Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Dresses & Style
  4. Fashion
  5. 22 Best-Dressed Summer Wedding Guests
Martha Stewart Weddings

22 Best-Dressed Summer Wedding Guests

sarah schreiber martha stewart
By Sarah Schreiber
Skip gallery slides
Pin
summer wedding guests umbrella
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Let their looks inspire your own this wedding season.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
summer wedding guests umbrella
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

You've sent in all of your RSVPs and purchased your gifts. Now it's time to decide what to wear to each of weddings you're slated to attend this summer (they don't call it wedding season for nothing!). Whether you're attending semiformal nuptials in the city, a casual affair on the beach, an afternoon party in a garden, or a black-tie fête in a ballroom, you're going to want to embrace the warmer weather, so allow the soaring temps and summer motifs to dictate your fashion choices. Opt for dresses that tastefully bare skin, pick lightweight fabrics (guys, especially!), and play with prints and color.

There are so many ways to nail a spot on the best-dressed summer wedding guest list, as evidenced by the following attendees at real celebrations. From ethereal floor-length gowns in the brightest of brights (chartreuse!) to mid-length dresses in summer's lace of choice (eyelet!), the options are truly limitless. Fall in love with floral prints and summery colors all over again, whatever your personal style. If you're tastes err on the bolder side, consider exotic patterned blooms and palm prints when choosing attire. Searching for something subtler? There's no better time to pull out your blush pinks, ice blues, and the rest of the pastel color family than at a summertime fête.

Of course, there's plenty of variety in store for the guys, too. The guys can choose to don light blue or linen suits at formal events, or wear light pink chinos at more casual parties. As for what's always appropriate? A patterned bow tie in the season's splashiest colors. Ready to see all of these fashion-forward guest looks for yourself? Click through for all the summer wedding guest attire inspiration you'll need this season.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Next-Level Shoe Choice

summer wedding guests shoes
Credit: Ashley Sawtelle
Get More Shoe Inspiration

If you're looking for the definition of summer casual, this is it. Pair ethereal patterned dresses with punchy block heels (so retro!) and sleeker silhouettes with your best kicks—sparkly Converse, included.

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Summer Black-Tie

summer wedding guests black tie multi color
Credit: Caught the Light

There's no better time of year to wear chartreuse than summer, so take advantage of the opportunity and don something super-splashy. For a black-tie celebration, choose something floor-length. More of a multi-color maven? Make like the guest on the left and opt for a tropical-inspired gown in a relaxed jersey fabric.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Color Coordinated

summer wedding guests color coordinated
Credit: Adam Barnes
Wedding Guest Dos and Don'ts

Color coordinating with your friends is never a bad idea (and makes for the ultimate Instagram). Branch out, though, and choose a general palette—not a specific shade—to adhere to. True bink, blush, and rose-gold metallic is definitely a scheme to emulate.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Navy and Pink

summer wedding guests navy and pink
Credit: Kallima Photography

Everything about these ladies' looks are appropriate for a lakeside celebration. Navy eyelet lace? Subtly nautical. Splashy pink with notes of blues? Just the right amount of ocean influence. Take note of these dresses' hemlines, too: the midi length is particularly popular this season.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shades

summer wedding guests shades
Credit: Jessica Lorren

An outdoor summer party, regardless of the formality level, calls for sunglasses. We love how this guest paired her graphic floral print wrap dress with a pair of cat-eye sunnies.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cropped

summer wedding guests cropped top
Credit: Belle and Beau Fine Art Photography

Embrace the higher temps and opt for an ensemble with a tasteful crop top. A voluminous mid-length skirt, like this guest's, is the way to go on the bottom.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Parasols

summer wedding guests sleeveless dresses parasols
Credit: Christie Graham Photography
Wedding Guest Etiquette Questions, Answered

Brides, take note—most of your female guests will opt for sleeveless dresses (like these!), which makes protection from the sun a must, especially if you're getting hitched in the middle of an open field. Add vintage-inspired parasols and sunscreen to your list of ceremony staples.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

For the Guys

summer wedding guests mens polished suits ties
Credit: When He Found Her

A black-tie wedding means polished suits and ties for the guys, regardless of the season. To give your look a summer vibe, accessorize with a colorful bow tie, à la the guest on the right. Also an option? Instead of the classic navy ensemble, choose something in gray linen.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Aquamarine

summer wedding guests aquamarine
Credit: Kallima Photography

If the reception's dance floor is on the beach, a jumpsuit (you won't have to worry about wind!) in the color of the ocean is a pretty option.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fashionista

summer wedding guests fashionista metallic
Credit: Alicia Nacenta
Your Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Guest Attire

Multi-colored? Check. Bright pumps? Check. Straw hat? Check. This high-fashion look screams summer.

