Support The Marriage, Object The Heat

As I’ve gotten older, “summer” has become synonymous with “wedding season”. While I love the aesthetic of an outdoor wedding on a warm summer afternoon, with a golden cocktail hour and a sunset ushering everyone into the reception,  the aesthetic of sweat stains on my dress and my makeup sliding off my face makes me shudder. A good primer, powder, and setting spray trio can work wonders for the glam, but it doesn’t do much for a dress. There’s no quick fix for the problems that occur when your outfit and the weather don’t align, so it’s important to dress accordingly. Building your own collection of good wedding guest dresses for hot and humid weather can be life changing and memory-altering. I know, there’s already so many rules when it comes to summer wedding guest dresses, but I promise this one’s in your best interest.

I once made the mistake of wearing a dress to a wedding that did not work with the weather that day. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful ceremony, but all I could focus on was the hot summer sun, my dress sticking to my skin, and whether or not the other guests could see my sweat stains. Notice how I said I made that mistake “once”? That’s because if you’ve been there, you refuse to go back. My decisions that day may haunt me, but at least they’ll act as a warning for the rest of my life. 

Ladies, if the result of my mistake is being able to save you from that horrific reality, then it’s a sacrifice I’d make again for you all. In order to help you (and I) prepare better for the next wedding of the season, I’ve pulled some American Threads wedding guest dresses that are comfortable in the heat. My pain is your gain, and my sweat, your glory. Thank me later.

 

Dress Code: Garden Party

The “garden party” is a highly popularized wedding theme that I see primarily in the spring and summer, but can be used year round. These weddings typically take place in venues that have lots of natural greenery throughout, such as wineries or estate lawns. They take place primarily outdoors, and since they mostly occur in the hotter months of the year, the temperatures can feel uncomfortably warm. The whole wedding focuses on seasonal foliage and flowers, with the decor intricately designed to compliment the florals. A garden party theme is the epitome of a warm spring or  summertime wedding.

The “garden party” dress code can feel a bit ambiguous, but it isn’t as complex as you may think. Every aspect of the wedding is used to highlight the florals and greenery that cover the venue, as well as the ones that are specially brought in as decor. The dress code listed on the invite may have an added word of specification, such as “garden party chic”or “garden party formal”, but that only refers to the expected formality of the attire. For a garden party wedding, focus on wearing colors that will mesh with the venue. Avoid harsh colors, like black and bright reds. A garden party theme may invite any length of dress, as long as it remains classy enough for the ceremony. If the invite specifies “formal” or “black tie”, you’ll definitely want to avoid mini dresses. 

An underrated hit at garden party weddings are prints. Polka dots or florals are the trendiest options, just make sure the base of the dress isn’t white. The Maude Floral Mesh Maxi Dress is an excellent choice for a garden party wedding guest dress. The butter yellow color is soft enough to integrate easily into the lush venues, and the floral print is a nod to both the setting and the blossoming new beginning for the newlyweds. The length allows this dress to be appropriate for casual and formal weddings, so you won’t have to worry about being over or under dressed. The Maude will even keep you cool in the garden’s climate, with deep v’s in the front and back, and mesh fabric allowing for breathability and airflow. 

Dress Code: Black-Tie Optional

Black-tie optional wedding dress codes are  often associated with classic, elegant weddings that tend to steer clear of the trends. They’re chasing something timeless, with the goal of never being able to place an exact year to the wedding. The couple wants their wedding to feel like a wedding- a sophisticated display of love and unity that may evolve, but will never age. Some other popular wording for a timeless, black tie optional wedding that might be printed on your invite include “classic romantic” and “old Hollywood”. Your job as a guest is to wear something that’s contemporary, but won’t age the wedding pictures in the future.

To its core, black-tie optional attire is formal occasion wear. Women are encouraged to wear full-length gowns, but are permitted to wear fancy, elevated cocktail dresses. For black-tie weddings, floor length gowns are typically required, but a black-tie optional dress code allows for a bit more leeway. I will always recommend dressing slightly up, rather than a step down, in order to play it safe. You won’t get in trouble for wearing something that teeters on the black-tie side, but you may get some looks, or feel a bit out of place, if you’re underdressed. 

The difficult part about a summer black-tie optional wedding dress code is finding a formal, floor length gown that doesn’t cause you to overheat. During your dress hunt, I suggest paying extra attention to fabrics and necklines, avoiding anything too thick or suffocating. For a lightweight, summer formal wedding guest dress, I love the Mari Halter Chiffon Maxi Dress. It’s elegant but breathable, featuring a tasteful deep v-neck halter tie top and sophisticated cowl open back. The dress is adjustable thanks to the two ties at the neck and in the back, providing you with extra comfort. The Mari comes in a stunning coral that is trendy and appropriate for a chic summer wedding. 

