What to wear to every type of wedding: Dresses for destination weddings, dresses for fall and winter weddings, spring and summer weddings, and more

With wedding dress attire themes getting more and more creative, and each wedding becoming more and more unique, finding the perfect dress for every type of wedding is anything but easy! You likely have a ton of different weddings, each with different dress codes, from black-tie, to semi-formal, to ‘country chic’ and ‘tropical elegant’ and destination weddings, so where do you even begin when it comes to how to dress for a destination wedding, a city wedding, a beach wedding, or a country club formal wedding? Here are my favorite picks of dresses and jumpsuits for every type of wedding imaginable. 

Important things to note: Unless requested, proper wedding etiquette is it’s still never, ever okay to wear white to a wedding! I’d also steer away from white for a bridal shower, or a bachelorette party, or an engagement party. Anytime it’s a wedding-related event, the bride will most likely be wearing white, and it’s best and most polite to reserve the color for her. 

It’s always better to overdress than underdress. Long dresses are VERY in for weddings, and you’re unlikely to see people in mini dresses at a wedding (if it’s a more casual affair, I’d opt for a midi or a flowy maxi, instead).

What to wear to a destination wedding

Wondering what to wear for a destination wedding? Whether you’re attending a wedding in Mexico, the Bahamas, Hawaii or Bali, these are the best destination wedding guest dresses for warm weather and fun, tropical elegance. Your date should opt for a blazer, but depending on the wedding may be able to go without a tie. If so, I’m a big fan of the classy hawaiian shirt and blazer look, which is what most of the guys wore at our destination wedding in Maui this year.  

LIKELY Asra Gown in Baltic Sea

Bec + Bridge Dusty Palms Maxi Dress in Dusty Palms

LIKELY Katerina Dress in Olive Oil & PinkCAMI NYC Milan Dress in Tropics

 

only $80!

Show Me Your Mumu Taylor Tube Dress in Hot Pink

 

ELLIATT Reception Dress in Fuchsia

 

 

Jennifer Behr Juliette Earring in CrystalJennifer Behr Juliette Earring in Crystal NICHOLAS Baylee Dress in Black

Norma Kamali Halter Turtle Gown in RoseFrench Countryside Lavender High-Low DressNorma Kamali X REVOLVE Diana Gown in Orchid Pink

 

 

Karina Grimaldi Pauline Dot Dress in BlushKatie May X REVOLVE Bambina Dress in Sky

 

 

I see this yellow dress looking fuego at a Mexico wedding in Cabo or Tulum, or somewhere else South of the Border like Colombia

House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Rosaline Dress in YellowROCOCO SAND Aita Dress in BlackAmanda Uprichard Janet Dress in Sunset

Iconic Moment Red Bodycon Midi Dress

 

 

Only $48!

 

This bold color block dress would be so perfect for a wedding in Palm Springs! 

What to wear to a black tie wedding

A black tie wedding is FORMAL! Your date will need to wear a tuxedo, and you should opt for a formal, upscale, long and luxe gown. 

Here are the best wedding guest dresses for a black-tie wedding 

SAU LEE Palmela Dress in Black

ELLIATT Rachel Dress in CobaltBEC&BRIDGE Salton Sea Midi Dress in Sky Blue

Nookie Aria One Shoulder Gown in Neon Pink

 

Katie May X REVOLVE Edgy Dress in CherrySusana Monaco Strapless Hi Low Dress in Perfect Red

 

  Michael Costello x REVOLVE Generosity Dress in SeafoamNorma Kamali Strapless Fishtail Dress in Black

I wore this dress to a black-tie wedding in Paris and it was such a hit! it’s been sold out forever but is finally back!

Katie May Secret Agent Dress in BlackKatie May Secret Agent Dress in BlackSAU LEE Genevie Satin Gown in Black

I love pairing black tie dresses with a statement earring like these:

8 Other Reasons Daya Dusters in Clear 8 Other Reasons Daya Dusters in Clear

 

 Katie May Surreal Gown in Black

Lovers + Friends Urgonia Gown in Pink TonalNBD Asher Midi Dress in Fuchsia

 

What to wear to a black tie optional wedding

Wondering what to wear to a black-tie optional wedding? These elegant semi-formal dresses are a great option for black tie optional weddings. While you might be inclined to wear black, you can go brighter or bolder in the summer, and amp up your look with bold jewels and heels!

ELLIATT Cassini Dress in Blue

 

 

Amanda Uprichard X REVOLVE Riesling Dress in PacificELLIATT X REVOLVE Pippa Dress in Nude

 

HEMANT AND NANDITA Veena Dress in Nude

 

What to wear to a winter wedding

Ilaria Cashmere Dress, image 1

L'IDEE Gala Gown in CobaltLovers + Friends Milwood Midi Dress in Emerald Green

Norma Kamali Diana Gown in BronzeSusana Monaco Strapless Hi Low Dress in Perfect Red

Tricks of the Trade Forest Green Maxi DressMoments Of Bliss Forest Green Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress

 Norma Kamali Off the Shoulder Fishtail Gown in BlackNorma Kamali Diana Gown in Plum

Heavenly Hues Magenta Maxi Dress

Under $100 on Lulus!

This floral midi dress would be so perfect for a more casual fall wedding! 

 

What to wear to a beach-chic, or summer casual wedding

Adorable casual but still elegant looks for attending a summer wedding

Amanda Uprichard Janet Dress in Sunset

I LOVE this tropical floral print dress for a beach front summer wedding! 

What to wear to a vineyard wedding

Depending on the dress code, these are some of my favorite dresses for a wedding in Napa or wine country

Nookie Lust One Shoulder Gown in BlushNBD Yvonne Midi Dress in Peach NudeLovers + Friends Donatella Midi Dress in Canary Blue

 

I wore this one to my brother’s welcome party in Napa and it was so cute and flattering!

 

 

This midi dress would be gorgeous for a more casual Napa wedding! 

 

What to wear to a country club wedding

Depending on the dress code, these are some of my favorite looks for a more formal country club wedding

 

 

 

What Shoes to Wear to a wedding

Because you’ll want some heels that don’t hurt the second you hit the dance floor!!!

Schutz Ariella Heel in TransparenteLoeffler Randall Penny High Heel Pleated Knot Slide in Gold

Tony Bianco Fiance Sandal in Skin Capretto

 

These bold heels would be SO fun as a pop of color for your destination or summer wedding outfit! 

Comfy block heels for weddings are perfect if you’re on a lawn!

 
RAYE Sybil in Beige
 

Still wondering where to look online for dresses for a wedding? here are some of the best websites to shop for dresses:

Revolve – I get everything from there, and absolutely love their dress selection. 

The Reformation – really good selection of cute and elegant formal dresses for every occasion. 
Fame and Partners – Fame & Partners is a really hot brand right now for wedding guest and bridesmaid dresses.
 
BHLDN – another really hot bridesmaid dresses site that has expanded into formal dresses for wedding guests, too. 
Saks Off Fifth – I love peeking at Off Fifth to find good deals on formal dresses. 
 
Shopbop – high-end but always has amazing dresses. 
 
Nordstrom – of course always a good place to start when looking for dresses!

Check out my other related blog posts!

How to plan your honeymoon

The best maldives honeymoon guide

The Ultimate Jetset Guide to Paris

What to pack for a weekend in Napa Valley

The Best Gifts for Honeymooners : what to gift the bride and groom

The Best Swimwear to buy this Summer

The Best Honeymoon Hotels in the Amalfi Coast

 

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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