What to Wear to a Summer Wedding as a Guest: Stylish Outfits for Men and Women
Melissa BanSummer weddings are filled with sunshine, love, and unforgettable memories. But if you're invited to one, the big question often becomes: What do I wear? Whether it's a coastal ceremony, a countryside estate, or an elegant city soirée, the summer wedding dress code can be tricky to navigate — especially if you're aiming for comfort, confidence, and style.
At Vivaro London, we believe in celebrating life's special moments with meaningful jewellery and elevated style. In this blog, we're sharing a complete guide on what to wear to a summer wedding as a guest — for both men and women — including styling advice, outfit inspiration, jewellery recommendations, and etiquette tips.
Summer Wedding Dress Codes: What You Need to Know
Before choosing your outfit, it's essential to consider the dress code, which can often be found on the invitation or wedding website. Typical summer wedding dress codes include:
- Formal / Black Tie: Floor-length gowns or elegant cocktail dresses for women; tuxedos or dark suits for men.
- Semi-Formal / Cocktail: Midi or knee-length dresses for women; suits or blazers with trousers for men.
- Smart Casual / Garden Party: Lightweight dresses, jumpsuits, or separates for women; linen shirts, tailored trousers, or even dressy chinos for men.
- Beach or Destination: Flowy fabrics, bold prints, and comfortable shoes are key.
Always dress with respect for the couple’s vision — and if in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than too casual.
Women’s Summer Wedding Guest Outfits: Style Ideas & Jewellery Pairings
☀️ 1. The Elegant Midi Dress + Gold Accents
A floaty midi dress in floral chiffon or silk is a summer wedding classic. Choose pastel shades for a soft, romantic feel, or go bold with fuchsia, tangerine, or emerald.
Jewellery Styling Tip:
Pair with 9ct Gold Always On Hoops and a delicate pendant necklace from Vivaro London. For bracelets, go for a fine diamond tennis bracelet in our illusion setting — just the right amount of sparkle without outshining the bride.
☀️ 2. Modern Romance: Jumpsuits & Statement Earrings
For a fresh, modern look, a tailored jumpsuit in crepe or satin can be just as dressy as a gown. Off-shoulder styles or wide-leg silhouettes offer a polished edge.
Jewellery Styling Tip:
Dress it up with statement earrings, like our gemstone drop designs or illusion-set diamond studs. Add a 9ct gold bangle to keep the look cohesive and contemporary.
☀️ 3. Maxi Dress for a Beach or Destination Wedding
Heading to a tropical wedding? Embrace the breezy vibe with a lightweight maxi dress. Think halter necks, floral prints, or even open-back styles — perfect for sea-view ceremonies.
Jewellery Styling Tip:
Layer thin 9ct gold chains, perhaps with a ruby or topaz pendant from our Birthstone collection. Keep earrings minimal (small hoops or studs) and opt for stackable rings for effortless vacation chic.
☀️ 4. The City Wedding Look: Tailored Dress or Skirt Co-ord
For a sleek city wedding, a structured dress or skirt suit in neutral or jewel tones brings sophistication. Think silk blazers, monochrome looks, and bold accessories.
Jewellery Styling Tip:
This look pairs beautifully with illusion-set diamond earrings and a matching bracelet — perfect for fashion-forward guests who want to shine subtly.
Men’s Summer Wedding Guest Outfits: How to Stay Cool & Sharp
☀️ 1. Lightweight Suit in Neutral Tones
Summer weddings call for breathable fabrics. A linen or cotton-blend suit in beige, dove grey, or sage green is stylish and seasonal.
Style Tip:
Pair with a white or pale blue shirt, loafers or brogues, and a silk pocket square. No tie needed unless the dress code requires it.
Jewellery Styling Tip:
Subtly elevate the look with a 9ct gold chain worn under the shirt, or a leather bracelet with gold detailing from Vivaro London — masculine, polished, and meaningful.
☀️ 2. Smart Separates for a Relaxed Wedding
If the wedding is more casual (like a garden party), opt for tailored chinos and a linen blazer. A floral shirt or Cuban collar shirt adds summer personality.
Style Tip:
Stick to breathable fabrics and avoid anything too bold or loud unless the theme encourages it.
Jewellery Styling Tip:
Pair this look with a Vivaro gold signet ring, or a textured leather bracelet with your initials engraved — discreet, stylish, and personal.
☀️ 3. Beach Wedding: Smart, Cool, and Coastal
For destination weddings, dress for the weather without losing elegance. A short-sleeved shirt, tailored shorts, or linen trousers with espadrilles are ideal.
Style Tip:
Leave the tie at home. Opt for natural tones like sand, sky blue, or seafoam green.
Jewellery Styling Tip:
Keep it minimal — perhaps a gold chain and natural stone bracelet to complement the beachy vibes.
Wedding Guest Jewellery Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
- Do wear jewellery that reflects your personal style but complements your outfit.
