Today’s episode is a reader request… I get a lotttt of what to wear to a wedding questions so we’re going to talk about summer wedding guest outfit ideas! No matter the occasion (beachy or formal), I have you covered with at least an idea or two.
Wedding Guest Style
I actually don’t (didn’t?) have a single wedding this summer (!!!) which is probably one of the perks of getting older, but I definitely have my fair share of wedding (guest!) experience. And as much as I love(d) complaining about my summers full of weddings, I kinda miss having an excuse to get dressed up and dance the night away with my friends and family (and celebrate love of course, too)! And besides… it’s always really fun getting dressed up.
Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas
The floral print dress (similar!) I’m wearing above (and Loeffler Randall heels) is a go-to look for me right now; both are appropriate for all but the most fancy occasions. But below I’m providing some more fun ideas.
When it comes to getting dressed for a wedding, my only one rule is that I won’t wear white (unless I’m told to, which has been the case once)! Save that for the bride; it’s her big day! My other “rule” is that I need a versatile shoe that a) I can dance all night in and b) won’t sink into the grass if there’s an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour. For that reason, I’ll usually go with a simple wedge or block heel (hellllo trusty Loeffler Randall gold heels!) No stilettos allowed, unless we’re doing something formal!
So, what to wear to a summer wedding! I’ve thought through all of the different weddings I’ve been to. Without further ado, here are my favorite wedding guest outfit ideas. I’ve tried to keep these as inclusive-ish as possible. I highlighted only dresses that are available in up to at least a size XXL. Here’s my pick of the best wedding guest dresses! (I’d hoped to get this up sooner so we’re mid wedding season… this one took a while to pull together!)
Wedding Dress Outfit Ideas
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
For a beach wedding, I love a long, dramatic maxi (similar) and a flat sandal – preferably slides (love these (similar) and they’re on sale!!) as you can take them on and off very easily!!!! These gold Havaianas (similar) are really fun too – I’m not suggesting that you wear them the whole time but they’d be fun to bring with you for when you take your heels off.. or they’d make a great bridesmaid gift. Add a wicker clutch or basket bag (I LOVE this one (similar)) and simple gold earrings like these oversized gold hammered hoops (similar).
What to Wear to a Formal Summer Wedding
A formal summer wedding is always tricky as there’s more of a dress code. But you don’t want to be too hot! I know some people don’t like wearing black to a wedding but for a formal or black tie wedding, I’m all for it!
I would probably do a long black maxi dress (LOVE this one (similar) or this one (similar)) with a big eye catching crystal earring (similar), a thick gold statement cuff on one wrist (splurge on this (similar) or save with this (similar)), a metallic clutch (similar), and a nude strappy heel. (As it’s formal we’re going with a chic sandal – big fan of these Sarah Flint Heels, if you use code GRACE50 you can get $50 off). It’s time to party and imported champagne and all the fancy things. Pull your hair back into a low bun or topknot, and add some drama with a red lip!
What to Wear to a Boho Wedding
I have, admittedly, never attended a boho wedding but for this wearing black is a definite no no (at least in most cases!). I’m envisioning a floral print maxi or midi, maybe a little crochet bag (similar), a flower crown (or a headband (similar) to make things easier), and a simple wedge (similar).
Country Wedding Outfit Ideas
For a country wedding, I’d do an easy smocked floral print dress (like the one above (similar) or this pretty blue one (similar). Keep your accessories simple but eye catching: a simple and casual bag (I want this (similar)!), wedges (similar), and these fun pearl hoops. I’d wear my hair in loose waves or a messy braid. Something to complement the easy, laid back floral design that comes with a chill country wedding.
photography by Carter Fish.
I love the light blue dress you chose for the beach wedding! So beautiful! Great recommendations ✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks so much Charmaine!
I’ve become obsessed with Reformation and loving this one on you!
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
You and me both! Their sizing can be so hit or miss but once you find something that works… it works!
That dress is adorable…and you KNOW I need those shoes in my life!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
https://poorlittleitgirl.com
They are the best!!!!
Another tip to add, if wearing a solid (loove that blue) be sure it’s not in the same color family as the bridesmaids’/ wedding party!
YES GREAT TIP!!! xo
Love the gold sandals , lots of pretty options! I have to say though why black? Color is so much more fun and it’s summer! Unless of course it’s a request , black and white wedding,etc.
Guess it’s a matter of personal taste! For a formal wedding I love black!
You’re right of course! Black is always elegant. I end of wearing it often, because (A) the garment I want only comes in black or some color that looks hideous on me or (B) I can pretend it’s slimming. :))
thank you for this post!!!!! I’m a new reader, but really appreciated this round up. FWIW – I’d love to see this seasonally?
Thanks Elena! I’m going to try to do that!!!! Was attempting to include all seasons but that just felt silly as nothing is available just yet!
Love this roundup Grace! Just ordered that Reformation dress (and I don’t even have a wedding to attend) 😉
I would also be so into these roundups every season. I have a wedding coming up in February and will definitely need help for winter wedding attire! 🙂
Thanks Christine! Noted!!!!
This is so helpful as I have a formal family wedding coming up at the end of this month. I love the formal dress on the left, but what kind of bra would you wear with it with the low back? No bra is def not an option for me.
I’d probably skip a bra (sorry know that’s not the answer you want!) or wear one of those stick on bras!
I love the reformation dress! Do you think it’s a little close to white with the ivory/beige background? I’m always so conscious about that but there are so many printed dresses with similar background colors.
I don’t think so, personally!!! Especially if it’s for a more casual wedding (since it is a pretty casual dress).
Love your dress choices!
thank you!!!!