After writing this post, what to wear when you don’t know what to wear, reader Sharon J left the following comment on Facebook:
Ok, here’s a challenge. Semi formal dress code. Outdoor (in a paddock) wedding, canapes in the garden, then garden/lawn reception.
Sharon, challenge accepted!
What to wear to an outdoor semi formal wedding
Let’s begin by having a look at the information we’ve got, shall we?
1. Consider the dress code
First up, we know it’s a semi formal dress code. Traditionally that means elegant but not formal.
Options could include
- a knee-length cocktail dress
- a skirt or evening pants and top arrangement
- maxi dresses are also acceptable, but they’re not to be confused with a to the floor ball gown – that’s definitely a formal dress code.
2. Think about your shoes
We also know you’re going to be outside, in a paddock and a garden. Now I’m not particularly outdoorsy but I do know a thing or two about holding a drink in a paddock.
Well ok, not an actual paddock but I have been to quite a few garden weddings in my time and I went on a school excursion in 1987 to a farm, so I’m across this whole paddock thing.
High heels and green grass are not great friends. They do not play nice together and if you wear heels, you run the risk of them sinking into the grass at any given moment. That’s fine if you quite like standing still for hours on end, but the minute you need to move you will lose your shoe.
And just quietly, losing a shoe in a paddock is not a Cinderella moment!
To avoid a heel in grass situation from happening I would recommend wearing:
- wedges
- a block heel
- sandals or ballet flats – this option would work best paired with a maxi dress
Leather or fleather (faux leather) shoes work best in outdoor situations as any mud, dirt or grass can easily be wiped off the next day. If you must wear suede shoes, spray them liberally with shoe/fabric protection prior to the big day and be prepared for them to never look quite the same again.
So now we know what a semi formal dress code is and what shoes are best for an outdoor wedding situation, let’s have a look at some outfit suggestions.
Look One: Cocktail Chic
Cooper St Decadent Lace Dress $219.95, Birdsnest
Lush Designs Single Hook Pearl Earrings $29, Birdsnest
FRANKiE4 EMMA Nude $220
Look Two: Relaxed Glam
Bird Keepers By Design Tie Front Maxi Dress $129.95, Birdsnest
Tatiana Geo Tassel Hoop Drop Earring $19.99, Forever New
Maze block heel $79.99, Betts
Look Three: Lace Love
Lace Short Sleeve Dress $109.95, Birdsnest
Enamel Statement Earrings $14.95, Portmans
Day Knot Heel Sandals Rose Gold $89.95, Forever New
Look Four: Plus Size Perfection
Printed Wrap Dress $119.95, City Chic
Metal Tassel Drop Earrings $17.99, Lovisa
CUOCO Block Heel $189.95, Tony Bianco
After more wedding outfit inspo?
My Wedding Guest board on Pinterest will have you sorted in no time. Follow it here.
Find loads of cocktail and semi-formal outfit ideas on Birdsnest.
Some of my favourite places to shop are featured on the side of this blog (if you’re reading on a desk top) or at the bottom (if you’re reading on a mobile device). Click on those ads and you’ll find a variety of semi formal outfits and accessories on offer.
Have you been to an outdoor semi formal wedding before? What did you wear?
This post contains some affiliate links, as per my disclosure policy.
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