Summer Wedding Guest Dress Ideas

what kind of dress to wear to a june wedding

June is the most popular month for weddings, and with good reason. The warm weather, late sunsets, and bright colour palettes create the perfect setting for an outdoor celebration. But what does one wear to a June wedding? The answer depends on the time of day, the venue, and the stated formality of the event. In general, morning events are less formal than afternoon and evening events, and an outdoor wedding can feel less formal, but it's important to remember that casual by wedding standards is not the same as casual for other summer outings. It's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. So, when in doubt, opt for something dressy.

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Dress codes and how to interpret them

White tie

White tie is the most formal of all dress codes and is reserved for prestigious events. Women commonly opt for full-length ball gowns in high-end fabrics with intricate details, paired with exquisite jewellery and closed-toe heels. Long white gloves and hair jewellery can also be worn to elevate the whole ensemble.

Black tie

Black tie is more formal than business attire but less formal than white tie. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, proms, formal dinners and the theatre. Men are requested to wear a tuxedo but can opt for a dark suit. Women can choose a formal evening gown, a shorter cocktail dress or dressy separates.

Business formal

Business formal attire is characterised by a suit jacket with matching trousers or a skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal.

Business casual

Business casual attire is a blend of professional and relaxed clothing, suitable for casual workplace environments. Women can opt for tailored tops, bottoms, or dresses in neutral colours and subtle patterns. Jeans, blazers and simple tops are also acceptable. Keep accessories minimal and classic.

Smart casual

Smart casual is a nice middle ground between casual and more formal attire. For women, this includes combining a polished piece with something more laid back. A day dress paired with heels or a shirt dress styled with trainers and a stylish shoulder bag are good options.

Casual

A casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal, comfortable, clean and professional. Jeans, t-shirts, sundresses and trendy sneakers are all fair game. Accessories can elevate a casual look, so consider adding a statement necklace, a cute scarf or a stylish belt.

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Choosing the right fabric

When choosing what to wear to a June wedding, it's important to consider the fabric of your outfit. The season's warm weather and outdoor venues will play a significant role in determining the most comfortable and appropriate fabrics. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fabric for a June wedding:

  • Light and Breathable Fabrics: Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay cool and comfortable in the June heat. Fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse, jersey, crepe, and viscose are excellent choices, allowing for airflow and a comfortable experience.
  • Avoid Dark and Heavy Fabrics: Dark colours and heavy fabrics should be avoided during the summer months. Instead, choose lighter colours that reflect the season, such as blue, pink, yellow, green, or orange. These colours will not only keep you cooler but also complement the bright colour palettes often associated with summer weddings.
  • Black-Tie Events: If you're attending a black-tie wedding in June, focus on lighter materials such as silk or long, shimmery fabrics with loose or slit sleeves. These fabrics will help you maintain elegance while staying cool. Men are expected to wear tuxedos, but they can opt for a midnight blue ensemble instead of traditional black.
  • Semi-formal and Casual Weddings: For semi-formal or casual June weddings, "easy and breezy" outfits are recommended. For women, a maxi dress with a V-neck, one shoulder, or a high-low hemline is a perfect choice. Men can opt for dark suits in navy or grey with a necktie. Floral and flowy dresses are also a great option for a casual summer wedding.
  • Avoid Underdressing: While you want to choose breathable fabrics, avoid underdressing for a June wedding. Even if the wedding has a low-key dress code, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. A nice compromise for an informal wedding is to wear something dressy, such as a church dress or a modest going-out dress.
  • Accessories and Footwear: Don't forget to consider your accessories and footwear when choosing your outfit. Opt for dressy sandals, ballet flats, woven loafers, or espadrilles. If you want more height, wedges or platforms with flat soles are a good choice. Rattan and bamboo bags are also perfect for summer weddings, providing a natural and stylish touch.

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What colours to wear

When it comes to a June wedding, the colours you choose to wear are important. Firstly, it is generally advised to avoid wearing white to a wedding, as this could be seen as upstaging the bride. Lighter colours can also sometimes photograph as white, so it is worth bearing this in mind when selecting your outfit. It is also recommended to avoid colours that match the wedding party, so you do not look like you are part of the bridal party.

For a summer wedding, it is best to opt for light and bright colours. Dark colours and heavy fabrics are not advisable for warmer weather. Instead, choose colours that reflect the season, such as blue, pink, orange, or yellow. Lavender is also a top colour choice for the season, and floral prints are perfect for a summer wedding.

