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.

Can I wear a short dress to a summer wedding?

Absolutely! Leg-baring mini and midi dresses are perfect for balmy weather. However, if the wedding venue calls for more traditional attire, it might be best to opt for knee-length to ankle-length dresses.

How should I accessorize my summer wedding guest outfit?

If the ceremony will be on grass or sand, opt for espadrilles, sandals with block heels, or flats. Woven accessories like rattan clutches are always appropriate for the season, and colorful statement-making jewelry can easily dress up any wedding guest outfit.

20 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses of 2022

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Summer Wedding Guest Attire Ideas — Brides / Chloe Jeong

Wedding season is upon us! Which means you'll need fresh and summer-ready dresses to wear to all of your upcoming nuptials. Luckily, the options for summer wedding guest outfits are endless and endlessly stylish—and run the gamut from lightweight linen gowns to tropical-inspired separates.

Short dresses in bright colors and patterns are always a fun and practical choice for this sun-filled season. Not sure if you want to wear a dress? You totally don't have to! Jumpsuits and separates are perfect for summer celebrations and can be worn to anything from a casual ceremony to a black-tie bash. For guests with pared-back tastes, simple slip or sheath dresses in solid hues are a minimalist's dream and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the dress code.

Whether the wedding is taking place at a stunning seaside venue or in a romantic garden setting, read on for the best summer wedding guest outfits for every dress code, style, and budget.

Best Floral Print: Reformation Floral Dress

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

You can never go wrong with a simple floral print dress. Shoulder ties, a bustier-like bodice, a ruffle-edged neckline, and a fitted trumpet skirt set this Reformation style apart from the rest.

Best Slip Dress: BHLDN Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

When in doubt, an impossibly chic slip dress is always a fail-safe outfit choice. This dress is perfect for pared-back and unfussy aesthetics.

Most Versatile: ASTR Santorini One-Shoulder Dress

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

If you're on the hunt for a versatile floral dress that you can wear to all of your upcoming weddings, make it this dress. This sweet design is perfect for taking you from day to night and can easily be dressed up or down.

Most Leg-Baring: MINKPINK Floral Mini Dress

Size Range: XS-L | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

Leg-baring mini dresses are a must for warm-weather nuptials. They're fun and flirty and will keep you cool on balmy nights. Plus, they make moving around the dancefloor a breeze!

Best Cutout-Detailing: Jonathan Simkhai STANDARD Eliza Washed Slip Dress

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Talk about a chic summer look. This midi dress from Jonathan Simkhai gets the cutout trend just right with subtle bodice cutouts meeting at a ring detail. The lightweight fabric is perfect for hot summer nights during the wedding season.

For a Garden Wedding: Staud Dandelion Dress

Size Range: 00-16 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $300, $10 flat rate on orders over $100 | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days

Did we hear someone say, best-dressed guest? This flowy, floral-printed crepe organza dress from Staud will pop against fresh flowers at a garden wedding.

Most Colorful: WAYF Alma Tiered Midi Dress

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

If you're looking for a dress that pops, consider this vibrant floral midi dress. Style it with a nude or blush-colored heel and simple gold jewelry.

Best A-Line Dress: Susana Monaco Cowl A-Line Dress

Size Range: XS-L | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

Opt for a sweet and classic cowl A-line dress for your summer wedding engagements. Style it with statement earrings and a comfortable block heel.

Best Strapless: Yellow Floral Strapless Midi Dress

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

This cheery yellow number from Lulus might be your new go-to dress for summer weddings. The best part? The strapless neckline has hidden no-slip strips, so your dress will stay in place while you hit the dance floor.

For the Fashion-Forward Guest: Norma Kamali Diana Dress

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: $10 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

For a cocktail-style summer wedding, look no further than this irresistibly chic ruched dress from Norma Kamali. Wear your hair secured in a low bun or pony to showcase the one-shoulder neckline.

