What To Wear To Every Type Of Summer Wedding

If you’re like me, you’re probably spending every other weekend at weddings (or wedding-related events) this summer. And if you’re also like us, all those summer nuptials, engagement parties, and showers typically entail traveling to a different scenic outdoor setting to celebrate the happy couple and shower them in expensive gifts. Not only can it all add up and use up your vaca days quickly, but dressing for all the different types of summer wedding settings and ~creative~ dress codes can be pretty overwhelming. Having been to a wedding in just about every type of setting and corner of the world (my husband has a lot of friends) — and showing up to many wearing the completely wrong thing — I now consider myself a bit of an expert at summer wedding guest dressing. So consider this your ultimate guide.

COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING

The Vibe: Preppy, conservative, cocktail chic

What to Wear:

• Dress in a classic silhouette (think: sheath,  A-line, or wrap style). Avoid anything too short or revealing.
• Heels

 

BEACH WEDDING 

The Vibe: Breezy, tropical, low-key

The Dress Code: Beach-Chic

What to Wear: 

• Breezy maxi  dress or  sundress
• Flat sandals or wedges if festivities will take place on the sand; heeled sandals if reception taking place at nicer beachside venue or tent

FANCY GARDEN PARTY WEDDING

The Vibe: Elegance, glamour and romance befitting setting of the grounds of a mansion, castle, European villa, or botanical garden

The Dress Code: Dressy Cocktail to Black Tie Optional

What to Wear:

• Go for dressy with touch of feminine romance — a long, floral gown; breezy slip dress; long skirt and crop top
• Pumps or strappy sandals; if entire reception will take place on grass and dress code is more on the casual end of cocktail attire, heeled wedges can work (but for anything o the fancier side, I prefer to suck it up and walk on my toes to avoid the heel in grass situation)

BACKYARD WEDDING

The Vibe: Low-key, outdoor on the grass

The Dress Code: Casual, which really means casual as far as nice occasions go but nicer than what you’d wear to say, a bbq

What to Wear:

• Sundress and flats
• Nice pants, a dressy top, and heels
• Jumpsuit and heels

 

CITY WEDDING

The Vibe: Chic urban venue — art gallery, hotel, trendy restaurant, museum

The Dress Code: Sleek cocktail attire

What to Wear:

• Chic cocktail dress and major heels
• Fancy jumpsuit and heels

VINEYARD WEDDING

The Vibe: Rustic-romantic, outdoor or tented setting

The Dress Code: Casual cocktail attire —dressier than a backyard wedding but more laid-back than an indoor cocktail attire setting

What to Wear:

• Fancier cocktail dress with flats
• Long, flowy dress and wedges or heels
• More casual cocktail dress and heels

 

FARM OR RANCH WEDDING

The Vibe: Rustic outdoor setting

The Dress Code: Casual-chic

What to Wear:

• Breezy maxi dress and flats or wedges
• Sundress and fancy flats, wedges, or block heel sandals

 

TRADITIONAL BLACK TIE WEDDING

The Vibe: Fancy, conservative, traditional affair

The Dress Code: Fancy fancy

What to Wear:

• Long gown and heels
• Super fancy cocktail dress and major heels

 

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL WEDDING

The Vibe: Dressy but not overly stuffy or traditional setting

The Dress Code: Black tie optional, dressy cocktail attire

What to Wear:

• Long gown and heels or fancy flats
• Cocktail dress on the dressier side and heels

 

COCKTAIL ATTIRE WEDDING

The Vibe: Traditional wedding

The Dress Code: Cocktail attire

What to Wear:

• Dressy skirt and crop top with heels
• Cocktail dress with heels
• Dressy maxi dress

 

FESTIVE CHIC WEDDING

The Vibe: Fun, unique, untraditional setting or theme

The Dress Code: “Festive” cocktail attire. Translation: Dress that fits the setting or theme or more fun, colorful, trendy cocktail  dress (not an LBD)

What to Wear:

• Dress that fits the theme or setting
• Colorful, printed, trendy or whimsical dress or jumpsuit
• Dressy, fun separates
• Not an LBD — have fun with your attire; this wedding is all about having fun