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What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: a Guest's Guide

Summer Wedding Dress Codes

Updated • July 12 • Dress for a Night • Designer Dress Hire


Summer weddings are a blast. The key to looking your best as a wedding guest is choosing the right outfit. Summer weddings bring numerous dress codes from casual to formal, and it can be tricky navigating what to wear. You don't want to overshadow the bride and groom, but you also want to look stylish and put-together. So, what's the perfect solution? Read on for our guide on what to wear to a summer wedding!


What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

The Australian summer brings new fashion trends consisting of bright colours, patterns and statement silhouettes. The heat of the summer means opting for shorter dresses and dresses with no sleeves. There is so much choice in finding a summer wedding guest dress as there are so many colours and patterns to experiment with.

Wedding Ceremony Dress Code

Can you Wear a Mini Dress to a Wedding?

Now you're probably thinking, can you wear a short dress to a wedding? The answer depends on the type of mini dress and also the type of wedding you are attending.

If the dress code is formal, a mini dress may not be the most suitable option. If you are attending a conservative family wedding, a mini dress with cut outs may also not be appropriate attire.

If you are attending a casual or cocktail wedding then a mini dress is perfectly acceptable, especially during the season of summer. We love Aje mini dresses where you can really experiment with your style and opt for something that is not your ordinary mini dress.

Can you Wear White to a Wedding as a Guest?

Wearing white as a wedding guest was considered taboo as it distracts from the bride - only the bride should be wearing white. Although it's becoming more acceptable, this is still something that a lot of people agree with which is why it is best to steer clear from the colour white.

If the bride is not wearing white, nor does she mind if others wear white, then it may be acceptable for guests to do so. It is also acceptable to wear dresses that consist of white but not only white. For example, a floral print with a white background, or a colourful cocktail dress with a white lace overlay.

But remember to always check the invitation for any clues on dress code, or check-in with the bride to see if she has any styling requirements. You don't want to be involved in a wedding disaster because you have shown up wearing the same colour as the bride!


Dresses to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Have you been invited to a beach wedding on Palm Beach and you have no idea what to wear? The dress code is casual and the summer sun is beaming. Here are our top picks for casual weddings guest dresses. We love linen for this dress code as it is casual yet elegant.

SIR THE LABEL Ambroise Knot Dress (floral print) - RRP 0,Dress for a Night
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ZIMMERMANN Tropicana Assymetric Dress - RRP 0,Dress for a Night
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BY NICOLA Gabriella One Shoulder Midi Dress (Pink Grapefruit),Dress for a Night
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AJE Caliente Tiered Cut Out Dress (Daisy Yellow) - RRP 5,Dress for a Night
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Sir The Label Ambroise Knot Dress

The Sir The Label Ambroise Knot Dress is a sleeveless midi dress featuring a cut out at the waist and a knotted tie at the waist and shoulder. In a gorgeous floral print, this dress is the perfect example of a white dress that is acceptable to wear to a wedding. The colourful florals make the white background go unnoticed and you don't have to worry about distracting from the bride.


Zimmerman Aliane Ruffle Midi Dress

The Zimmermann Aliane Ruffle Midi Dress is crafted from linen and cotton. The dress features a self tie bow detail at the front and ruffled trimming alongside the shoulders, leading to a racerback with cut-out details. In the warm orange colour, this dress makes the perfect summer wedding guest dress. We love this linen fabric as it adds a sense of luxury, while keeping it casual.


Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress

The Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress is a mid-length dress with a corset inspired waist, made from a glossy linen material. Made mostly from linen, it is extremely comfortable and in both blush, champagne and navy. This style is perfect for those who want more coverage in a summer wedding guest dress. This verstaile design can be dressed down for more casual events or dressed up with accessories to make it more suitable for formal weddings.  


Aje Caliente Tiered Cut Out Dress

The Aje Caliente Tiered Cut Out Dress is an asymmetric midi dress in a beautiful daisy yellow colour. Linen dresses are perfect for more casual events as they can easily be dressed up and make you look put-together. The daisy yellow is perfect for the summer season.
 


Smart Casual Summer Wedding Dresses

Navigating the smart-casual dress code can be difficult. What is smart-casual attire? You might ask. Smart-casual can be considered similar to cocktail, however the more informal type. It is a blend of comfortable and stylish attire suitable for less formal occasions, whereas cocktail is more elegant and refined. We recommend opting for more luxurious fabrics, yet still keeping it relatively simple and elegant. Nothing too overboard but also not too plain - here are our favourite picks.

Bec + Bridge BEC + BRIDGE Carrie Halter Maxi Dress (Yellow Gold) - RRP $350 - USETHISFORWEBSITEPRODUCT_5_de6c0535-50a6-48cb-9dfe-c52edeb29c29.jpg
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L'Idee L'IDEE Renaissance Split Gown (Bright Green) - RRP $359 - USETHISFORWEBSITEPRODUCT_c91a9b1d-1944-4f15-816d-362be774b708.jpg
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AJE Myriad Cut Out Mini Dress - RRP 5,Dress for a Night
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REBECCA VALLANCE Montez Midi Dress - RRP 9,Dress for a Night
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Alemais Dana Midi Dress

The Alemais Dana Midi Dress in marigold is a classic midi dress that is crafted from a luxurious fabric with a sublte shine. This gorgeous dress features a tailored bodice and adjustable back tie. The voluminous skirt adds a timeless elegance. We think this style makes the perfect wedding guest dress for smart casual weddings as it is easy to wear and will have you looking polished and festive. Elevate your look with this stunning piece.


