Chunky wedges, midi dresses and light summer cardigans – What to wear to an Irish garden wedding

Our wardrobes have been getting more TLC in recent weeks than they have all year. As a summer of outdoor living unfurls itself like a luxurious red carpet before us, we suddenly find ourselves in need of outfits that we can actually be seen outside the house in. Nipping to the shops in our loungewear may be acceptable but donning a mismatched cotton pyjama set for an intimate wedding ceremony probably isn’t. 

Hoping to minimise the stress but maximise the fun of finally have a full calendar of events, we’ve compiled a list of what you’ll need to nail garden wedding dressing this summer season of love. 

Layer up

Wedding guest attire is all about the layers this summer. As Irish people, dressing for the weather should be something we’re inherently good at – we’re liable to get four seasons in any one day so preparing for that should be second nature by now. Unsurprisingly we usually fail to heed our mother’s advice to bring a coat though. The first sign of Mr Bkue Sky and we seem to forget that once the sun goes down, it tends to get cold out. Avoid the goosebumps by bringing a light summer cardi or jacket along with you. Glam but functional too. 

Ditch the heels

Heels were once our go-to, but I’m sure I speak for quite a few of you when I say, I don’t think I’m ready to return to them just yet. My feet have grown accustomed to comfort over the past few months and the thought of squishing my toes up in some gorgeous but torturous pair of stilettos sends me into a cold sweat. With many wedding receptions still taking place outdoors, heels aren’t necessarily the most practical choice when you have grass to contend with either. Opt for a platform or wedge style sandal instead and you’ll be laughing. 

Ankle-length/midi gúnas

While the terrain will definitely dictate your choice of footwear, it’s likely to have a knock-on effect on your choice of gúna too. Floor-length dresses may sound great in theory but what if the grass is wet? Or it’s slightly mucky? Weddings rarely run perfectly smoothly (nor does the weather) and the chances are that anything that goes beyond your ankle probably won’t stay clean for long. Minimise the risk factor by sticking to 3/4 length styles. There are plenty of wedding-appropriate options out there and the good news is that most of them can be reworked with a pair of runners for a more casual daytime look too. So, not only will you get more bang for your buck but you’ll also get double the wears.

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