What to Wear to a Summer Wedding in 2024
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Summer brings with it a flurry of wedding invitations. If you’re not certain about what to wear to a summer wedding, don’t fret—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’m sharing stylish solutions for every wedding scenario, whether you’re attending a casual outdoor ceremony or a glamorous black-tie affair. No matter where your RSVP takes you, you'll find outfit inspiration to ensure you look your absolute best.
I've curated a collection of wedding guest dresses for every style and budget. Most of these finds are around $300, but I’ve also included some more budget-friendly pieces and splurge-worthy dresses in the edit. Along with my wedding guest dress picks, I’ve put together some outfits complete with shoes and accessories to perfect your summer wedding ensemble.
Even if your summer social calendar doesn't include a walk down the aisle, I hope you find some style inspiration for other warm-weather events, whether it's a gala or garden party. Many of these wedding guest finds are versatile enough to be dressed down for everyday wear as well.
In this Article
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Summer Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Wedding Dress Code Tips
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Floral Dresses
Florals transition seamlessly from spring to summer, making them an excellent option for your next summer wedding. Instead of delicate pastel prints, go for bolder and brighter motifs that reflect the spirit of the season. 3D flowers have been a major trend lately, and they continue to be a unique way to incorporate florals into your wedding guest attire.
If your summer plans include a destination wedding, opt for floral prints that mirror the local scenery. Farm Rio creates some of my favorite dresses in gorgeous tropical patterns—perfect for a beach ceremony.
Midi floral dresses are a chic choice for a garden wedding. Pair them with block heels and a colorful clutch for a polished summer look. For a more formal event, consider a flowing maxi floral gown. The length adds a touch of sophistication, making it ideal for black-tie or evening weddings.
Read More: 15 Spring 2024 Fashion Trends That Are Actually Wearable
Casual Dresses
For a more relaxed or outdoor wedding, I’ve found several casual dresses that strike the perfect balance between style and effortlessness. While a casual dress code might suggest a more laid-back approach to dressing, it's essential to maintain a certain level of formality when selecting your outfit as a wedding guest. Stick with lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen, and choose simple yet flattering silhouettes such as A-line, shift, or wrap dresses.
Accessories can elevate or tone down your dress. To keep your look understated, opt for minimal jewelry. If your dress is on the casual side, you can subtly elevate it with bold accessories like oversized earrings or big bangles. Complete your summer wedding outfit with comfortable footwear such as sandals, espadrilles, or flats for a relaxed yet chic ensemble.
Read More: 50 of the Best Summer Dresses That Are Under $150
Beach Dresses
For a summer beach ceremony, I've curated dress options that can easily handle the sand, wind, and water. Lightweight, flowy dresses are my top choice for beach weddings. Not only do they embody the casualness of seaside settings, but they also keep you cool and comfortable throughout the celebration.
Opt for midi-length dresses—they offer formality without the inconvenience of touching the sand. Airy fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, or linen blends are also ideal for staying cool in the coastal breeze. Pair your ensemble with strappy sandals or flat espadrilles (you’ll likely go barefoot anyway), and don’t forget sun-protective accessories like a hat, sunglasses and even a light shawl.
Read More: Tropical Vacation Capsule Wardrobe 2024
Formal Dresses
One of the most popular wedding dress codes is formal attire. When the invitation calls for formal dressing, a floor-length gown is a failsafe choice. Make it summer-appropriate by opting for bold colors and silky fabrics.
Choose classic silhouettes that flatter your figure, such as A-line, mermaid, or sheath styles. To elevate your formal ensemble even more, pay attention to the details. Incorporate subtle elements like ruffles, modest cutouts, or embellishments to upgrade your average dress.
Pair your formal dress with elegant heels, statement jewelry, and an evening clutch for a truly glamorous look that’s summer wedding-ready.
As you decide on what to wear to a formal wedding, keep in mind that going for a dressier look is always a safe choice.
Shoes
The right pair of shoes can effortlessly elevate your wedding guest attire. If you're seeking footwear for dancing the night away, check out the stylish finds below.