- Don’t wear anything too flashy that competes with the bride’s look.
- Do choose fine jewellery in gold, diamonds, or coloured gemstones for elevated elegance.
- Don’t forget comfort — choose pieces that won’t tangle, fall off, or feel heavy throughout the day.
- Do invest in quality pieces you can wear again — our illusion-set tennis bracelets and 9ct gold pendants are perfect examples.
Summer Wedding Accessories for Guests
Complete your look with the right accessories:
- Women: Woven clutch bags, strappy heels or embellished sandals, sun hats (for day weddings), and elegant shawls or scarves.
- Men: Pocket squares, leather belts, loafers or clean dress sneakers (for casual settings), and sleek sunglasses.
For both, your jewellery becomes the finishing touch that elevates everything.
How to Choose the Right Jewellery for Your Outfit
When styling your outfit, let one piece lead:
- If your dress is detailed (ruffles, embellishments), opt for subtle jewellery like a fine chain necklace or stud earrings.
- If your outfit is minimal or monochrome, go bolder with statement earrings, layered rings, or a standout bracelet.
- For men, a clean look works best with one or two discreet pieces — think a chain, bracelet, or ring, but never all three unless you’re intentionally making a statement.
Vivaro London’s 9ct gold collection offers both subtle and standout options to suit every guest.
Sustainable & Ethical Fashion for the Conscious Guest
Sustainability is no longer a trend — it’s a value. As a wedding guest, choosing consciously made fashion and jewellery makes a positive impact.
At Vivaro London, our natural diamonds are ethically sourced, our gold is refined and durable, and our designs are meant to last beyond the event. When you wear Vivaro, you wear a piece of craftsmanship that supports ethical luxury.
We also encourage re-wearing and restyling your outfits. A good suit or dress can be worn multiple times with different accessories and jewellery to create a fresh look each time.
Final Checklist: Summer Wedding Guest Essentials
Here’s a quick list to make sure you’re fully prepared:
✅ An outfit that suits the dress code
✅ Comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear
✅ Statement or subtle fine jewellery from Vivaro London
✅ A stylish yet practical bag (clutch or crossbody)
✅ Weather-ready extras (hat, shawl, sunglasses)
✅ A positive attitude and a big smile
Q&A: Summer Wedding Guest Outfits – Your Top Questions Answered
What should I wear to a summer wedding as a guest?
Choose breathable fabrics like linen, chiffon, or silk for comfort and elegance. Women can opt for floral midi dresses, jumpsuits, or maxi dresses, while men can wear lightweight suits or smart separates. Accessorise with fine jewellery such as gold hoops, illusion-set bracelets, or layered necklaces to elevate the look.
Can I wear black to a summer wedding?
Yes, you can wear black to a summer wedding, especially for city or formal evening weddings. Balance the look with lighter accessories, bold earrings, or statement shoes. A black jumpsuit or tailored dress paired with gold or diamond jewellery adds sophistication.
What jewellery should I wear to a summer wedding as a guest?
Delicate gold jewellery, small hoop earrings, pendant necklaces, and diamond tennis bracelets work beautifully. Vivaro London’s illusion-set diamond pieces add sparkle without overpowering your outfit.
Are jumpsuits appropriate for wedding guests?
Absolutely! Jumpsuits are a stylish and modern alternative to dresses. Go for a tailored fit in crepe or satin, and style with gemstone earrings and a 9ct gold bangle for a polished wedding guest look.
What should men wear to a summer wedding?
Lightweight linen or cotton suits in neutral shades like beige, sage, or grey are ideal. Men can pair these with open-collar shirts and subtle jewellery, such as gold chains or leather bracelets with gold accents.
Can I wear a floral dress to a wedding?
Yes, floral dresses are a classic choice for summer weddings. Opt for soft pastels for daytime ceremonies or bolder florals for beach or garden weddings. Pair with subtle gold jewellery for a fresh and elegant look.
Is it okay to wear gold jewellery to a wedding?
Yes, gold jewellery is timeless and wedding-appropriate. Choose 9ct gold hoops, dainty pendants, or stackable rings from Vivaro London to complete your wedding guest outfit with style and meaning.
How do I accessorise for a beach wedding?
Choose lightweight, minimal jewellery such as small hoops, stackable rings, and layered gold chains. Dresses should be flowy and breathable. A pendant with a topaz or ruby gemstone adds a pop of colour and elegance perfect for a beach setting.
Shop Your Summer Wedding Look with Vivaro London
Whether you're attending a countryside ceremony, city celebration, or dreamy beach wedding, Vivaro London offers the finishing touches that make all the difference. From illusion-set diamond bracelets to 9ct gold chains, hoops, and pendants, our pieces are made to be worn and loved long after the event ends.
Celebrate in style. Shine with confidence. Choose Vivaro.
👉 Explore our Summer Wedding Guest Jewellery Edit Now
