Summer wedding season is upon us and we’ve got the low-down on what to wear, regardless of the location or theme. From an Australian hot summer’s beach wedding ceremony to a formal black-tie wedding theme, be sure to RVSP with confidence with our top picks for what to wear to a summer wedding as a guest!
Before we get into our top picks, let’s establish a few hot tips to help you avoid committing a wedding fashion faux-pas with our dress code rules for an Australian summer wedding.
Dress code rules for a summer wedding
Don’t wear white
Unless the bride has requested it, you should generally avoid anything too close in colour to her dress. Similarly, it’ll also be a good idea to check what colour outfits the bridesmaids are wearing to the wedding and cross that off your list – you don’t want to be mistaken for part of the wedding party!
Don’t upstage the bride
Please remember, it’s the brides day! It’s her special day and all eyes should be on her so steer clear of anything OTT such as trains, multi-coloured sequins or ornate fascinators. Another hot tip is to avoid outfits that expose too much bare skin, such as plunging necklines, micro-mini skirts and very sheer fabrics. A wedding is definitely not the occasion at which you want to risk a wardrobe malfunction.
Check if there’s a dress code
Is it specified on your invitation? If the dress code is specified, follow it faithfully, including colour specifications and themes. If not, let the wedding’s location dictate your choice of dress. Otherwise, it’s better to steer more formal side than to turn up under-dressed to a wedding occasion.
Choose appropriate accessories
Giant hats are a bad idea, as they will likely block other guests’ view of the happy couple. Enormous handbags are also best avoided, as they can be awkward when you’re mingling.
Select sensible footwear
If you’re likely to be on your feet for much of the event, or you plan on dancing the night away at the reception, either choose a shoe that’s comfortable enough to go the distance or bring a pair of ballet flats that you can pop on when your feet start to protest.
Slip, slop, slap for the hot summer evening
The Australian sun has a formidable reputation and can burn you in as little as 15 minutes, so if you’re going to be outside for any length of time, remember to use a non-greasy, non-staining sunscreen before you get dressed for the wedding. Apart from the health implications of sunburn, it’s not a great look if you’re lobster-red by the time the reception starts.
Pick the perfect summer wedding outfit
Now the fun part – choosing your dress! Here are GlamCorner’s picks for what to wear to a summer wedding.
Formal summer wedding outfits
A formal wedding dress code calls for gowns and glamour. You’ll want to wear a long dress in sumptuous fabric.
Satin silk floral slip dress
Floral elegance with a flattering bias-cut maxi-length skirt and a thigh-high slit.
Forest green wrap dress
Ginger and Smart – Sonorous Wrap Dress
A silky forest green wrap dress with a halter-style neckline a long, flowy skirt and a belted waist.
Cocktail summer wedding outfits
A cocktail summer wedding is a usual theme for weddings and you cannot go wrong with a great mini-to-midi cocktail dress! Think knee-length to tea-length skirts, ruffles and bright colours.
Blouson sleeve floral pink dress
A gorgeous pink floral with a flared skirt, waist tie, puff sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.
Ruffle pink wrap dress
Playful ruffles in vibrant pink with sheer blouson sleeves and a feminine layered skirt.
Daytime summer wedding outfits
For daytime summer weddings, you’re looking at a less formal dress occasion, and this doesn’t mean a casual wedding look. Opt for something feminine and classy that suits the location, be it a beach, park or function centre.
Colourblock ruffle dress
Rebecca Vallance – Ruby Ruffle Dress
Beach-wedding-perfect, with a cool, sleeveless top, a peplum waist, and a flowing, frilled skirt.
Floral LS wrap dress
Ginger and Smart – Arcadian Dress
A boho-chic floral maxi dress with semi-sheer sleeves, a delicate waist tie and a flowing silhouette.
Destination summer wedding outfits
Destination weddings can be anything from daytime beach parties to sunset mountaintop cocktails. For this wedding theme, we recommend travelling in comfortable styles! Think lightweight fabrics, floaty shapes and easy-to-wear wrap style dresses.
Summery print jumpsuit
Cooper by Trelise Cooper – Limon-Cello Quartet Jumpsuit
Ideal for warmer climates, with a summery print, flowing wide legs and a relaxed silhouette.
Blue floral drape dress
Ginger and Smart – Aquiver Wrap Dress
A vivid blue wrap midi with a subtle floral print, flowing, asymmetrical hem, and semi-sheer blouson sleeves.
Semi-formal summer wedding outfits
Dressing for a semi-formal wedding means striking the perfect balance between dressy and smart-casual. Pantsuits and separates are great options.
Romantic florals midi dress
Rebecca Vallance – Blume SS Midi Dress
Bold but feminine with ruffled sleeves, a slinky silhouette and a vivacious floral print.
Bold one-shoulder fitted dress
Country Road – Compact Knit One Shoulder Dress
Daringly different in vivid orange. The stretchy fabric is ultra-comfortable, and the sleek silhouette accentuates the single puff sleeve.
Consider your upcoming summer wedding guest look sorted with our suggested picks. Otherwise, if you are still looking for what to wear to a summer wedding, you can find all the styles you need on our wedding guest collection that’s available to hire.
Watch Wedding Season Edit Video
Thinking of hiring your next wedding guest outfit? Read our lovely customer, Chelsea’s wedding guest designer hiring experience here.
