How to Dress for a Summer Wedding

Summer is the season for weddings, and that means an opportunity to get dressed up! Summer weddings can be a lot of fun, but you'll need to choose your outfit carefully in order to dress appropriately for the occasion while still being comfortable in the summer heat. Luckily, by picking the right fabrics and styles, you'll be able to select the perfect outfit to celebrate this special occasion with your loved ones!

EditSteps

EditDressing Appropriately for the Occasion

1. Choose light fabrics for an outdoor wedding. Check the invitation to see where the wedding will be held. If the venue is outdoors, you'll want to dress in cool, breezy fabrics, like cotton, linen, or chiffon.^[1]
   
   • If you'll be attending a beach wedding, make sure you choose sand-friendly footwear.
   • A linen suit with a button-down shirt will keep you perfectly cool at an outdoor wedding.
   • You'll be comfortable and cute at an outdoor wedding if you wear a sundress and sandals or wedges.
2. Opt for more conservative attire for indoor ceremonies. Indoor ceremonies are usually a little more formal than outdoor ceremonies. Avoid showing too much skin or wearing overly informal clothing like flip flops or shorts.
   
   • A classic suit and tie in a light material like cotton is always in style.
   • A knee-length dress with modest heels and a light jacket will be perfectly appropriate for any location.
   • If you’re not familiar with the venue, try researching it online to get a feel for the kind of events that have been held there in the past.
3. Pick bright colors to celebrate a daytime wedding. Bold, bright colors, like yellow and turquoise, are popular for daytime weddings during the summer, since they reflect natural colors in the environment.^[2]
   
   • A light grey or tan suit, will help keep you cooler than a dark one, and it will also fit the celebratory atmosphere of a wedding.
   • Even if your dress is a neutral color, you can accessorize with bright pops of color to help fit the mood.
4. Wear darker colors and more formal styles to an evening wedding. Evening weddings tend to be dressier occasions, and the colors tend to be a little more muted. If you want to wear color, try looking for pieces in jewel tones like emerald green or ruby red, since these colors tend to look more expensive and dressy.^[3]
   
   • You'll be ready to dance the night away in a plum sheath dress with a tan pair of heels!
   • A dark grey suit and white shirt will look perfect with black shoes and a sapphire blue tie.
5. Follow any special instructions on the invitation. Wedding invitations will sometimes include guidelines for guests’ attire, with phrases such as black tie, semi-formal, or festive attire.^[4]
   
   • Black tie means formal. Guests will be expected to wear a tuxedo, gown, or other very dressy attire.
   • Semi-formal is what most people think of when they think of weddings. You should wear something nice, such as a suit and tie or a dress, but it doesn’t have to be as formal as a black tie event.
   • Festive attire is a chance to get creative. Think brightly-colored suits, patterned shirts or loud ties, and dresses with unconventional details.
6. Ask a member of the wedding party if you're still not sure what to wear. The bride and groom will likely be busy finalizing the details of their big day. However, any member of the wedding party should be happy to give you details about the dress code.
   
   • You could also ask the mother of the bride or groom, or a close friend of the couple who isn’t in the wedding party.

EditChoosing an Outfit for a Semi-Formal Wedding

1. Wear a lightweight suit for a cool, masculine look. Summer is no time for a heavy 3-piece suit. Opt for a light suit made from a breathable material like linen, cotton, or seersucker. Popular colors for summer suits include light grey, pale blue, and khaki. ^[5]
   
   • You can pair your suit with a crisp white shirt for a classic look, or express your creativity by choosing a more colorful option. Opt for a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up rather than a short-sleeve shirt, since that will look dressier.
   • Wear a pair of lightweight dress shoes, like loafers or boat shoes, with no socks to look casually put-together.
2. Don slacks and a blazer if you don't want to wear a suit. Blazers are a popular option for summer weddings, as they're casual yet still look put-together. Be sure to choose a lightweight material like cotton or a thin knit.
   
   • Wear a long-sleeved button-down shirt made of cotton or linen under your blazer for a dressier look.
   • Khaki pants and loafers paired with a white button-down and a navy blazer is a classic combination.
   • Put on a blazer over a polo shirt and push the sleeves up for more informal occasions.
3. Choose a dress made from breathable fabrics for a feminine summer look. Flowy, lightweight fabrics, like chiffon, crepe, lace, and cotton will have you looking dressy while staying cool. Hold the dress up to the light to make sure it won't to be too sheer in the sunlight, though!^[6]
   
   • Stay away from materials that don’t breathe, like silk. Even if they seem lightweight, you will likely be uncomfortable in the heat of a summer day.
   • Opt for a floral maxi dress in a flowy material for full coverage without sacrificing style. Pair the look with dressy flats and you’ll be ready for any occasion.^[7]
   • A pretty knee-length sundress and sandals is a great option for a beach wedding. You won’t be too exposed if the wind blows, and your dress won’t drag in the sand.
4. Select a romper or jumpsuit for a pretty, fun look. Dressy jumpsuits and rompers are comfortable, cute, and on-trend. They’re also versatile—they can be dressed up for more formal occasions or dressed down if the wedding is more casual.^[8]
   
   • If you want to make your romper or jumpsuit more casual, wear flats or dressy sandals and keep your jewelry minimal.
5. Bring a light cardigan or jacket if the wedding will go into the evening. Even if the start of the day is sweltering, temperatures may drop dramatically once the sun goes down. Keep yourself from getting chilly by carrying a lightweight jacket along to the event.
   
