What to wear to a summer wedding
Light fabrics such as linen, cotton or chiffon in colour, with shade for the ceremony and shoes that cope with grass. Keep to the dress code, avoid white, and carry a shawl or jacket for the evening.
Three outfits that work
Midi dress, shawl, block-heel sandals
- terracotta midi dress
- light shawl
- block-heel sandals
- straw clutch
A loose midi in a warm colour stays cool for a long afternoon, and block heels do not sink into the lawn.
Linen blazer, light trousers
- sand linen blazer
- light blue trousers
- white linen shirt
- tan loafers
Linen breathes in the heat and creases gracefully; the blazer comes off once the toasts start.
Long-sleeved maxi dress, chiffon scarf
- sage long-sleeved maxi dress
- cream chiffon scarf
- flat leather sandals
- camel clutch
Chiffon sleeves and a long hem keep you covered at the ceremony without making the day heavy.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Linen or cotton, light colours, and a hat or parasol if the ceremony is in full sun. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | The outfit as planned with a shawl or jacket for the evening. |
| ColdBelow 10° | Late September: add a wrap and closed shoes, and expect a cool evening on a terrace. |
Do and don’t
- Choose breathable fabrics in colour or soft prints
- Plan for shade or sun at the ceremony
- Take sunscreen and a bottle of water
- Bring a layer for the cooler evening
- Check the dress code first
- Wear white, cream or anything bridal
- Wear thin heels on grass or gravel
- Choose a fabric that shows sweat, like pale thin silk
- Dress in beachwear unless the invitation says so
Check the night before
- Check the forecast for the afternoon and evening
- Steam or iron linen the night before
- Pack sunscreen, tissues and blister plasters
- Lay out a shawl or jacket for later
- Charge the phone and pack the gift
Questions people ask
Can I wear a short dress to a summer wedding?
Knee length or longer is the safer choice, especially for a church or a family-led ceremony. A very short hem is rarely right.
What colours are good for a summer wedding?
Sage, terracotta, dusty blue, coral and soft yellow all work. Leave white and cream to the bride.
Do men need a jacket in the heat?
Bring one for the ceremony and photos. A linen jacket is light, and you can take it off once the dress code relaxes.
Are sandals fine?
Yes, if they are dressy and secure. Block heels or flat leather sandals beat flip-flops or stilettos.
Pick Summer wedding in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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