What should I wear for my backyard wedding?

Let your personal style and the season help guide your decision. Some popular outfit choices for a backyard wedding are short dresses, casual slip dresses, bridal suits, jumpsuits, and dresses crafted from fabrics like cotton and linen.

What shoes should I wear for my backyard wedding?

If you're going to be walking on the lawn, block heels, wedges and flats are always a grass-friendly choice.

Do I have to wear white for my backyard wedding?

Definitely not! While bridal white is beautiful and forever classic, there are lots of colorful styles and prints to choose from for your backyard nuptials.

18 Best Backyard Wedding Dresses of 2023

Brides / Lecia Landis

Typically more casual and relaxed, backyard weddings have an effortless feel and an intimate vibe. When these qualities are translated into a wedding dress, you've got yourself a laidback look that's undeniably chic.

No matter your bridal style or budget, your options for backyard wedding dresses are endlessly sophisticated. If you're a modern bride who covets sleek and minimalist silhouettes, consider effortless slip dresses, and semi-structured sundresses. Fashion-forward brides will love styles with bold allover floral patterns and edgy bridal suits. The laidback bride will appreciate casual silhouettes and outfits crafted from easy fabrics like cotton and linen. And for the bride-to-be who's searching for the perfect short dress for your ceremony or after-party (yes, backyard weddings can have multiple outfit changes too!), we've rounded up a selection of stunning leg-baring minis.

Read on for the best wedding dresses for a backyard wedding.

Our Top Picks

Most Unexpected:

Sachin & Babi Archie Dress at Bhldn

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Best Under $300:

ASOS EDITION Twist Front Midi Dress at Asos

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Best Separates:

Reformation Yucca Linen Two Piece at Reformation

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Best Allover Lace:

Self Portrait Lace Midi Dress at Nordstrom

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Most Sweet:

Markarian Elliot Lace Midi Dress at Modaoperandi.com

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Best Wedding Suit:

Misha Wedding Suit at Mishaworld.com

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Best Gown:

Rime Arodaky Crepe Wedding Dress at Net-a-Porter

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For a Summer Wedding:

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress at Lulus

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Best Vintage-Inspired:

BHLDN Bette Gown at Bhldn

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Best Jumpsuit:

DB STUDIO Crepe Jumpsuit at David's Bridal

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Anthropologie

View On Bhldn

Add a little drama to your look with this unexpected mini dress by Sachin & Babi. Designed with a detachable train, this flirty frock offers the perfect mix of casual and formal. Complete your ensemble with a simple veil and classic drop earrings.

Courtesy of ASOS EDITION

View On Asos

You can never go wrong with an elegant cold shoulder neckline–especially when it comes to outdoor weddings. This ASOS dress is so pretty for an intimate ceremony and is packed with unique details like floral embroidery, ethereal organza sleeves, and a cut-out bodice. Plus, it's budget-friendly, to boot.

Reformation

View On Reformation

Consider a matching skirt and top set for a wedding look that feels both laidback and put together. This lightweight linen style from Reformation is beyond chic for spring and summer weddings. Style yours with a simple wildflower bouquet and delicate, personal jewelry.

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What could be sweeter than a lace frock set against a backyard backdrop? This pretty midi is packed with feminine details from a flattering plunging neckline to lace trim with scalloped edges. We love it for the bride-to-be who's looking for a modern take on a classic lace dress.

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

This exquisite lace midi dress was born to be worn to a courthouse ceremony or backyard bash. The A-line silhouette boasts a flattering fit while the sweet shoulder bows frame the shoulders and neckline. Wear with pastel accessories for a spring-inspired look.

The 18 Best Courthouse Wedding Outfits of 2023

Courtesy of Misha

View On Mishaworld.com

We're getting Bianca Jagger vibes from this seriously chic suit. Bold and eye-catching, a wedding suit is a great option for the bride who's looking for an outfit that's both statement-making and comfortable. Opt to wear a silk cami underneath the blazer or go bare for a totally daring look.

The Best Wedding Suits for Every Bridal Occasion

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Getting married in your backyard certainly doesn't mean you have to forgo your dream of wearing a floor-length gown. After all, there's no rule that says backyard wedding dresses have to be short and casual. For formal at-home weddings, we love this Rime Arodaky dress. It's simple yet striking and is decorated with delicate floral embroidery to complement a garden setting.

