As wedding season typically runs from June to October, it's no surprise that many of us are already thinking about what to wear to a wedding. Yet, the stress of figuring out the perfect summer wedding attire for these joyous occasions can be pretty overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive guide outlining the ideal wedding guest outfits, ensuring you'll exude confidence and style as the perfect guest.

Summer Wedding Dress Code for Guests 

When selecting the perfect wedding attire, it's essential to consider not just the fabric and color but also the specific dress code of the event. Whether it's a semi-formal or an elegant black-tie affair, understanding the dress code guidelines is vital for choosing the proper clothing. To simplify your decision, we have provided explanations for each dress code along with some outfit examples so you can feel confident in your selection for any wedding.

White-Tie 

This is the most formal wedding dress code. Women should opt for a formal, floor-length evening gown paired with elegant jewelry, heels, and a stylish clutch. Men are expected to dress in a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear such as derby or oxfords. However, such a strict dress code is rarely seen these days. It might be reserved for a royal family celebration or an Oscar nomination, but it's unlikely to be seen at weddings.

Black-Tie 

Black-tie dress codes are typically reserved for formal evening events. Women should wear a luxurious floor-length gown made of silk or organza. A sophisticated cocktail dress is also acceptable if the event is less formal, but it's best to check with the hosts first. Women can also choose to wear an elegant suit if they prefer. Men are expected to wear tuxedos, along with a black bow tie, a black vest or cummerbund, and leather shoes. 

Formal or Black-Tie Optional 

For events with a black-tie optional dress code, the attire is slightly less formal than a strict black-tie affair. While a tuxedo isn't a must, you can still choose to wear one if you'd like. Opting for a suit? Make sure it's a formal dark suit paired with a white shirt and a conservative tie. Women have the flexibility to wear a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy suit. The difference between black-tie and black-tie optional is subtle, but at a black-tie optional event, it's more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles, which may not be allowed under a strict black-tie dress code.

Cocktail

Cocktail attire remains a highly favored option for weddings, striking a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, as well as between fanciness and simplicity. For women, this means choosing a shorter dress instead of a floor-length gown. As for men, a suit and tie are mandatory, irrespective of the wedding's venue. Tuxedos are no longer part of the dress code for men.

Dressy Casual 

When getting ready for a semi-formal wedding, consider the time of day. Darker shades are preferable for evening celebrations, while lighter tones and breezy fabrics work well for daytime events. Women have the option of below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a stylish skirt paired with a nice top, or an elegant suit paired with heels, wedges, or dressy flats. Men can opt for a dress shirt and trousers and can consider adding a tie for a polished finish.

Festive 

The festive attire dress code might not be familiar to everyone, but it's a chance to have fun and get creative with your outfit. For women, this means wearing lively cocktail party ensembles with bright colors, fun accessories, and unique shapes. Men should opt for patterned or textured suits paired with a colorful tie or creatively designed accessories.

Casual 

When the dress code is casual, it usually means the wedding will be in a more laid-back setting, like outdoors or at the beach. Even though it's called "casual," it's best to steer clear of jeans, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers unless the couple specifically asks for them. For women, a summer sundress or a floral-patterned mini dress paired with wedges or dressy sandals would be just right. Men can go for dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt and can add a tie or sports jacket to their outfit.

Tropical 

If you're attending a tropical wedding, keep in mind the hot and humid weather and opt for lightweight fabrics and breezy silhouettes. When in doubt, dress a bit more formally and ask the couple for guidance on your outfit. For women, a cotton sundress paired with elegant sandals or wedges is perfect for a casual tropical wedding. If the wedding is outdoors in scorching weather, consider adding a stylish sunhat to your look. While linen shirts and pants are also suitable for a tropical wedding, be cautious when traveling as linen wrinkles easily, and finding a dry cleaner in a remote location might be challenging.

Themed 

Themed weddings call for guests to dress according to a specific theme chosen by the couple. This is particularly popular with dress codes like "all-white formal," as it allows the couple to achieve their desired aesthetic.

Come As You Are

Some couples might opt not to specify a dress code for their wedding, leaving it to the guests to decide what to wear. Although this approach gives you the freedom to choose your outfit, it can also be a little perplexing. So think of the wedding venue and the time of day when deciding what to wear.

Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas

And now it's time to take a look at our showcase of wedding outfits for female guests. We aim to encompass every dress code to give you a comprehensive understanding of each.

White-Tie 

For a white-tie event, women should wear a formal floor-length gown that fully covers their ankles. Shoulder-bearing dresses are acceptable as long as the ankles remain covered. The Shape-neck knit dress Albenna by Tiger of Sweden, with its stylish collar and knit design, is an excellent example of a summer wedding guest dress at a white-tie event.

Black-Tie 

Black-tie events are slightly less formal than white-tie affairs, so you have the freedom to choose shorter evening dresses while still maintaining an elegant appearance. We like Erika Cavallini’s designs for such occasions. For instance, the Wrap-design satin-finish dress offers a unique golden copper hue that complements all skin tones. Pair it with black or golden heels to achieve a stunning look. Alternatively, consider the Bow-detailing long-sleeve dress in an elegant ivory shade for a more subdued option. These wedding dresses for guests are versatile and perfectly suitable for black-tie events.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional 

For the black-tie optional dress code, you can select either a stylish cocktail outfit or an elegant floor-length gown, depending on the specific venue and your taste. One excellent choice would be the Metallic Knit Dress by House of Dagmar. This dress boasts a simple yet sophisticated silhouette, offering numerous possibilities for accessorizing with different types of jewelry, clutches, and shoes.

Cocktail 

When the dress code calls for cocktail attire, women have more stylish options for wedding outfits. They can opt for short or even mini dresses, offering more flexibility and creativity. For a daytime cocktail wedding, consider the Puff-sleeve open-back dress from Erika Cavallini’s latest collection as an excellent choice. Pair it with a small bag and a pair of kitten heels for a chic and elegant look. For evening ceremonies, the Mini strap dress by House of Dagmar is a recommended option. Its unique sculpted silhouette, black hue, and silky finish make it a sophisticated and classy choice.

Dressy Casual 

Regarding the dressy casual dress code, you can choose either a dress or a chic suit. Let's take a look at two examples. The first option is the Sleeveless Belted Midi Dress by Erika Cavallini. This dress emanates subtle elegance and can be styled in various ways to strike the perfect balance between dressy and casual. The second semi-formal attire option for the wedding is a stylish two-piece suit comprising the Asymmetric Cotton Blouse and Wrap Cropped Trousers. This sophisticated cotton suit features a unique design that can be elevated with elegant accessories and a stunning pair of heels.

Festive 

The less formal the dress code is, the more fun we can have! For a festive occasion, you can experiment with colors, lengths, and shapes, as it often calls for a more party-ready look. However, avoid going too casual with a t-shirt and jeans, which are probably unsuitable for any wedding. If you're seeking inspiration for such an event, check out this coordinated set by Lisa Yang: the Fringed mini skirt Adella paired with the Fringed vest top Mathilde. This ensemble has it all: a vibrant color, stylish fringe detailing, and a sleek silhouette.

Casual

The casual dress code implies a more laid-back atmosphere, so you should also opt for a more relaxed look. For our casual wedding attire, we've picked out the Halterneck linen maxi dress by 120% Lino in a refreshing emerald color. This hue is currently trending for weddings, so feel free to add it to your summer wardrobe, as it's versatile enough for everyday wear as well.

Tropical 

Despite its tendency to wrinkle, linen is an excellent choice for a tropical wedding due to its superb thermoregulation properties and elegant appearance. One of our top recommendations for adhering to the tropical dress code is the Printed halterneck maxi dress. This dress features an eye-catching abstract print with floral motifs, making it a perfect fit for a vibrant and stylish ceremony.

Can You Wear Black to the Wedding?

The answer is yes! Wedding outfits for women can be black, as long as the cultural customs of the ceremony do not prohibit it, like in India or China. The attire can be a dress or a suit, depending on the individual's preference, but it's essential to adhere to the dress code and maintain an elegant look. Our black dress option for the wedding is the Cross-neck ribbed dress, suitable for semi-formal and less formal dress codes. And as an example of a black set you can wear as a wedding guest, we suggest the ensemble by Tiger of Sweden: the Single-sleeve blouse Lucil with the Straight-leg satin trousers Eedit.