The 20 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Staying Cool and Looking Chic

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

Brides / Kevin Liang

Receiving save-the-dates for forthcoming summer weddings has us at Brides thinking of how to dress for a June, July, or August celebration. 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. Aside from the aesthetic components of your soon-to-be summer wedding guest dress, it’s also crucial to consider options that will keep you cool in boiling temperatures, no matter if the ceremony is outdoors or not, like with lightweight and breathable fabrics and minimal or no sleeves. 

Discover the best summer wedding guest dresses curated by Brides editors, ahead.

Best for a Beach Wedding

Mara Hoffman Raquel Dress

Mara Hoffman Raquel Dress

Shopbop

Sand, sun, and ocean spray call for a comfortable fabric like organic cotton for a summer beach wedding. The Raquel Dress is made from breathable organic cotton, and comes in hot pink for a bold entrance. We love the romantic ruffle details at the bust.

Size Range: 00-12 | Material: 100% organic cotton | Length: Maxi

Best for a Destination Wedding

Staud Cadence Dress in Island Blue

Staud Cadence Dress in Island Blue

Staud

The bright, bold hue and blue beaded halter straps on this dress make the perfect statement against the white sand beach of a tropical locale—a common choice for a destination wedding.  This dress is simply stunning.

Size Range: 00-16 | Material: 76% acetate, 24% polyester | Length: Maxi 

Best Strapless

Bec + Bridge Moon Dance Strapless Maxi Dress

Bec + Bridge Moon Dance Strapless Maxi Dress

SSENSE

Imagine this sage strapless number with a smattering of gold accessories and a chic clutch; it may be the perfect simple wedding guest dress option for the summertime. If the green shade isn’t your favorite, there are other colorways like blush pink, butter yellow, and chartreuse.   

Size Range: AU 6-AU 16 | Material: 100% viscose | Length: Maxi 

Best One-Shoulder

Adoore Almeria Dress

Adoore Almeria Dress

Adoore

Simple is the way to go sometimes, like with this effortless, one-shoulder, butter yellow option. Ruching on the waistline is another subtle detail on this dress that makes all the difference. 

Size Range: US 2-US 20 | Material: 97% polyester, 3% elastane | Length: Maxi 

Best Floral

CAMI NYC Noelle Dress

CAMI NYC Noelle Dress

CAMI NYC

Perfect for garden nuptials or truly any summer wedding vibe, this dress boasts sophisticated florals. The strapless neckline has a hidden elastic band to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions while celebrating. 

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: 75% acetate, 25% polyester | Length: Maxi 

Best Printed

Aje Belonging Flared Midi Dress

Aje Belonging Printed Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Moda Operandi

Blue is so on trend this year, so it’s only natural that you keep the hue in mind for your summer wedding guest dress shopping. The understated floral print is beautiful, and the linen composition will keep you cool in summer heat. 

Size Range: 4-16 | Material: 69% linen, 31% viscose | Length: Midi 

Best Colorful

Faithfull the Brand Tortugas Midi Dress

Faithfull the Brand Tortugas Midi Dress

Tuckernuck

An array of bright pink shades makes this printed floral dress ideal for anyone itching to sport some color for an upcoming summer wedding. Plus, its halter neckline, subtle chest cutout, and linen composition prevents sweat from cramping your style.

Size Range: XS-XXL | Material: European Flax Certified Linen | Length: Maxi 

Best for a Backyard Wedding

Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress

Anthropologie

This dress, which comes in a multitude of playful patterns, strikes the ideal balance of casual and fashionable that's ideal for backyard nuptials. Its lightweight cotton material ensures you'll stay cool and breezy during the ceremony, too. 

Size Range: XXS-XL (petite and plus options available) | Material: Cotton | Length: Maxi

Best with Cutouts

Farm Rio Red Cut Out Strapless Midi Dress

Farm Rio Red Cut Out Strapless Midi Dress

Farm Rio

There’s not one detail on this Farm Rio dress that we’re not obsessing over. The cutout placement, the asymmetrical layered skirt, corset-style bust, and linen composition make this the ideal summer wedding guest dress if you want something fun and flirtatious. 

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: 100% linen | Length: Midi

Best Slip Dress

L’Agence Arianne Slip Dress

L’Agence Arianne Slip Dress

L’Agence

We love peaches, nectarines, and oranges in the summertime—and dressing like them, too. The yellowy-orange hue on this silk slip dress is a foolproof color choice for any summer wedding. 

Size Range: 00-18 | Material: 100% silk | Length: Maxi 

Best Mini

Cult Gaia Giana Dress

Cult Gaia Giana Dress

Cult Gaia

Butter yellow is the perfect color for summer weddings. If you’re seeking out a mini dress to wear to upcoming nuptials, this favorable hue brings just the right amount of drama. We are also smitten with its ruffled bust. 

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: 76% acetate, 21% nylon, 3% elastane | Length: Mini

Best Plus Size

Anthropologie Hutch Plus Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress

Anthropologie Hutch Plus Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress

Anthropologie

It’s hard to focus on just one detail on this stunning option: the tiered skirt, strapless tulle bust, and bold red colorway make this an obvious contender for any upcoming summer wedding. 

