Dress for a Summer Wedding

Summer Wedding Attire Considerations

Summer is a lovely season for weddings because of its brilliant colors and long, bright days. Yet the heat and humidity of summer weather can wreak havoc with bridal fashion, turning the loveliest wedding dress into an oven of satin and silk. Brides who choose to match their attire to the season will be more comfortable without sacrificing any bridal gown beauty. Summer weddings have two principle considerations:

• Climate: A summer wedding in Maine, at a mountain resort, or in another cool location will not need much accommodation for weather-related attire. Weddings in southern locations, however, may be plagued with high heat or oppressive humidity, and brides should plan their attire accordingly.
• Location: Many summer weddings are at lovely outdoor locations such as gardens or beaches. These are lovely venues, but choosing a gown with a full skirt when the wedding aisle will be a narrow path between hedges or along a craggy beach may be unwise. Brides should always consider their ceremony and reception location when selecting their gown.

Choosing a Dress for a Summer Wedding

Loose, flowy fabrics are comfortable.

Once a bride understands the basic considerations for her wedding attire, she can begin to choose among different attributes of the gown itself to find the most stylish, attractive dress for her summer nuptials.

• Fabric: The most vital consideration for a summer wedding dress is fabric. Cooler, lightweight fabrics will be more comfortable and will permit more air to circulate between layers to keep the bride cool. Cotton, crepe, chiffon, lace, eyelet, organza, tulle, and georgette are the most popular options for summer gowns, and brides can still accent their gown with satin or silk if they desire. When combining fabrics, however, take care not to use too many layers that will act as undesirable insulation.
• Style: The style of the dress can help it be more appropriate for the season. A tea or calf-length dress will naturally be cooler, though many brides still prefer full length wedding gowns. Using a detachable train or one that bustles easily will help minimize layers to keep the dress cooler. Brides can also select looser, more diaphanous gowns that won’t cling to the skin. A flowy beach wedding dress, for example, is perfect for a sandy summer celebration.
• Neckline: Showing a bit of elegant cleavage is perfect for a summer wedding, and sweetheart, strapless, and off the shoulder necklines are always popular. Brides interested in a more modest wedding dress may choose a halter design, and halters with a keyhole embellishment are sophisticated as well as cool.
• Sleeves: The majority of summer brides prefer sleeveless dresses to help stay cool and be stylish on their wedding day. Spaghetti straps are also appropriate, or brides can opt for a feminine cap sleeve design for more modesty.
• Color: White is the vastly preferred color for many brides, and bright white hues look stunning with the bold colors of summer. Brides may accent their dresses with splashes of color by using a sash, trim, or other details, or some brides may be as bold as the season and opt for a colored wedding dress.

What to Avoid

The most important thing to remember about a dress for a summer wedding is that it should make the bride feel gorgeous. While any design can do this, and many brides choose less than optimal designs for the sake of beauty, there are certain things that should be avoided for summer wedding attire, including:

Halters are more modest.

• Heavy fabrics such as satin, velvet, brocade, or fur
• Multiple layers of tulle, crinolines, or underskirts that can trap heat
• Extensive weight from added sequins, beading, or other details that will weigh the dress down and make it cling to the skin

Summer Accessory Options

A bride isn’t a bride if she’s only wearing the dress; the wedding accessories are just as important. Summer options for basic accessories include:

• Gloves: Many summer brides skip gloves altogether or opt for cooler, fingerless designs.
• Shoes: Summer wedding shoes are often sandals, flip flops, or open-toe designs that are cooler as well as fashionable.
• Jewelry: Metal bridal jewelry can become unbearably hot when worn in the sun, and many summer brides opt for pearls or simple jewelry instead of heavy metal pieces.
• Undergarments: Bridal lingerie should be similarly lightweight and comfortable, and many brides forgo nylons and other excessive layers to keep cool all day.
• Veils: The wedding veil is an essential part of a bride’s attire, but a smaller, lighter veil may be more comfortable during the summer. Many brides also choose veils that can be easily removed after the ceremony.

A Strapless gown is a lovely summer wedding dress pattern.

More Summer Wedding Dress Tips

To look the best in your summer wedding dress:

• Check any attire restrictions for your ceremony and reception sites. Many churches do not permit strapless designs without a more modest cover or wrap.
• If you want sun-kissed skin, tan safely well before your wedding day to develop the right shade without tan lines that will be noticeable with your wedding dress.
• Be considerate of your bridesmaids and other attendants by choosing bridal party dresses that are appropriate to the season.
• Stay well hydrated before and during your celebration by drinking plenty of water. Excessive heat, nerves, and stress can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other illnesses that could be uncomfortable on your wedding day.

A dress for a summer wedding is light, comfortable, and stylish. By choosing the right type of gown for the season and location, brides can find stunning attire they’ll love to wear on that magical summer day.