A wedding is the perfect time for female guests to show their romantic side — and what better way to do that than with a fabulous, flowery print.
So, if you’ve been wondering if you can wear floral to a wedding, the answer is an emphatic ‘yes!’
A floral print outfit is not only an appropriate choice for any type of wedding, it can be chosen to suit the style of the ceremony. Attending a beach wedding? Look for a tropical print. Are you going to a garden ceremony? Opt for something ultra feminine.
While the dress you choose does need to match the formality of the wedding you’re attending, we’re happy to tell you that you can make a floral print work no matter what the dress code. Read on for our tips on how to wear floral at any style of wedding.
Can You Wear Floral to a Wedding? Understanding Dress Codes
Whether you’re attending a black tie ceremony or a wedding in the country, a floral print can be a great choice. To help you find the perfect floral dress or jumpsuit for every occasion, here’s an overview of the six main wedding dress codes.
White tie
White tie weddings mean female guests are expected to wear floor-length gowns. That doesn’t mean you can’t bring a bit of floral to the party, though. As long as the gown you choose is elegant rather than flashy and doesn’t compete with the bride’s dress in any way, you can rock a floral print at even a white tie affair.
Here are a few floral options that are appropriate for a white tie wedding.
- Spaghetti Strap Sweetheart Sheath Organza Print Gown (featured above)
- Floral Applique Sleeveless A-Line Evening Gown
- Rumi Floral Illusion Gown
Black tie
A bit less formal than white tie weddings, black tie gives you a few more wardrobe choices. Ladies who prefer to wear an evening gown can certainly do so, but cocktail dresses are also an option as long as the hemline remains below the knee. With more dress styles available to you, it’s easier to find a floral dress that you’ll love.
These dresses are all charming choices for a black tie affair.
- Degrade Hydrangea Mikado Dress (featured above)
- Pleated Floral Chiffon Cris Cross Dress
- Floral Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Formal (or black tie optional)
While still formal, a black tie optional event means most female guests will gravitate toward a cocktail dress rather than a traditional evening gown. A black tie optional wedding also means you can wear a shorter dress, but it should be no more than a few inches above the knee.
Need some ideas? Here’s three floral dresses you’re sure to love.
- Long Sleeve Floral Organza A-Line Dress (featured above)
- Floral Ruched Gown
- Floral Embellished Midi Dress
Semi-formal
This popular dress code gives female guests a variety of options. From cocktail dresses to garden party dresses to jumpsuits, you won’t have a hard time finding some great floral prints. You can even opt for a floral skirt or blouse if you prefer wearing separates.
Need some inspiration? Here are three beautiful dresses for a semi-formal wedding.
- Emmylou Floral One Shoulder Midi Dress (featured above)
- Metallic Floral Dress
- Alluring Look Black Floral Satin Cowl Neck Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
Dressy casual
Similar to a semi-formal dress code, this style is a bit more relaxed. While your dress should still be dressy, it doesn’t need to have the same level of sophistication. A pretty sundress, garden party dress or floral maxi dress are all appropriate for a dressy casual affair
These examples will help you to find a suitable frock.
- Ishani Midi Dress (featured above)
- Short Puff Sleeve Floral Midi Dress
- Floral Maxi Dress
Casual
While a truly casual wedding is rare, if you’ve been invited to one, you may already have a dress in your closet that you can wear. Just remember, that casual for a wedding is not the same as your everyday casual clothing. Looking chic and put together is still essential.
Your best options for a casual wedding is either a sundress, a simply cut floral dress or a maxi dress.
- Wilma Floral Ruffle Flounce Mini Dress (featured above)
- Floral Print Ruffle Midi Dress
- Yellow Boho Dress
What to Wear When No Dress Code is Stated
Now that you’ve had a rundown on dress codes, it’s time to talk about how to dress when your invitation doesn’t mention a dress code.
Taking a middle-of-the-road approach and wearing a cocktail dress is often a good idea, but there are no guarantees. So, why not determine what to wear simply by reading the time of day and location listed on your invitation? Want to know more? Read on!
Daytime wedding
Morning and afternoon weddings may be more casual than evening ceremonies, but that doesn’t mean you can throw on an outfit without giving it any thought. In most cases, dressy casual or semi-formal attire is best for a daytime ceremony. You should only dress casually if your invitation lists the dress code as casual.
Here are some dresses that are perfect for a daytime wedding attire.
- Sensationally So Emerald Green Floral Print Wrap Midi Dress (featured above)
- Jesse Floral Wide Leg Crop Jumpsuit
- Mallory High Neck Jumpsuit
Evening wedding
Weddings hosted at 6 p.m. or later are more formal than daytime ceremonies and typically are black tie optional or semi-formal. Black tie and white tie are also an option, but are less likely if not stated on the invitation. Typically, couples expecting guests to show up in formal evening gowns will say so on the invite.
So, if you receive an invite that doesn’t state a dress code, wearing a cocktail dress that is knee-length or longer is your safest option.
- Forever Lovable Black Floral Embroidered Tiered Midi Dress (featured above)
- Floral Print V-Neck Pleated Evening Dress
- Tall Floral Devore Off The Shoulder Midaxi Dress
Church wedding
A church wedding ceremony requires modest fashion choices. Floral dresses with thigh-high slits, cleavage or bare backs are all out of the question. If you’re attending a Catholic or Orthodox ceremony, bare shoulders are also a faux pas.
If you’re looking for an outfit for a church wedding, these floral dresses are modest yet classy options.
- Ella Floral Print Dress (featured above)
- Lucas Silk Dress
- Wild Floral Woven Maxi Dress
Beach wedding
A beach ceremony is the perfect place to break out some tropical floral prints. A maxi dress in a breezy fabric, a bright sundress or a sleek floral jumpsuit with a pair of dressy flat or wedge sandals will have you looking cute and feeling comfortable all night long.
Here are some good examples to get you started.
- Still In Paradise Green Floral Print Maxi Dress (featured above)
- Sleeveless V-Neck Floral Summer Beach Dress
- Sexy V-Neck Wide Leg Long Jumpsuit
Garden wedding
A garden wedding is all about ladylike silhouettes and pretty floral prints. If you’ve ever attended an English tea, then you probably already have the perfect dress in your closet. If not, think: “what would a Royal wear?” Channeling the Princess of Wales, who is known for rocking some elegant floral frocks, is always a smart move. To take your look to the next level, why not add a hat to your ensemble?
Need some inspiration? These three floral dresses are all great choices for a garden ceremony.
- Mariata Maxi Dress (featured above)
- Bonita Shirred Frill Long Sleeve Bodycon Midi Dress
- Women’s Floral Print Boho Dress
Country wedding
A country wedding does not equal a casual one, so don’t even think about wearing a denim skirt or jeans. Even if the ceremony is being held outdoors or in a barn, a dressy casual or semi-formal outfit will still be expected.
Opting for a pretty floral dress with feminine touches like frilled cap sleeves or touches of lace will have you looking picture perfect and, as an added plus, this is the type of dress you can wear again and again, so you’ll more than get your money’s worth.
Here’s a few options to consider.
