Finding the perfect wedding guest dress for summer weddings is one of the biggest dilemmas for wedding guests; do you go long or short, formal or casual, classic floral or a punchy modern print?
Hopefully the invitation will have told you a dress code for the big day, which will help to guide you in choosing your wedding guest outfit, but it’s still up to you to decide on style of dress, and the colour you want to go for.
Very occasionally couples will specify colours on their invite that they’d prefer you to avoid (for example if the bridesmaids are in navy, it may be requested that guests avoid this shade), but this is relatively rare, so the whole colour palette is your oyster!
Can I Wear Black to a Summer Wedding?
Listen, it’s 2019, and traditional wedding rules just don’t seem so applicable anymore.
People traditionally avoided wearing black to weddings because of associations with funerals, and also because it’s considered bad luck, but we think wearing black is perfectly acceptable, especially if you team it with brighter accessories, or it’s a patterned black dress.
If you’re worried the couple or their families might be a bit superstitious about black at weddings, check with them if they mind – but do remember they’ll have a lot on their plate in the lead up to the big day, and answering guest queries might not be top of their to-do list.
Can I Wear White to a Wedding?
Wearing white has always been seen as the biggest wedding faux pas of all, and we’re inclined to say this is still the case. While it’s not like wearing a white dress means you’ll be mistaken for the bride (everyone knows who she is, after all), it can seem like you’re trying to take attention from her, or outshine her on her special day.
In our minds, wearing a floral-patterned white dress to a wedding is totally acceptable. Just avoid full length white dresses, or plain white / ivory dresses. Splashes of colour keep you from looking like you’re trying to upstage the bride and add a summery feel to your outfit.
Scroll down for our edit of the best wedding guest dresses for summer.
Long Sleeved Yellow Wedding Guest Dress by Closet London
Channel your inner Amal Clooney in a bold yellow wedding guest dress. The tie waist on this long sleeved number makes it extra flattering. This dress helps you bring the sunshine even if the sun isn’t actually shining.
Blue Lace Wedding Guest Dress by Little Mistress
We adore the lace trim on this cornflower blue wedding guest dress – it’s the perfect choice for countryside weddings surrounded by flowering fields.
Maternity Wedding Guest Dress by Tiffany Rose
Finding a dress to wear to weddings when you’re pregnant can be a real chore, but Tiffany Rose has some beautiful designs that make choosing a maternity wedding outfit a doddle.
Floral Maxi Dress for Weddings by Chi Chi London
Nothing says “summer wedding” quite like a prettily embroidered floral maxi dress. Wear your hair up to let the busy print do the talking.
Pale Pink Wedding Guest Dress from Studio By Preen
The layered ruffles give this pastel dress a beautiful movement – just what you want for dancing the night away in.
Lilac Shirt Dress by Closet London
Shirt dresses are eternally in style, and this lilac number by Closet London is no exception. Wear with a block heel for a truly versatile wedding look.
Floral Wedding Guest Dress from Studio By Preen
Make a statement in this long sleeved floral dress – other guests will be asking you where it’s from all day long.
Mustard Wedding Guest Dress by River Island
Slip dresses are so on trend at the moment, and we particularly love the sultry thigh slit this dress has; just check the weather forecast before the wedding to make sure you don’t end up feeling chilly as the evening draws on.
Pink and White Wedding Guest Dress by Chi Chi London
The pink embroidery on the waist of this dress makes it a very flattering design, creating a lovely hourglass silhouette.
Navy Blue Maternity Wedding Guest Dress by Tiffany Rose
Exude class in a navy blue wedding guest dress – it may not be the most summery of shades, but pair with gold accessories and you’ll have the perfect outfit for sun soaked weddings.
Strapless Lemon Print Wedding Guest Dress by Oasis
Lemons have been our print of choice for the last few years, and this strapless dress has reignited our love. We love the idea of wearing it with a statement fascinator.
Pink Off The Shoulder Wedding Guest Dress by Little Mistress
Off the shoulder dresses are a fab choice for summer wedding guests. Wear with a statement necklace to make the outfit more formal.
Orange Wedding Guest Dress by Monsoon
Bring a splash of colour to summer weddings in this bold orange dress.
Purple Wedding Guest Dress by Closet London
This simple dress is jazzed up by the unusual purple colour – while it’s a lovely guest dress, we think it’d be great for the mother of the bride to wear too.
Pale Pink Off The Shoulder Floral Wedding Guest Dress by Little Mistress
Go for an elegant wedding look in this feminine dress in a pretty tropical print. Pair with delicate strappy heels to complete the look.
Polka Dot High Neck Wedding Guest Dress by Oasis
Channel your inner Meghan Markle in this high necked dress, reminiscent of the Stella McCartney halter neck wedding dress she wore for the evening of her big day.
Wedding Guest Dress with Floral Skirt by Chi Chi London
The full floral skirt on this pretty dress makes it absolutely perfect for summer weddings. Pair with nude court shoes to complete the pretty look.
Polka Dot One Shoulder Wedding Guest Dress by Topshop
Fashion forward wedding guests will love this ruffled polka dot dress – it reminds us of the dancing lady emoji! Yes, it’s white, but the red spots make it totally wedding appropriate.
Purple Lace Wedding Guest Dress by Debenhams
The fluted skirt on this pretty purple dress makes it extra lovely – it’s another dress we think would look beautiful with a fascinator.
High Neck Floral Wedding Guest Dress by Lipsy
We can always count on Lipsy to create dresses for all the formal occasions in our diary. We love the ruffle detailing on the neckline of this flower print dress.
Summer Wedding Guest Dress with Sleeves by Monsoon
If you’re looking for a summer wedding dress with sleeves, this prettily patterned gown could be the answer. The unusual design sets it apart from the crowd, and if the weather clouds over the capped sleeves will provide a little extra warmth.
Still not feeling inspired? Check out what Lucy Mecklenburgh recently wore to a wedding – it’s the perfect hot weather outfit.
