Your complete guide to summer wedding guest etiquette

A summer wedding is inherently magical. The sun is shining on the newlyweds, the sky is a deep, clear blue as far as the eye can see, and that serene, almost sublime feeling takes over. Don’t you just love love?

Before attending a summer wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind that you might not have considered when attending weddings at other times of the year. Of course, the common checklist of tips like “don’t wear white” or “remember to silence your phone during the ceremony” still applies. However, figuring out how to dress comfortably in the heat while also respecting the wedding’s dress code, or deliberating which handheld fan would be quietest to use during the ceremony, is an entirely different story.

Whether you’re attending a wedding in late June, mid-July, or right before the curtain closes on August, this in-depth guide to summer wedding dress code etiquette, along with some additional wedding guest tips, will help you feel and look your best while celebrating love in the warm weather—all night long!

Essential summer wedding etiquette

While there’s a certain magic to summer weddings, that magic can slowly dissipate if you feel out of place in your ensemble, choose the wrong fabric for the high temperatures, forget to consider footwear for different venues, or fail to arrive equipped with essentials to stave off the heat. Once you receive that summer wedding invitation and send your RSVP, it’s time to get all your ducks in a row—starting with attire.

Respect the dress code on the invitation

So you received the wedding invite—now it’s time to zero in on what the soon-to-be-weds are asking of your attire as the guest. Is it black tie? A casual beach wedding? Either way, your elegance doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Whether it’s white tie or cocktail, we have you covered with summer wedding dress code do’s and don’ts for each attire category.

White tie

So the happy couple is hosting a white-tie affair—easily the crème de la crème of wedding attire. This means a floor-length gown or an evening tailcoat jacket, a jewel-toned dress, or a stiff button-down shirt. If you’re attending the wedding in a dress, it’s best to stay away from fabrics like velvet and heavyweight satin in the heat of summertime. Instead, opt for a fabric like silk or chiffon—it’s lightweight, beautiful, and gets the job done. For footwear, closed-toe heels are heavily recommended. If you’re wearing a tuxedo, consider layering with cotton undergarments, which absorb any moisture that may develop throughout the event. Shop for an unlined, white, tropical wool jacket, and avoid polyester at all costs. The more breathable the fabric, the better! Just ensure you’re not wearing linen or cotton jersey fabrics…save that for a more casual affair.

Black tie

A black-tie wedding is a bit less formal than a white-tie wedding, but the key principles of high-end attire still stand: long dresses, button-downs, and suit jackets. With a black-tie dress code, especially in the summertime, the typical deep color palette extends into soft pastels. For a dress, consider the breathable fabrics we’ve already mentioned: chiffon or silk, and other fabrics like organza and non-polyester charmeuse. If your dress silhouette is especially elegant and formal, you might get away with low-key floral prints that speak to the season. For a tuxedo, stick with a lightweight button-down dress shirt and a wool-blend black or deep blue jacket. Finish off the ensemble with a bowtie and cufflinks, and you’re ready to take on the heat in style.

Cocktail

Semi-formal cocktail attire allows you to dress to the nines without compromising your comfort. For cocktail dresses, stick with the lightweight fabrics we’ve mentioned and consider an ankle or knee-length garment. Keep it classic with a black number or jump into summer with a butter-yellow maxi or earthy sage midi dress. Embrace soft floral prints and pair your look with a strappy sandal to keep your feet cool and comfortable. For suit attire, stick with the rhythm of an unlined suit and dress shirt in a breathable wool blend, with the option to forego a tie if you want some breathing room. Cocktail attire is fun, comfortable, and perfect for a summer wedding.

Dressy casual

Attending a casual summer wedding is like winning the lottery—you dress to your liking while also dressing to impress. Take your pick of any dress length, with an emphasis on sundresses. Sandals or kitten heels are perfect footwear for a casual affair. Don’t worry about wearing a suit—a casual wedding means you can throw on a breathable cotton polo and a nice pair of slacks. Save the suit jacket for your next black-tie event!

Choose breathable fabrics for outdoor ceremonies

You don’t want to spend the day running to the restroom to air out your ensemble or dry it under a hand dryer, which is why you should avoid polyester, heavy wool blends, brocade, and other constrictive materials. Though you might be tempted to seek out linen and cotton garments, it’s important to note that not every dress code welcomes these more casual fabrics. Silk, chiffon, and lightweight wool are versatile fabrics that keep you comfy and classy.

Avoid wearing white or off-white shades

General rule of thumb for any wedding? Don’t wear white—specifically a white dress—unless explicitly stated in the invitation. Steer clear of off-white shades like ivory, cream, or eggshell. Avoid colors that might appear white in certain lighting: for example, if your light yellow dress appears white in daylight, you should probably choose a different option to be safe!

