Summer Wedding Style: Decoding 'Summer Casual

Summer casual for a wedding is a slightly elevated version of your everyday clothes. It's a step up from business casual, but not quite semi-formal. For men, this could mean a long-sleeved, button-down shirt with nice slacks, or a lightweight linen or seersucker suit in a light colour. For women, a short dress in a floral print or bold colour, or a jumpsuit or two-piece set.

Characteristics of Summer Casual for a Wedding

Wedding guest attire for men

When it comes to wedding guest attire for men, the dress code is key. If you're attending a summer wedding, you'll want to opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay cool in the warm weather. Here are some tips to help you dress for different wedding dress codes:

Black-Tie Wedding

For a black-tie wedding, a tuxedo is a must. This is the most formal dress code and requires a high level of elegance. You can opt for a tuxedo made from a lightweight fabric to stay comfortable in the summer heat. Avoid anything less formal, such as three-piece or two-piece suits.

Formal Wedding

At a formal wedding, a tuxedo is optional. If you choose not to wear a tux, go for a suit with more formal accessories and detailing, such as a tie and a dress shirt with French cuffs. Avoid mixing suit separates or wearing an open collar.

Cocktail Attire Wedding

Cocktail attire is a bit more relaxed than black-tie and formal weddings. A suit is still recommended, but you can play around with lighter fabrics like linen and an open dress shirt collar. Instead of a dress shirt, you can also try a knit polo under your suit. This is a great opportunity to accessorise with bandanas, neckerchiefs, and alternative neckwear.

Semi-Formal Wedding

Semi-formal weddings are the perfect time to experiment with suit separates. Try mixing and matching linen trousers with a cotton or seersucker blazer. If you prefer to wear a suit, dress it down with a polo or an open-collared patterned shirt. Don't be afraid to incorporate patterns and florals into your look.

Dressy Casual Wedding

Dressy casual is a bit of a tricky dress code to navigate. It's more formal than business casual but not quite semi-formal. For a dressy casual wedding, you can leave the suit at home. Opt for a trendy knit polo or an oxford shirt with linen trousers and loafers. Shorts may be acceptable, but it's always best to check with the couple first. Avoid t-shirts and dress shirts with French cuffs.

Casual Wedding

For a casual wedding, you still want to look put together but not too formal. A dressy polo or a button-down shirt with chinos or khakis is a great option. Avoid anything too casual like t-shirts, jeans, or flip-flops.

Destination Wedding

Destination weddings can vary widely in terms of dress code, so it's always best to ask the couple what they have in mind. It could range from a matching linen shirt and shorts set for a beach wedding to a suit for a more formal destination wedding.

Wedding guest attire for women

When it comes to wedding guest attire for women, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the dress code specified by the couple should be your top priority. If the dress code is not explicitly stated, consider the time of day, venue, and formality of the event. For example, a daytime wedding will call for lighter colours and more casual attire, while an evening wedding may require something more formal.

Formal/Black-Tie

For a formal or black-tie wedding, women should opt for a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. Long, shimmery fabrics or silk with loose or slit sleeves are perfect for this dress code. A wide-legged pantsuit can also be a chic choice, paired with evening heels.

Semi-Formal/Dressy Casual

For a semi-formal or dressy casual wedding, the key is to strike a balance between elegance and comfort. Women can choose from below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts and tops, or elegant pantsuits. Light colours and airy fabrics are ideal for daytime affairs, while darker, more formal hues are suitable for evening events.

Casual

Even for a casual wedding, it is best to avoid denim, shorts, and tank tops unless specifically mentioned as acceptable. A summer sundress, a floral patterned mini dress, or a linen frock are perfect choices for a casual wedding. For footwear, wedges, dressy sandals, or formal flats are good options.

Beach/Outdoor Wedding

If the wedding is held outdoors or on the beach, comfort and breathability are key. Go for lightweight fabrics and airy silhouettes. A maxi dress, a sundress, or a floral mini dress paired with wedges or dressy sandals are perfect choices for a beach wedding. Don't forget to bring a shoulder wrap if your dress is strapless or sleeveless!

In general, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Avoid wearing white unless specifically requested by the couple, and try to avoid anything too revealing, flashy, or overly casual. With these tips in mind, you're sure to look stylish and appropriate at any summer wedding!

Dress codes for different wedding venues

When it comes to wedding attire, the dress code can vary depending on the venue and the level of formality the couple is going for. Here is a breakdown of dress codes for different wedding venues to help you navigate the sartorial choices for your next nuptial celebration:

Beach Wedding

For a beach wedding, the dress code is typically casual and laid-back. Light and flowy dresses, linen slacks, pastel hues, and floral prints are ideal choices for guests. Sandals or flats that can easily be taken off are perfect for navigating the sand. For men, a summer suit with a light linen shirt, or linen pants with a dress shirt, will do the trick. No ties are required, and sandals are welcome.

Vineyard Wedding

A vineyard wedding usually calls for attire that falls between semi-formal and formal. Neutral colour palettes, such as earthy tones and muted colours, are recommended. Let your accessories do the talking with statement pieces like a bold necklace or an elegant hat.

Castle Wedding

If you're lucky enough to be invited to a castle wedding, expect the dress code to be formal or even black-tie/white-tie. This is the time to bring out your most elegant and sophisticated attire. Think floor-length gowns, tuxedos, and fancy accessories.

Country Club Wedding

Country club weddings call for classy and stylish attire. A classic suit and tie or a midi/floor-length dress with strappy heels are perfect choices. Feel free to add a touch of preppy flair to your ensemble.

