Be the best-dressed guest at your summer wedding in 2024

Sunnier skies, warmer temperatures, and an increase in pedal pubs catering to single women roaming downtown Austin mean one thing: wedding season is on the way.

In the United States, wedding season runs from late spring through early fall, peaking in the summer months of June, July, and August. If you said “yes” to one or two events this season, you’re probably already frantically thinking about gifts, brainstorming maid of honor speeches, and trying to decide what to wear.

We can help you with that last one. At RetailMeNot, it’s not an exaggeration to call ourselves professional wedding shoppers, but it’s a little bit of a stretch. We’ve already written about the most dreamy bridal shoes, the most amazing wedding registry deals, and affordable wedding dresses. Now, we’re ready to tackle this huge topic: What should you wear as a guest at a wedding?

How to Choose Summer Wedding Guest Attire That Fits Your Dress Code

Before you start shopping, take a moment to review the dress code on your wedding invitation. The type of dress you wear to a black tie or formal event is different than the type you wear to a cocktail party or casual wedding. For reference, here’s a quick summary of the different wedding dress codes:

• White Tie Wedding: The most formal of all dress codes, white tie wedding attire means formal dress, such as an evening gown in a long A-line or sheath silhouette, or a floor-length ball gown.
• Black Tie Wedding: The second most stringent dress code, black tie, requires suits that touch the floor or the tops of your shoes.
• Black Tie Optional: The aptly named Black Tie optional dress code, a fusion of Black Tie and Formal, basically means you can choose between Black Tie and Formal, and is the next step up in terms of dress code strictness. For dress, that means a floor-length evening gown or cocktail dress.
• Formal attire: The most common wedding dress code is formal, which means you can wear a midi or knee-length cocktail dress.
• cocktail: You should choose a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress, which is a step up from a semi-formal cocktail dress.
• Semi-formal: Semi-formal attire, also called dressy casual, means you can wear a dress that falls below the knees or a dressy skirt and top.
• casual: Casual attire often worn at beach or outdoor weddings includes sundresses, maxi dresses, or jumpsuits.

Unique Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

Now that we’ve covered the dress guidelines, let’s get to the fun part: the actual dresses. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite dresses for guests attending summer weddings, from casual beach events to more formal ones.

— Editor's Picks —

Choosing the Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

Floral dresses are a classic choice for summer wedding guest attire, so don’t miss out on Karen Millen’s Tailored Hand Drawn Floral Square Neck Midi Dress. This striking yellow and blue floral pattern conveys all the bold energy of 2024. Feel your best as you show up to celebrate your loved one’s happiest day. The square neckline and pencil fit are a sophisticated combination that will work perfectly with many wedding dress codes. Now is a great time to shop this style and other stunning dresses from Karen Millen. The brand is offering 15% off sale dresses through July 3rd. Just use code . Dress 15 Get a discount when you check out!

price: $130, 324 dollars From Karen Millen

Best Maxi Wedding Guest Dresses

We're obsessed with 12th Tribe, a globally inspired womenswear boutique. They're best known for their festive collections, but they've also got a pretty great selection of bridal and wedding guest-centric pieces. For those looking for a maxi wedding guest dress, we'd recommend the Amelie gold halter gown. It's sparkly, flowing, form-fitting, and perfect for everything from cocktails to beachwear.

price: $88 at 12thTribe.com

Best Midi Wedding Guest Dresses

Asymmetrical dresses are a stylish choice you won't regret! The So Flirty One-Shoulder Cutout Dress from Lulu's is a simple yet stylish and ultimately versatile design that you'll be able to wear again and again. Plus, it comes in four gorgeous colors, so choose the one that you like best. Many of the colors are currently on sale, so if you like this dress, get it fast.

price: Starting at $16.80 at Lulu's

Best Short Wedding Guest Dresses

Yes, the Rowan Mini Dress from designer Lovers and Friends is a luxury item, and yes, it is dry clean only. But it is sexy, sophisticated, and a playful color, and the short hem makes it a great choice for petite sizes. This creates the effect of elongating the legs. As a short wedding guest dress, you can wear this dress to casual, cocktail, or semi-formal weddings.

price: $188 at Revolve.com

Best lace wedding dress

Petal & Pup's lovely Lauren dress falls to mid-calf and is perfect for all kinds of events. The lace wedding dress also features a deep navy color that would be perfect for summer and fall events. For a summer wedding, we suggest wearing a darker colored dress with playful shoes or a statement clutch.

price: $89 at PetalAndPup.com

Best Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

When it comes to warm-weather weddings, sometimes less is more. Astr The Label’s Gaia Midi Dress, available in nine eye-catching colors, is a great example. Add heels and jewelry to make it a formal summer wedding guest dress, or wear it with sandals for a more casual look.

price: $98 at AstrTheLabel.com

Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dresses

The most important thing when dressing for a pregnant woman is to stay comfortable. Staying cool is essential for a summer wedding, so we love this flowing, airy design with spaghetti straps. Available in four colors, including three summery shades and a classic black. Feel great while being cute and on-theme!

price: $89 at pinkblushmaternity.com

The post Be the Best-Dressed Guest at Your Summer 2024 Wedding originally appeared on RetailMeNot's The Real Deal.