Most Retro: Reformation Crimini Dress

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Have a little throwback moment in this colorful dress from Reformation that's perfect for a laid-back summer wedding. Style it with your favorite pair of mules and a fun clutch.

Best Summer-Staple: LoveShackFancy Julissa Halter Maxi Dress

Size Range: P-XL | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $200 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Get ready to fall head over heels in love with this summer-staple maxi dress. Round out this simple yet stylish dress with loose beach waves and espadrilles wedges.

Most Unexpected: Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $350, $15 standard shipping for orders under $350 | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days

Playful and statement-making, this Sleeper dress will catch the attention of your fellow guests. The lightweight material has an easy-breezy feel that's great for hot summer nights. Pair with a statement heel or clutch.

Most Comfortable: Ganni Light Blue Shirred Printed Cotton Midi Dress

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 31 days

Are you looking for a dress that's utterly stylish and comfortable? This Ganni gown has you covered. The smocked bodice design coupled with a flowing skirt lends this style a relaxed and flattering fit.

For a Beach Wedding: Maeve Printed Midi Dress

Size Range: 00-14 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Are you heading to a beach wedding? This breezy floral-printed midi dress is certainly the way to go. Style this dress with a slicked-back pony and statement earrings.

Best Maternity Dress: Pink Blush Peach Floral Chiffon Halter Maternity Gown

Size Range: S-L | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $100 | Return policy: Full refund within 21 days

For mothers-to-be attending weddings this summer, this maternity gown is one to keep on the radar. The flowing chiffon fabric will keep you comfortable and cool throughout all the wedding festivities.

For a Backyard Wedding: Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Maxi | Shipping: $6.95-$15.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

The attire for backyard nuptials is generally—but not always—a bit more laid-back. With that in mind, this dress is the perfect balance of casual and fashionable. Dress it down with a lace-up sandal or dress it up with a block heel and a glowy makeup look.

Best Off-The-Shoulder: Amanda Uprichard Venezia Midi Dress

Size Range: XS-L | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

A printed off-the-shoulder dress is always a good idea for a summer wedding. We love the crinkle chiffon fabric of this dress. Plus, the tiered skirt is incredibly on-trend.

Most Elegant: Red Valentino Pleated Floral-Print Georgette Midi Dress

Size Range: IT 36-46 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

For a more conservative and elegant dress to wear to a summer wedding, look to this floral-printed and lace pleated dress. The lightweight fabric will have you feeling cool even while sporting long sleeves.

Best Mini Dress: Lovers and Friends Dawn Mini Dress

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days

Leg-baring mini dresses are a must for warm-weather nuptials. They're fun and flirty and will keep you cool on balmy nights. Plus, they make moving around the dancefloor a breeze!

What to Look for in a Summer Wedding Guest Dress

If you're attending a summer wedding, it's wise to shop for dresses made from breathable and comfortable fabrics like linen and cotton. These lightweight fabrics will keep you cool—especially if the wedding is outdoors—and work for every type of dress code. When it comes to silhouettes, mini, midi, and tea-length dresses are ideal for warm-weather nuptials and work especially well for beach and garden venues.

Attending a summer wedding is also the perfect chance to experiment with fun prints and vibrant colors. For a more classic take on summer wedding guest attire, look for dresses in soft pastel hues and dainty floral patterns.

FAQ

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.
Can I wear a short dress to a summer wedding?

Absolutely! Leg-baring mini and midi dresses are perfect for balmy weather. However, if the wedding venue calls for more traditional attire, it might be best to opt for knee-length to ankle-length dresses.
How should I accessorize my summer wedding guest outfit?

If the ceremony will be on grass or sand, opt for espadrilles, sandals with block heels, or flats. Woven accessories like rattan clutches are always appropriate for the season, and colorful statement-making jewelry can easily dress up any wedding guest outfit.

21 Floral Wedding Guest Dresses

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridesmaids, and more.