Outdoor Summer Wedding

[AustinTink]

We have an outdoor summer wedding to attend. The attire is garden formal. The photos on the wedding website show gals in flowy, floral dresses. That’s no problem. I have plenty of those. The issue I’m having is DH does not want to wear a suit in high 90s to low 100s weather. Can he get away with a nice long sleeved linen shirt and pants? The shirt is and meant to be worn tucked out.

He said no to both a linen suit and a seersucker jacket. I don’t blame him. It’s going to be miserably hot.

 

[cayennews]

I think what you suggested would be fine. I was even thinking about nice short sleeve polo shirt.

 

[AustinTink]

I think what you suggested would be fine. I was even thinking about nice short sleeve polo shirt.

I think you’re right about the polo. I’ve never been to a summer outdoor wedding in the extreme heat before, even in a sundress I’m afraid I’ll pass out.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I think what you suggested would be fine. I was even thinking about nice short sleeve polo shirt.

The only issue I'd see with that would be the possibility of sunburn.

 

[jdb in AZ]

My bro and his partner wore matching Hawaiian shirts. They looked a lot more comfortable than the dressed-up guests in the record-breaking heat. FWIW even the groom took off his jacket.

 

[dizneegirl]

We went full-on wedding attire for an outdoor 4th of July wedding years ago. Men all in full suits... never again.

As if that weren't bad enough, we were given small sachets of bird seed to throw at the end. Unbeknownst to us, they were made of the squirrel-proof birdseed (coated in cayenne). So, when you would wipe sweat, it would burn a little...

 

[mjkacmom]

I think what you suggested would be fine. I was even thinking about nice short sleeve polo shirt.

I think a polo would be too casual, depending upon where it is, especially with the word polo in the description. Sleeves can always be rolled up.

 

[pezgirlroy]

Linen pants with a lightweight button down. Start with the sleeves rolled down and then they can be rolled up.

 

[LoveDaisy]

We went to an outdoor wedding last summer. I reached out to the bride to ask what was appropriate for DH. She suggested linen pants and a Tommy Bahama type button down sleeve shirts.

Have you considered asking? I think that is best solution as each bride has her own vision for the day.

We got married on the beach in Mexico I included a note in the invite suggestion woman wear a sun dress and men wear dress shorts or linen pants and a tropical shirt like a Tommy Bahama type shirt. Everyone was happy I was up front about my expectations.

 

[lanejudy]

We attended an outdoor garden wedding last summer. DH wore a short-sleeve dress shirt and tie, no jacket. I don’t recall seeing any polo/golf shirts. The wedding party was dressed formally. Many ties were loosened or removed after the ceremony. Is it mid-day or evening? That can make a difference. But I agree with asking.

 

[AustinTink]

We attended an outdoor garden wedding last summer. DH wore a short-sleeve dress shirt and tie, no jacket. I don’t recall seeing any polo/golf shirts. The wedding party was dressed formally. Many ties were loosened or removed after the ceremony. Is it mid-day or evening? That can make a difference. But I agree with asking.

It’s at 6pm but in Central Texas that is still surface of the sun hot. Ceremony and cocktail hour are outside. Dinner and dancing are inside thankfully.

 

[AustinTink]

We went to an outdoor wedding last summer. I reached out to the bride to ask what was appropriate for DH. She suggested linen pants and a Tommy Bahama type button down sleeve shirts.

Have you considered asking? I think that is best solution as each bride has her own vision for the day.

We got married on the beach in Mexico I included a note in the invite suggestion woman wear a sun dress and men wear dress shorts or linen pants and a tropical shirt like a Tommy Bahama type shirt. Everyone was happy I was up front about my expectations.

I considered asking but their wedding website has a tab specifically for attire already. It has a vision board so to speak of ladies in floral midis and maxis and guys in pastel linen suits.

Garden Party Formal is new to me but apparently popular with the twenty-somethings. My son has a pink seersucker jacket from the last garden party wedding he attended.

 

[AustinTink]

Linen pants with a lightweight button down. Start with the sleeves rolled down and then they can be rolled up.

That’s exactly what I was thinking. He’ll be wrinkled but not dying in the heat.

 

[AustinTink]

We went full-on wedding attire for an outdoor 4th of July wedding years ago. Men all in full suits... never again.

As if that weren't bad enough, we were given small sachets of bird seed to throw at the end. Unbeknownstto us, they were made of the squirrel-proof birdseed (coated in cayenne). So, when you would wipe sweat, it would burn a little...

The burning bird seed was the cherry on top!

 

[AustinTink]

My bro and his partner wore matching Hawaiian shirts. They looked a lot more comfortable than the dressed-up guests in the record-breaking heat. FWIW even the groom took off his jacket.

Along the same lines as a Hawaiian shirt, my DH wants to wear a guayabera. Where I’m from people wear them to weddings. A guayabera and linen pants might be the ticket.

 

[pezgirlroy]

Along the same lines as a Hawaiian shirt, my DH wants to wear a guayabera. Where I’m from people wear them to weddings. A guayabera and linen pants might be the ticket.

That sounds perfect.

 

[neverlandsky]

As a guest, summer men’s business casual or upscale resort style for garden wedding. Short sleeve collared buttoned up shirt. Think breathable outfit. If women can wear flowing or short dresses, men can wear very nice shorts. If shorts aren’t the plan, bring a pair to change into. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke is no joke.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'd ask for clarification. The word formal, even if preceded by garden, makes me think a Tommy Bahama or polo shirt wouldn't be expected. If they really expect jackets & he doesn't want to wear one, I'd politely decline the invitation. Alternatively, he could put on his jacket, when he exits the car, then take it off soon after. A tie can always be loosened, when it becomes too much.

 

[_19disnA]

I seriously doubt anyone from their 'fashion police' will be at the door deciding who to turn away based on their attire. It seems excessively controlling to tell adults what they are expected to wear to a wedding. What difference does it make what the guests wear? Frankly I would be inclined to turn down any invite that specified what you should wear (either men or women). I don't get why people think they need to be so controlling about the attire of wedding reception guests.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'd ask here. OP already has what the attire is requested and is wanting to deviate from that. A linen suit is not the same as a linen shirt. A linen shirt is more what you'd see at a beach. Polo is for the golf course and country club (though is quite common for business casual attire for corporate world).

In my mind I'd consider it on the same level as normal weddings but a consideration in the color palate to more suit a garden rather than a glitzy indoor wedding. The pastel is the clue. And the consideration towards the outdoor setting is the fabric of linen for the suit.

But when in doubt ask especially if you're going for the linen long sleeve or the polo.