Whether you’re a day or night wedding guest, your style choices matter to the wider aesthetic. Guests attending a wedding during high season – which runs from May to September in the UK – have a few extra challenges to worry about, and these dilemmas go far beyond wearing the same outfit as another guest!
From staying cool and comfortable in warmer temperatures to keeping your hair under control as humidity levels rise, there’s a lot to think about when planning your summer wedding ensemble. To help you plan to perfection, we’ve compiled a handy list of dos and don’ts for dressing for the occasion.
DO decrypt the dress code
Taking a hint from the dress code detailed in your wedding invitation is of course rule number one.
Failing to do so will not only alienate you from the rest of the wedding party but could even be a big inconvenience to the happy couple. Make sure everyone is pleased with your wedding day fashion choices by following their dress code guidance, which can range from formal black or white tie to semi-formal and dressy casual.
Cocktail is another dress code that’s common at summer weddings. Here Nordstrom explains how to stick to the rules when dressing with the cocktail theme in mind:
“For a cocktail celebration, slightly less formal attire is the way to go. This dress code allows you to have more fun with your outfit. Men don’t need to worry about a tuxedo; a tailored suit (with or without a tie) is perfect. Women can wear a short dress or elegant separates—as long as they’re still dressy. This is an ideal occasion to break out a little black dress. Avoid styles like sundresses, which are too casual for this type of evening event.”
DON’T break this rule
There is one particular rule no bride or groom generally wants their guests to break, no matter what season they choose to tie the knot in. As a guest, you should avoid one shade in particular – white. Even if your bride is going for an on-trend coloured wedding dress, wearing the one shade that is synonymous with weddings is a very big no-go.
DO dress for the season
Those summer challenges we mentioned earlier can be easily overcome with the right attire. Choose fabrics that are light and airy to ensure you can keep as cool and comfortable as possible even as temperatures climb. Avoid heavy synthetics and instead opt for natural, breathable fabrics like linen, silk, cotton and chiffon.
You should also accessorise with the season in mind, and this applies to more than just your jewellery and footwear. Take along a travel-size sunscreen and deodorant, and stay fresh and fabulous all day long.
DON’T disregard layers
Even if your bride and groom are tying the knot outdoors in the middle of a heatwave, thinking about the entire wedding timeline is a must. Heady summer days often go hand-in-hand with cooler evenings, so be prepared with a layer or two. A stylish shawl or light jacket can be the perfect way to finish off your summer wedding guest outfit as well as keep evening chills at bay.
DO add fun and flair
Summer is all about bright colours so don’t be afraid to add your own twist to more understated outfit options – if the dress code allows! A colourful twist can be added with the right accessories. From stylish, summer-inspired pocket squares to funky footwear, they all count!
