Ah, wedding season, when it's time to look for that summer wedding guest dress. What should be the most fun party of our lives can sometimes feel overwhelming and neverending when on the hunt for the best wedding guest dress. What we really want is an all-around summer wedding guest dress that will look good no matter how we sit and is especially comfortable during the summer at long, sweaty ceremonies.
If you're stuck for inspiration, shopping expert Maria Loizou at Karen Millen says that you want to pick a colour that compliments the wedding party and do not even think about wearing red, white or black unless the bride has specifically asked for it - so, in summer a green wedding guest dress might be your best bet. She says, "The main goal for a wedding guest is to blend in, but this does not mean your outfit has to be dull and drab. The best way to choose what colour dress to wear is to find out what is complimentary to both the wedding and you. By doing this, you will find something you feel confident in and not take anything away from the bride."
The Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses At A Glance:
Best Satin Summer Wedding Guest Dress (Editor's Choice): Ghost, Delphine Satin Maxi (£195) - Buy now on GHOST
Best Floral Summer Wedding Guest Dress: Ted Baker, Cowl Neck Midi Slip Dress (£125 was £175) - Buy now on House Of Fraser
Best Subtle Summer Wedding Guest Dress: Reiss, Orla Halterneck Midi Dress (£162 was £293) - Buy now on Otrium
Best Bold Summer Wedding Guest Dress: Aidan by Adrianna Papell, Crinkle Mesh Halter Dress (£114 was £285) - Buy now on John Lewis
If you're wondering where that leaves us for a summer look, pastels are a go-to for all wedding guest outfits. "This keeps the aesthetic light and airy and allows guests to experiment with various shades and hues. Having guests in different pastels or neutrals also turns out great in photographs with a wide range of tones bringing the bright white or ivory of the bride's dress to light."
Looking for the most glamorous summer wedding guest dress doesn't have to be a pain. With picks from Self-Portrait, Monsoon and more, as well as a range of styles, here are the top wedding guest dresses of the season. Be the best-dressed wedding guest of the season.
SHOP: The Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
Best Satin Summer Wedding Guest Dress (Editor's Choice)
www.ghost.co.uk
If satin is more your style, Ghost has a range of gorgeous summer colours in this button Delphine Satin Maxi dress, including this creamy pink that will suit any month of summer.
Best Floral Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
You don't have to go completely colourful to make it a summer wedding guest dress - and, although this Ted Baker Cowl Neck Midi is technically a black dress, you can pull it off from the floral print making it more sophisticated. Just double-check with your bride that black is okay to wear on the big day.
Best Subtle Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.otrium.co.uk
Summer is the perfect time for a yellow moment, like this cut-out Orla Halterneck Midi from Reiss. A subtle yet flirty number that we honestly love. A lovely lemon lightweight summer dress.
Best Bold Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.johnlewis.com
Florals never go out of fashion, especially in summer. For a take sophisticated enough for a wedding but risque enough for a bold woman, go for this Aidan by Adrianna Papell Crinkle Mesh Halter Maxi dress.
Best Beach Summer Wedding Guest Dress
rixolondon.com
There may be nothing more summery than a bright, bold colour. Add a pop of blue to the wedding party with this Sandrine Jacquard dress from Rixo, perfect for a beach nuptial ceremony.
Best Abstract Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.warehousefashion.com
Opt for this Abstract Metallic Plisse Halter Midi Dress from Warehouse in a gorgeous pink print. A floaty, lightweight plisse dress is your friend, people. Warehouse has knocked it out of the park with this one.
Best Bright Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.net-a-porter.com
Juicy, fresh and ready to dance the night away. Exactly the kind of dress you'll want to be floating around in the summer. Please welcome the Borgo De Nor Tatiana floral-print ruffled silk-crepe maxi dress that, despite not being extremely budget-friendly, it's an airy dress for warmer summer wedding days.
Best High-Class Summer Wedding Guest Dress
filiarmi.com
Sleek, midi-length and with a floral neckline, this Filiarmi Fabiola Gown makes for a refined choice. The simple and delicate neckline makes for a glorious wardrobe addition that could be flaunted year-round for a high-class wedding look.
Best Tiered Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.needleandthread.com
With floral tulle, this Needle and Thread Hummingbird Ballerina Dress is a divine wedding guest dress for summer. Plus, it comes in mini, ballerina and maxi lengths, so the choice is yours.
Best Asymmetric Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.harrods.com
Feathers have been a popular choice for wedding guest dresses in recent years, so dare to go wispy with this sage Adelaide One Shoulder Feather Trimmed Midi dress from 16Arlington.
Best Mini Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.karenmillen.com
Mini more your style? Fret not. This green wedding guest dress will go down a treat in the summer months. Say hello to Karen Millen's Satin Draped Mini Dress in a gorgeous lime green shade. A conveniently cool and flirty mini dress.
Best Puff Sleeve Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.nobodyschild.com
Go pretty in pink with this Nobody's Child Embroidery Midi dress with subtle puff sleeves. We genuinely can't get enough of the dainty detailing on the body of the dress. A lovely budget-friendly alternative to the other options featured.
Best Effortless Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.whistles.com
Simple, sleek and effortless, Whistles gets wedding guest dresses right with this Gemma Strapless Maxi dress - perfect for the hot summer weather. Who could possibly say no?
Best Flirtatious Summer Wedding Guest Dress
www.whistles.com
It wouldn't be a summer wedding without a bold, pink choice of a wedding guest dress. This Adeline Frill Midi dress from Whistles is sweet and feminine, with a ruffled neckline and midaxi skirt.
What should I wear as a summer wedding guest dress?
Think florals and pastels like green wedding guest dresses and pinks to brighten up the wedding party. In terms of materials, look towards cotton and linen to keep it fresh and light when it's extra hot.
Want to go extra bold, or simply can't stand dresses? Pick up a trouser-suit outfit for something slightly more sophisticated.
What Material Is Best For A Summer Wedding?
The best material for a warm and clammy summer wedding has to be linen. It's cooling and non-restricting, which we know is important when it comes to warm weather nuptials.
Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Grazia. She covers shopping, women's lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.