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bold Prints

summer wedding guests bold warm prints
Credit: Cynthia Chung Weddings

Bold prints and bright colors are summer wedding staples, and these chic ladies made sure their traditional attire fit the bill.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Metallic

summer wedding guests metallic dress pink ensemble
Credit: Kurt Boomer Photography

There's a way to do deeper hues in summer—just make sure they have a little sheen, like this lady's sequin-adorned mini dress. As for her date? He'll convince your guy to take the plunge on a pink ensemble (we're loving those pants!).

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Group Shot

summer wedding guests group warm weather dresses
Credit: Harwell Photography
Things Guests Should Never Wear to a Wedding

Copy any guest in this group and you're guaranteed a great wedding look. From one-color dresses in season-ready shades (fuchsia!) and bold floral patterns to a slate number with pretty sequins, each woman's attire is a warm-weather win.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Seasonal Accessories

summer wedding guests head wrap
Credit: Christie Graham Photography

If the bride and groom ask their attendees to wear certain colors—say, black and white—you can still let your personal sense of style shine through. The female guest here repurposed a scarf into a pretty hair accessory while the the male guest upgrade his look with a gray vest.

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cacti

summer wedding guests girl dress
Credit: Corey Torpie
Best-Dressed Flower Girls from Real Weddings

Dressing your child for a family wedding? Replace popular florals with a print that's just as popular, but not regularly seen on garments: cacti!

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lady-Like

summer wedding guests polk dot black and white
Credit: Ray Kang

Everything about this guest's look, from her polka-dot dress to her black-and-white hat, feels perfect for an al fresco fête.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Assortment

kourtney justin wedding mexico guests
Credit: The Grovers

This group shows how easy it is to make your own personal style work for a beach celebration. Choose bright and bold hues (in form-fitting silhouettes!), neutral blush shades, and subtle floral motifs. As for the guys? Make like the fella on the far left and brighten up your suit choice with an unconventional shade, like cerulean.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sea Motifs

laura john wedding massachusetts guests
Credit: Edward Winter / READYLUCK

We doubt you'll ever find a more perfect dress for a Martha's Vineyard wedding. Seashells, ducks, and beachy blooms made this guest's attire a winner.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Jewel Tones

wedding guests colorful dresses
Credit: The Edges Wedding Photography
What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding

Who says jewel tones are fall-only shades? The guest on the left elegantly pulled off emerald and ruby shades, thanks to her rose-patterned skirt. As for the guest on the right? She demonstrated that deep red is a year-round hue.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blue Eyelet

wedding guests
Credit: Joel Serrato

Sapphire blue might feel like a fall or winter color, but when you pair it with eyelet lace, the unofficial fabric of summer, the hue is perfectly seasonal. Another unexpected choice for summer? Plaid! The guest on the right proved that you can wear the cold-weather fabric during the warmer months so long as it's done in lighter shades of blue and green.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Traditional Attire

wedding guests
Credit: Meg Smith
Go Inside This Colorful, Traditional Indian Wedding in Napa Valley

Attending a traditional Indian wedding this summer? Opt for attire in bold hues, like lime green, rainbow, yellow, and red.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Color Combos

wedding portrait
Credit: Jesse Leake

We're loving the two summer color combos these two guests perfectly illustrated: burgundy and red and terracotta and jade.

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Schreiber

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    • Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades
    • 10 Items You Need to Pack in Your Wedding Dress Emergency Kit
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23
    2 of 23 Next-Level Shoe Choice
    3 of 23 Summer Black-Tie
    4 of 23 Color Coordinated
    5 of 23 Navy and Pink
    6 of 23 Shades
    7 of 23 Cropped
    8 of 23 Parasols
    9 of 23 For the Guys
    10 of 23 Aquamarine
    11 of 23 Fashionista
    12 of 23 Bold Prints
    13 of 23 Metallic
    14 of 23 Group Shot
    15 of 23 Seasonal Accessories
    16 of 23 Cacti
    17 of 23 Lady-Like
    18 of 23 Assortment
    19 of 23 Sea Motifs
    20 of 23 Jewel Tones
    21 of 23 Blue Eyelet
    22 of 23 Traditional Attire
    23 of 23 Color Combos

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    22 Best-Dressed Summer Wedding Guests
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.