L'idee Renaissance Split Gown

The L'idee Renaissance Split Gown in bright green, is the perfect summer wedding guest dress. With the famous L'idee pleating in the umbrella skirt and halter, you will be looking sleek and elegant with this dress. You can't go wrong with this dress to complete your smart casual wedding guest outfit.

 

This style is also available in colours, ballet pink and chocolate for a look with no split.


Aje Myriad Cut Out Mini Dress

If you want to opt for a mini dress this is the perfect option for you. The Aje Myriad Cut Out Mini Dress is the perfect dress to wear for a smart-casual event. The puff sleeves, intricate ruching detail and voluminous skirt make this unique style a statement piece. Step out of your comfort zone with this gorgeous wedding guest dress for the summer season.


Rebecca Vallance Montez Midi Dress

The Rebecca Vallance Montez Midi Dress is an elegant one shoulder style made from a structured crepe material. This dress has a flattering slim silhouette and features a dramatic statement bow on the shoulder. This gorgeous dress will have you feeling put-together and glamorous for you next smart-casual wedding.


Formal Dress Code Wedding Dresses for the Australian Summer

Formal dress codes during the Australian summer heat can be tricky. You don't want to wear something that isn't breathable nor practical for a hot summers day. We recommend choosing light and airy fabrics like satin, or chiffon. Here are our top picks for formal dress codes as a wedding guest.

LEXI Samira Dress (Pink) - RRP 9,Dress for a Night
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HOUSE OF CB Charmaine Corset Gown (Bush Pink) - RRP 9,Dress for a Night
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SONYA MODA Nour Yarden Floral Maxi Dress - RRP 0,Dress for a Night
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BEC + BRIDGE Julieta Maxi Dress (Lime) - RRP 0,Dress for a Night
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LEXI Samira Dress (Pink) - RRP 9,Dress for a Night
Sold out
HOUSE OF CB Charmaine Corset Gown (Bush Pink) - RRP 9,Dress for a Night
Sold out
SONYA MODA Nour Yarden Floral Maxi Dress - RRP 0,Dress for a Night
Sold out
BEC + BRIDGE Julieta Maxi Dress (Lime) - RRP 0,Dress for a Night
Sold out


Lexi Samira Dress

The Lexi Samira Dress is a fan favourite style for wedding guests. A glamorous floor-length, one shoulder style made from a stretch satin. This style is extremely flattering and elegant, perfect for formal weddings.

 

This style is available in burgundy, orion blue, black and white, all suitable for formal occasions.


House Of CB Charmaine Corset Gown

The House of CB Charmaine Corset Gown is one we know you will recognise. Made from a lustrous silk satin, this dress features a beautifully draped cowl neckline with a corset bodice to cinch the figure. This dress is all about elegance and class. We love this dress for formal weddings and the blush pink is perfect for both daytime and evening events during the summer season.

This style is also available in chocolate and black.


Sonya Moda Nour Yarden Floral Maxi Dress

The Sonya Moda Nour Yarden Floral Maxi Dress is a gorgeous one shoulder style that features an adjustable tie at the hip/waist. This maxi dress exudes elegance and sophistication. The luxurious silk satin fabric makes this dress perfect for weddings, formals and black tie events. The bright floral patterns make this dress perfect for the warmer seasons and nails the brief of the summer fashion trends.

 

This style is available in colours yarden floral, ocean pearl, scarlett red, and fiori di sambuco.


Bec + Bridge Julieta Maxi Dress

The Bec + Bridge Julieta Maxi Dress is a flattering formal event wear dress. It features a twist bandeau with thin straps and a thigh high split. The dress is crafted in a beautiful lime green that is perfect for the summer and exudes elegance and class.


House Of CB Adrienne Corset Dress

The House of CB Adrienne Corset Dress is cut from a high quality satin that drapes across the body. The built in corset allows for a flattering hourglass silhouette. This dress is all about luxury which is why we think it makes the perfect wedding guest dress. You can never go wrong with a classic style, which is why we know you will love this dress as much as we do.

This style is available in black, red, sage and pink.

 


Lexi Aurea Dress

The Lexi Aurea Dress is a gorgeous mango orange formal dress that features an asymmetric bodice design with sexy cut-outs that accentuate the waist. It is cut from a delicate georgette which gathers beautifully and drapes into a long flowing skirt with a thigh high split. The perfect style for an summer wedding.


Nana Jacqueline Caroline Dress

The Nana Jacqueline Caroline Dress is a dreamy formal dress in a beautiful sage green. This gorgeous summer wedding guest dress features an open back, double layer at the bust and sling detailing. This dress exudes elegance and femininity. This style gives a flattering silhouette as the skirt features a fit-to-flare design that accentuates an hourglass figure. Pair this dress with neutral accessories to keep your wedding guest outfit sophisticated, light and dreamy.


Celeb Andie Gown

The Celeb Andie Gown is a stunning formal dress inspired by the iconic gown worn by Kate Hudson in the movie 'How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days'. This dress features a low back design with cross-over detailing, full length skirt with a long train, and scoop neckline. A statement gown that is guaranteed to leave you feeling like a million dollars at your next event. Our Andie Gown makes the perfect summer wedding guest dress as the gorgeous yellow tones compliment the new light that comes with the summer season.

 


Finding Your Fit

Now that we have given you the guidance in finding a wedding guest dress for that summer wedding invitation you have received, you can RSVP knowing your outfit is all sorted. It is now up to you to decide which option is your best fit!

You can hire all of these summer wedding guest dresses for a fraction of the retail price at Dress for a Night. We love to see the looks you create so make sure to tag us @dressforanight when you post your photos to Instagram.

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