Prioritize comfortable footwear for grass or sand

Don’t sacrifice comfort at a summer wedding—the heat creates the perfect environment for blisters and chafing. If the ceremony’s venue is a grassy garden or sandy shorefront, you’ll want to bring shoes that can withstand certain terrain, such as block-heeled sandals, dressy flats, or sturdy, breathable loafers. Pack an emergency pair of flats or flip-flops if you feel comfortable changing into them during the reception.

Bring summer essentials

You’ve figured out the outfit and the footwear, but now you’re wondering what to keep in your clutch or pocket. Here are the summer essentials we rounded up:

• Sunglasses/sunhat: Depending on whether the venue is indoors or outdoors, you may want to pack a pair of shades and/or a sunhat to shield your eyes and see the ceremony clearly. Just make sure this abides by the wedding’s dress code!
• Sunscreen: You don’t want to worry about skin damage on your loved one’s special day—apply sunscreen before you get dressed, and pack it with you to reapply.

• Quiet handheld paper/electric fan: Some indoor venues may not be air-conditioned, and outdoor venues could be subject to high temperatures. Find a quiet fan to keep you cool, safe, and respectful during the ceremony—and use it only when you really need it.

• Bug spray: If the wedding is outdoors, bug spray will be your best friend. To avoid pesky red marks and itchy discomfort, apply some before you arrive and reapply every few hours.

• Blotting paper: High temperatures might make your face a bit oily, but blotting paper will ensure you’re oil-free while keeping your makeup intact.

• Band-Aids: It’s always a good idea to pack a few Band-Aids, especially if you’re wearing a pair of shoes for the first time.

Stay hydrated

In the heat of the season, you might be tempted to sip on spritzes all evening long without catching a breath—but always remember to drink plenty of water. Some newlyweds even have single-serving electrolyte packets at the reception for guests to add to their water, ensuring you’re getting the hydration you need to dance and celebrate all night long.

Summer wedding etiquette FAQs

What is the best fabric to wear to a summer wedding?

While the type of fabric you’re allowed to wear is dependent on the dress code stated on the invitation, consider shopping for fabrics like chiffon, silk, organza, and light wool blends to keep you cool. For more casual dress codes, you may consider linen or structured cotton attire.

Can I wear black to a summer wedding?

The short answer: yes. Black is a classic, timeless shade that is completely safe and suitable for any dress code. Just remember that black absorbs heat more than other shades and colors—so make sure that you have a quiet fan and stay hydrated if the ceremony is held outdoors.

Should I bring a gift to the wedding venue?

Most guests opt to purchase a wedding gift from the newlyweds’ wedding registry and have it shipped to the address associated with the registry, rather than bringing it to the wedding. That way, the couple won’t have to worry about bringing a pile of valuables home after the celebration concludes.

Is it okay to wear sunglasses during the ceremony?

Sunglasses may be worn at an outdoor wedding, but it’s best to remove them during intimate moments in the ceremony and in photography.

How do I handle a “no kids” policy for a summer event?

Most couples send out wedding save the dates and wedding invitations at least six months in advance. So, if the summer wedding is child-free, start asking trusted family members who aren’t attending the wedding or seek vetted babysitters to look after your little ones as soon as you know if you’re attending.

What should I do if the weather is unexpectedly hot?

A guest’s comfort is one of the venue’s main priorities. If you’re experiencing unexpectedly warm weather on the big day, make sure you’re staying hydrated, expending a small amount of energy, sitting when you can, and preparing in advance by wearing lightweight attire.

Do I need to RSVP if I know I cannot attend?

It’s strongly recommended that every guest send the couple their RSVP, whether or not they’re available to attend the wedding. Couples understand that summer is a busy season for many, but getting an accurate headcount as soon as possible makes the planning process easier.

Is it acceptable to change into more comfortable clothes for the reception?

You usually have to do a pulse test, but it is becoming increasingly more popular for guests to change into more comfortable (but still dress code-appropriate) attire. A bride typically changes into a reception dress that allows for more movement, while guests often just bring a change of shoes. Our recommendation? Ask the couple! The more clarity you have straight from the source, the better.

Plan your summer wedding with Paperless Post

Whether you’re a summer wedding guest seeking inspiration on dress code attire and warm-weather must-haves or a soon-to-be summer bride trying to prepare your guests ahead of time, Paperless Post is the one-stop destination for event planning at every touchpoint. From beautifully intricate invitation designs to seamless guest tracking, let Paperless Post help the big day come to life.