Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas

Thank the Lord. Wedding season is almost upon us. COVID restrictions are lifting and we can finally celebrate the union of two people in style. If, like me, you’ve been wearing elasticated clothing, big jumpers and big knickers all year, you’ll need some inspiration and ideas on what to wear as a wedding guest. Luckily, I’ve scoured the high street and the internet to put together the best summer wedding outfit ideas for you.

Two seats read "Forever" and "Always" ready for a bride and groom to sit on them

When it comes to wedding guest attire, I have a few ground rules. For me, jeans is a big no-no. I know that you can dress denim up but if someone rocked up to my reception in jeans, they wouldn’t make it through the front door. Two colours are off limits: black & white. Do NOT wear a fully white, floor length gown to someone else’s wedding. Black is bleak, it might be slimming but you’ll see from my list below just how many other flattering outfits there are!

I am also a big believer in feeling comfortable which then leads to confidence. Don’t feel like you have to stuff yourself into an outfit that is too small for you. If you hate having your arms out, don’t get them out for the sake of the day. You may prefer a chunky wedge over stilettoes – you do you. When you feel gorgeous, you will look gorgeous!

Let’s dive into a few different styles, shall we?

Pinks & Pastels

Summer weddings are the perfect place to explore pinks and lighter, pastel shades. These kind of light tones look gorgeous on many different skin types. Perfect if you’ve been lucky enough to get some colour in the garden and ideal if you’ve been stuck inside for a few weeks pre-wedding.

Ted Baker serves all of my wedding guest goals. This gorgeous waterfall style dress is long and skimming. The material is light and flowy and would look lovely while you boogie the night away on the dance floor. You can pair this up with strappy heels, like the model in the photo, or a nice thick wedge. Can also be paired with a bolero or light pink jacket for when the evening chill arrives.

When my beautiful sister got married a few summers ago, my mum was a picture in a Roman’s gown. This dusky blue, ruched number is amazing value for money at only £80 and ticking all of my boxes. Another sleeveless number that can be styled up if your arms are your pain point but a super flattering style for all body shapes.

I love the belt across the waist, it’s dainty and sweet while also giving you that hour glass illusion.

It’s the perfect length to hide your flipflops when you’re busting out your moves at the party.

Wedding outfits don’t have to break the bank and they also don’t have to be reserved for the big day. This gorgeous Silk Fred dress would be perfect for a long day of love and ideal for recycling for Christenings, bbqs and summer-long days out.

The high neck may not work for a bigger bust (like mine) but the waist synching in helps your curves sing.

Again, the length is perfect for some strappy sandals and will skim the floor wherever you go!

Would you believe that this is Pretty Little Thing? This is my ultimate wedding guest outfit in pink. The wrap effect, the long sleeves, the length that skims your knees – it is perfect!

Pretty Little Thing have scored a home run with this one in my opinion. The colour is gorgeous – it would look lovely on tanned skin and darker skin tones. It shows off a larger bust without making them the full focus. In fact, I’ve popped this dress into my basket and I’m not even going to a wedding this year!

Midi, Maxi & Floor-length

I am so thankful that longer dresses are in style and that there are so many options for mid-size girls. Here are my top picks:

Another Silk Fred shout out but, come on, it’s a thing of beauty isn’t it!? That wrap style is ideal if you want to pull in your figure and show off your natural curves, and it’s great if you get a bloat on after that big dinner. The tie softens the look and the nude makes it all super diverse. Pair with a nude bag and long, barrel curls to channel your inner Greek Goddess!

Emerald and deep greens are not the first colours I reach for, but when I look at this Pretty Little Thing dress, I’m not sure why. Pleated, wrapped and deep in colour, this dress would be gorgeous on a night out on holiday in strappy sandals. It would look incredible on a long, hot summer wedding night. The material is luxurious but light, flowy but not heavy. It feels silky without clinging to your every curve and dimple. Gorgeous!

Is this SheIn dress not just a pure summer vibe? Another one that you could recycle for a casual Sunday bbq with tour friends. The wider and more pronounced flowers help to pull focus from areas you may not like and the waist tie helps to pull you in and flow you out where your curves are their most beautiful.

I recently did a SheIn order and every single item was perfect. I think with them, you need to be a savvy shopper and once you find a style and material that works for you, you’re good to go.

Is this not the dress that ticks all of the boxes? Silk Fred deliver AGAIN with colour, print, shoulder style, sleeves, length and fit. It can do no wrong. I would usually think that this colour is a little dark for a wedding but I actually thing with lighter accessories, it would really work.

My Favourites

This SheIn dress is incredible. Lightweight, pastel tones, waist enhancing – what more could you want? A hidden gem that could double up as a holiday dress – winner!

Paisley greens are so in for summer . ASOS deliver with this lovely, girly, ditsy print dress. The length is perfect for all body types. The bust area is flattering on smaller sizes but also not too in your face if you’ve got larger boobs. Love it!

If you’re looking for high street budgets, Missguided have got you covered. A satin looking number that skims, hugs and sits exactly where you want it to. You will look a million dollars in this dress. The staged drop from front to back adds that spice of drama and allows you to show off your toned pins.