If you’re not sure what to wear to a summer wedding, a cocktail-leaning outfit with breathable fabric, polished shoes, and elevated accessories is always a safe bet. However, it’s important to consider the wedding’s dress code, venue, time of day, and weather forecast as well. If you’re wearing fine jewelry to the wedding, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected, too.
Here’s how to narrow down what to wear to a wedding this summer, including the rules for each dress code, outfit ideas, and things you should avoid wearing.
What You Will Learn
6 Questions When Deciding What to Wear to a Summer Wedding as a Guest
- Is the wedding outdoors and on grass or sand? Pick appropriate shoes and avoid most heels.
- Is the wedding being held mid-day or in the evening? Choose breathable fabrics for midday weddings, as the temperature will be hotter.
- Did the invitation list the wedding as having a cocktail, semi-formal, formal, or black-tie optional dress code? Refer to our dress code guide below to pick your outfit.
- Is the wedding being held in a religious venue with coverage expectations? You’ll need to adhere to some rules about modesty.
- Will you be walking a lot (such as for parking or across venue grounds)? Again, comfortable shoes are a must, as are breathable fabrics to help you avoid sweating.
- Do you sweat easily? Lightweight fabrics are the name of the game.
The Perfect Summer Wedding Attire
The perfect outfit to wear to a summer wedding will tick a combination of boxes: dress code fit, comfort for the weather, practicality for the venue, and re-wear potential.
For example…
| If the wedding is held… | You’re going to want an outfit that.. | Your perfect outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors or at midday | Incorporates breathable fabric and stable shoes | A midi-dress with stable shoes or a linen suit with loafers |
| Indoors or in the evening | Provides polish and style while meeting the wedding dress code | A dress or suit matching the dress code |
| At the beach | Is both sand-friendly and wind-proof | A maxi dress, similar flowy dresses, or dress pants with an open collar shirt in light fabrics and colors |
What to Wear at a Summer Wedding Based on Dress Code
Casual or Dressy Casual Dress Code
The least formal wedding dress code, at a dressy casual or casual summer wedding, you can wear sundresses and similar casual attire, or khakis/dress pants with a dress shirt. No suit jacket is necessary! Avoid wearing shoes that are too casual; choose dressy sandals over flip-flops.
Cocktail Dress Code
At weddings with a cocktail dress code, as you might expect, cocktail attire is the standard, so go for cocktail dresses and suits. No need for a full tuxedo, though.
Semi-Formal Dress Code
For a semi-formal wedding, the dress codes are slightly more relaxed. While you could still wear a cocktail dress or a suit with a crisp white shirt, other options include slacks, blouses, and skirts.
Formal Dress Code
If you’re attending a formal summer wedding, the dress code will be further categorized as black tie, white tie, or black tie optional. You’ll want to wear a floor-length gown or a tux for a black-tie wedding, and for white-tie dress codes, tuxes with tails are expected. Tuxes with bow ties are common for black-tie-optional weddings, but they’re not explicitly required.
Beach Formal
A beach formal dress code combines comfort and beach-appropriate fashion, so your safest options are linen suits, flowy dresses, and jumpsuits.
Don’t assume the dress code is beach formal just because it’s taking place on a beach, though, since many beach weddings adopt a casual dress code instead. Remember that it can get breezy by the ocean, so remember to bring along some extra coverage for evening weddings.
Still Not Sure What to Wear?
| If you’re worried about… | Then you need… | Avoid… |
|---|---|---|
| Overheating | An outfit made with linen or cotton blends and a breathable lining | Heavy synthetics, blended suit fabrics, and tight layers |
| Walking on grass or sand | Wedge heels, block heels, or flats | Stilettos that will sink into the ground |
| Being underdressed | An outfit that leans more toward cocktailwear | Being too casual — it’s always better to be a little overdressed than underdressed |
| Sun or shoulder exposure, and a possible sunburn | An outfit that incorporates a wrap, shawl, or sleeves | Choosing uncomfortable straps or sleeveless options that leave you exposed during the day and then cold when the temperature drops at night. |
| Wearing the wrong color | Light neutrals or floral patterns | White or black (unless the black attire feels exceptionally summer-y) |
How to Pick Your Summer Wedding Outfit
- Read the invite for the dress code and make a note of the ceremony location.
- Check the weather forecast, including humidity and sunset time.
- Pick clothing based on fabric first, so you’ll be comfortable. Breathable fabric like cotton or linen is ideal for daytime weddings.
- Choose shoes next, based on the ceremony location (most heels aren’t suitable for beach or lawn weddings).
- Add one elevated element to your outfit and shoes, so you don’t look too casual. Fine jewelry, a sophisticated bag, a jacket, or a tie can go a long way in sprucing up your overall look.
Once you have your outfit together, do an at-home test to ensure you can sit, stand, and walk comfortably.
Summer Wedding Outfit Do’s and Don’t’s
- Do opt for breathable fabrics.
- Do choose a stable shoe.
- Do check if the venue requests that shoulders be covered.
- Do opt for a tailored and flattering fit.
- Don’t wear white or off-white.
- Don’t wear denim unless approved by the couple.
- Don’t wear flip-flops.
- Don’t wear clubwear like mini dresses.
- Don’t wear anything that might be confused for a bridesmaid dress (like a satin dress in the wedding colors.
Summer Wedding Outfits | FAQs
Can I wear black to a summer wedding?
While it’s not typical, you can wear black to a summer wedding as long as the attire gives distinctly summer-y vibes. If you’d prefer to wear a darker color, deep earth tones are a good alternative to plain black.
How do you know what to wear to a formal summer wedding?
If an invite states that the dress code is “summer formal,” wear a suit or floor-length dress. Choose a light colored suit, light fabrics, a seasonally-appropriate pocket square, and other touches that give your formal attire a more summery vibe. When in doubt, you can always ask the couple getting married for advice.
Are sandals okay at a summer wedding?
Dressy sandals are okay at a summer wedding, but casual sandals and flip-flops typically aren’t.
How do you know what to wear to a summer wedding as a male?
Men can wear a suit in a light fabric, such as linen, or dress pants and a lightweight dress shirt. If you’re not sure what color suit to wear to a summer wedding, check your invite or ask the couple if they have a preference.
Can I wear a short dress to a summer wedding?
If the dress code is semi-formal, cocktail, or casual, then yes, you can wear a short dress to a wedding.
Be the Perfectly Attired Summer Wedding Guest
If you’ve taken the dress code, venue, warm weather, and personal style into account, you’ll have picked the perfect outfit for that upcoming summer wedding.
If you’re wearing fine jewelry to these special events, consider protecting it with specialized jewelry insurance, especially if you’re traveling or you’re attending a lot of outdoor weddings throughout the season. Theft, mysterious loss, or accidental damage can easily occur, but a specialized jewelry insurance policy can help you repair or replace jewelry at no cost.
Learn more and get your quick jewelry insurance quote now. It only takes a few moments, and you can get coverage the same day!
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