   • A fitted blazer looks nice over a jumpsuit, while a soft cardigan will be pretty over a flowy dress.

EditSelecting Clothes for a Formal Wedding

1. Wear a long gown to look elegant and feminine. Evening weddings are the perfect occasion to wear a glamorous gown, even in the summertime. To help combat the heat, look for sleeveless or strapless options.^[9]
   
   • If the event is black tie, opt for a solid-colored gown in a dark color or a jewel tone. Pair it with heels or elegant flats.
2. Choose luxurious fabrics if you want to wear a cocktail-length dress. Shorter dresses can sometimes seem less formal. To counteract this, you should look for a dress made from a rich-looking fabric like satin, lace, or crepe. Since it's a wedding, avoid dresses with extremely short skirts or that expose too much cleavage.^[10]
   
   • Elevate the look further with metallic heels or flats and simple, tasteful jewelry.
3. Select a nice suit for a formal, put-together look. Formal weddings usually feature plenty of tailored men’s suits and feminine pantsuits. Since temperatures usually drop in the evening, you'll be grateful for the jacket if you have to go outside.^[11]
   
   • Suits generally look best when paired with practical leather dress shoes or pumps.
   • You can also opt for evening separates, such as a pair of wide-legged pants and a matching fitted top with glamorous accessories.^[12]
4. Opt for a tuxedo if the invitation says black tie. Formal occasions are the perfect time to channel your inner James Bond with a tuxedo. If you don't have one, consider renting one so you'll fit in at the occasion.^[13]
   
   • You don't have to wear a plain black tuxedo, although they are the most classic option. Blue, grey, and white are a few other popular tuxedo colors you might consider.
5. Pick a jumpsuit for a polished look. Flowy formal jumpsuits are a great way to get the elegance of a dress while still enjoying the comfort of wearing pants. As a bonus, they’re universally flattering, since they elongate and slim your figure.^[14]
   
   • You’ll be tastefully appropriate for any occasion in a flowy chiffon jumpsuit, a pair of strappy heels, and bold statement jewelry.

EditGrooming and Accessorizing

1. Apply an antiperspirant to keep yourself from sweating. You probably put on deodorant every time you leave the house, but for the ultimate protection, make sure you are using a deodorant that is also an antiperspirant.^[15]
   
   • Deodorant gets rid of odors, but antiperspirant helps to keep you from sweating in the first place.
   • You can apply antiperspirant anywhere you don’t want to sweat, including your underarms, hands, and even your feet.
   • Bring along a travel-sized antiperspirant in your pocket or handbag in case it starts to wear off.
2. Accessorize a nice suit with a tie. Choose a necktie or bowtie in a color that coordinates with your suit or with the colors worn by the wedding party. Your tie shouldn't be a bright color or pattern that will stand out in photographs unless the invitation calls for festive attire.
   
3. Pin a flower to your jacket if you want to dress up a suit even more. A small flower pinned to your jacket is a cheerful touch that fits perfectly with the spirit of a wedding. You can match the flower to your own outfit, or you can ask a member of the wedding party about the wedding colors and match the flower to that.
   
   • You could also use a pocket square in a color that coordinates with your tie, although the 2 should not match perfectly.
4. Opt for light makeup if you wear any. Heavy makeup tends to run if you sweat, so opt for lightweight makeup that will allow your skin to breathe. Instead of heavy foundation, mix concealer with your face lotion to create a lightweight base for your look.^[16]
   
   • Bring along your powder so you can touch up your makeup if you need to.
5. Wear sunscreen if you’re going to an outdoor wedding. It’s important to wear sunscreen any time, but during the summer, the sun’s UV rays are especially strong. Apply sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 before you get dressed.^[17]
   
   • If you’ll be in the sun for more than 2 hours, bring your sunscreen along with you so you can reapply it.
6. Put your hair up if you can. Summer heat can cause your hair to stick to the back of your neck, making you feel uncomfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can wear your hair up while still looking dressy enough for a wedding. For instance, you could opt for an elegant updo, like a chignon or a French braid.
   
   • If your hair isn't long enough to put up, pinning it back away from your face.
   • Wear a headband, flower, or barrette in your hair to add a pretty touch to your hairstyle.
7. Carry a small clutch or a satin bag if you don’t want a big purse. Sometimes a dressy outfit doesn’t look right with a large bag, especially if you’re attending a very formal event. Small clutches and wristlets are always a popular option, and they’re available in a number colors and styles.^[18]
   
   • Small satin pouches are a popular option that can seem more modern than a traditional clutch.^[19]
8. Wear dressy shoes that will let your feet breathe. The type of footwear you choose will depend on your outfit, but you should look for options that allow air to flow over your foot. This will keep your feet from sweating and help you to stay cool.
   
   • Loafers, leather dress shoes, dressy sandals, and embellished flats are good options if you want to wear flats.
   • Strappy heels and wedges are popular options if you prefer wearing heels.
9. Choose simple jewelry that won't weigh you down if you wear any. Even if you want to accessorize your look with statement jewelry, avoid wearing heavy pieces, as they can make you feel hot and constricted. Thin chains with pretty pendants and lightweight bracelets are popular options during the summer.
   
   • If you want to make a big statement without wearing a heavy necklace or chunky bracelets, try wearing a dramatic pair of earrings.

EditTips

• You should never wear white to a wedding unless the invitation specifies that it is an all-white event. You can ask whether or not you could wear beige or off-white.

EditWarnings

• Don't wear black unless the invitation and/or the bride and groom say it's okay to do so, because black is mainly for funerals.

EditSources and Citations

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