Get Ready to Wow: Perfect Bridesmaid Attire for a Rustic Wedding

Did you know that there are nearly two million weddings every year in the U.S.? It’s true. And if you have had the honor of attending or participating in a recent wedding, you know that today’s ceremonies and receptions look a bit different than they did just a few decades ago.

Gone are the days when most ceremonies occur in a church, with the reception to follow either in the basement or an entirely separate venue. Today, we’re seeing weddings take place in just about any place you can imagine. And, the themes of these weddings have changed, too. Sure, we see those traditional weddings, but added to the mix are Boho themes, destination weddings, vintage or glamorous styles, rustic, and so much more.

In this article, we’ll tell you all about one of our favorite wedding themes—rustic weddings.

What is a Rustic Wedding?

So just what is a rustic wedding, and why is it our favorite? We’re so glad you asked. But before we answer, let’s ask you a question. Have you ever driven through a somewhat rural area only to find signs for wedding venues? The chances are you have, and for good reason. More and more brides and grooms these days are looking to change things up, planning their special day in unique locations such as barns, farms, vineyards, and other outdoor locations.

And yes, we know what you might be thinking. A wedding? In a barn? Okay, we should clarify. These barns aren’t just any old barn that you might drive past on the side of the road. These barns have typically either been built specifically for the purpose of becoming event venues or have been refurbished to create a super fun and unique location.

But barns aren't the only options for a rustic wedding. These weddings can occur just about anywhere outdoors, in vineyards, and anywhere the ambiance strikes you. The decor is just about whatever you make of it, too, but some of the most common elements are wooden accents, fairy lights, and lots of greenery.

Think of a rustic wedding like this—a cozy, nature-inspired celebration that combines charm and elegance with woodsy undertones, twinkle lights, mason jars, and more. Think timeless burgundy dresses, fashionable orange bridesmaid gowns, or any other color that suits your rustic mood.

Bridesmaid Style Guide for a Rustic Wedding

So then, this begs the question—what is the appropriate attire for a bridesmaid at a rustic wedding? Well, if you recall from above that these weddings combine charm and elegance, there really is no limitation to what a bridesmaid can wear.

That said, we do have some recommendations, and they all start with the colors. Just as weddings in any other setting might call for various colors at certain times of the year, the same holds true for rustic weddings. However, since these weddings typically have an outdoor element to them, it does mean that we see these weddings more often during the warmer months or in southern climates.

The best colors? We love earthy greens, dusty blues, burnt oranges, blush pinks, burgundies, and warm neutrals. You can even change things up a bit with ombré or mix-and-match dresses. It’s all about the bride, her tribe, and what helps to define that perfect day.

Now let’s talk about the material. This can be a big decision. Asking your bridesmaids to wear velvet, tweed, canvas, or leather on a hot summer day might not go over so well. We love to see lightweight and flowy fabrics. Think chiffon, tulle, and natural materials that make sense for that rustic vibe. Basically, any fabric that will look stunning in an outdoor setting.

Rustic Bridesmaid Dress Styles

It can be so easy to get hung up on selecting the perfect style for your bridesmaids to wear. The challenge is that no two bridesmaids are the same. So, unless you have identically sized identical twins in your wedding party line-up, you’ll want to think about dresses that look great on a variety of body styles. Or, let your bridesmaids change it up.

Remember, the wedding day is all about kicking off a lifetime of love, happiness, and togetherness. So, overly stressing yourself trying to find a dress that will suit everyone might not always work. The result might leave your bridesmaids uncomfortable and out of their comfort zone—definitely not something you want for your day of nuptials and celebration.

Options that tend to work great on everyone include wrap dresses or floor-length gowns. If you are open to mixing things up, let the ladies choose from A-lines, fit and flairs, mermaids, or even tea-length, depending on your preferences.

Practical Bridesmaid Dress Tips for a Rustic Wedding

As we have alluded to, a rustic wedding combines charm with elegance. It can be as rough and tumble or as elegant as you prefer. That said, whichever path you take, there are some tips to keep in mind to help keep your bridesmaids as comfortable as possible.

Pay Attention to the Typical Weather for the Time of Year: Think about the season—light, breathable fabrics for summer and longer sleeves or wraps for cooler months. No one wants goosebumps or sweat stains from dampening the experience!

Ground Rules: Consider the terrain. If it's grassy or uneven, shorter hemlines can save your bridesmaids from tripping or muddy mishaps.

Footwear: Rustic settings often call for walking on gravel, pavers, or even dirt paths. Opt for dresses that pair well with comfy, stable shoes like wedges or flats.

Moveability: A rustic celebration often involves dancing, mingling, and outdoor activities. Dresses with flexible fits or adjustable straps will help everyone feel ready for action.

Nature-Ready Fabrics: Outdoor settings mean wind, dust, or even a stray branch might make an appearance. Go for forgiving fabrics that don’t snag or cling.

Tie it to the Backdrop: Many brides and grooms go with earthy tones and natural scenery. So, dresses in soft, neutral, or muted colors tend to be a popular choice. After all, you don’t want the dress to overpower the backdrop. And you definitely don’t want the bridesmaid's dresses to overpower the bride.

Guest Attire for a Rustic Wedding: What to Wear

We know we’ve talked a lot about the best choices for bridesmaids. But what about your guests? If someone hasn’t been invited to a barn or farm wedding before, they might not be sure what is appropriate and what is not. The last thing you want is to have a guest arrive at your rustic wedding in a black cocktail dress with four-inch stilettos and have to balance on someone else to prevent stumbling all night long.

So, while you can tell your guests to dress however they are most comfortable, many couples opting for rustic weddings offer these types of tips to their guests.

Tips for Women

Women appreciate the opportunity to be comfortable, whether attending an event indoors or outdoors. So, great options for rustic weddings include flowy maxi dresses, midi styles, or chic jumpsuits in soft, earthy hues. And, of course, ladies will want to do some cozy and comfy footwear for these events. We suggest wedges or flats to prevent trips and falls in these outdoor settings. Want a coordinated look? Suggest a specific color palette for your guests!

Tips for Men

We know that many men cringe when they hear the words formal or semi-formal. And that’s just one of the reasons why men enjoy attending rustic weddings over many of the other styles. They can get away with tailored pants and a dress shirt or take it to the next level with a linen suit. And suspenders? They are perfect for these occasions.

If you’d like all of your guests to dress to match your wedding party colors, recommend a rustic color theme when sending out invitations or providing guidance on your wedding website.

Dress to Impress with ChicSew

Are you planning a rustic wedding? Have you decided on your colors and the best style for your bridesmaids? If so, check out our bridesmaid dress collection to explore the perfect dresses for your special day!