Summer Wedding Guest Dresses Guide
You’ve received your invitation and RSVP’d, meaning there’s only one thing left to do; the search for summer wedding guest dresses has begun. Starting from May and continuing through to September, find the perfect dress for a summer wedding. You will need something that will keep you cool in the day whilst being warm enough to wear in the evening.
Whether the ceremony is based in a beautifully decorated inside setting or outside in the sunshine, we’ve got plenty of summer wedding guest outfits that you will love.
Our summer wedding guest dresses guide offers a selection of options to fit any setting and dress code, whether you’re just invited to the evening party or celebrating the entire day.
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What should you wear to a summer wedding?
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to choosing what to wear to a summer wedding. The process can be overwhelming when picking a colour and style to fit your preferences. However, what you decide to wear should also be based on where the wedding is and whether it's a formal or more casual dress code.
We also suggest sticking with breathable and lightweight fabrics, as a summer wedding tends to be warmer and you won’t want to get too warm at the ceremony or on the dancefloor.
A beautiful midi dress in a strapless style creates an elegant look for a summer wedding or if the dress code is formal, invest in a summer cocktail dress.
Can you wear a short dress to a wedding?
Short dresses can also be worn but your mini number needs to be appropriate for the occasion so don’t pick something that’s too revealing. It’s best to stick to a smart casual dress code for a summer wedding by dressing neatly, without being overly dressy.
From a-line and bodycon to shift and skater, find the perfect piece to enhance your silhouette whilst ensuring you feel comfortable to eat, drink and celebrate all day long.
What can you wear to an outdoor wedding?
A smart-casual or semi-formal dress is an appropriate choice for an outdoor wedding. Whether it's based in a garden with a marquee or by the sea, we’ve got options for any wedding setting. Invest in one of our beautiful wedding guest beach dresses including boho styles, crafted in loose chiffon materials to keep you cool.
If you’re required to look more glamorous, choose a sophisticated maxi dress. Pair with a beautiful pair of heels and a matching clutch for a chic ensemble. If you’re attending an English countryside wedding, you may need a more formal dress in a beautiful printed style like polka dots or stripes. You might want to wear a short sleeve dress if it’s in an outdoor setting, as it may get chillier in the evening and you’ll be thankful for the extra material.
What to wear to a casual summer wedding?
If you’re attending a wedding that’s a little more low-key, make sure you still look the part with a simple dress. With this dress code, you could wear a mini number like a shirt dress that looks smart without being too dressed up.
Prefer something a little longer? Why not choose a pretty midi tea dress styled with a crossbody bag and low-heeled sandals. You can still wear patterned styles and bold colours to inject some personality to your look.
Whilst a casual wedding dress code lets you dress more relaxed and offers flexibility in your wardrobe choice, make sure you still look smart enough to attend a wedding. The most important thing is ensuring you look and feel comfortable because that’s all the bride and groom would want whilst celebrating their special day.
What to wear to a formal summer wedding?
A formal summer wedding usually means a floor sweeping gown and maxi, but less but a midi-length or a cocktail number may be acceptable depending on how formal the dress code is.
So, what should you wear to a formal wedding as a guest? Choose one of our beautiful evening dresses paired with an embellished bag for an added touch of glamour. You could also choose a chic long dress paired with a fascinator and a jacket for an extra layer to wear on a breezy evening at a summer wedding.
Whilst you do want to ensure you’re dressed appropriately, don’t go too over the top as you won’t want to out dress the bride. We suggest planer designs with statement accessories or minimalist accessories if you’re choosing to wear a patterned dress.
What should you not wear to a wedding?
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t wear to a summer wedding, it's lighter tones that could be mistaken for white like light beige, off-white ivory or cream. This shade range is too similar to what the bride will be wearing and the last thing you’ll want to do is upstage her on her big day. If you know what colours the bridal party will be wearing, it’s best to not choose a dress in that colour so that you don’t blend in with the bridesmaids.
Even if a wedding is more casual, you should never wear jeans, t-shirts or leggings to a wedding. These have no place at a wedding and you must make sure you’re dressed respectfully and appropriately. This will ensure you don’t look out of place next to the other guests.
What colour should you wear to a wedding?
You can wear most colours to a wedding, but a summer wedding is a great opportunity to wear bright colours and pretty pastels. Adding some cheerful hues at the ceremony will brighten up the place and remember, the bolder the better. Why not choose a beautiful satin dress in pink or a bodycon midi number in orange or green?
The one colour most people are unsure if you can and can’t wear; can you wear black to a wedding? It’s completely fine to wear black to a wedding, especially if you feel comfortable wearing it.
However if you’re attending a wedding in the warmer months and it’s outside, you may find yourself getting too hot. A summer wedding is the perfect chance to inject some vibrant hues into your wardrobe.
Can you wear a floral dress to a summer wedding?
Can you wear a floral dress to a summer wedding? You can wear a floral dress, it wouldn’t be a summer wedding without some pretty florals. Choose a ditzy floral number for a smart-casual look or why not opt for a romantic floral midi dress in hues of red, pink and blue.
This pretty patterned dress is a timeless and popular choice amongst wedding guests and creates a cheerful addition to the day. A floral dress can also be worn to a cocktail wedding, but just ensure the dress chosen is smart enough for the dress code.
Why not choose a beautiful floor-sweeping floral maxi number for a chic ensemble, styled with wedges and a matching bag.
Can I wear a simple wedding guest dress?
Choosing a wedding guest outfit for the hotter months can be difficult if bold patterns and lace features aren’t your preference. Keep things simple with a minimalist piece in muted tones for a chic yet sophisticated look. As you’re choosing something planer, it’s best to ask the bride what the bridal party will be wearing to ensure you don’t get something too similar to the bridesmaids.
Choose a long sleeve maxi number in brown or a midi shift dress in a subtle shade like sage green, styled with heeled mules and a shoulder bag to complete your look.
A simple silhouette for a wedding will mean you’ll get wear out of it post-celebrations and can be worn at various weddings throughout the season. A piece that is so minimal offers something that you’ll be able to re-wear multiple times.
What should a guest wear to a summer destination wedding?
Whilst being invited to a destination summer wedding can be exciting, it can also be tricky to decide what to wear in the hotter weather. Whether the ceremony is on a sandy beach or a rural and rustic setting, find the perfect summer dress for wedding guests.
So, what do you wear to a summer abroad wedding? Bright colours and pretty patterns will work best for summer beach weddings in lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. This will ensure you don’t get too hot in the heat.
Conclusion
Whatever the dress code, location and your personal preferences are, find the perfect outfit from our summer wedding guest dresses guide. This is your chance to experiment with vibrant colours and pretty patterns or stick to neutral tones if that suits your taste.
Offering various styles and fits, find a beautiful summer wedding guest dress that you’ll reach for from your wardrobe long after the ceremony. The most important part is to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and enjoy celebrating the happy couple on their special day.