Lulus

View On Lulus

At once casual and elevated, this versatile off-the-shoulder number feels special enough for a backyard wedding and casual enough to be worn again. Wear yours with a pair of grass-friendly wedges and shoulder-grazing earrings to round out your summer wedding look.

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

We love a midi dress with a retro twist and this style from BHLDN is no exception. Beyond its vintage charm, this fit and flare midi comes with a removable puff sleeve jacket. We love the idea of wearing the delicate lace jacket during the ceremony and then removing it for the reception for a more playful look.

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

A bridal jumpsuit is always a chic option for a backyard soirée This sleek silhouette from David's Bridal is perfect for showing off your shoulders, décolletage, and back. Plus, it's designed with pockets perfect for stashing your phone and lipstick.

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If you're a bride who covets Victorian-inspired silhouettes or the cottagecore aesthetic, a dress with puff sleeves should be right up your alley. Made from Catalina lace and designed with a sweeping train, the Ryan dress is the perfect blend of dramatic and romantic.

RIME ARODAKY Patsy lace-trimmed embroidered tulle and crepe jumpsuit

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Just because you're throwing a backyard wedding doesn't mean you can't bring the drama! All eyes will be on you when you walk down the aisle in this statement-making jumpsuit from Rime Arodaky. It's designed with a daring sheer bodice, an alluring open-back, and a flower-flocked train to create one seriously showstopping look.

View On Anthropologie

Whether you choose to dress it up or down, a slip dress is one of our favorite options for a backyard wedding. Effortless and understated, the Cali dress from BHLDN is a timeless silhouette for any type of wedding and features a draped cowl neck for added elegance.

The 18 Best Slip Wedding Dresses of 2023

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

If you're getting married in a gorgeous garden setting, why not consider wearing a floral print dress? This dreamy dress is full of sweet and whimsical details like Victorian-inspired puff sleeves, a flirty mini dress silhouette, and a playful voluminous skirt. Plus, it's crafted from sheer organza so it will feel like next to nothing when worn.

View On Revolve

For the fashion-forward bride who loves a dramatic sleeve, this Shona Joy midi dress should definitely be on your radar. Featuring side cutouts, an open back, and a plunging neckline, this kimono sleeves dress boasts an undeniably eye-catching and sexy silhouette.

15 Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2023

Courtesy of LoveShackFancy

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Warm weather calls for bare legs! Show them off (and your shoulders while you're at it!) in this strapless mini dress from LoveShackFancy. We love the idea of pairing this floral frock with a pretty blusher or fingertip veil for added whimsy and romance.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

If your backyard just happens to be the beach, this crocheted lace-paneled style is a no-brainer. Light and breezy, this dress would also make a great addition to your honeymoon wardrobe. Simply accessorize with a pair of espadrilles and a woven clutch to complete your beachy aesthetic.

Courtesy of Matchesfashion

View On Matchesfashion.com

If you're not into bridal white or ivory, cream, or anything in between, go for a pretty pastel color. In a beautiful blue hue, Erdem's Vacation Selende dress feels on theme for a backyard wedding but doesn't feel overtly bridal. What's more, unlike a white wedding dress, this floral print number can be worn again and again.

What to Look for in a Backyard Wedding Dress

To find the perfect backyard wedding dress for you, let your venue and personal style help guide your decision-making process. If your backyard happens to be a garden full of luscious greenery, look to diaphanous silhouettes with floral embroidery or pretty prints to complement the romantic setting. For a more casual ceremony, opt for effortless and breezy styles like cotton mini dresses or tea-length frocks. And of course, just because you're throwing a backyard wedding, doesn't mean you have to forgo formal attire. If you're planning a black-tie bash, go for an elegant floor-length gown or a mini dress with a dramatic train.

FAQ

What should I wear for my backyard wedding?

Let your personal style and the season help guide your decision. Some popular outfit choices for a backyard wedding are short dresses, casual slip dresses, bridal suits, jumpsuits, and dresses crafted from fabrics like cotton and linen.
What shoes should I wear for my backyard wedding?

If you're going to be walking on the lawn, block heels, wedges and flats are always a grass-friendly choice.
Do I have to wear white for my backyard wedding?

Definitely not! While bridal white is beautiful and forever classic, there are lots of colorful styles and prints to choose from for your backyard nuptials.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding parties, guests, and more.

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