here you’re more likely to be sipping cocktails from mason jars, while surrounded by fairy lights in the barn or outside, so your outfit will want to suit your surroundings.

If the couple is having an outdoor wedding reception, they’re more than likely not aiming for the wedding to be a very formal affair. If there isn’t a dress code, then it’s wise to keep that in mind when choosing an outfit, as the only thing worse than being underdressed is being too overdressed for the occasion.

So what are you supposed to wear to a barn wedding?

Barn weddings have a rustic feel, so you want to avoid anything with too much beading or bling and it might be best to stay away from sequins, metallics, and satins, that might look out of place in a barn setting. The look you are aiming for is rustic, boho and country chic.

For her

Opt for chiffon, lace and pretty prints, such as florals. Think flowy maxi and midi length dresses with ruffled details. A wedding guest outfit for this kind of venue should be summery and romantic, as well as light and comfortable for the whole day. 

When it comes to your footwear, wedges and block heels are the perfect shoes for an outdoor wedding, as they’ll let you be sturdy on your feet while still looking good.  Plan ahead if you’ll be spending a lot of time on grass and swap out the heels for something more practical like wedges or smart flats.

For him

Unless the wedding is a black-tie affair, the dress code will most certainly be less formal and will come down to personal preference as to what feels the most appropriate to wear for the day. 

Many people feel that suits are the right attire for weddings and if this is the case, then stick to wearing lighter colours, rather than formal dark shades, that might look out of place.  If it’s even more casual than that, then a blazer and trousers are always a good option for a smart/casual feel.

Earthy rustic tones are ideal for a barn wedding and for men, burgundy, brown and beige are perfect for a barn wedding. Trying to add some earthy coloured accessories to your outfit, such as a tie, pocket square or lapel pin