Now that we’re officially in summer wedding season, editors at BRIDES are abuzz about how to dress for June, July, and August celebrations. Luckily, the options for summer wedding guest dresses are endless, as this is the time for bright hues, romantic florals, and long, flowy silhouettes to make an appearance. Plus, summer weddings afford guests the opportunity to experiment with the several new seasonal trends, including butter yellow, which is still very much the color of the moment.
Aside from the aesthetic components of your soon-to-be summer wedding guest dress, it’s crucial to consider options that keep you cool in hot temperatures, especially if the ceremony is held outdoors. Also, read the invitation or wedding website carefully to ensure you shop for dresses that match the dress code and venue. With all styles, price points, and dress codes considered, the BRIDES team spent days searching for the best summer wedding guest dresses to purchase for peak wedding season, all from BRIDES-trusted retailers like Shopbop, Saks Fifth Avenue, Moda Operandi, Reformation, and more.
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The color of the summer is undoubtedly butter yellow, popular for its understated vibe that still offers some color for the summertime. It’s executed beautifully on this Amur dress, and the cascading ruffles add a formal element that’s perfect for a wedding.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Polyester
More Butter Yellow Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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Summer typically brings an assortment of ocean or nautical-related trends. Recently, mermaidcore has taken over, embracing blues, greens, and metallics, as well as flowing ruffles or pleats to represent waves. This green metallic pleated gown seamlessly fits this aesthetic and works for even the fanciest wedding dress codes.
Size Range: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester
More Mermaidcore Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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If you’re headed to a destination wedding in the South of France, Lake Como, or any other summery spots to celebrate someone’s nuptials, wear something that embodies the “Euro Summer” vibe. This means incorporating bright hues, bold prints, and unique design details into your wedding day looks, as seen with this Acler dress. Between the eye-catching shades of blue and sculptural gold hardware adorning the halter neckline, it’s made for a European destination this summer.
More Euro Summer Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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We understand the need for more budget-friendly options for the frequent wedding-goer. Thankfully, several styles exist under $200—our favorite is this baby pink ASOS dress with dramatic ruffled shoulders and a chic ruched bodice. The off-the-shoulder design allows for accessorizing on the neck and ears without overwhelming the look.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Polyester
More Summer Wedding Guest Dresses Under $200
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Hunting for an effortless wedding guest dress for formal nuptials? Reformation’s Maribelle dress in this chic blue hue is perfect for the minimalist dresser. The strapless neckline and flowing, relaxed silhouette ensure you’ll feel comfortable even in the steamiest temperatures.
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose
More Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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If you want to go big with a true gown for an upcoming black-tie wedding, Sachin & Babi’s Giovanna style is perfect. The bold floral motifs are the star of the show, while the subtle sequins on the bodice add a fun, fancy touch perfect for such a glamorous dress code.
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester
More Black-Tie Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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We love a floral print at BRIDES, but there’s something about the design of this Cara Cara maxi dress that makes it look more like a work of art than just another wedding guest dress. The cheery yellow colorway is on-theme for summer nuptials, and the strapless neckline and cotton material will keep you cool in the heat.
Size Range: 00-12 | Materials: Cotton
More Floral Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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It’s hard to pick a favorite element of this dress, between the perfect shade of pink made for a summer wedding and the classic jacquard pattern made more playful by a full skirt, halter neckline, and bow detail on the back. We’re begging someone to wear this to a formal wedding, bonus points if it’s in a garden setting.
Size Range: 14-26 | Materials: Polyester
More Plus-Size Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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Retrofete knows how to make a good gown, as seen by this gorgeous slip dress in a chic brown shade. The colorful beaded straps (which cascade down the back as well) give us all the beachy vibes, making it perfect for any seaside nuptials you’re attending this summer.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester
More Summer Wedding Guest Dress for a Beach Wedding
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Wear this unique Endless Rose midi dress for an upcoming garden wedding if you want a more unconventional take on classic florals. We love how this option comes in eight colors, though we’re partial to this baby blue for summertime.
Size Range: XS-XL (petite and plus sizes available) | Materials: Polyester
More Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for a Garden Wedding
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For the under 5 feet, 4 inches tall folks, this electric blue ASOS maxi dress will suit your stature for an upcoming summer wedding. The delicate shoulder straps, cowl neckline, and deep leg slit give it a formal feel for a fancier dress code.
Size Range: 00-12 | Materials: Polyester
More Petite Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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An elegant column fit and pretty pink floral design make for the ideal summer wedding guest dress for a mature wedding-goer. The strapless neckline and tasteful (and subtle!) leg slit will even help keep you cool in hot temperatures, so it’s outdoor wedding approved, not to mention formal or black-tie suitable, as well.
Size Range: 6-16 | Materials: Polyester
More Summer Wedding Guest Dress for Mature Women
What to Look for in a Summer Wedding Guest Dress
- Fabric: If you’re attending a summer wedding, it’s wise to shop for summer wedding guest dresses made from breathable and comfortable fabrics like linen and cotton. These lightweight fabrics will keep you cool—especially if the wedding is outdoors—and work for every type of dress code.
- Silhouette: When it comes to silhouettes, mini, midi, and tea-length dresses are ideal for summer wedding guest dresses and work especially well for beach and garden venues. However, any full-length dress is suitable, as well, especially if they come in the aforementioned breathable fabrics.
- Style: Attending a summer wedding is also the perfect chance to experiment with fun prints and vibrant colors. When selecting a dress with bold hues, consider the bridal party’s color palette. Wedding guest dressing etiquette suggests that you want to avoid clashing or drawing too much attention to yourself as a guest.
Why Trust BRIDES
Maddie Barber is a BRIDES writer, shopping expert, and fashion obsessive. She spent hours researching to find the best wedding guest dresses for summer nuptials, deciding on only the chicest options for BRIDES readers.
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