Like most of you, my September calendar is normally packed with wedding weekends. This year clearly put the brakes on such celebrations, or at least in the manner we used to attend them. I cannot imagine the amount of stress and disappointment so many brides & grooms had to deal with this year; as a witness to one of my best friends having experienced the pain of wedding planning & rescheduling this year, my heart sincerely breaks for anyone having to deal with the repercussions of adjusting the most special day of their lives due to Covid.

That being said, a lot of friends & people I know made the decision to get legally married this year & postpone celebrating until next year when it’s safely ok to do so (hopefully!) A handful of them celebrated intimately with family & close friends, while others expanded their circle to include good friends for a celebration hosted in the backyard. Whatever the decision, as long as it makes the newly weds happy is all that matters. This year has been a wrecking ball & finding joy in celebrating love in whatever circumstance is absolutely necessary (in my opinion.)

With the tone of “backyard” wedding, that doesn’t mean it should be reflected as casual in any respect – it’s still a wedding! You just might opt to leave those stiletto heels at home (hallelujah!) and consider something much more reasonable to wear on the grass. Since it’s still September, a lot of us are still holding onto the “Summer Cocktail Attire” vibe which is hands-down my favorite. However, I like to keep in mind that the temperatures will no longer reflect “summer” – especially when the sun goes down. Here the challenge presents itself.

My solution is this: balance opposites with a short dress & long sleeves (or long dress & short sleeves.) Although if you find that perfect maxi dress with long sleeves, absolutely go for it! Be bold in color & texture, stay away from pastels or anything silky/slip-like. Prints can be floral, but lean towards an Autumn palette – no white or light backdrops behind the print itself. Since its September, sandals & espadrilles are still very much welcome (esp if its Summer Cocktail attire.) If you desire a slight lift in height, opt for a slight/dramatic wedge or block heel that you can comfortably wear all night on the grass.

— OUTFIT DETAILS —

Paisley Wrap Dress: Zimmermann (somewhat similar here) | Tassel Sandals: Coach (old, similar here)

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Below are some picks I think would be great for a more casual fall wedding setting, as well as just great options to have in your wardrobe. I’d also recommend taking a look at this curated selection of Wedding Guest Options – keeping the suggestions I made above in mind if you’d like – of course, this is entirely my own opinion. If you love something that doesn’t follow the above suggestions, then you better get it babe! Do you.

Also, I know that we’re sort of past the season of sandals, but honestly now is the time to consider taking a look considering how many go on sale this time of year! Plus, be hopeful in the fact you might choose to migrate south this winter (we’re personally thinking about it..) and once there, sandals will still be in full force. You can also just get that pair you’ve been eyeing but had no desire to spend x amount on – until now!