What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
The Best Dresses to Wear to a Summer Wedding
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it’s officially wedding season! Even more good news: if you’ve got an invite (or more!) on your fridge, you’ll need some fabulous things to wear. From casual beach vows to formal white-tie affairs, every wedding has its own unique aesthetic, mood and dress code, of course. You'll need to find the perfect dresses to match every event, and we're here to help. That’s why we created this summer wedding guest dress guide, featuring all the top summer trends and how to wear them. Find the ultimate dresses for summer wedding guests right here.
Top Picks for Wedding Guests
Trend: Bold, Bright Colors
Summer is the best time to try new colors, especially in bright and bold hues. Explore this trend and have fun with playful looks that make a statement. Opt for saturated hues that look great on a variety of skin tones, like orange, yellow or pink. For the trend-obsessed, choose a shade of eye-popping neon green. Keep the fabrics lightweight with flowy chiffon, cotton poplin (for day weddings) or stretch crepe.
Trend: Feminine Details & Ruffles
If you're looking for garden wedding dresses for guests, embrace the romantic mood with feminine accents like ruffles, sunburst pleats, flowy hems and lace embroidery. Feminine details add a dreamy touch to your look and are perfect for all kinds of weddings. Fabric choice and dress length will determine your dress code: for casual and semi-formal weddings, go for short, flirty hemlines; for formal or black-tie weddings, opt for full-length ruffles or layers of tulle.
Trend: Florals
Floral dresses never go out of style, so you can’t beat this choice, especially for an outdoor summer wedding. Choose lightweight, flowy fabrics like chiffon and silk and pair them with delicate petite florals or bright and bold blooms. Elevated floral details, like embroidery and lace, are best saved for formal weddings.
Trend: Asymmetrical Silhouettes
Asymmetrical details are modern and playful and combine classic elements with contemporary finishes. Think one-shoulder necklines, a single puff sleeve, high-low hems or ruched seaming on one side.
Trend: Matching Sets & Suits
This trend creates a head-to-toe look that’s unexpected and just as chic as a dress. Depending on your choice of silhouette and fabric, a matching set with a printed top and skirt could be perfect for a daytime or semi-formal wedding. For formal or black-tie weddings, try a crisp crepe pantsuit topped with a blazer and a matching wide-leg pant. For outdoor weddings, consider a suit in a bold color like emerald green or tangerine orange.
Trend: Jumpsuits & Rompers
Semi-formal and formal one pieces have been trending for a while now, but we’re glad to say they’re still going strong. Try the look for daytime weddings with a clean-cut poplin romper in a bold shade. For formal weddings, turn up the volume with a sparkly sequined jumpsuit. If you prefer to keep it classic, try a statement jumpsuit in a bold hue like red or fuchsia.
Add the Accessories
For a casual wedding, pair your dress with flat sandals or slides. For an evening wedding, reach for strappy heels or platforms. For daytime jewelry, a chunky gold-tone necklace or pair of oversized earrings will elevate your look. For evening, try a crystal statement necklace or a pair of pearl drop earrings. For formal weddings, add a little sparkle with a crystal necklace or gemstone earrings. For a beach wedding, try flat slides or espadrilles. For evenings, play up the modern look with sleek jewelry and a metallic clutch.
Discover BCBG wedding guest dresses for every dress code, and feel your best at every wedding you attend this summer.