If you are attending a black-tie summer wedding, you can opt for a long gown, but choose lighter materials to stay cool. Men can wear a midnight blue ensemble instead of traditional black. For a more casual wedding, a pretty skirt and blouse or a dress in a floral print are good options.

It is also important to consider the time of day when choosing your colours. Morning weddings are usually less formal, so a casual dress in a light and breathable fabric is suitable. Afternoon weddings may call for semi-formal attire, so a midi-length dress in a light colour is a good option. For an evening wedding, you can opt for more formal attire, such as a floor-length gown.

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Appropriate footwear

When it comes to weddings, footwear choices should be influenced by the season, time of day, venue, and dress code.

For a summer wedding, it's important to keep cool, so opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics and avoid dark colours. This applies to your footwear choices, too. Sandals are a popular choice for summer weddings, especially if the wedding is outdoors, as they are light and airy. Flat sandals, dressy sandals, and wedges are all good options for outdoor weddings, especially if the terrain is uneven and unsuitable for heels. If you want to elevate your look, wedges or platforms with flat soles can add height without sinking into the ground. Espadrilles and woven loafers are also a good choice for summer weddings. If you're attending a beach wedding, fancy wedges or formal sandals are a good option, and you can always change into heels for the reception if you prefer. Ballet flats are another option for summer weddings, especially if you want to keep your look more casual.

For a black-tie wedding, you may want to opt for more formal footwear. Heels can be a good choice for this type of wedding, especially if you're wearing a long gown. Statement earrings and high heels can complete a chic, summery look. However, if the wedding is on the beach, stiletto heels may not be the best option, and you may want to go for wedges or sandals instead.

If you're attending a more casual wedding, such as a backyard wedding or a daytime wedding, you can choose more casual footwear. A pretty skirt and blouse or dress can be dressed up or down with your footwear choices. A nice pair of shoes can elevate a simple outfit, and you can add accessories like a clutch and jewellery to make it more formal. However, even if the wedding is casual, it's best to avoid flip-flops and sweatpants.

In general, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed at a wedding. If you're unsure about the dress code, don't be afraid to reach out to the wedding party for advice.

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Accessories and bags

When selecting a bag for a June wedding, it's essential to choose something functional yet stylish. A small clutch or shoulder bag is a good option, as it can hold your essentials without being too bulky. If you want to go hands-free, a crossbody bag is a great choice, but avoid anything too casual, like a crossbody belt bag. For a semi-formal or dressy casual wedding, a refined crossbody bag or a leather shoulder bag can work well. For a more formal or black-tie wedding, a clutch is a classic choice, as it adds a touch of elegance to your outfit. Gold and silver purses are also a nice way to add a bit of contrast while still maintaining a refined look.

If you're attending a beach wedding, consider a bag made from natural materials like rattan or bamboo. These materials will complement the coastal setting while keeping your look stylish and seasonal. For a vineyard or garden wedding, you can opt for a bag with a subtle print or a soft colour that complements the natural surroundings. If you're attending multiple weddings, it's a good idea to invest in a versatile bag that can be dressed up or down with different accessories. A simple clutch or shoulder bag in a neutral shade can be easily paired with various outfits and accessorised with statement jewellery or a colourful scarf.

When it comes to shoes, comfort is key, especially if you plan on dancing the night away. Sandals, wedges, or ballet flats are great options for a summer wedding, especially if the terrain is uneven or grassy. If you want to add height, opt for a wedge or a platform with a flat sole. For a black-tie wedding, a strappy metallic sandal or a muted metallic pump can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. And don't forget, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed!

Frequently asked questions

The type of dress you should wear to a June wedding depends on the time of day, venue, and dress code. In general, morning and outdoor weddings are more casual, while afternoon and evening weddings call for semi-formal attire. If the wedding is black-tie, women typically wear floor-length gowns, but for less formal weddings, a midi or knee-length dress is a good option.

It's best to avoid dark colours and heavy fabrics for a June wedding. Instead, opt for light and bright colours, such as blue, pink, yellow, or lavender, and breathable, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse, jersey, crepe, or viscose.

Yes, it's generally considered rude to wear white to a wedding, as you don't want to risk upstaging the bride. It's also best to avoid colours that match the wedding party, so that you don't look like you're part of the bridal party.

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