What to Wear to a Garden Wedding Party: Men's Style Guide

Whether an elegant affair or a relaxing, even rustic event, a garden wedding party offers an alluring mix of charm amid the beauty of nature. However, when it comes to garden party attire, men are often confused about what to wear.

You want to wear an outfit that’s appropriate to the formality of the garden party wedding, and also wear an outfit that’s comfortable. So what’s the best garden party attire men should wear?

The key is to start with the dress code. When you follow the dress code and incorporate outdoor practicality with a touch of style, you’ll be able to pull together the perfect garden wedding party outfit.

This guide is designed to help you feel confident about every aspect of dressing for a garden wedding. We even offer specific outfit recommendations! At The Tie Bar, we love to share our expertise in helping you dress confidently for any occasion.

Understanding Garden Party Wedding Dress Codes

Most garden party weddings typically fall into two main dress code categories: semi-formal or dressy-casual. Before deciding on your outfit, be sure to check your invitation details for the dress code — and also consider the venue, time of day, and the weather when planning your outfit.

No matter the formality level, men should wear breathable natural fabrics in lighter colors such as neutrals and pastels. Unless the invitation specifies that you should wear white, avoid an all-white outfit. The bride retains the privilege of wearing all white!

Essential Pieces for Men’s Garden Party Attire

Lightweight Suits and Blazers

For garden wedding attire, men will always look dapper and polished in a lightweight suit or blazer. Breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, and lightweight wool blends are the best choice for men’s garden party attire.

Well-tailored suits or blazers and shirts in light beige, light grey, soft blue, pink, and sage green are all great choices. See more suggestions about color in the section below.

Choose your suit or blazer tailoring depending on the garden party’s formality level. A structured jacket provides a more formal look, while an unstructured, lightweight blazer or jacket offers a more casual, relaxed vibe.

Dress Shirts That Breathe

Choosing comfortable fabrics that breathe will allow you to enjoy the garden party without feeling too hot or cramped in your clothing. Go with moisture-wicking, loose weave, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.

Band-collar shirts offer a modern, relaxed look while collared dress shirts will be more formal.

Whichever style shirt you choose, select a classic white, light blue, or subtle pastel to align with the garden theme.

The Right Trousers and Chinos

Dress pants are the best choice for a formal garden wedding party. Lightweight chinos work great for a more casual event. Choose colors that complement or accent your blazer and shirt.

Fit is important. Your pants should be comfortable and allow movement without seeming baggy.

Lightweight fabrics will provide the comfort you want. Consider a fabric with a slight amount of stretch for added ease of movement. Excellent tailoring keeps lightweight fabrics looking crisp and sharp.

Garden Party Wedding Attire: Color Coordination

For garden party wedding attire, men should choose colors that complement the charm and beauty of outdoor settings. Softly toned pastels and brighter colors align well with natural garden backdrops. Do keep in mind that pastels work well with spring garden weddings while brighter, more saturated colors work well with summer garden weddings.

A white band collar shirt with a light sage green blazer and tan chinos would be a handsome choice for a spring garden wedding. For a summer garden party wedding, consider a pink dress shirt, navy blazer, oatmeal linen pants, and a lively floral tie.

Footwear for Garden Parties

Garden parties are often held on grass or uneven surfaces. Choose good-looking shoes that are comfortable, will protect you against damp or wet grass, and provide support through extended standing.

Best to leave your dress shoes at home and opt for loafers, boat shoes, or leather sneakers. Narrow heeled shoes will sink into grass and thin soles won’t protect your feet against dampness.

Accessories That Elevate Your Garden Party Look

Ties and Bow Ties for Garden Weddings

You can have fun selecting neckwear for garden weddings! Beautiful and stylish ties and bow ties that you probably wouldn’t wear to work are especially designed to enhance your garden wedding attire.

Floral patterns, subtle pastels, colorful prints, and seasonal colors will add pizazz, interest, and elegance to your garden wedding outfit. A necktie is the best choice for a more formal garden wedding while a bow tie in a charming floral or print pattern can add character to a more casual garden wedding outfit.

Silk neckwear lends a more formal look. Cotton and linen ties and bow ties are better suited to more casual outfits.

Pocket Squares and Lapel Accessories

Pocket squares add the perfect touch of sophistication and balance to a suit or jacket. When choosing a pocket square, the key is to select a complementary pattern or color to your tie. Don’t try to match your pocket square and tie.

