Ah, June—the month of love, sunshine, and saying “I do” under clear blue skies. There’s just something magical about it, isn’t there? With its warm temperatures, blooming flowers, and the promise of summer adventures ahead, it’s no wonder June reigns supreme as the ultimate favorite for tying the knot. Couples everywhere seem to have caught onto this trend, eagerly marking their calendar, and preparing to exchange vows amid June’s romantic embrace.
There’s always the looming question, what to wear? If an invitation or the wedding website does not explicitly state a dress code, look to the invitation, and wedding details for clues. The time of a wedding can be hugely helpful in determining what to wear. A morning wedding typically calls for casual dress, while a ceremony after 5 p.m. generally calls for formal attire. The location can also help you decide. A 4 p.m. reception at a swanky hotel or private club may require a dressier outfit, while a rustic locale, like a converted barn or stables, at the same time would allow for a slightly more casual look.
Join me as we explore the look and etiquette for June weddings!
General Attire Rules
First, avoid wearing anything that is more than 50 percent white. Second, keeping attire guidelines for ceremonies at houses of worship in mind, consider wearing a shawl to cover your shoulders or donning a dress that hits below the knee. Respect for others’ cultures and beliefs is essential during these special family events. Finally, when in doubt, it’s always better to be overdressed.
Join me as we explore the looks for June weddings!
Black Tie
Ladies wear either elegant floor-length gowns or their most formal cocktail dresses. Since many of us don’t have closets full of evening gowns, this is the perfect time to consider using Rent the Runway to find hundreds of dresses for rent. Accessorize with your best jewelry, and don’t be afraid to pop a red lip!
Formal or Black Tie Optional
There’s more flexibility than a black-tie dress code. You can add a little more fun by wearing a long dress with less structure and more color than a black-tie wedding.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail
This attire is one of the most popular dress codes because it fits in with almost any wedding venue and is relatively easy for guests to follow. Many women have a favorite go-to cocktail dress or a little black dress. It’s a fabulous idea to wear the same dress for multiple events, paired with completely different accessories. You can also make some sneaky beauty tweaks, such as changing your hairstyle from wearing it down to an updo, or a smoky eye to bright lip color!
Casual or Daytime
Many invitations say “dressy casual” when it’s at a beach, farm, or very intimate wedding. The dress code will often be casual, but that doesn’t mean jeans and tank tops are acceptable. A pretty sundress and wedges or sandals are best. Garden party attire invites more color and pattern than your typical casual wedding might. Linen dresses with fluttery sleeves, midi dresses in floral prints or a tiered skirt are perfect!
Themed
Commit to the requested theme, but not so loudly that you detract from the happy couple. There’s a fine line between enthusiasm and attention-seeking. Think President George W. Bush’s second inaugural ball called “Black Tie and Boots.” Guests showed up wearing their best gowns and cowboy boots.
Airy Dresses & Skirts
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as printed charmeuse, jersey, crepe, especially when you’re attending a high-end affair in a hot—and potentially humid climate. The formality of the event will typically influence your decision: long skirts and dresses for a formal wedding, or midi and miniskirts for casual and cocktail gatherings.
Floral Prints
You can’t go wrong with florals when crafting your go-to wedding outfit. When choosing what to wear to a summer wedding, consider something like a chiffon maxi with a floral print for a fun and flirty look. Or, if you are a risk taker with your style, keep an eye out for oversized or abstract floral prints to make your outfit stand out in a crowd. T
Functional Footwear
If you’re attending an outdoor summer wedding, at a venue such as a beach or garden, come prepared by wearing dressy sandals, ballet flats, slip-on mules, or espadrilles. If you’re looking to add a bit more height to your look, you can always go for a wedge or platform. Getting a heel caught in the sand or grass is a recipe for disaster.
Accessories
Once you’ve nailed your wedding look, start having fun with your accessories. If you’ve chosen a very simple dress, you might want to transform it with printed or heavily detailed accessories. Similarly, if your outfit is lace, embellished or printed, you’ll most likely want simple, elegant accessories. Either way here are some tips. Clutches or handbags and jewelry add elegant sparkle that makes you shine! Remember, your outfit is yours so inject your own personal style into your look.
Finally, keep in mind when choosing a wedding guest outfit that these pictures might end up in your family or friend’s house for years. Remember to choose something elegant, timeless, and chic so you’ll love your outfit for years to come.
Best of all, have fun and enjoy all the festivities! Mingle with the other guests, sample the refreshments, and have a good time! Raise your glass to celebrate the special couple~ Cheers!
