17 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code (2023)

FAQs

What should a female guest wear to a summer wedding? ›

What should guests wear to a summer wedding? Dresses in floral prints and bright colors are always a stylish and fun choice for warm-weather weddings. For summer weddings with a formal dress code, guests should consider wearing mid-length to floor-length gowns in light and breathable fabrics.

A summer sundress is appropriate (just make sure the fabric isn't overly formal). Wedges or dressy sandals are the perfect footwear for a casual wedding, but sandals and sneakers are not. Wear dress pants or khaki pants with a collared shirt. You can add a tie or sports jacket if you'd like, but it's not required.

Casual. "Floral and flowy" is Grotts's motto for a casual summer wedding. In particular, she recommends dresses that are "Strapless, halter, or sleeveless but with a wrap." For footwear, go for sandals or wedges, especially if the terrain isn't suitable for heels.

You can include your Dress Code on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation. Alternatively, the Dress Code can be placed at the bottom centre of the design.

Warm Weather Options

Bright colors, like fuchsia and lime green, are more acceptable at beach weddings or outdoor summer weddings than more formal indoor events. Wear red to a wedding, if it suits you, but do make sure the style of the dress is appropriate.

"We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men. Please note that the venue does not permit blue jeans or sneakers." "The dress code is Dressy Casual Attire.

Clean, pressed clothes that fit well and look like “business casual” are best. Shorts, mini-skirts, crop tops—no, no, and no. Khakis and a golf shirt or oxford shirt without a tie are usually safe for men. If jeans are allowed, resist the trendy ripped ones.

Semi-formal might be the most common wedding dress code. Think date night at the nicest restaurant in your town. Men should definitely wear slacks and a dress shirt but they can choose if they'd like to wear a tie and sport jacket or not. Women should wear a nice dress, skirt, or pants.

Can you wear a maxi dress to a wedding? Absolutely! Wearing a maxi dress to a wedding is a great choice year-round. Be comfortable and fashionable when you spare the gown and wear a maxi-length dress to a wedding.

What does summer cocktail attire mean for a wedding? ›

What is summer cocktail attire? For a summer wedding with cocktail attire, opt for light and airy fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza. A floral maxi dress, a pastel midi or knee-length dress, as well as a jumpsuit, are all great options.

Avoid sequined dresses and any clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. Ditch your everyday jeans and tee. Even if the wedding initiation says “casual”, wearing sneakers, t-shirts, shorts, and jeans are never appropriate for a wedding.

Use straightforward wording to get your point across.

Wording for dress codes might be: Black tie (tuxedos and formal gowns) Formal, black tie optional (suit and tie and dresses) Semi-formal (suit and tie and cocktail dresses)

What colors can give your wedding an incredible elegant look? The traditional black and white , and gold are foreverclassic, besides, some soft colors like pink, blush, grey and purple are also very popular in elegant weddings.

Want to wear a navy blue dress to summer weddings instead? Be our guest! Navy is a natural choice for sunshine shindigs as well. Just opt for a dress with a warm-weather-friendly silhouette to balance out your outfit.

The best summer wedding colors range from shades of orange to pale pink, blue, and green. However, when choosing a summer color palette, you must consider the temperature and color wheel. For instance, warm colors include red, yellow, and orange. Alternatively, cool colors include purple, blue, and green.

Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.

If the event is not for a beach wedding, but some hours after lunchtime, the typical dress-code of an afternoon wedding is semi-formal. Consequently, it calls for cocktail dresses, LBDs or modest party dresses. If the invitation asks for formal attire, go for a cocktail dress or a dressy LBD.

Who pays for the wedding dress in a wedding? ›

Dresses and Suits

The bride and groom are responsible for paying for what they will wear on the wedding day. Oftentimes the bride's mom will help pay for her dress and accessories. The groom should handle any costs associated with their suit.

"This is where you're thinking more light colors and casual materials," she says, versus fancier fare like satin and sparkles. You can wear things that are a little more flowy, and even bold prints are acceptable. "That really cute sundress or maxi dress is a great example of dressy casual,” Swann says.

The saying “dress to impress” suggests that women wear dresses: cocktail dresses, floor-length gowns, formal dresses, party dresses, black tie dresses, black tie optional dresses and more! Essentially, any dress that would make your besties ask you for the deets.

Summer-chic is usually associated with formal and luxurious, but the dress code represents the exact opposite: summer looks with a chic and glamourous twist. Express your creativity with this dress code - from stunning jumpsuits to refined summer dresses in all colors.

Casual Summer Wedding Attire

Pretty, flowy dresses paired with sandals works for women. An open-collared shirt, chinos and boat shoes are great for men. Keep in mind that if you're not sure how casual is "casual" then it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed (just don't show up in a gown or a tuxedo).

Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes) Cargo or Bermuda shorts—depending on occasion and climate. Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck. Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater. Loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), sandals.