Dress Code: Beach Chic

The beach chic wedding dress code is another one of those dress codes that doesn’t give you much direction right off the bat. It can feel a bit nuanced and up to interpretation, making your job as a guest appear harder. While it could range from anything between semi formal and black-tie optional, I relate “beach chic” to something you would wear to dinner on a vacation. Sometimes, beach chic is tied to a destination wedding, so it could be perceived as elevated vacation wear. Because these venues are booked mostly during the spring and summer months, it's almost guaranteed to be a warm, sunny wedding day.

The key distinction to make is in understanding that beach formal and beach chic are not one in the same. The beach formal dress code usually refers to a black-tie optional dress code at a minimum, with coastal influences. Beach chic is a step below that. For a beach chic wedding guest dress, opt for airy, dreamy hues and effortless, flowy textures. The Donna Twist Front Maxi Dress comes in navy blue, chambray, coral, and butter yellow- all of which are suitable for a beach wedding. It’s light and flowy, keeping you cool and comfortable in the sun as it reflects off the water. Because let’s be real, is it even a beach wedding if it’s not outdoors?

Dress Code: Vineyard Formal

A vineyard (or winery) wedding takes place in… you guessed it, a vineyard. In order for wine grapes and their vines to thrive, they need to be set in locations that have long, warm summers, producing lots of sunshine. Vineyard wedding venues are popular choices for couples who wish to get married between late spring and early fall. If you’re a guest at one of these weddings, odds are you’re in for a long, hot day. Wear something that accentuates and compliments the raw beauty of the winery, but make sure it won’t cause you to overheat. 

The vineyard formal wedding guest dress code is the matured version of the garden party dress code. The two are similar as they both embrace the natural beauty the venue has to offer. Typically, vineyard weddings rely on the earthy tones and lushness from the surrounding foliage, while garden party weddings hold more focus on the flowers in particular. A good rule of thumb is to assume that a vineyard wedding is a little more formal than a garden wedding. A vineyard formal wedding dress code can expect anything between elevated cocktail wear and black-tie attire. 

You can’t wear white to a wedding, and black is a bit too harsh for the vineyard scenery, so choose a colored wedding guest dress that will go with the winery environment. The Freya Ruffle Tiered Maxi Dress is a flowy wedding guest dress that comes in a gorgeous sage green, ideal for the venue. The cotton fabrication of the dress allows for excellent breathability, while looking chic and impressive. The Freya is full of personality, featuring a one-shoulder design, accented with a unique knot detail. The dress is tiered with wide, subtle ruffles that cascade down the entire gown. The Freya mixes flirtiness with sophistication, curating a flawless vibe for a vineyard wedding guest dress.

 

To Have And To Wear From This Day Forward

Whoever said that wedding guest dresses aren’t rewearable has clearly not yet been exposed to the world of American Threads’ dresses. Each dress I recommended is a versatile, unique piece that’s equally fitting for dates or dinners… and even other weddings. These dresses are also all able to help you look and feel your best in hot, humid climates, making them summer occasion wear staples. Bring  them on vacation for those nights that require a little something extra- especially if you caught the bouquet.

You might be planning a wedding next.

 

Cheers to hot weddings and being an even hotter guest,

Brooke

 

FAQ

Q: What should I wear to a summer wedding in hot weather?

A: Lightweight dresses made from breathable fabrics like cotton, chiffon, and mesh are ideal for summer weddings. Look for styles with open backs, halter necklines, flowy skirts, or sleeveless silhouettes to help keep you cool throughout the ceremony and reception.

Q: What colors are best for a summer wedding guest dress?

A: Soft seasonal colors like sage green, butter yellow, coral, icy blue, and floral prints are popular choices for summer weddings. Avoid wearing white, ivory, or any shade that could be mistaken for bridal attire.

Q: What does black-tie optional mean for women?

A: Black-tie optional usually means guests should wear formal attire, such as floor-length gowns or elevated cocktail dresses. When in doubt, it’s better to dress slightly more formal than risk feeling underdressed!

Q: What should I wear to a beach wedding?

A: Beach wedding guest dresses should feel lightweight, breezy, and comfortable in warm weather. Flowy maxi dresses, soft colors, and breathable fabrics are ideal choices that fit the relaxed coastal atmosphere while still looking wedding appropriate.