So you’ve been invited to a beautiful summer wedding. Congratulations. No sooner do you put down that invitation than you start wondering; “What do I wear”?
Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with suggestions and tips on what to wear for lots of different types of wedding ceremonies, from a casual outdoor wedding to a more formal wedding in a church or place of worship.
OK, so let’s get started! First of all, ask a few questions. If the invitation is vague, ask for clarification so you’ll know what to expect. Is the ceremony in a church? Outside? Nothing is worse than showing up for a formal event in casual jeans, or freezing in a strapless dress at a nighttime outdoor wedding! So just ask.
What to wear for a church wedding
If the wedding ceremony is in a church or other place of worship, opt for a more conservative look. Take a wrap or cardigan that can be worn as a shawl to cover exposed shoulders. Or wear a scarf or shawl that you can also wear as a head scarf if necessary for that sanctuary.
And since it is summer, try some options besides a black dress. Opt for a colorful ensemble with some of this season’s strong blues, reds, and yellows.
Here are several outfits appropriate for an inside, church ceremony
Here are some beautiful, 40+ Style, indoor-appropriate dresses for sale now:
What to wear to an outdoor wedding
If the wedding is going to be outdoors or is a more casual ceremony, try a pair of stylish trousers. Choose a pair of cropped pants with a fuller leg, or try a pair of higher waisted palazzo pants.
Another great option for an outdoor wedding ceremony is a maxi dress. Choose a romantic, flowing maxi dress in a pastel print.
Be sure to select the right shoes. Especially if the wedding is in a backyard or outdoor area, select your shoes carefully.
Choose flats, wedges, or a block heel for uneven terrain AND avoid a stiletto or kitten heel that will continually sink into the dirt, ruin your beautiful shoes, and make you very annoyed!
Wear long sleeves or makes sure to bring a wrap if you’re in a climate that gets chilly at night.
Here are some ideas of what to wear to a casual summer wedding
Here are some fresh, outdoor wedding guest dresses perfect for a 40+ woman of any size:
And some longer, maxi or midi wedding party dresses and separates:
And here’s links to all the looks we created above plus a few more we love!
Want more ideas?
If you’re the mother of the bride, here are some tips on What to Wear When You’re Mother of the Bride.
If you prefer to wear pants to a wedding check out our article on beautiful wedding outfits featuring pants.
Finally Lorraine and friends show their wedding outfits for a wedding in South Africa.
Whatever outfit you choose to wear to a summer wedding, here’s to having a beautiful time sharing in the love and excitement of a wedding surrounded by family and friends.
What would you wear to a summer wedding?
Rosemond
P.S. The 40+Style Club is now open for enrolment and for a limited time only, you can get in at early bird rates. Click here for more info.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Perfect timing….I’m actually attending a wedding this week, tomorrow, a Formal Garden Wedding. I’m wearing something similar to the long dress, with a scarf and very simple jewelry. Sandals, as it will be sandy/grassy area. We have had a lot of rain so we may end up inside…..praying for sunshine tomorrow.
More perfect timing. I have a wedding next weekend at a beach club. The wedding is outside at 6PM but the reception is inside so I might wear different shoes for the ceremony. I have a knee length navy and white sleeveless dress that I can cover with a Chanel style white jacket if it is cool outside. I also have a small fascinator for the ceremony. I’m also hoping for good weather!
Thank you so much! I have two weddings in June, one in August. The theme up here in Wisconsin is a more casual barn wedding, but I have a “nicer” wedding in two weeks. I don’t like lighter colored dresses, and am glad you included some black options as well as colorful accessories to brighten them up for the summer months.
Ah, no weddings in sight. At all. So for the moment I am good.