Ride into the Sunset: What to Wear to a Western Themed Wedding

Picture this: the sun is setting, the smell of hay and leather fills the air, and the sound of country music echoes through the rustic barn. You find yourself in the midst of a Western themed wedding celebration, where cowboy boots and flannel shirts replace traditional formal wear. But as a guest, you may be wondering, “What should I wear to this unique occasion?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore the dos and don’ts of dressing for a Western themed wedding. From wrangling with dress codes to nailing the perfect balance between traditional and modern, get ready to saddle up for some fashion tips that will make you stand out in all the right ways at your next Western inspired nuptials. Let’s hit the trail!

Introduction

A western themed wedding can be a fun and unique experience for both the bride and groom, as well as their guests. It brings a touch of the old Wild West to a modern day celebration, creating a memorable atmosphere for everyone involved. However, with a theme like this, it can be difficult to know what attire is appropriate. Should you go full cowboy or cowgirl? Will it be too casual or too formal? In this guide, we will provide detailed information on what to wear to a western themed wedding so that you can make the best fashion choices and enjoy the special day to the fullest.

Understanding Western Style

Before we dive into specific outfit ideas, it is important to have an understanding of what defines western style. Western fashion is heavily influenced by the clothing worn by cowboys and cowgirls in the Wild West during the late 19th century. This includes items such as denim jeans, plaid shirts, cowboy hats, and boots. The style has evolved over time but has remained closely associated with country living and ranching. Now that you have an idea of what western fashion entails, let’s move on to specific attire options for a western themed wedding.

Outfits for Women

When choosing an outfit for a western themed wedding as a woman, you want to strike the right balance between casual and elegant. A great way to do this is by incorporating elements of traditional western wear into your ensemble.

Dresses are always a popular choice for weddings and they can work well for a western theme too. Opt for flowy maxi dresses in earthy tones such as burgundy or mustard with subtle prints like paisley or floral. To add some western flair, pair your dress with cowboy boots or ankle booties. You can also accessorize with leather belts, statement jewelry pieces featuring turquoise or agate stones, or a bold leather jacket.

If dresses are not your style, consider wearing a skirt and top combination. A flowy midi skirt with a plaid or lace blouse can give you a feminine yet western look. You can also experiment with different textures like denim or suede to add depth to your outfit. Complete the look with a wide-brimmed cowboy hat or a felt fedora.

Another option is to go for a western-inspired jumpsuit. Choose one in a neutral color like khaki or tan and pair it with boots and simple accessories for an effortlessly stylish look.

Outfits for Men

For men, western fashion is all about rugged masculinity mixed with country charm. To nail the look, you can choose from various attire options such as denim, plaid shirts, cowboy boots, and hats.

One classic option is to sport a pair of well-fitting jeans with rolled cuffs and a printed button-down shirt in plaid or gingham. Opt for colors like navy, red, green, or brown which are often seen in country-style clothing. Tuck your shirt in and accessorize with a leather belt and cowboy boots for the complete western look.

If you want to dress it up a notch, consider wearing a suit but with some western-inspired twists. For example, instead of traditional dress shoes, go for brown leather boots and add some personality by choosing a suit jacket in linen or tweed fabric. Finish off the look by adding a bolo tie around your neck.

For those who prefer something more casual but still want to stay true to the theme, opt for khaki pants paired with suspenders and an untucked plaid shirt. You can also accessorize with a cowboy hat or bandana tied around your neck.

What Not to Wear

While we have covered some great outfit ideas for both men and women, it is important to note what is not appropriate for a western themed wedding.

Firstly, avoid anything that is too formal or black tie. This means no tuxedos or silk gowns. You want to keep the overall look relaxed and casual.

Avoid wearing flashy colors or overly trendy pieces. Stick to earthy tones and classic prints that are in line with the western theme.

Lastly, leave the flip flops and athletic shoes at home. Cowboy boots are the way to go for both men and women when it comes to footwear.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a better understanding of what to wear to a western themed wedding, it’s time to have fun with your outfit choices. Remember to stick with the overall theme and add your personal touch. Whether you opt for a flowy dress, rock a pair of cowboy boots, or choose a suit with a bolo tie, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in your attire. And with these outfit ideas, you will surely be dressed to impress at any western themed wedding!

The History of Western Themed Weddings

Western themed weddings have become increasingly popular over the years, with many couples choosing this unique and fun theme for their special day. But where did this tradition come from? The history of western themed weddings can be traced back to the era of the American Wild West, during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

During this time, the western frontier was a symbol of adventure, freedom, and new beginnings. As settlers moved westward for land and opportunity, they brought with them a unique culture and way of life. Weddings during this time reflected the ruggedness and simplicity of the Wild West, with a focus on practicality rather than extravagance.

Cowboy weddings were common during this era, where couples would exchange their vows in a simple ceremony outdoors or in a small rustic chapel. The attire worn by both the bride and groom was practical yet stylish – cowboy boots, denim jeans, plaid shirts, and cowboy hats were all common elements of western wedding attire.

As time went on, western themed weddings continued to evolve. With movies like “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” and “For A Few Dollars More” being released in the mid-20th century, western culture became more mainstream. This led to an increase in popularity for western themed weddings among those looking for a unique and unconventional wedding experience.

