Barn Wedding Dresses: A Style Guide: Dresses To Wear To A Barn Wedding
Source: brides.com
Dresses to wear to a barn wedding – Choosing the perfect dress for a barn wedding requires careful consideration of the venue’s rustic charm and the overall event formality. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of dress styles, fabrics, and accessories to help you find the ideal outfit for this unique celebration.
Choosing the perfect dress for a barn wedding requires careful consideration. You’ll want something comfortable yet stylish, able to handle the rustic setting. Since September weddings are common, finding the right attire often involves checking out resources like this guide on dresses for weddings in September to get inspiration for suitable fabrics and silhouettes. Ultimately, your barn wedding dress should reflect both the venue and the season, ensuring you’re comfortable and chic all day long.
Dress Codes & Appropriateness
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Barn weddings offer a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, allowing for a range of dress styles. The appropriateness of a dress depends largely on the time of day and the overall formality level specified by the couple. Daytime weddings generally call for less formal attire compared to evening events.
Examples of Appropriate Dresses:
- Casual: A flowy sundress in cotton or linen, a jumpsuit, or a midi dress with floral print.
- Semi-Formal: A midi or maxi dress in a sophisticated fabric like silk or chiffon, a tea-length dress with lace detailing, or a well-tailored jumpsuit.
- Formal: A long, elegant gown in a luxurious fabric like velvet or satin, a floor-length dress with intricate beading or embroidery.
Daytime vs. Evening: Daytime barn weddings often allow for lighter fabrics and shorter dress lengths, while evening events may call for more formal, elegant gowns in richer fabrics.
| Dress Length | Daytime Barn Wedding | Evening Barn Wedding | Suitability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | Appropriate for a casual or semi-formal setting | Less appropriate unless the wedding is very casual | Best suited for warmer weather and less formal occasions. |
| Midi | Versatile option for various formality levels | Appropriate for semi-formal to formal events | Offers a balance between comfort and elegance. |
| Maxi | Suitable for a more formal or elegant daytime setting | Highly appropriate for formal evening events | Provides a sophisticated and graceful look. |
Fabrics & Materials
Fabric choice significantly impacts comfort and style. Consider the season and the overall feel you want to achieve. Breathability is key for warmer months, while heavier fabrics might be preferable for cooler temperatures.
Fabric Advantages and Disadvantages:
- Cotton: Breathable and comfortable, but can wrinkle easily.
- Linen: Breathable and lightweight, but wrinkles easily and can be slightly stiff.
- Silk: Luxurious and elegant, but delicate and requires special care.
- Lace: Adds a romantic touch, but can be less comfortable in hot weather.
Summer Fabrics: Cotton, linen, and chambray offer breathability and comfort. Fall Fabrics: Velvet, brocade, and lace add warmth and texture.
| Fabric | Suitable Season | Styling Considerations | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Summer, Spring | Pair with sandals or wedges for a casual look, or heels for a semi-formal look. | Breathable, comfortable, affordable; wrinkles easily. |
| Linen | Summer, Spring | Works well with flowy silhouettes and bohemian accessories. | Lightweight, breathable; wrinkles easily, can be stiff. |
| Silk | Spring, Summer, Fall | Elegant and versatile, suitable for various accessories. | Luxurious, drapes well; delicate, requires special care. |
| Velvet | Fall, Winter | Pairs well with rich jewel tones and statement jewelry. | Warm, luxurious; can be heavy and less breathable. |
Styles & Silhouettes, Dresses to wear to a barn wedding
Choosing a flattering silhouette is crucial. A-line dresses are universally flattering, while empire waists are ideal for those who want to emphasize their upper body. Sheath dresses are sleek and sophisticated, and fit-and-flare styles offer a balanced look.
Dress Styles for Rustic Barn Weddings:
- Bohemian: Flowy maxi dresses with lace, embroidery, or floral prints. Often featuring long sleeves or bell sleeves.
- Romantic: Lace dresses, often featuring delicate details, ruffles, or a sweetheart neckline. Maxi or midi length is common.
- Classic: A-line or fit-and-flare dresses in solid colors or simple prints. Can range from midi to maxi length.
Dress Styles by Formality:
- Casual: Sundresses, wrap dresses, A-line mini dresses.
- Semi-Formal: Midi dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, tea-length dresses.
- Formal: Maxi gowns, floor-length dresses, elegant jumpsuits.
Accessories & Styling
Accessories can elevate your barn wedding look. Consider the overall style of your dress and the venue’s rustic setting when choosing jewelry, shoes, and handbags.
Accessory Combinations:
Look 1: Bohemian Chic
Flowy maxi dress, layered necklaces, ankle boots, woven handbag. Loose, wavy hairstyle and natural makeup.
Look 2: Romantic Elegance
Lace midi dress, delicate earrings and bracelet, heeled sandals, clutch. Soft curls and romantic makeup.
Look 3: Classic Sophistication
A-line midi dress, statement necklace, block heel pumps, structured handbag. Sleek updo and polished makeup.
Footwear: Choose comfortable shoes appropriate for the terrain. Wedges, block heels, or even stylish flats are good options.
Color Palettes & Trends
Source: yeahweddings.com
Barn weddings lend themselves to a variety of color palettes. Earthy tones, jewel tones, and pastel shades all work well with the rustic setting.
Popular Color Palettes:
- Earthy Tones: Shades of brown, beige, olive green, and burgundy.
- Jewel Tones: Deep emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple.
- Pastel Shades: Soft blush pink, lavender, mint green, and baby blue.
Current Trends: Floral prints, lace details, and romantic silhouettes are currently popular choices.
Seasonal Colors: Incorporate seasonal colors into your dress choice. For example, choose jewel tones for fall and pastels for spring.
Dress Colors by Season and Skin Tone:
- Summer: Light blues, yellows, and whites for fair skin; corals and oranges for medium skin; deep greens and purples for dark skin.
- Fall: Burgundy, emerald, and mustard yellow for fair skin; burnt orange and deep teal for medium skin; deep reds and browns for dark skin.
User Queries
What shoes are best for a barn wedding?
Wedges or low heels are ideal for navigating uneven terrain. Avoid stilettos.
Can I wear a jumpsuit to a barn wedding?
Yes, a stylish jumpsuit can be a chic alternative to a dress, particularly for a more casual barn wedding.
What if the barn wedding is outdoors?
Consider the weather and choose breathable fabrics. A light jacket or wrap is a good idea for cooler evenings.
How formal should my dress be?
Check the invitation for dress code guidance. If unsure, err on the side of slightly more formal than casual.
What about plus-size options for barn wedding dresses?
Many designers offer beautiful plus-size options. Focus on styles that flatter your figure and choose comfortable, breathable fabrics.