Timeless and adaptable, classic heels in neutral hues are a reliable choice for most summer weddings. What’s even better is that you can wear them beyond the event itself. For those craving a pop of color, opt for a vibrant heel—I particularly love so many of the options from Sam Edelman that are colorful, but still look quite elegant.
If you’re not a fan of heels, consider a chic slingback flat. They still maintain a sense of sophistication without hurting your feet. Plus they’re perfect for outdoor settings, be it a garden celebration or a beachside ceremony, ensuring you won't have to worry about getting your heels stuck in the dirt or sand.
For more casual ceremonies, you can’t go wrong with flat sandals or espadrilles.
Bags
An essential accessory for any occasion wardrobe, a dependable bag is a must-have, especially for summer weddings. For formal affairs and evening ceremonies, a sleek clutch in a matching or contrasting color is an incredibly chic choice.
Summer is the ideal time to try out seasonal textures like wicker and rattan for more relaxed affairs. Try embellished bags for some added glam at more formal weddings. Top-handle bags are another chic choice that is perfect for any ceremony.
Jewelry
Jewelry can completely transform your summer wedding guest ensemble. Statement earrings are my favorite way to elevate formal looks. Whether it's bold hoops, colorful drop earrings, or floral studs, these accessories can be the focal point of your ensemble.
Add a touch of elegance to your wrist with stacked bangles or a statement cuff. Choose metallic tones or pieces with beachy designs that radiant summer. Shells, starfish and pearls are perfect for a coastal ceremony.
Depending on the neckline of your dress, a dainty pendant necklace or a statement collar necklace can complete your ensemble beautifully.
Summer Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Wedding Dress Code Tips
Deciphering the language of dress codes can often feel like a challenge. From black-tie affairs to beachside soirees, each wedding comes with its own level of formality, leaving guests with the perennial question: "What on earth should I wear?" To help you decode the nuances of wedding attire, here are the most common wedding dress codes along with tips to guide you through each one, ensuring you’re impeccably dressed for every summer celebration on your calendar.
Black Tie
A black tie dress code denotes an elegant and formal affair. Black-tie weddings often take place later in the day, and the reception is often held in a ballroom.
The best practice is to wear a floor-length gown. The only rule you need to follow is your dress’ length, which should touch the ground or the top of the shoes.
Keep your dress formal by opting for fabrics like satin, velvet, or chiffon. Go for classic silhouettes and glamorous details, such as beading, sequins, or intricate draping. Complete your look with elegant heels, a sophisticated clutch, and statement accessories.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
A formal or black-tie optional dress code indicates a more upscale event. It’s one of the most popular wedding dress codes, so it’s essential to know how to nail the perfect ensemble.
Slightly less strict than a black-tie affair, a formal wedding dress code tends to have fewer guidelines. Wear a long gown, a formal cocktail dress, or a chic pantsuit. Accessorize with statement jewelry and a sleek clutch to complete the ensemble.
As you decide what to wear to a formal wedding, remember it's wise to dress more formally than too casually.
Cocktail or Semi-Formal
Cocktail or semi-formal dress codes call for a polished ensemble with more flexibility when it comes to hemlines, colors and patterns.
Floor-length gowns are not required, so try knee-length or midi dresses in elegant fabrics like silk, chiffon, or lace. Play with bold colors, subtle prints, or embellishments to ensure your outfit is summer-appropriate.
Accessorizing is key to elevating your cocktail dress attire. Pair your dress with a nice pair of heels and accessorize with statement jewelry for a refined touch.
Casual
A casual wedding dress code allows for a relaxed attire while still maintaining a sense of occasion. Whether it’s a beach ceremony or a countryside affair, weddings with casual dress codes can sometimes seem more confusing than black-tie events.
When choosing what to wear to a casual wedding as a guest, you can’t go wrong with a chic sundress, flowy maxi dress, or midi skirt paired with a stylish top. For footwear, keep it comfortable with slingback flats or dress up your outfit a bit more with wedges or heeled sandals.
Dressing for summer weddings doesn’t need to be complicated. With these summer wedding guest outfits and wedding dress code tips, I hope you’ll feel more confident to put together the perfect ensemble for any celebration this summer.
What are you wearing to your next summer wedding? Let me know in the comments below.
