What To Wear To A Barn Wedding

For couples who love the aesthetics of rustic charm, connecting with nature, and celebrating in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, barn weddings are an excellent venue choice. Whether you’re attending an event at a stunning modern barn or are celebrating in a historic venue full of antique beauty, barn weddings present an opportunity for couples to celebrate the biggest day of their life in an organic, breezy style that remains true to their tastes. 


As a guest, choosing the right outfit for a barn wedding can sometimes feel tricky, especially if you aren’t sure how to toe the line between formal and semi-casual. Luckily, choosing the right outfits for a barn wedding can be just as relaxed as the rustic atmosphere calls for! We’ve put together some tips and tricks for dressing for a barn wedding, along with some of our favorite girls’ dresses by Nicolette’s Couture that would be perfect for the occasion. 

Tips for dressing for a barn wedding 

Check the dress code on your invitation.

While barn weddings often lean towards the more casual side of the spectrum, it’s always a good idea to double-check your invitation to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Some common dress codes you might find include: 


  • Dressy casual or smart casual: More casual dress codes allow you to lean into the relaxed vibe of a barn wedding. Think nice sundresses, dressy rompers, and two-piece sets for women, and nice chinos/slacks, button-downs, and polo shirts for men. 
  • Semi-formal: Semi-formal events are more elevated than casual events but are still relaxed enough to meet the perfect line between elegance and breeziness for a barn wedding. Look for nice knee-length or midi-length dresses, dressy sandals or heels for women, and clean dress shirts, dress pants, and suits for men. 
  • Formal: Formal attire is one of the dressier options you’re likely to find for a barn wedding. Look for elegant cocktail dresses and longer evening gowns for women and dark suits and dress shoes for men, while still keeping comfort and practicality in mind. 

  • Following these general guidelines will give you a good place to start on your hunt for the perfect barn wedding outfit. 

    Consider the elements and setting. 

    Because barn weddings often incorporate elements of the outdoors, it’s important to plan ahead for your comfort. If you’re attending a summer wedding in a hot climate, consider lighter fabrics and breezier silhouettes. On the other hand, barn weddings during colder times of the year might require extra layers or jackets to keep you warm.


    The same goes for shoes. For example, you might find that stilettos don’t mesh well with the outdoor setting or unfinished barn floors. Instead, go for block heels, wedges, sandals, flats, or even your nicest pair of cowboy boots to keep you comfortable during the festivities. 

    Lean into your personal style. 

    Barn weddings present an opportunity to really show your personal sense of style with fewer constraints than a more formal occasion might. Feel free to play with lighter colors and fun silhouettes while still paying attention to the usual unwritten “rules” of wedding attire (like keeping your outfits appropriate and not outshining the newlyweds). 

    Try not to go too casual. 

    While barn weddings are, by definition, generally on the casual side, don’t forget that it’s still a special occasion. Unless you’ve heard specifically from the couple, veer away from overly-casual clothes like jeans, shorts, or cargos. Additionally, balance out the more casual elements with dressier pieces to make the outfit suitable for the occasion at hand. 

    Barn Wedding Dresses For Little Girls

    If you’re looking for a barn wedding outfit for your little girl, you don’t have to look much further than Nicolette’s Couture. Our breezy, boho-inspired dresses are great for guests or flower girls alike and will fit in perfectly with the rustic and elegant vibes of your next barn wedding event. 

    The Zoey Dress 

    With its stunning combination of delicate lace and organic silhouette, the Zoey Dress will be a dream for all of your rustic and elegant occasions. Pair with a delicate headdress made of jewels or florals to amplify the nature-inspired elements of this gorgeous dress. 

    The Blossom Dress  

    Nothing says “barn wedding” quite like a bouquet of gorgeous florals, which makes the Blossom Dress an easy choice for your little girl. Available in white, sage, and pink, this adorable option features delicate and playful floral embroidery, a V-shaped back, and a full skirt that she’s sure to love whether she’s a flower girl or a wedding guest who’s ready to party.  

    The Ophelia Dress 

    With its vintage, antique-inspired lace, delicate details, and full skirt, the Ophelia dress is a no-brainer for a beautiful barn wedding in the country. We especially love the gorgeous mauve option that perfectly complements the rustic, organic vibes of the barn setting. Pair with tall cowboy boots for the ultimate leather-and-lace moment she’ll love rocking all night long. 

    The Hazel Dress 

    The Hazel Dress boasts equal parts rustic charm and delicate vintage-inspired elements that will look oh-so-sweet on your next fancy occasion. From its gorgeous lace bodice to its fluttery sleeves and full, twirly tulle skirt, everything about this dress strikes the perfect balance of breezy and sophisticated. She also comes in several colors including white, ivory, rust, pink, and green so your little girl can rock this beauty no matter what kind of dress code you’re working with. 

    The Alanna Dress in Rose  

     

    Fun, playful, and breezy — what more could you ask for in a barn-appropriate wedding dress for your little girl? The delicate lace bodice contrasts beautifully with a full layered skirt that she’s going to love dancing in throughout the night. Bonus points: the shorter skirt lets her show off her favorite pair of boots! 

    The Ivy Dress 

     

    The Ivy Dress is a boho dream that pairs all too well with wildflower bouquets and a gorgeously rustic backdrop. It features fluttery lace sleeves and elegant lace skirt, all in a soft and comfortable silhouette. 

    Conclusion 

    Rustic barn weddings are fun occasions that let you play with the balance between elegant and relaxed, sophisticated and organic. These gorgeous girl dresses from Nicolette’s Couture are breezy and stylish, so your little girl can have fun and show off her style while celebrating the night away. 

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