Golf courses are ideal for weddings because they are outdoorsy but also manicured and sophisticated; classy but also laid back.
In many ways, they give you the best of all worlds as an environment in which to have a wedding.
But that same attractive blend of qualities can sometimes make it a bit less obvious what to wear to a wedding at a golf course, especially for those guests who are not used to visiting golf courses or have never been to one before.
But don’t worry, because everyone is welcome, and we’ve collected this helpful list of suggestions for what to wear to a wedding at a golf course that should cover you, no matter how formal or casual the wedding is.
Understand the Overall Vibe of Golf Course Wedding Attire
When dressing up for a golf course wedding, you should essentially be trying to find a middle ground between formal and casual. Think polished but also practical.
As a guest at a golf course wedding, your attire should be suitable for:
- Being outdoors
- The weather (layering appropriately as needed to keep warm/cool)
- Walking around on a well-manicured lawn (high heels may sink into the lawn)
Unless specifically indicated in the invitation, most golf course weddings call for what you can consider semi-formal, cocktail, or garden party attire.
What to Wear to a Wedding at a Golf Course for Women
Dresses Are Almost Always Appropriate
Dresses are generally always the safest choice for what to wear to a wedding at a golf course. You want elegance but also mobility. Remember that, whatever you’re wearing, you should at least hypothetically be able to comfortably play a round of golf in it.
Lean toward:
- Dresses of midi or knee length
- Flowing maxi dresses
- Prints (floral or pastel)
- Lightweight fabrics (chiffon, cotton blend, linen)
Do not wear:
- Short hemlines
- Sequined or heavy satin (too formal)
- Tightly-fitting clothing (you need to be able to move around)
Shoes: Possibly the Most Important Part of Your Whole Outfit
As we mentioned, you need to be able to actually walk around on the golf course. And people who play golf wear special shoes while doing it for a reason: you don’t want to slip or sink into the grass. So, you’ll want to wear shoes that provide a good grip on the ground without concentrating all your weight in a single point (as high heels would do).
Some great options might be:
- Block heels
- Wedges
- A dressy pair of flats or sandals
Skip:
- Stilettos (they’ll sink into the grass and probably cause you to trip a lot)
- Sneakers (they might not give you the traction you need, and they may be too casual)
Accessorize Wisely
Like with any outfit, a few tasteful accessories can tie everything together beautifully and act as statement pieces and conversation starters. But remember not to wear anything that reduces your freedom of movement.
Consider:
- Fashionable sunglasses (you’ll be outside)
- Small clutch or cross-body purse
- Minimal jewelry (you don’t want it falling or getting caught on anything)
- Stylish hat (to protect your skin from the sun)
What to Wear to a Wedding at a Golf Course for Men
Suits Are Fine (Just Don’t Get Too Fancy)
For the same reasons that women have to consider for their outfits (mobility, comfort, and breathability), you’re unlikely to see a full tuxedo at a golf course wedding. Instead, you can wear a lightweight suit that isn’t too tight, or other attire that would be acceptable in an office setting.
Great Options:
- Light-colored suits (tan, gray, navy)
- Blazer and dress pant combination
- Dress shirt (with or without a tie)
If the invitation indicates that the wedding is more casual, then it’s fine to go with a polo-style dress shirt [aired with some nice khakis. However, that’s only if the invitation specifically says so.
Shoes: Comfortable And Functional, But Still Dressy
Just like the women, you want your weight to be dispersed across the bottoms of your feet so that you don’t risk sinking into the lawn, and you also want to have traction to avoid slipping.
Consider:
- Loafers
- Rubber-soled dress shoes
Avoid athletic shoes. No matter how nice they look, they’re still sneakers, which means they might not be formula enough, and they also might not give you the traction you need.
Daytime vs. Evening Wedding Attire
For Daytime Weddings
- Choose lighter shades
- Softer floral patterns
- Breathable fabrics
- Less formal accessories
For Evening Weddings
- Select darker shades
- Slightly dressier silhouettes
- Jackets or wraps with structure
- Elevation in accessories
Important: What Not to Wear to a Golf Course Wedding
When deciding what to wear to a wedding at a golf course, you’ll want to avoid certain things, either because they are inappropriate for the level of formality required or because they’re just not functional.
The following are some such items:
- Denim
- Shorts (unless clearly indicated in the invitation)
- Athletic wear or golf attire
- Black-tie formal attire
- Heels that will sink into the grass
- Golf shoes (while functional, they are generally considered inappropriate for weddings unless specifically indicated in the invitation)
Carefully Read the Invitation (And the Weather Forecast)
Depending on who is inviting you and their preferences, you may or may not have additional considerations.
Always look for clues in the invitation:
- Words used to describe the dress code
- The time of the wedding (time of day)
- The season
Also, be sure to check the weather forecast. Bringing a light jacket, shawl, or blazer may be the difference maker for you.
Final Thoughts
The key to deciding what to wear to a wedding at a golf course is to strike a balance between formal and casual. You want to be formal, but not necessarily too formal, in most cases.
And you want to dress in a way that fits the dress code for the occasion while still being comfortable and allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoor experience.
And if you’re ever in doubt about what to wear, select items that are semi-formal and lightweight, that allow you enough freedom of movement to walk and move all your limbs easily.
The idea is to look sharp while also (at least hypothetically) being able to play golf at the same time.
