Summer wedding wear can seem daunting, especially when it comes to understanding dress code and etiquette. Apart from avoiding white outfits to show your respect to the bride, you must also pay attention to the appropriate dress code for the setting. Whether you’re going for church weddings, beach weddings, or backyard BBQs, keep on reading for our style guidelines to look stylish and appropriate on your looks.
Cocktail-Attire Wedding


When the ceremony will be held in a hotel and calls for cocktail attire, keep your outfit simple yet sophisticated. Since it’s a solemn ceremony, go for a modest, elegant, and demure style. A mermaid cocktail dress in tube style can be great as long as it doesn’t show too much skin. Like fashion blogger Micah Gianneli, keep your colors muted and simple, but spark up with hints of metallic accents on your shoes, jewelry, or clutch.
Chapel Wedding
For a more traditional setting, timeless, classic styles are your go-to. Whether you’re a member of the church or not stick to modest styles on your outfit, yet not as glamorous as cocktail one. Like fashion blogger Nicole Warne, go for knee-length or below skirt with a sleek fit and a flattering silhouette. Save those sexy styles and plunging necklines for the bachelorette party. A plain form-fitting dress that falls on the knees or mid-calf can be great to show respect to the setting of the wedding ceremony.
City Hall Wedding
City hall ceremonies are typically smaller, more intimate affairs. There’s a good chance you’ll be venturing to a nearby restaurant following the “I do’s.” So, keep your style urban-cool with a classy and elegant vibe. Like fashion blogger Micah Gianneli, a bronze dress with a gold belt can be a perfect outfit. Just top it off with a chic blazer to add some polish to your style.
Rustic Wedding
Backyard and country-themed weddings tend to be less formal with natural elements abound. Like fashion blogger Nicole Warne, you may go for pastel-colored dresses with floral prints or ethereal shapes in fabrics that feel good against your skin. However, be mindful of your shoes and pick ones that won’t get stuck in the grass or barn floors. Like Jenny Bernheim, you may go for a pair of chic leather slides to complement your chic collared dress.
Beach Wedding
Beach weddings featuring the scenic view of the sea require breezy, festive, and romantic style. Like fashion blogger Blair Eadie, you may go for a polka dot print maxi dress and a sun hat. Off the shoulder dress can be great with a pair of gladiator sandals can be great. Although beach events are more casual, a sexy summer shoe goes a long way. Just opt for wedge sandal if you’re aiming for a taller frame and leave your stiletto pumps at home.
Regardless of how low-key or casual the invite may be, always air on the safe side of style and overdress that shows respect since the wedding is a special occasion.