It’s summer and that often means wedding season! Navigating wedding dress codes or different styles of wedding can be a challenge, but after attending many weddings and having my own wedding, I feel confident in what guests are expected to wear at different types of events.
And, when in doubt, I find that being a tad overdressed is always better than being underdressed. At least, the Southern Texas girl in me believes that!
Whether the wedding you are attending is on the beach or a fancy black-tie affair, finding the perfect summer wedding guest dress or spring wedding guest dress is essential for showing up and feeling your best all evening. Whether you’re attending a garden wedding, a wedding at a church, or a cocktail evening event, I’ve rounded up my favorite dresses for wedding guests for 5 different types of common weddings. Now, let’s find you the perfect dress!
The Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
For a formal wedding or black tie wedding, it’s best to opt for elegant and sophisticated attire. I suggest wearing a classic midi-length or maxi-length dress when the invite requires formal wedding guest attire. Stick with classic, sleek silhouettes and dresses that aren’t too revealing.
Soft colors, small florals or classic neutrals are perfect for creating a timeless and refined look. An off-the-shoulder or a strapless dress gives off an old school glamorous look, while a formal dress with delicate straps and soft draping look so elegant.
To accessorize, stick with timeless pieces—a statement piece of jewelry or simple dainty pieces, a pair of heels that’s comfortable and chic for dancing, and an elegant clutch to finish off your look.
Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
For a casual, daytime wedding celebration, I’d suggest wearing a midi dress, fit-and-flare dress or above the knee dress, just not too short, in a fun print, floral prints or a bright color.
This length will help keep you cool on a warm day while looking appropriate for a wedding.
You can opt for heels, wedges or even fancy sandals.
Flowy fabrics are ideal for a relaxed yet polished look, while pastel shades or a floral dress are perfect for a daytime celebration. With daytime weddings, I think you have more room for wearing a dress with more personality that’s fun and fresh!
Outdoor Garden Wedding Guest Dress
For an outdoor garden wedding, floral prints are an easy choice and one I love—who doesn’t love a floral? It adds such a sweet touch of romance to any look.
You can opt for different lengths from a short mini shift dress, a tiered midi dress to a flowy maxi dress in all different types of fabrics. Depending on how fancy or casual your outdoor garden wedding is, you can choose different styles to make this type of event fancier or more relaxed.
If florals aren’t your thing, try a bold print or pastel colors to blend in with your setting. For cooler seasons or climates or evening weddings, you can even opt for a sleeved dress for something unique and different.
When accessorizing, keep accessories for classic and sleek to let your bolder dress stand out. For shoes, skip the stiletto heels which will sink into the ground and make it difficult to walk and opt for flat strappy sandals or heels with a wedge. Pair a colorful clutch or patterned clutch and call it a day!
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
When attending a beach wedding, women have a variety of stylish options to choose from because some beach wedding are formal and so me are very casual, usually our invite will alert you to what’s expected, or ask the bride in advance if your’e not sure.
For a formal affair, flowy and feminine dresses like open-back special occasion dresses with ruffles or long dresses with cutouts are perfect for sipping drinks in the sun.
For cocktail attire, timeless options like tiered wrap dresses or shift dresses keep you comfortable and chic.
For a more casual beach wedding, embrace boho vibes with pretty prints such as floral dresses or a dress with an abstract print or tropical pattern in bright colors.
Pair your outfit with strappy sandals or wedges to complete the beachy look. A raffia or straw clutch in a natural color of fun pop of color, or something unique like this shell clutch would be perfect at the beach!
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
A classic cocktail dress is the perfect choice for a semi-formal wedding. Being from the south, this is a very common dress code I saw when most of my friends were geetting married.
For a cocktail-themed wedding, opt for a chic cocktail dress in a midi length or above the knee length. Opt for a sleek silhouette or something more fun and playful with puff sleeves and a full skirt. When making your selection of wedding guest dress, take into consideration the venue when you pick your dress.
Again, add your favorite accessories. I’d stick with fancier jewelry, whether traditional, dainty or statement and an elegant elevated clutch or small bag to complete your look.
No matter what the dress code is for the wedding event you’re dressing for, there are so many options that fit into each one. At the end of the day, it’s most important to pick a dress that makes you feel comfortable and confident while you enjoy celebrating the happy couple! I hope this post helped you find the perfect wedding guest dress!
BTW, what to wear to a baby shower, and 18 ways to show someone you love them.
