Country and rustic weddings are increasing in popularity. These weddings frequently occur in barns, fields, and gardens, offering a more laid-back atmosphere than traditional weddings. These unique environments often require different clothing choices, so what is appropriate country wedding attire?
What Defines a Country Wedding?
A country or rustic wedding can be defined as any wedding with traditional rustic elements and themes related to a country’s lifestyle. The venues are often outdoors or in a more casual setting. With a specific theme and venue for these weddings, outfits are often expected to match the rest of the event’s aesthetics.
Country weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Back in 2009, only 2% of weddings took place at a barn, ranch, or farm. In 2022, that percentage grew to 20%, making it tied with banquet halls. In 2025, rustic is the second most popular stationary theme for wedding invitations.
What is Country Attire for a Wedding?
Country wedding attire is a broad category that may differ between events. Generally, any attire pairs well with the old-fashioned and rustic decorations of a country wedding. This often includes outfits with lots of lace, floral patterns, and flowy fabrics. Cowboy boots are frequently welcome as long as they pair nicely with your outfit.
Country wedding guest attire typically falls on the more casual side, unless the bride and groom say otherwise. If the invitation requests formal attire, wear longer dresses and nicer suits, but don’t be afraid to include some country accessories, such as belts, boots, and nature-inspired jewelry.
Best Wedding Dresses for a Rustic Wedding
Country wedding dresses come across as delicate and laidback. They make the bride look beautiful in a way that perfectly suits the event’s theme. Below are some ideas for the perfect country wedding dress.
Country Lace Wedding Dress
Most brides turn to lacy wedding dresses for country weddings. Lace gives off a sense of timeless romance that’s perfect for a farm setting, and its delicate nature often complements the decorations well.
Some styles with lace could include lacy sleeves or skirts with intricate patterns. Lace adds unique features to any dress, making it extra special for a country wedding.
Wedding Dresses with Flowing Skirts
Country wedding dresses typically have flowing skirts that extend out from the hips rather than skin-tight dresses. These dresses look especially whimsical blowing in the wind and trailing behind you, making them great for outdoor venues. Plus, the flowy style is more common for country attire than tight clothing is.
Dresses with Floral Embroidery
Floral patterns are great for any outdoor wedding. If you want to embrace the natural aspects of a country aesthetic, consider a dress with floral embroidery. The embroidery could be white like the dress, but if you’re looking for something non-traditional, you could choose a white gown with colorful flower embroidery to make you stand out.
Simple Wedding Dress
Sometimes, simple styles are the most fitting. A plain white dress with no over-the-top embellishments can look great at a country wedding. Plus, it can pair well with cowboy boots and a matching belt if you’d like.
Some brides even prefer dressing casually, wearing short or mid-length dresses during country weddings. These shorter styles are perfect for outdoor weddings where you want to prevent your dress from dragging in the mud.
What About Country Wedding Tuxedos and Suits?
For the groom, lightweight wool and cotton suits are ideal for a country wedding, especially in spring and summer. Tweed or flannel can work well for cooler months, such as fall. Dark gray, brown, or blue are the most popular suit colors for rustic-themed weddings.
If you’re looking to really step into the country theme, consider a nice cowboy hat or boots that match the color of your suit.
Rustic Wedding Guest Attire Ideas
If you’ve never attended a country wedding before, choosing the right attire can seem daunting. Below are some tips to help you decide what to wear.
Reference the Invitation and Venue
Since country wedding dress codes can vary, it’s a good idea to look at the event details to determine what to wear. The invitation may specify if it’s formal or semi-formal. Suppose it doesn’t consider the venue. A wedding outside on a farm will typically be more casual than one inside a banquet hall.
Wear Dresses with Light, Flowy Fabrics
Like with a country wedding dress, country wedding guest dresses are typically flowy rather than tight. Plus, if the wedding is outside in the summer months, you’ll want lightweight fabrics to keep you comfortable. Shorter dresses are often preferable so they don’t drag on the ground outside.
Choose Earth Tones
Earth tones are best for a country wedding for both men and women. Brown, green, dark orange, rust, gray, and blue can all look good in country wedding photos. If the wedding is in the spring, pastel colors like pink, purple, and yellow may work well too. Avoid extremely vibrant colors so you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Country Accessories Complete the Look
Even if you don’t have a dress that looks “rustic,” adding the right accessories can make it perfect. Cowboy boots, turquoise jewelry, flower crowns, cowboy hats, bolo ties, and vintage earrings make an outfit seem especially country. It can be fun to embrace these styles for an event like this, especially if it’s something you wouldn’t normally wear.
Get Your Rustic Wedding Attire Altered
Country wedding attire often includes intricate details, giving the outfit a unique appearance. However, the more intricate an outfit design is, the trickier alterations can become. Turn to a professional tailor to ensure your rustic wedding attire looks perfect.
Rustic weddings are popular in Houston, so Montrose Tailors knows how to handle the unique designs of country wedding dresses and guest attire. We will carefully handle the delicate materials of your clothing, ensuring that it meets your expectations in time for the wedding. Book an appointment today to get your country wedding attire altered.