An olive green tie can be beautifully complemented by a green floral pocket square. A floral tie will be handsomely complemented by a pocket square that picks up one color in the tie’s pattern.

Practical Accessories

Additional accessories that can add a touch of practicality and sophistication include sunglasses, hats, and watches. From protecting your eyes and skin to helping plan your day, well-chosen accessories not only add a touch of style, but provide function and comfort as well.

Definitely include stylish sunglasses when planning your wedding party outfit. You’ll appreciate protection from the glare, even on a cloudy day.

A fashionable hat such as a linen driver cap or classic white Panama will certainly add style and fashion to your look while also protecting you from the sun’s rays.

A watch that enhances and complements your attire is another accessory that is functional and good-looking. You may also consider items like a ring that matches your watch band or a subtle woven leather bracelet.

8 Garden Party Attire Men Outfit Inspirations

• The Classic Linen Gentleman: Beige linen blazer, white dress shirt, navy chinos, brown loafers, floral tie
• The Modern Minimalist: Light grey cotton blazer, pale blue shirt, khaki trousers, white leather sneakers
• The Pattern Play: Navy blazer, striped shirt, light grey pants, colorful pocket square
• The Bow Tie Charmer: Light blue suit, white shirt, floral bow tie, brown loafers
• The Smart Casual: Sage green blazer, white polo, cream chinos, boat shoes
• The Vintage Inspired: Seersucker blazer, pink shirt, navy pants, suspenders, bow tie
• The Tropical Touch: Cream blazer, floral shirt, light brown pants, espadrilles
• The Sophisticated Guest: Light wool suit, lavender shirt, silk tie, dress loafers

Seasonal Considerations for Garden Party Attire

Spring Garden Weddings

For garden party wedding attire, men should consider coordinating their wardrobe with the spring colors seen in nature. The pastel tones of new blossoms, the myriad greens of fresh leaves, the pure blues of sky, ponds, and lakes — these colors will guide you in choosing your clothing palette.

Keep the potential weather forecast in mind. Layering is always a great strategy for staying comfortable. Bring along a linen pullover, vest, or blazer if it looks like the weather will turn cold as the party progresses.

Summer Garden Celebrations

Summer warmth and humidity call for choosing lightweight fabrics in styles with maximum breathability. A breezy white linen shirt over light toned chinos can provide comfort and style.

Consider a shirt with short sleeves such as a stylish t-shirt or polo that can go under an unstructured blazer.

Fall Garden Events

It can be difficult to gauge fall weather so layering will be your friend. Choose pieces in richer fall tones and opt for slightly heavier fabrics. Chunky cottons and merino wools such as this long sleeve polo provide style while keeping you comfortable.

What to Avoid When Dressing for Garden Parties

When planning garden attire for weddings, men should avoid wearing overly formal outfits, inappropriate footwear, or poorly tailored pieces.

• Unless the dress code specifies black tie, do not wear a tuxedo to a garden party.
• Try to avoid wearing silks and satins. These elegant fabrics can get clingy in hot humid weather and tend to show dark water marks from sweat or rain.
• Avoid 100% polyester clothing. It doesn’t wick moisture, can make you feel hot, and generally looks cheap in comparison to natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool.
• Inappropriate footwear can range from overly formal dress shoes that can get ruined by standing on a damp or wet lawn to shabby athletic shoes or casual flip flops that detract from a stylish look.
• Avoid baggy, wrinkled clothing and pieces that lack quality tailoring.
• If necessary, wear a hat to protect your face and scalp from the sun but avoid wearing overly casual hats like ball caps, bucket hats, or beanies.

Complete Your Garden Party Look at The Tie Bar

First and foremost, be sure to understand the dress code for the specific garden wedding party you’ll be attending. The dress code is your guide to your outfit’s level of formality.

Choose colors and fabrics appropriate to the season, then add panache and personality with well-chosen accessories. Check the weather forecast to determine if layers are necessary.

Whether you’ll be dressing more formally or going relaxed and casual, focus on quality, fit, and style. And when it’s time to shop for just the right pieces, you’ll find the perfect garden wedding party garments at The Tie Bar. We have comprehensive seasonal collections and wedding-specific selections for pulled-together outfits that will ensure you’re a polished and handsome wedding guest.

SHOP GARDEN PARTY ESSENTIALS