Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

Summer Wedding Guest Dresses 

Weddings can be the highlight of summer, and this season tends to be one of the most popular for them. If you’ve secured a wedding invite but aren’t sure what to wear, Sherri Hill’s collection of summer wedding guest dresses has options for every dress code! 

Light Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

A summer wedding guest dress floral in design and light in color can be a perfect choice for a daytime ceremony. For instance, this floral gown with lace details brings a feminine vibe without being too fussy, featuring trendy butter yellow and a silhouette suitable for a multitude of different dress codes. 

You can also go solid in a light color; classics include airy pinks, blues, yellows, greens, and purple. If it’s a beach ceremony, you can go a bit more saturated in tone without standing out too much. Regardless of whether you go with a print or a solid, you’ll want to keep accessories understated to avoid taking away from your dress. If your print incorporates jewel tones, a pop of this color can add interest

When choosing a light summer wedding guest dress, you’ll want to be sure you avoid white or ivory, as well as anything else that will make your dress look like a wedding dress. If either member of the couple isn’t wearing white, it’s a good idea to find out what color they’re wearing so you can avoid choosing it for your dress. 

Dark Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

While lighter colors tend to reign supreme for these events, a summer wedding guest dress formal in style calls for just a bit more elevation; this is where darker tones come in. Blend summery vibes with formality by choosing dresses that have dark colors but airy, flowy silhouettes. This fabric also tends to be more breathable than stiff fabric or heavy fabrics like velvet. 

To bring a dose of summertime ease to a formal event, balance darker colors with a flowy silhouette, like this halter gown with leaf lace corset bodice and a ruffle chiffon skirt with a slit. Darker colors, like black, navy, purple, and deep green can also be dressed down with prints or a shorter hemline. If the event is taking place at the beach or in a garden, be wary that you’re not going too dark with your color choice to avoid standing out too much. 

When you’re choosing accessories for a dark wedding guest dress, you’ll want to let the dress code be your guide. For black tie and events with an elevated sense of formality, you’ll want to keep accessories neutral in color and on the demure side. You can have a bit more fun with statement jewelry and pops of color at a cocktail or semi-formal event. 

Short Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

While most spring wedding guest dresses tend to be longer, outdoor daytime summer weddings may have a bit more dress code flexibility because of the season. Short summer wedding guest dresses can be great for dressy-casual ceremonies, especially those taking place in the afternoon to beat the heat. 

When picking out a summer wedding guest dress short in length, you’ll want to be sure the color and silhouette still have a bit of flair to make it appropriate for such an important day. For example, a floral tulle cocktail dress with a corset bodice balances whimsy with elegance, perfect for the season. Darker colors can lend a touch of elevation to a short silhouette. 

Styling a summer wedding guest dress semi formal in style and short in length will depend on the color you choose, but for the most part, you’ll want to keep it neutral and dainty. Delicate shoes, jewelry, and a small bag will keep your look chic and keep from drawing attention. Avoid a mini summer wedding guest dress for formal weddings or beach weddings, as the sea breeze may cause disturbance. 

Long Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

For most ceremonies, you’ll want to consider a long summer wedding guest dress. If the wedding is taking place indoors, you don’t have to worry too much about balancing a silhouette elevated enough for the dress code with staying cool. Outdoor weddings in the summer require careful thought, though. 

When choosing a maxi summer wedding guest dress, stick with silhouettes that flow away from you to help keep you cool. Light fabric in lighter colors will also help, like this strapless floral dress. If the wedding’s not black tie, stick to dresses that aren’t too voluminous or covered in flashy beading. 

Long summer wedding guest dresses pair beautifully with a sleek bun for a more formal event, or hair down for a cocktail attire wedding. When choosing shoes, keep the venue in mind; pumps or heeled sandals are totally fine for indoor weddings, but for outdoor venues, consider a block or wedge heel to avoid falling. 

Finding Your Perfect Summer Wedding Guest Dress

Looking for a wedding guest dress can be stressful since there’s a lot to think about, but the shopping experience can also be super fun. A timeless dress can also take you through summer weddings to come. 

Before you start shopping, you may want to find out what color the wedding party is wearing; you don’t want to be mistaken for wearing a bridesmaid dress. Regardless of what color and silhouette works best for your upcoming event, Sherri Hill’s 2026 collection has options for you!