Backyard Wedding

Backyard weddings can vary in formality, but lightweight fabrics, midi dresses, slacks, and button-up shirts are generally a safe choice. Don't forget to consider the terrain when choosing your footwear—block heels, loafers, and sturdy sandals are often the best options.

Barn Wedding

For a barn wedding, the dress code is usually a mix of casual and elegant. Cotton mini dresses, bold patterns, and dusty earth tones are the way to go. Finish off your look with a pair of cowboy boots for a stylish, rustic touch.

Destination Wedding

The dress code for a destination wedding will depend on the location. If you're headed to a beach or resort, go for breezy and lightweight outfits. Linen and other breathable fabrics are ideal. For mountain or adventurous destinations, opt for comfortable and weather-appropriate attire, including layers like cardigans and sweaters.

Desert Wedding

Desert weddings are all about embracing a boho-chic vibe. Flowy maxi dresses, tailored suits with bold prints, and fun jumpsuits are perfect choices. Accessories like flower crowns, sun hats, and chunky jewellery can complete your look. Stick to a warm, desert-inspired colour palette such as sandy beige, terracotta, and sage green.

Dress codes for different wedding seasons

Summer

For a summer wedding, it's important to consider the weather and opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics. This could include materials such as printed charmeuse, jersey, crepe, viscose, or polyesters with a satin look. The formality of the event will dictate the silhouette, with long skirts and dresses for formal weddings, and midi and mini skirts for more casual or cocktail gatherings.

For men, a blended fabric suit can provide added breathability. Wool-linen blends, for example, offer durability while being lighter in weight and less prone to wrinkling than 100% linen. Earth tones like beige, light grey, and greens are ideal for the season, along with brighter shades like lilac, green, and sky blue.

For outdoor summer weddings, functional footwear is a must. Flat sandals, ballet flats, slip-on mules, and espadrilles are great options for women, while men can opt for dressy sandals or loafers.

When it comes to dress codes, here are some options for summer weddings:

• Beach Formal: Garments made of breathable fabrics and unfussy accessories like flat sandals or boat shoes are perfect for this dress code. Palm patterns, colour blocking, oversized florals, and rattan textures are all ideal.
• Cocktail & Semi-Formal: For evening events, darker and more formal hues are recommended, while light colours and fabrics are ideal for daytime weddings. Breezy midi dresses, suits in alternative colours like dusty blue or forest green, and dress shirts with slacks are all great options.
• Casual: While casual attire means more flexibility, it's still best to avoid denim, shorts, and tank tops unless specifically noted as acceptable. For women, a linen frock or a summer sundress with wedges or dressy sandals can be a good choice. Men can opt for chinos and a polo shirt or dress pants with a collared shirt.

Spring

Spring weddings often call for pastel hues, light colours, and airy fabrics. Here are some dress code options for spring:

• Semi-Formal: A midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress are perfect for this dress code. Embellishments and accessories can elevate the look.
• Dressy Casual: This dress code is similar to semi-formal, and the time of day will dictate your outfit choice. For daytime weddings, light colours and fabrics are appropriate, while darker and more formal hues are recommended for evening events.

Fall

Fall weddings are all about rich, earthy tones and cozy fabrics. Here are some dress code options for fall:

• Formal: A dark, well-tailored suit or a floor-length dress are always safe choices for a formal fall wedding.
• Black-Tie Optional: This dress code is a step down from formal. Men can wear dark suits, preferably in black and custom-tailored, while women can opt for fancy cocktail dresses or floor-length gowns.

Winter

Winter weddings call for elegant and sophisticated attire to match the season. Here are some dress code options for winter:

• Black-Tie: This dress code is formal and elegant. Women should opt for floor-length gowns in luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or chiffon, while men must wear full tuxedos, including the traditional tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, and black bow tie.
• White-Tie: This is the most formal dress code, usually reserved for extremely fancy events. Men typically wear tailcoats, white vests, and white bow ties, while women don full-length ball gowns, high heels, and glamorous jewellery.

Accessories for wedding guests

When it comes to summer casual wedding attire, it's important to strike a balance between formality and casualness. Here are some tips and suggestions for accessories that wedding guests can consider:

For Men:

• Shoes: Loafers are a good choice for striking the right balance between formal and casual. Oxford sneakers, which are more subtle than regular sneakers, can also work well.
• Tops: A dress shirt, optionally paired with a blazer, is a safe choice. Avoid T-shirts, especially those with words or insignias on them, as they are too casual.
• Bottoms: Slacks or khaki trousers are appropriate choices. Shorts, three-quarter length trousers, and ripped jeans are too casual. Jeans are generally not recommended unless they are elegant and resemble trousers.

For Women:

• Shoes: Flats, subtle heels, and dressy sandals are good options. Avoid overly elegant high heels with straps, as they may clash with the dressy casual attire.
• Jewellery: Earrings and necklaces are suitable accessories. Avoid overly large or dangly earrings.
• Scarves: A scarf can be a nice addition, especially when paired with a dress.

General Tips:

• Colours: Lighter colours are more suitable for daytime weddings, while darker colours are more appropriate for evening weddings.
• Fabrics: Airy, lightweight, and breathable fabrics are recommended, such as satin, linen, or blended suit fabrics.
• Patterns: Avoid going too heavy with patterns, especially for summer weddings, to avoid veering too far into the casual side.

Frequently asked questions