Today, western themed weddings are not only popular in America but around the world. They have become a way for couples to celebrate their love while paying homage to this iconic chapter in American history.

The Elements of a Western Themed Wedding

A successful western themed wedding is all about incorporating the right elements to bring that rustic yet romantic feel to your special day. From decorations to attire – every detail counts! Here are some key elements you should consider when planning your own western-themed wedding:

Location

The first element to consider is the location. A western themed wedding calls for a setting that reflects the ruggedness and simplicity of the Wild West. An outdoor location such as a barn, ranch, or open field would be ideal. If an outdoor wedding is not possible, consider finding a rustic venue that can be transformed with western-themed decorations.

Attire

When it comes to attire, think cowboy and cowgirl! The bride and groom can opt for traditional western attire with a modern twist – think denim or lace wedding dresses for the bride and cowboy hats and boots for the groom. For guests, suggest dressing in western-style clothing such as plaid shirts, cowboy boots, and jeans.

Décor

The key to nailing the decor for a western themed wedding is to keep it simple yet festive. Use hay bales, mason jars, burlap table runners, and wildflowers to create a charming country vibe. You can also incorporate some iconic western elements like horseshoes, lassos, or even cowboy hats into your decorations.

Food

When planning the menu for your Western themed wedding, think comfort food with a southern twist! BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, corn on the cob – these are just some popular dishes you can offer your guests. For drinks, consider serving up some signature cocktails like spiked lemonade or whiskey sours.

Making Your Western Themed Wedding Unique

While adhering to the traditional elements of a Western themed wedding is essential for creating an authentic experience, don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch to make it unique!

Consider incorporating some non-traditional elements like horseback rides around the venue or hiring a live country band to play at the reception. You could also create a photo booth area with props like cowboy hats, bandanas, and fake mustaches for your guests to have some fun with.

Another way to make your western themed wedding unique is by including elements from your own personal love story. For example, if you and your partner met on a road trip across the country, incorporate that theme into your decorations or menu.

The Dos and Don’ts of Attending a Western Themed Wedding

If you’re attending a western themed wedding, it’s important to be aware of some dos and don’ts to ensure you fit in with the theme and respect the couple’s wishes.

Dos

– Do dress according to the theme. This means incorporating western elements like cowboy boots or denim into your outfit.
– Do come prepared for outdoor weather. Western themed weddings are often held outdoors, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
– Do embrace the fun and festive atmosphere! Western themed weddings are all about having a good time, so join in on the line dancing or try your hand at lassoing.
– Do bring a thoughtful western themed gift for the couple. Consider something practical like personalized cowboy hats or a set of branded steak knives.

Don’ts

– Don’t show up

Q: Can I wear jeans to a western themed wedding?
A: While jeans may seem like a comfortable and appropriate choice for a western themed wedding, it is typically not considered suitable attire. It is best to opt for more formal attire that captures the western theme in a subtle and elegant manner.

Q: What type of footwear should I wear to a western themed wedding?
A: Cowboy boots are the classic choice for footwear at a western themed wedding. However, if you do not have cowboy boots or find them uncomfortable, you can opt for dressier boots or even closed-toe sandals. Just make sure they match the overall look and feel of the outfit.

Q: Are hats necessary for a western themed wedding?
A: Hats are not necessary at a western themed wedding, but they can certainly add to your ensemble and enhance the western vibe. If you do choose to wear one, make sure it complements your outfit and is not too over-the-top.

Q: Can I wear all black to a western themed wedding?
A: While black is typically associated with elegance and sophistication, it may not be the most appropriate color at a western themed wedding. Opt for earthy tones like brown, beige, or even dark green or burgundy to blend in with the theme better.

Q: Is it okay to wear denim on denim at a western themed wedding?
A: Double denim may have been trendy at one point, but it may clash with the overall aesthetic of a western themed wedding. Avoid wearing denim on denim and opt for more versatile options such as dress pants or skirts paired with denim accents.

Q: Can I accessorize with jewelry at a western themed wedding?
A: Yes, you can definitely accessorize with jewelry at a western themed wedding. However, try to choose jewelry pieces that are more subtle and in line with the western theme, such as turquoise or silver accents. Avoid wearing overly flashy or chunky jewelry that may take away from the overall look.

In conclusion, attending a western themed wedding can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be stressful when deciding what to wear. It is important to carefully consider the dress code and theme of the wedding in order to choose an appropriate outfit that reflects your personal style while still adhering to the western theme.

From choosing the right attire, such as a dress with floral prints or a cowboy hat for women and a well-tailored suit or boots for men, to incorporating western elements through accessories like bolo ties or fringe details, there are various ways to embrace the western theme in your ensemble. Additionally, paying attention to fabric choices and incorporating traditional western colors like shades of brown and denim can enhance your overall look.

Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that your outfit is not only stylish but also comfortable enough to allow you to fully enjoy the festivities. Consider wearing breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes that will keep you cool and allow you to dance or participate in any other activities without discomfort.

It is also worth noting that when attending a western themed wedding, etiquette plays a crucial role. As such, avoiding appropriative or offensive clothing choices is of utmost importance. Try to steer clear from cultural stereotypes and instead focus on incorporating aspects of western culture in a respectful and tasteful manner

Author Profile

Kelsey Garrison

Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.