Summer is just around the corner and, if you’re anything like us, that means you have a lot of weddings coming your way. This time of year it feels like we spend every weekend celebrating our friends who fell in love. And every time we find ourselves scouring online boutiques for wedding outfits for women and wondering what to wear to a summer wedding!
Summer wedding guest fashion is all about walking a very fine line. You want to be cute, fun, and comfortable (particularly at an outdoor wedding—it’s hot out there), all without drawing attention away from the bride and her party. What can you wear that's both on-trend and appropriate?
If the idea of finding the perfect wedding look has you overwhelmed, don’t worry. We at Magnolia Boutique have all the tips and tricks you need to find the best wedding outfits for women! Here are a few simple guidelines to help you find an amazing look from our wedding shop.
Pay Attention to the Invitation
The first clue about summer wedding guest fashion actually comes to you before the season starts—about six months before, to be exact. That’s right, everything starts with that wedding invitation! That beautiful piece of decorated paper may have all the information you need to find the perfect wedding ensemble.
Firstly, take a look at the wording on the invite. Is it written in a formal style (“We request the honor of your presence at our wedding”) or one that’s more laid-back (“Come join us as we celebrate our marriage”)? Did the couple specify a dress code for their big day? These details will determine what kind of wedding outfits for women and fashion accessories you should be looking at.
Next, look at the theme of the invitation (you may want to peruse the couple’s wedding website, too). What colors are they using in their decor? Are they getting married on a beach, in a garden, in a ballroom? While you may not want to match the theme perfectly, being aware of these elements can help you find a wedding outfit for women like yourself who love it when their look suits the occasion.
Stick to Breathable Fabrics
3/4 Sleeve Ruffle Tiered Mini Dress ($56)
Here in Indiana, summers are two things: hot and sticky! With the sun beating down and the humidity cranked up to 11, it’s no surprise that most dress boutiques (including us) stock their shelves with shorter hemlines and light, breathable fabrics. These dresses are a great way to stay cool on the hottest days, and they’re the perfect choice when you need to decide what to wear to a summer wedding.
As far as we’re concerned, the best summer wedding guest fashion should be light, cool, and flowy. How else do you expect to sit through a ceremony in the heat of the day—and tear up the dancefloor at the reception? Look for fabrics that breathe, like cotton, linen, gossamer, or silk.
When you’re out looking for the perfect wedding outfits for women, it’s important to remember the type of wedding you’re going to. While a knee-length linen sundress may be just fine for a casual beach venue, it won’t look right at a formal affair in a hotel ballroom. The theme or style of the wedding will shape everything, from the length of your dress to your fabric choices.
Play with Bold Colors
Green Long Sleeve Tiered Mini Dress ($48)
Summer is a season full of vivid, beautiful colors. Flowers are in bloom, the sky is clear and bright, and women everywhere are pulling fun patterns and rich shades out of their closets. For this reason, it’s highly encouraged that you wear a bright, bold color to a summer wedding.
Are you totally obsessed with shades of sunny yellow? Throw on a dress in that gorgeous hue (just make sure everyone else has their shades handy). Are you more interested in the viva magenta Pantone color of the year? You’ll find tons of beautiful wedding outfits for women in this rich, feminine shade. Can’t decide which color you love most? Wear a pattern that has them all!
Seriously, when it comes to color, the possibilities are endless. There aren’t too many color-related rules for summer wedding guest fashion: just don’t wear a bright shade of white (of course), and don’t wear a color that matches the bridal party exactly. Other than that, you’re free to explore the entire color wheel!
Get Grass-Proof Shoes!
Nude Suede Strappy Heels ($36)
Most summer weddings take place outside. We totally get it; who wouldn’t want to take advantage of beautiful weather for their special day? However, we have to admit that outdoor weddings have one major drawback: those lovely manicured lawns we keep puncturing with our heels! What kind of shoes should ladies wear to a summer wedding?
The answer is very simple: any footwear that can handle softer surfaces while also going well with wedding outfits for women. The most obvious solution is a pair of trendy flats or basic sandals, but if you really want that extra height boost, wedges are a great alternative as well! If you know that you’ll be walking on grass, sand, or any other heel-unfriendly ground, you need to add the right shoes to complete your ensemble.
With these tips, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect look for all your summer weddings! Just remember to find a style you truly love; ultimately, the best wedding outfits for women are the ones that keep you cool, are easy to move in, and make you feel beautiful.
If you want to see some of our favorite summer wedding guest fashion or need more inspiration on what to wear to a summer wedding, don’t forget to check out our selection of dresses, jumpsuits, shoes, and more. And, as always, you can contact us here with any questions or comments you may have. We love to hear from fashionistas like you!