10 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses to keep you cool & pretty

Summer time is one of the most popular times for a wedding (that, and early fall), so if you have an invitation on your fridge, you’re not alone. While there are plenty of benefits to summer weddings (bright florals, outdoor receptions, it’s light out for longer, etc.) one downfall is that they can be VERY hot — especially in the South. And finding pretty and comfortable summer wedding guest dresses can be a challenge. What do you wear to a wedding that is going to be 80-90 degrees? And what if it’s an outdoor wedding?!

In today’s post, I’m sharing 10 wedding guest dresses that will work for all types of climates (and all types of dress codes) this summer. Hopefully this roundup either helps you find a dress or gives you inspiration for what to start looking for.

If none of these are what you need, I also have a blog post with Nordstrom wedding guest dresses and another post with wedding guest dresses for the fall.

First, let’s address some FAQs about summer weddings.

Can you wear a sundress to a summer wedding?

Maybe. However, what you wear to a wedding will depend on the dress code. Most couples will list the dress code on the bottom of their invitation or on their wedding website (we didn’t have a wedding website when we got married, but we only had 25 people at our wedding!). But if the dress code isn’t mentioned, you can make assumptions based on the venue. I shared more details about each type of dress code in this blog post.

But in short, if the wedding dress code is not black tie or black tie optional, a sundress is likely an appropriate option.

What colors can you wear to a summer wedding?

There are a few superstitions about colors you shouldn’t wear to a wedding, but I don’t abide by any other than steering clear of white or off-white (for obvious reasons). In the summer, you’ll see lots of pinks, greens, blues, and pastels. And in all seasons, you’ll see classic colors like navy and black. Any color is fine in the summer, as long as it isn’t white or anything close to it. I’d steer clear of blush pink even since it can look white from far away.

10 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

The dresses I’m sharing below are all options I’d feel confident wearing to a summer wedding. Some are more casual than others, but in general, I’d recommend all of these to a friend who was asking!

Pastel Floral Maggie Maxi Dress

First on the list is this beautiful yellow maxi dress. The side cutouts make it a little dressier than a basic sundress, but the high neck is conservative and classic. I love the light floral print and the flirty open back design. You’d definitely want a good pair of sticky boobs for this dress! Since it’s 100% cotton, you’ll be as cool as possible in this dress. That’s not to say you won’t sweat, but I think this is about as good as it gets.

Atsu Bow Dress

If I was invited to a black tie wedding this summer, this is what I’d wear. The bow is a little bold, but black tie events are the perfect place to wear something fun like this! The lilac color is stunning and would look amazing next to a tux. I love that the skirt is flowy and long, so this would also be a good option if you’re pregnant or postpartum.

Infinite Glory Lavender Maxi Dress

Next on the list is another black-tie approved dress. This fitted style is a classic look for a black tie affair for good reason: when else can you wear it?! I have had great success with orders from Lulus in the past and own a dress pretty similar to this. The stretchy fabric is comfortable all night and contours to your body. Best part? It’s under $100.

Pink Floral Sheila Mini Dress

Next up is this recent Tuckernuck arrival. The v-neckline, puff sleeve shoulder, and a-line skirt make this a winner for me. I love the fun, bright colors too. This would be a great dress for a southern wedding since it’s shorter.

Addison Maxi Dress

I was immediately drawn to this dress because of the color! I’m a sucker for all things hot pink, so this is right up my alley. The simple, straight silhouette is really pretty (and so is that square neckline), and I love that it’s not a bodycon style, so you don’t feel like you’re highlighting anything unflattering. The biggest selling point however is the price! This is under $100 and has free two-day shipping.

Orange Eyelet Clara Mini Dress

Orange is having a serious moment this summer and I am HERE for it! I love the bright, happy color and the eyelet pattern. Since this dress is conservative and light cotton material, you could also wear it to church, dinner, or any other summer events after the wedding. Just dress it down with flat sandals and up with heels!

Blue Stripe Avondale Dress

If you’ve read my blog or followed me on Instagram for any amount of time, you are fully aware of my stripe obsession. I have ALWAYS loved stripes, and it makes me so happy that they are trending this summer. This is exactly what I’d wear if I had a wedding on the coast to attend this summer. It’s made of a cotton x spandex blend, so it’s the perfect option for super hot summer events.

Celadon Finley Flutter Sleeve Dress

This mini dress is one of the most versatile dresses EVER. You could dress it up for a wedding no problem, but also throw on a pair of sneakers or sandals for a daytime look! I love all of the color options, but I’m partial to green. The other color I may go for is black since it’s slimming and can be worn for YEARS. I love that it’s breezy and relaxed, making it super comfortable in the heat of summer.

If you prefer a longer length, then you’ll love the maxi version!

Rosetta Dress

This strapless midi dress from Petal and Pup is another perfect option for summer weddings. I tend to opt for things with sleeves or straps these days, but when I got this in the mail I fell in love! The fit and material is incredibly comfortable, and it comes in a handful of colors. I wear an XS. Petal and Pup is a great place to look for affordable wedding guest dresses (this is only $70)! You can see this on me in this post about what to wear to weddings.

Lauren Dress

This navy midi dress with the lace overlay feature is PERFECT for a dressy wedding. You could definitely wear this for a black-tie option event and feel totally appropriate. The ruffle hemline is feminine and fun, and the high neck is classy and elevated. I’d pair this dress with simple high heels.

I hope this is helpful! If you have a particularly confusing dress code, leave a comment – I’m happy to try to help you interpret and shop!

Shop The Post