Picture the scene: you’ve RSVP’d ‘yes’ to the invite, and months later you’re rushing around trying to find the best summer wedding guest dress for the big day. We’ve all been there.
Whether you’re jetting off somewhere exotic for the occasion or staying local, finding the best dress for a summer occasion can sometimes feel like mission impossible. Firstly, you need to make sure your frock will keep you cool in the heat (nobody wants swatch patches afterall) but without showing too much skin - so that means nothing too short or over-exposed. And of course, as with all wedding guest dresses, you have got to make sure you don’t outshine the bride whilst avoiding being mistaken for a bridesmaid. Plus, for a dress you’ll probably wear once or twice, you also want to make sure that it doesn’t break the bank, which is where ranges like ASOS’s wedding guest collection will save the day.
Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses at a glance:
Editor’s choice: River Island Yellow Satin Halter Cowl Neck Midi Dress, £45
Best wedding guest dress under £20: New Look Light Green Strappy Satin Cowl Neck Midi Dress, £19.99
Best designer dupe: Mango Puffed Sleeve Dress, £59.99
When it comes to shopping for your outfit, we recommend embracing those summer vibes by opting for a bright colour, like a lush green wedding guest dress or even a Barbie-inspired pink frock. However, if vibrant colours aren’t for you, then try turning to oversized florals or retro polka-dots which will keep your outfit looking fresh and fun. Unlike your spring wedding guest dress a summer outfit is all about having fun and standing out from the crowd for the right reason.
Still wondering where you can find the best dress for that summer wedding? We’ve scoured our favourite high street stores to find options for every upcoming event.
SHOP: 19 best summer wedding dresses
Editor’s choice
River Island
Cigdem, Closer’s Deputy Style Editor says: “I’ve been on the hunt for a vibrant dress for an August wedding, and this River Island has gone straight into my basket. Firstly it is in this season’s hottest colour, yellow and secondly the ruching detail will look incredibly flattering even on a bloated day. My plan is to team it with pink strappy heels and a cute colour-pop clutch, all finished up with a swipe of of my fave lip oil.”
Best wedding guest dress under £20
New Look
Wedding season can be seriously expensive, which is where this bargain slip dress comes in to save the day and your bank account. The zesty lime colour is perfect for enhancing your tan (even if it is fake), and will work perfectly with gold heeled sandals and a bedazzled clutch.
Best designer dupe
Mango
Last year saw the rise of a certain puffy-sleeved designer dress that everyone was pining for, and luckily Mango have released a style which looks just as expensive for a fraction of the price. The statement sleeves are especially great for anyone who isn’t a fan of sleeveless styles – we love.
Best bloat-friendly dress
River Island
Feel body confident in this seriously bold maxi dress which offers plenty of movement to swish around in. Team with platform heels, statement earrings and get ready for the complements to roll in.
Best pleated wedding guest dress
Asos
The cap sleeves on this pretty pink pleated dress provides just enough coverage for formal summer weddings, like a church wedding.
Best cut out detail dress
New Look
The subtle cut out detailing on this dress will not only keep you cool, but it will also create the illusion of a smaller waist. Plus the gold detailing on this frock is simply stunning.
Best long sleeve summer wedding guest dress
Reserved
Kimono style sleeves are perfect for making a statement whilst keeping you cool. So whether you’re worried about unpredictable weather or simply don’t like showing your arms, this long sleeve number will have you covered.
Best belted dress
Asos
This elegant A-line dress is a serious wardrobe winner. From the waist-enhancing belt to the gorgeous aqua hue, it has the makings of a summer wedding staple that can be worn for occasions to come.
Best maternity summer wedding guest dress
Seraphine
Shopping for a bump-friendly frock can be particularly difficult, which is where this stunning style comes into save the day. Best of all, you can re-wear it during your summer holidays and even post-birth.
Best bodycon dress
PLT
Fancy showing off your curves? PLT have you sorted with this eye-catching aqua frock. Best of all, it comes in at only £22 – what’s not to love?
Best ruffle detail dress
Boohoo.com
If you want to wear a printed dress that screams ‘summer’ then this is the one for you. From the tropical inspired print to the ruffled skirt, this bargain buy has the makings of a dress that will look great both at a garden wedding and on the ‘gram.
Best Mini Dress
River Island
Keep things short and sweet with this frilly number. The combination of ultra-flattering structured fabric, statement ruffles and sweet lavender shade make for the ultimate summer wedding outfit.
Best pastel dress
Reserved
While summer invites call for bold colours, it doesn’t mean you can’t opt for a slightly more muted tone, like soft yellow and pink.
Best backless dress
Omnes
Not only does this tangerine buy feature a stunning bow-back detail, but the classic A-line cut will flatter just about every body type. We love.
Best smock dress
Abercrombie
Remember Abercrombie & Fitch? Well they’re back and these days they’re being heralded for their dreamy dresses which fit like a glove. This cute midi dress is ideal for a garden party or more casual wedding, and it can even be paired with flat shoes. Plus it is available in eight other colours and patterns – what a dream.
Best linen dress
Forever New
Keep cool even in the hottest climate in this 100% breathable linen style. Plus the cute ruffle detail on the shoulders are perfect for adding a splash of sunshine to your summer wedding look.
Best strapless dress
Warehouse
After an A-list style gown? This stunning tulip dress would be worthy of a red carpet, wedding aisle (to your seat) and dance floor. We’re obsessed.
Best wrap dress
JD Williams www.jdwilliams.co.uk
This Satin Wrap Dress from JD is a classic shape that flatters just about anyone. Its bright fuschia shade is so fitting for warmer months, and the satin fabric will keep you cool in warm weather. But, if you're not a fan of showing your arms, the long sleeves have you covered. Sorted.
Best print dress
Pretty Lavishprettylavish.co.uk
Another breathtaking choice for a wedding abroad is the Keisha Printed Chiffon Maxi Dress. With so many eyecatching colours, the bright iris floral print is one to remember. Go all out with a floral choker to really dress up your look.
What should I wear as a wedding guest in the summer?
Obviously, summer wedding guest dresses will differ in style from autumn and winter wedding guest dresses. So, you'll probably want to account for the weather. Although we hope for sun, British weather can be unpredictable - so do a rain check before the event. If you're lucky, you might just get a few days of warm weather, which means you can ditch a jacket altogether.
For summer weddings, you'll notice that hemlines and sleeves become slightly shorter. The material of dresses becomes much more lightweight. And, colours tend to become brighter, with pastels and prints taking centre stage. As well as the weather, you'll want to account for the type of venue. Is it a church wedding? A beach wedding? A registry office? You'll want to dress accordingly.
The best thing is, if you haven't got many weddings to go to this season, you can always rent a dress instead. In fact, ASOS' rental service means you can dress for the occasion with a rented dress. That way, it's a much better option than buying a dress and just wearing it the once!
Cigdem Tanrioglu is Closer's Deputy Style Editor. As heat’s resistant mid-size expert, she’s usually found scouring the high street for the best feel-good buys, or on a beach obsessing over her horoscope.