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire; jeans, T-Shirts, shorts, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally.

Generally, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate. "Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning.

Masterclass defines Smart Casual as “a dress code that combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire.” This kind of wedding dress code usually revolves around skirts, dresses, or even slacks for women, whereas men might choose chinos, dark wash denim, or suit pants with a casual shirt.

Is it OK to wear a long dress as a wedding guest? ›

For a more formal wedding, it is typically expected that female guests wear a long dress. But instead of breaking out the gown you wore to prom, try wearing a more appropriate evening gown. If the wedding is during the day, a pretty maxi dress should do the trick.

Is it inappropriate to wear a mini dress to a wedding? Definitely not! Mini dresses are appropriate for casual, cocktail, and semi-formal weddings. However, for a black tie, white tie, or formal dress code, skip the mini and instead opt for a floor-length gown.

Most likely, no one else will notice that your dress is the same as another wedding guest's--unless of course it's lime green with a sequined train or something. And really, we're adults. Wearing the same outfit isn't such a big deal, so no need to let it ruin your night. Compliment her if it comes up.

A summer cocktail party is the perfect opportunity to wear a light and airy outfit. Opt for a breezy shirt and some comfortable pants, or go with a classic suit if you feel like dressing up. Make sure to avoid anything too heavy or constricting, as you'll likely be doing a lot of dancing and mingling.

From the color and fabric of the dress, to the hairstyle and accessories you pair with it, a maxi dress can easily pass as proper cocktail attire, if styled correctly.

If you're heading to a work event, business function, or evening wedding, it's best to stick to the 'below the knee but above the ankle' rule. However, if you're off to a birthday party or daytime wedding, a mini dress can work perfectly.

Why was red traditionally inappropriate for wedding guest attire? “Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold.

Your best bet is cocktail attire. Sure, you might be overdressed if it ends up being a more relaxed affair, but you'll fit right in at a cocktail attire party, and (with the right accessories) can easily dress up for something on the more formal side. Women should opt for a dress in a luxe fabric, such as silk.

Never Acceptable

Dirty or wrinkled clothing. Tight-fitting or revealing clothing. Too casual, such as yoga pants, overalls, flip flops or shorts. T-shirts with inappropriate messages or offensive content.

What are the four dress codes? ›

Regardless of whether you are dressing for professional photos, a zoom call, or an actual meeting, it's important to understand the four main classifications of professional workplace attire: business formal, business professional, business casual, and casual.

The most common dress codes are black tie, cocktail, dressy casual, and business.

The dress code of a place is the rules about what kind of clothes people are allowed to wear there.

For example, we may require employees to wear semi-formal attire for an event. Then, both male and female employees should wear suits, ties, white shirts and appropriate shoes. Our company may also introduce [dress-down Friday] when employees can wear more casual clothing like jeans, simple blouses and boots.

Our dress code is an example of communication.

Is a black dress appropriate for a summer wedding? Our resounding answer is yes! When you style black right, you certainly can! A black dress or skirt is effortlessly elegant.

Opt for seasonally appropriate fabrics.

Avoid anything too heavy or itchy and steer clear of materials like velvet that have a distinct winter feel. Instead, opt for linen, silk, cotton, or chiffon attire. For beach weddings, Handspiker recommends a suit made from linen or a wool-linen blend.

Can you wear a maxi dress to a wedding? Absolutely! Wearing a maxi dress to a wedding is a great choice year-round. Be comfortable and fashionable when you spare the gown and wear a maxi-length dress to a wedding.

Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.

Be respectful- as mentioned above you should be mindful of the cultural beliefs of the couple when choosing what colour to wear to the wedding. Not only this but if you are wearing red, there are ways to play it down and not go out of your way stand out as this could be perceived as disrespectful to the couple.

Can I wear capris to a wedding? ›

Yes, you absolutely can. If you don't like dresses or your legs are not your best feature, pants are totally acceptable, so long as you keep the time of day and venue in mind.

Want to wear a navy blue dress to summer weddings instead? Be our guest! Navy is a natural choice for sunshine shindigs as well. Just opt for a dress with a warm-weather-friendly silhouette to balance out your outfit.

"Women should be dressed in floor-length evening gowns, beautiful jewelry, and, optionally, a pair of satin gloves," Thomas says. She recommends wearing heels, but of course, you should always do what's most comfortable as well.

Flowy and breathable fabrics are the best choice for outdoor wedding attire in the summer because you will not overheat. Summer is the perfect time to break out any bright and vibrant colored dresses you have in your wardrobe. It is important to remember to not underdress for the wedding.

Floral Maxi Dresses for weddings are always an excellent and appropriate choice this time of year. They are feminine and fitting for a wedding. Modern Prints – a Modern graphic print can look lovely, especially in bright colors.