The Complete Guide to Summer Wedding Dress Codes

Here comes summer, and with it, a veritable slew of wedding invitations. But what to wear to all these events, when each one has a different dress code? Black tie, formal, beach formal, semi-formal, cocktail and casual dress codes pop up throughout the season. Whether you’re invited to a black tie wedding in a ballroom, a casual wedding in your bff’s backyard, or anything in between, we have the answer. Or, more accurately, our Senior Buyer Jenn has the answer. She’s here to share tips for getting guest-dressed for each and every summer wedding you’re invited to.

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Summer weddings are sunny, fun, full of love—and can be tricky to dress for. Luckily Jenn knows all about wedding season’s big trends, dress code rules and has tips for a few popular dress codes in particular.

Summer Wedding Guest Look Trends

We asked Jenn what big style trends she’s noticing for guests for Summer 2026, and she laid them out. “I’m seeing lots of florals: 3D, exploded or digital. Lots of draping and cinching. The exposed back and sheer details are sexy without being too revealing.”

What Colors Are Trending for Summer Weddings?

“Butter yellow is still so beautiful, along with a rich avocado green and a juicy Aperol orange,” says Jenn.

What to Wear to a Beachy Formal Wedding?

Beach formal is becoming increasingly common as destination and outdoor weddings have grown in popularity. Think formal elegance translated for an outdoor, sandy or seaside locale. Floor-length dresses with movement are ideal—flowy maxi dresses, resort-inspired gowns, lightweight wrap dresses…basically anything that’s not stiff, structured, or sweat-inducing.

Jenn notes, “When attending a beach wedding, I need two things: comfort and an effortless look. The Amara Strapless Maxi Dress delivers both. A non-fussy silhouette in popular butter yellow is a no-brainer. I love the trend-forward fabric manipulation that shows off your natural waist while adding movement to your look.”

What is Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire for a Wedding?

Cocktail attire for a wedding means a knee- or midi-length dress , a dressy set or separates , or a tailored jumpsuit . It’s not as formal as black tie, but more dressed-up than everyday casual wear.

Jenn says, “For a semi-formal or cocktail attire invite, I will be breaking out all the stops with this Petunia Maxi Dress . I love to get a little spicy with an exposed collar bone and the sheer layered look is sure to impress.”

What to Wear to a Formal Wedding in Summer?

Formal wedding attire means cocktail-length to floor-length dresses , in an elevated, upscale fabric. Lightweight silk, chiffon or crepe are excellent formal fabrics for summer weddings, as they flow nicely and breathe well. Save heavy fabrics like taffeta or satin for all those fall weddings on the horizon.

Jenn says, “I’m always ready for my next formal event , and we have so many show-stopping silhouettes. I am a trendster girl through and through and always want a polished look for my formal events. I love a glossy look and you can’t go wrong with the Emmy Satin Corset Maxi Dress from Mare Mare. The flattering drop-waist frames the figure beautifully while the avocado green brings out the best in my skin tone and is a fashion-forward choice from standard pink.”

What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding?

Black tie weddings are the dressiest events of the bunch (aside from white tie, which are rare in the summer months). For a summer black tie wedding, reach for something formal, as described above, or go even further. Jenn notes: “A black tie invite is time to go all out. Have fun with sparkle or metallics and don’t think twice about it.”

What to Wear to a Casual Summer Wedding?

Casual for a summer wedding does not mean jeans. It means relaxed and comfortable, while still celebratory. A bright sundress , skirt , or separates work nicely for casual weddings. Bring a wrap, cardigan or light jacket for an evening celebration by the lake or in the mountains.

What Unexpected Styling Twist Is Fun for a Summer Wedding?

Going beyond block heels and wedges for grass and flip flops or strappy flat sandals for sand, Jenn clues us into a fun styling trend for the season.

“I am absolutely obsessed with an effortless 90s look. I love a slip dress with a chiffon scarf wrapped around your neck and draped down your back. It highlights your collar bones and there is nothing better than the way it frames your back…it's an exposed back summer,” she says.

The Top 6 Reasons Renting Your Wedding Guest Look Makes Sense

Without a doubt, renting your summer wedding guest look is a smart move. Here are 6 reasons why you should rent your guest looks from Nuuly :

1. Rent any 6 items for $98/month: Wedding guest looks can easily retail for upwards of $200. If you’re going to multiple weddings this summer, it really adds up.
2. Access premium brands: Nuuly stocks $$$ guest dresses from brands like Mac Duggal, Reformation, Show Me Your Mumu, BHLDN and so many more.
3. Try trends without commitment: Maybe next year butter yellow or sheer cutouts won’t be feeling so on-trend. With Nuuly, you don’t have to worry about past-their-prime pieces. Wear them and return them for the next big thing.
4. Cut back on one-wear purchases: Your guest dress won’t just hang in your closet when the event is over. With Nuuly’s circular fashion model, the dress will be laundered, repaired and put back in circulation for the next renter.
5. We take care of the laundry + repairs: If you spill a drink or topple a cheese board, lose a button or tear a seam, Nuuly handles all the laundry and repairs at no extra cost.
6. Find your fit with ease: Nuuly carries extended sizing from XXS - 5X , as well as maternity , petite , tall and adaptive styles. Plus, the Nuuly community includes avid reviewers who always give their honest opinion on the pros and cons of each style.

More tips on finding your perfect fit are right this way. Check out how to dress your body type .