Summer is a popular time for a wedding. The weather is warm, the flowers are in bloom, and many couples want to take full advantage of peak season. When you’re invited to a summer wedding, you want to look stylish and dress appropriately for the weather, but you may be wondering what to wear. In this blog post, we’ll help you decipher summer wedding dress costs for guests. As you might imagine, what you’ll wear to a backyard barbecue wedding will differ from a summertime black tie reception — we’re bringing you inspo for both!
With these top summer wedding guest dresses, you’ll be the best dressed attendee even if it’s sunny, hot, and humid. Let’s get started!
Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Here are the best guest dresses for summer 2023.
Summer Wedding Dress Codes
What should guests wear to a summer wedding? For women, dress in floral patterns and prints, bright and fun colors, and comfortable breathable fabrics for warm-weather nuptials. Consider the dress code: when formal, opt for a longer-length dress and fancier accessories. As the best advice, you’re always the best-dressed guest when you select a midi or long-length dress in material that isn’t too heavy or constricting. Choose a dress that suits YOUR unique shape and style; accentuate your best features when you choose a dress.
Informal
An informal summer wedding calls for the most casual dress code, but still dressed up. You can wear a stylish jumpsuit or a dress, or even a blouse and skirt. Maxi dresses are a popular choice for summer weddings, as the dress is flowy and casual, allowing you to be comfortable and stylish. Wear dress sandals, heels, or flats.
Semi-Formal
Consider a semi-formal summer wedding dress code a step up from casual, but still not as formal as a black tie wedding. Choose a midi or long-length dress and add fun, bold accessories like a colorful clutch purse, fun earrings,
For a semi-formal wedding, upgrade your style from casual to a bit more formal thanks to a longer hemline: midi-length or long-length dresses are ideal here.
Formal
A formal summer wedding calls for an elegant long-length dress with rich fabrics like satin or chiffon. Style your hair in an updo or wear it down, but styled; add sparkly accessories and high heels for a bit of glam.
Let’s see some examples! In this section, we’re sharing stylish guest dresses in a variety of styles so you have plenty of summer attire to choose from. These are all available at Lulus: you can see more styles for summertime here.
1. Floral Print Mock Neck Dress, $72
This is one of my favorite summer wedding guest dresses! The color, the cut, the style — it’s perfect for the season! Get it here.
2. Red and Navy Floral Dress, $89
I love this pretty flower-filled dress! It is made with breezy chiffon to be comfortable and cute in the summer. Get it here.
3. Navy Floral Midi-Length Dress, $68
This breezy, flattering, floral dress is perfect for a summer wedding guest to wear! See it here.
4. Pink Floral Satin Midi, $74
A pretty pink dress with stunning flowers all over! Get it here.
5. Purple Floral Print Maxi High-Low Dress, $79
A lovely dress in shades of purple with a floral pattern. Buy here.
6. Black Floral Dress, $89
This satin maxi is beautiful! It is one of the best picks for a semi-formal summer wedding. Get it here.
7. Magenta Tie-Back Dress, $69
Loving this bright pop of pink for summertime! This is one of the top summer wedding guest dresses: it even has pockets! Get it here.
8. Cobalt Blue Pleated Dress with Sweetheart Neckline, $79
Love this rich shade of blue and the gorgeous pleats on this dress! See it here.
9. Orange Shift Mini Dress with Stripes, $55
This lovely dress is perfect for a casual summer wedding or a nautical theme! I love the colors and the stripes. Get it here.
10. Sleeveless Tiered Strappy Midi Dress, $68
This beautiful tiered dress features skinny straps and a tiered midi-length skirt. Get it here.
11. Lace Sage Green Dress, $89
This is one of my favorite summer wedding guest dresses this year! It’s such a pretty shade of green and I love the lace. Buy here.
12. Formal Off-the-Shoulder Midi, $62
For a formal summer wedding, wear this dress! It is navy blue with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a cute midi hem. Shop here.
13. Casual Floral Maxi, $68
For an informal summer wedding, wear this casual floral maxi dress. The ruffles are so pretty! Get it here.
14. Navy Blue V-Neck Dress, $69
This navy blue dress is appropriate for a summer wedding and goes with everything. I love the midi-length! Get it here.
15. Sleeveless Halter Midi, $65
Wear this comfortable dress to the next summertime reception. It is simple, yet elegant. See it here.
16. Flowy Chiffon Maxi in Magenta, $89
A plunging v-neckline and flattering chiffon fabric make this a perfect summer wedding guest dress! Get it here.
17. Formal Sage Green Cowl Neck Dress, $88
A lovely green cowl-neck dress with a maxi skirt, made for dancing! Made with chiffon. See it here.
18. Criss-Cross Floral Maxi, $86
Wear this whimsical and romantic floral-print dress with a stylish criss-cross neckline. Shop here.
19. Purple Mock Neck Floral Midi, $72
A lovely array of lilacs and lavenders with an allover floral print! Get it here.
20. Floral Print Tie-Strap Dress, $78
This is perfect for a garden summer wedding. I like the ruffle hem and the sweet shoulder ties! See it here.
21. Midi Wrap Dress, $59
This is a pretty lavender dress with a wrap style and short sleeves. You can get it here.
