What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Whether it’s black tie at a rooftop hotel or barefoot vows on the beach, figuring out what to wear to a summer wedding can feel... unnecessarily complicated. Dress codes are vague, the weather is unpredictable, and you want to look polished without overheating or overdressing.
At Mada, we take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Using our curated shopping experience and patented personalization technology, we help you find the perfect outfit — fast. In this guide, we break down what to wear to every type of summer wedding (and what not to), with style tips that actually make sense.
BLACK TIE
Elegant, elevated, but still breathable.
For a black tie summer wedding, you’ll want to keep things formal — without melting by cocktail hour. Go for floor-length dresses in lighter fabrics like silk chiffon, satin, or tulle. For colors, opt for pastels, sunset shades, and rich jewel tones. Skip anything heavy or overly embellished.
Pro tips:
Gold or silver clutches will match just about any dress
Invest in the dress, save on the accessories
Updos or sleek hair help manage humidity
Discover more black tie wedding guest dresses on The Mada App
FORMAL
Sophisticated, but with a little more freedom.
Formal dress code still calls for polish, but you’ve got more room to play. Midi, tea-length, or maxi dresses are safe bets — think tailored silhouettes, clean prints, or luxe details like pleating or draping. You can skip the floor-length gown, but the overall vibe should still feel elevated.
Pro Tips:
Try bold color or a modern floral print for a less traditional twist.
Pair with strappy heels or a sculptural mule.
Use accessories to dress up or down the look
Discover more formal wedding guest dresses on The Mada App
COCKTAIL
Polished, pretty, and a little playful.
Cocktail attire doesn’t have to mean city-at-night. For a summer wedding, it often leans softer — think garden party energy with a little edge. Flowy midi dresses, flouncy mini dresses, or matching sets in floral jacquards or lightweight silk blends are all fair game. Skip the bodycon and go for something with movement, color, and charm.
Style tips:
Embrace prints, puff sleeves, or subtle cutouts for daytime freshness.
A low block heel or slingback keeps it chic (and dance-floor friendly).
A matching set can be a chic, unexpected option
Find more cocktail wedding guest dresses on The Mada App
Dressing for a summer wedding doesn’t have to mean endless scrolling or second-guessing the dress code. Whether it’s black tie in July or barefoot vows on the beach, the right outfit should feel effortless — and still look intentional. Mada helps you find wedding guest dresses that actually match the occasion and your personal style. No guesswork, no overwhelm. Just curated picks that get it right.
Looking for the one? Start with Mada.