What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: Outfit & Shoe Ideas for Men & Women

April 25, 2025

There’s something undeniably magical about a summer wedding - the golden light, the blooming landscapes, and the air of celebration. But let’s be real: dressing for one can be tricky given the specifics of the weather. You want to look effortlessly elegant but also stay cool and comfortable under the sun. And that can only be achieved with the right styles. So, what are the perfect summer wedding outfits that balance style, sophistication, and breathability?

Whether you're a guest, part of the bridal party, or even the couple of the hour, this guide breaks down the best outfit and shoe ideas for summer weddings, tailored for men and women who never compromise on fashion, especially when the dress code calls for finesse. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Best Summer Wedding Attire for Different Dress Codes

Before anything else, deciphering the dress code is key. Nowadays, it is very common for weddings to have dress codes and even colour palettes. And if you violate the same, be prepared to stand out like a sore thumb and sour relationships, depending on how sensitive the special couple is. To avoid that, here’s how to dress appropriately—and stylishly - based on the tone of the event.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional

• Women: Opt for lightweight gowns in silk or chiffon, or a structured midi with statement earrings. Be mindful of the patterns and colours on the outfit so that it is appropriate for formal and black tie.
• Men: A light linen or tropical wool suit in beige, dove grey, or navy works beautifully and suits the dress code as well. Pair with polished loafers for men for a refined finish.

Semi-Formal / Garden Party

• Women: Flowy floral dresses or pleated midi skirts paired with a silk blouse. Add chic accessories and heeled mules. This look matches the season the most, regardless of the location of the wedding – wear the spirit of summer.
• Men: Ditch the tie, but keep the blazer. A pastel shirt with tailored trousers is an instant winner. If you’re feeling particularly brave, keep the top two buttons unbuttoned.

Beach or Destination Wedding

• Women: Think breezy maxi dresses, co-ord sets, or printed jumpsuits. Pair with strappy slides for women for an easy, glam vibe. This is perhaps the most easy-going dress code that you can comply with.
• Men: Go for relaxed cotton shirts, linen pants, and open footwear like smart sandals for men that strike the right balance between cool and classy. The breeziest looks come under this category.

Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics for Summer Weddings

Wearing the wrong fabric in 35°C heat? A rookie mistake that will make your summer wedding experience a hellscape. Choosing the right fabric can keep you cool – literally and fashionably. To help you choose the right ones, here are fabrics that will keep your style high and sweat levels low:

For Women:

• Chiffon: Flowy and flattering for all body types, especially wonderful for dresses.
• Cotton blends: Breathable yet structured for dresses and jumpsuits, and also the most popularly used.
• Silk or satin: Luxurious with a natural sheen—great for evening wear. Just make sure to check the thickness of the outfit before packing it.

For Men:

• Linen: Light, crisp, and ideal for day weddings – and today’s hottest fabric for men in summer.
• Seersucker: Slightly textured but airy, perfect for semi-formal affairs – also highly on trend across the market.
• Lightweight wool: Suitable for black-tie events in controlled indoor settings, giving you the elegance you want while keeping you cool.

Avoid heavy synthetics or clingy fabrics—they tend to trap heat and moisture, making the day feel longer than the vows. By the end of it, if you’re in the wrong outfit, you’ll end up with bad memories instead of happy ones.

Elegant Accessories to Complete Your Summer Wedding Look

Accessories make or break a look, especially when your outfit is intentionally pared-back for comfort. To make sure that your summer wedding outfit lands like no other, choose the right accessories for your look. Here are some suggestions from our side:

For Her:

• Statement earrings or delicate layered necklaces
• Straw or box clutches in pastel or metallic shades
• Sunglasses with a retro flair for outdoor ceremonies
• Neutral or embellished mules for women to strike the perfect note between function and fashion

For Him:

• Pocket squares in linen or silk to add a pop of colour
• Lightweight watches or minimalistic bracelets
• Loafers or slip-on sandals that are formal without being fussy

Just remember - less is more. Let your outfit breathe.

Stylish Summer Wedding Outfits for Grooms and Brides

If you're the centre of attention, your outfit needs to be stunning and summer-proof. After all, it’s your big day. Here are some ideas for various outfits that the special couple can pick for themselves to wear to the functions.

Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas for Brides

• Opt for sleeveless or off-shoulder gowns in tulle, organza, or georgette
• Floral appliqué or subtle shimmer adds dimension without heaviness
• If going Indo-western, consider an embroidered blouse with a flowy skirt and a sheer dupatta

Summer Wedding Outfits for Grooms

• Skip the three-piece suit - try a two-piece in linen or jacquard
• Pastels, ivory, or soft metallic tones photograph beautifully in natural light
• Pair with premium loafers for men for a sleek and ceremonial finish

Planning a beach or garden wedding? Coordinate with light tones and complementary textures for a visually cohesive couple look.

Tips to Stay Cool and Comfortable in Summer Wedding Attire

Looking fabulous shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. There are ways to stay comfortable even in the heat of summer when you’re attending a wedding. Here’s how to keep your cool this wedding season:

Hydration = Your Secret Weapon

Drink water before you even feel thirsty and carry a small face mist if possible. There are highly portable designs available that can be a boon.

Footwear First

No matter how pretty the shoes, don’t wear anything that causes blisters. Try on your chosen pair in advance and consider inner soles or grip pads for extra comfort. A good strategy is not to wear it for the first time on the wedding day, but rather wear it around for shorter stints beforehand.

Go Hands-Free

Choose bags with straps or wristlets—because balancing a clutch while holding a drink and fanning yourself is not the move. You’ll need your hands free on many occasions.

Prep with Skincare

Use a mattifying sunscreen and lightweight moisturiser. For men, a pre-shave balm can keep your skin calm under the sun. Because even the best outfit won’t look good on skin that is being roasted by the summer sun.

Conclusion

Styling the perfect summer wedding outfit is all about finding that balance between sophistication and seasonal practicality. With the right fabrics, silhouettes, accessories—and of course, the perfect pair of shoes—you can breeze through every summer celebration looking cool, collected, and completely on point.

At Metro, we offer curated collections that complement the season’s most elegant looks. From breathable sandals for men to minimalist slides for women, sleek loafers for men to strappy mules for women—we have everything you need to complete your summer wedding look in style.

Say "I do" to fashion-forward wedding fits - only at Metro Shoes