Dressing for a Summer Wedding
📍 Downtown St. Pete, Florida
Dress || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Handbag
After over a year of plans being thrown to the wayside, it seems like we all made it to the other side. Big celebrations, namely weddings, are back and in full swing. I can’t think of a better reason to get together with your loved ones and look forward to dressing up for the occasion. While there are several different dress codes one may need to follow, each is the perfect opportunity to wear a new dress and dance the night away. For whatever is on the invitation, here are some of my favorite styles to welcome back fêtes and get-togethers. Let’s start dressing for a summer wedding!
Tropical
If you live in Florida, this can be a pretty common request for local weddings, especially if the couple are avid beach lovers. Destination weddings in the Caribbean also may include this. This can be a welcome sight for summer weddings because it means light and breezy fabrics are fair game. Think brights colors and tropical-inspired floral prints. While it may seem like the most casual dress code option at first, you can get on the dressier side as long as it is still on theme. Don’t take yourself too seriously with this style. My favorite brand would have to be Farm Rio. Start there for some incredible inspiration!
Semi-Formal
I think this is what many of us are used to seeing when it comes to the summer wedding dress code. Many of the same silhouettes and styles from a ‘tropical’ wedding would still apply. Maybe just lose the aloha prints, depending on the setting. In terms of what color to wear, anything can work… except white, of course. Light and bright colors would work perfectly for a daytime wedding, while black and navy would be better for an evening affair. I think the trick here is to look effortlessly elegant. My go-to look is always a midi dress and nude heels. It’s perfect for the wedding ceremony, reception and if you want to keep dancing the night away at an after-party. Don’t be afraid to mix things up with a fun jumpsuit.
Cocktail
I think the best mindset for this dress code is to ask yourself, “what would I wear to a cocktail party?” What if the word wedding wasn’t on the invitation? While you want to still avoid white and features that take attention away from the bride, this will help take some pressure off in finding that perfect dress. You want to be a combination of elegant and comfortable, without going too short on the dress’s length. Pick a flattering color and shape that shows off your best features, and you won’t ever go wrong!
Black Tie
It’s such a treat to find this on a wedding invitation. It’s an excuse to get gussied up like you’re attending a Hollywood premiere and celebrate the people you love. As we all know, summer can be brutally warm. So, try to find silhouettes that can keep you just a little bit cooler. Avoid sleeves, but also consider a high-low hemline. The fewer the number of layers, the better. In fact, you may want to consider having your dress altered to get rid of any extra fabric. Typically, black-tie weddings are in the evening, and darker colors may be best. Although, that doesn’t mean you have to turn down pastels instantly.
Welcome back to the social season! Don’t forget to dress for the occasion this summer! Enjoy each invitation for celebration and toasts that come your way this year. Speaking for myself, I know it’s something I’ll never take for granted again!
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.