Outfit ideas
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding in the South as a Guest
Short answer: Choose a flowy, non-white dress in a midi or maxi length, with a layer for the ceremony and shoes that will not sink into grass. Light colors, florals and soft chiffon-style skirts suit the heat and the Southern dress code.
Southern summer weddings usually mean heat, humidity and a day that moves from a church or garden ceremony to an outdoor or tented reception. The outfits below are built for that kind of day, with shoes, layers and small accessories for each dress.
Green Floral Wrap Midi for a Garden Ceremony
This green ditsy-floral chiffon wrap dress has a V-neck, short flutter sleeves, a tie waist and a ruffled high-low hem that falls to about mid-calf in the photo. The front slit is part of the cut, so sit down once at home to see how it falls. Wear it with cork or block-heel wedges that handle grass, small gold studs and a straw or woven clutch. It has our top rating of 4.9 from 2000 orders.
Midi Beach Wedding Guest Dress for Women Over 40 · Khaki Snow Lotus Floral · $69
See the dressDusty Mauve Chiffon for an Afternoon Wedding
This plus size midi is dusty purple-mauve chiffon with a round neck and a layered overlay that drapes over the shoulders and arms as soft, half-length sleeves. The hem is asymmetrical and lands around mid-calf, and the cut is loose and flowing. Pair it with low block-heel sandals in metallic or nude, pearl drop earrings and a slim clutch. The sleeves already cover your arms, so you do not need a separate wrap. Check the size chart before ordering.
Midi Plus Size Wedding Guest Dress with Flutter Sleeves · Khaki · $89
See the dressMauve Lace and Chiffon for a Church Wedding
A floral lace bodice, round neck and tiered ruffle bell sleeves give this mauve-pink maxi a dressy look that works in a church. It has a fitted waist with lace appliqué trim and a flowing chiffon skirt. Wear nude block heels, a fine pendant or simple studs, and a small clutch. Keep your hair up for the humid walk to the reception. It is sold as plus size, so measure yourself against the size chart first.
Lace Plus Size Wedding Guest Dress with Flutter Sleeves · Purple · $89
See the dressLight Blue Chiffon Maxi for a Traditional Ceremony
If the wedding is in a traditional church, this light blue chiffon dress covers you well. It has a round high neckline, long flowing flare sleeves, a fitted bodice with an asymmetric ruffle at the waist and a floor-length A-line skirt. Skip the necklace and choose stud earrings, then add a champagne clutch and block-heel sandals. Long sleeves in July are a choice, so this works best for indoor ceremonies and evening receptions.
Chiffon Modest Long Sleeve Wedding Guest Maxi Dress · Light yellow · $109
See the dressRed Maxi with Pockets for an Evening Reception
This red dress has sparkle-speckled fabric, a V-neck with a twisted crossover bodice, slightly flared cap sleeves, an empire waist and a full, flowy skirt. The side pockets are handy for a phone and lipstick when your hands are full of a drink and a plate. Wear gold wedge sandals and hoop earrings, and leave the necklace off. It is a plus size cut and looks dressy enough for a formal evening wedding.
V Neck Plus Size Wedding Guest Dress with Flutter Sleeves · Sparkle Red · $89
See the dressSoft Yellow Column Gown for a Black-Tie Evening
For a formal Southern wedding, this floor-length strapless gown in soft yellow has a ruched, pleated bodice, a fitted high waist, a high thigh slit and a satin-like drape. The neckline is bare, so bring a light wrap or shawl for the ceremony and for air-conditioned rooms. Add strappy heeled sandals, or wedges if the reception is on a lawn, plus gold earrings and a small clutch. Check the size chart, since the cut is fitted.
Cocktail Dress for Wedding Guest Over 50 with Slit · Yellow · $119
See the dressPlan for the Heat and the Venue
Read the invitation first. A church ceremony usually calls for covered shoulders, and an outdoor reception needs shoes that do not sink into grass. Pick a midi or maxi in a flowy shape so air can move around you. Stay away from white, ivory and cream, which are for the bride. Soft florals, mauve, blue, green and yellow all suit a summer day. Bring a small fan, blotting papers and a wrap for cold air conditioning.
Order Early and Check the Size Chart
Shipping is free to the US and takes 7-14 business days, so order well before the wedding. All sales are final, with no returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind, so use the size chart and your own measurements before you buy. If an item arrives damaged, defective or wrong, we replace or refund it within 14 days of delivery. Steam the dress a day early and try your shoes and layers with it.
Want more options? Browse all wedding guest dresses.
Questions, answered
Can I wear long sleeves to a Southern summer wedding?
Yes, if the ceremony is indoors and the dress is flowy, like the light blue chiffon maxi above. For a lawn or beach wedding, short flutter sleeves are usually more comfortable.
What colors should I avoid as a wedding guest?
Avoid white, ivory and cream so you do not compete with the bride. Soft green, mauve, blue, yellow and red are all safe choices unless the invitation says otherwise.
How early should I order my dress?
Order at least three to four weeks ahead. Shipping is free to the US and takes 7-14 business days, and all sales are final, so you want time to check the fit and plan your shoes.