22. Hot Pink Halter Tiered Dress, $78
Love this magenta dress! What a pretty color! Get it here.
23. Marigold Tie-Strap Pleated Midi, $78
A pretty summertime wedding guest dress in a lovely shade of marigold with pleats and skinny strap neckline. Get it here.
24. Blue Floral Mock Neck, $72
Another pretty midi-length skirt for a summer wedding guest to wear! Get it here.
25. Hot Pink Midi Asymmetrical Dress, $69
Love this hot pink dress with a unique asymmetrical hem and a cut-out neckline. Get it here.
26. Royal Blue Tie Strap Dress, $78
This summer wedding guest dress is perfect for dancing the night away! Get it here.
27. Casual Maxi Dress in Boho Print, $78
For a casual summertime wedding, wear this guest dress with a boho print and a maxi length skirt. Shop now.
28. Mustard Yellow Tiered Satin Dress, $78
Love this plunging neckline yellow dress for summer wedding guest dresses! See it here.
29. Halter Floral Print Dress in Green, $78
Go for the green in this stunning shade with a halter neck and a floral pattern. Shop here.
30. Formal Lace Navy Blue Midi, $99
For a summer wedding that is has a formal dress code, choose this lace dress with a midi length and elegant halter neckline. Shop here.
31. Yellow Floral Ruffle High-Low, $66
Loving this summer dress for a wedding! The high-low hem is so stylish and this pattern is beautiful. Get it here.
32. Blue Short Sleeve Maxi Wrap Dress, $68
Gorgeous! A perfect dress for summer wedding season. Get it here.
33. Dusty Blue Midi Length, $72
A pretty jacquard print and a knee-length dress, perfect for a summer wedding guest dress! See it here.
34. Blush Pink Floral Cold Shoulder Dress, $78
Breezy and beautiful for summertime nuptials! Get it here.
35. Blue Floral Halter Neckline, $88
Wear this pretty dress with a halter neckline and a floral pattern allover. Get it here.
36. Navy Blue Floral Length Dress with Short Sleeves, $98
This is one of my favorite wedding guest dresses for summer! I love the long length, the short sleeves, and this floral pattern with hints of navy and gold. Get it here.
37. Pleated Slate Blue Maxi, $89
This strappy dress is perfect for summer weddings with a formal or elegant look. Available in other colors, too! Love it in slate blue. Get it here.
38. Green Midi Dress with Pockets, $69
This pretty dress features an elegant shade of green and it has pockets! Get it here.
39. Scalloped Midi Dress in Magenta, $78
Ooh, stylish! A bright pop of pink and a cute midi-length hemline. Get it here.
40. Pink Satin Midi Dress, $78
For an elegant semi-formal summer wedding, opt for this pink satin dress in a midi length. See it here.
How to Accessorize for Summer Weddings
When you’re accessorizing your look, add maximum impact with a stylish pair of heels. Keep the location in mind: outdoor spaces like grass or dirt will make walking in tall heels a chore. Instead, opt for a pair of block heeels like this or a chic wedge.
These raffia wedges are so cute for summer!
Go big on jewelry! Choose a pair of earrings or a necklace to glam up your look.
Factor in the Weather
The weather report ahead of the summer wedding may determine your attire. For instance, if the event is calling for hot humid heat and you’ll be outdoors for most of the event, be sure to wear a dress that offers coverage, yet is comfortable and breathable. Chiffon is a perfect choice. Go with a sleeveless or short-sleeve dress so you don’t get overheated. (And wear plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water!) Avoid long sleeves or heavy material, like satin or organza.
The best fabrics to wear for a summer wedding dress are poplin, chiffon, jersey, and linen. These are the lightweight, breathable fabrics that’ll make you feel oh-so-comfortable while sitting at the ceremony or as you dance the night away.
On the other hand, it is possible to attend a summer wedding in hot weather but it is held entirely indoors. Dress according to season in fabric and color palette. Before you choose what dress to wear to a summer wedding, take note of the invitation and its venue locations ahead of time.
Summer Wedding Guest Dress DONTs
Here’s what NOT to wear to a summer wedding as a guest.
• Avoid anything too revealing
It’s still a wedding! Avoid too-short lengths, cut-out styles, or too-bare necklines.
• Avoid heavy fabrics
Unlike the fall and winter months, do not wear wool, velvet, tweed, and cashmere, just to name a few, to a summer wedding. Some polyester can be itchy and clingy. You’ll be itchy, uncomfortable, and hot.
• DON’T forget the dress code
Yes, you want to be comfortable, but pay attention to the dress code as suggested by the host and follow it to the letter.
Whether you’re attending a beach wedding, a traditional elegant affair, or you’re headed to a backyard barbecue, your wedding guest dress should focus on your best features. Wear something comfortable, yet classy. Add a jewelry piece and a clutch, choose a dress that suits your style, and have fun! I hope this blog post helped you to locate the best guest dresses for summer weddings for 2023.
Now that you’ve seen our top picks, which one do you like the best? Do you need more suggestions? For more on what to wear to the summer wedding as a guest, click here to see the collection or tap the button below.