Size Range: 16 W-22 W | Material: Polyester | Length: Maxi

Most Versatile

Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress

Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress

Reformation

Reformation dresses are often timeless, and the silk one is no exception. Its sweetheart neckline, high side slit, smocked back, and pink, green, and floral colorways ensure its versatility, so you can wear this to more than just summer weddings.

Size Range: 0-24 (petites available) | Material: 100% silk | Length: Midi 

Best Formal

Cult Gaia Shiazu Gown

Cult Gaia Shiazu Gown

Cult Gaia

A formal wedding dress code doesn’t require a boring gown choice; this silky, floor-length option exudes elegance, yet the thin double straps, high slit, and open back are stylish details that stand out. 

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: 92% silk, 8% spandex | Length: Maxi

Best Retro-Inspired

Reformation Daniela Silk Dress

Reformation Daniela Silk Dress

Reformation

Reminiscent of 1950s playful polka dot dresses, this silk option is retro-inspired perfection and fit for any summer wedding. The deep V-neck and backless detailing show the perfect amount of skin, too. 

Size Range: 0-12 | Material: 100% silk | Length: Maxi

Most Romantic

Needle & Thread Wisteria Ruffle Lace Ballerina Dress

Needle & Thread Wisteria Ruffle Lace Ballerina Dress

Shopbop

Weddings tend to bring out our more romantic sides, so wearing a frilly, flowy, floral dress is the perfect way to express this sentiment. We love this ruffled tulle midi dress with a delicate wisteria print all over. 

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: 100% recycled nylon | Length: Midi

Best Pleated

Ulla Johnson Amiko Dress

Ulla Johnson Amiko Dress

Shopbop

The pleats here offer an alternative to your typical satin slip dress. We adore it for affairs that call for dancing. The mix of shimmery orange, blue, and green hues are striking and sultry.

Size Range: 00-16 | Material: 100% polyester | Length: Maxi

Best Sleeveless

SIMKHAI Zakai Tank Maxi Dress

SIMKHAI Zakai Tank Maxi Dress

Shopbop

Textured fabrics are ideal for making a subtle statement at a summer wedding, and this dress’s mesh and chiffon detailing abides by this guideline. Dress it up or down with accessories to really make a summer statement.

Size Range: 00-14 | Material: Polyester/nylon/polyamide | Length: Maxi 

Best with Sleeves

LoveShackFancy Kalona Silk Jacquard Maxi Dress

LoveShackFancy Kalona Silk Jacquard Maxi Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

If you’re going to an outdoor ceremony with a breezier climate, long sleeves are a good choice. We love the romantic design and silhouette of this dress, boasting bell sleeves, a silky exterior, and a ruffled bust.   

Size Range: 00-14 | Material: 60% viscose, 40% silk | Length: Maxi 

Best Halter

Cult Gaia Silvia Dress

Cult Gaia Silvia Dress

Cult Gaia

A black ensemble is always a good idea, even in the summertime (as long as it’s made with airy fabrics). This dress has thin halter straps and gorgeous gold embellishments lined on its two side cutouts, and its breathable material composition of linen, wool, and silk will keep you cool. 

Size Range: 00-12 | Material: 38% linen, 25% wool, 20% rayon, 17% silk | Length: Midi

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. Just keep the bridal party's color palette in mind when selecting a dress with bold hues. Wedding guest dressing etiquette suggests you don't want to clash or draw too much attention to yourself as a guest.
FAQ
  • What should guests wear to a summer wedding?

    Summer wedding guest dresses in floral prints and bright colors are always a stylish and fun choice for warm-weather weddings. For summer weddings with a formal dress code, guests should consider wearing mid-length to floor-length gowns in light and breathable fabrics.

  • Can I wear a short dress to a summer wedding?

    Absolutely! Leg-baring mini and midi summer wedding guest dresses are perfect for balmy weather. However, if the wedding venue calls for more traditional attire, it might be best to opt for knee-length to ankle-length dresses.

  • How should I accessorize my summer wedding guest dress?

    If the ceremony will be on grass or sand, opt for espadrilles, sandals with block heels, or flats. Woven accessories like rattan clutches are always appropriate for the season, and colorful statement-making jewelry can easily dress up any summer wedding guest dress.

  • What shouldn't you wear as a guest to a summer wedding?

    Of course, don't wear white if you're a guest at a summer wedding, but also avoid anything overly sheer or with bright, neon colors. You want to look festive and fancy without drawing too much attention to yourself. And be sure to avoid the bridal party colors so you don't detract from them.

Why Trust Brides

Madison Barber is a shopping writer at Brides, not to mention a fashion and shopping obsessive. She spent hours researching to find the best wedding guest dresses for summer nuptials, deciding on only the chicest options for Brides readers. Sophie Moore also contributed to this article. She is a former fashion editor at Brides and an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. 

more in

The Ultimate Guide to Summer Weddings

Related Stories