Summer Weddings – How to Be a Best-Dressed Guest
According to wedding industry professionals, the popularity of summer weddings began when brides-to-be looked to ensure that their wedding-day weather could easily accommodate either an indoor or outdoor ceremony. Over time, the choice for summer weather became a specific preference for the month of June, when sunny temperatures were credited with creating sunny dispositions among happy brides. As such, the month of June quickly rose in popularity, and became the most popular wedding month—a trend that lasted for many years and helped establish a tradition among bridal industry magazines for breathtaking summer wedding issues.
With summer wedding popularity in mind, bridal magazine publishers started planning months in advance while engaged women anxiously waited for the expanded issues to arrive on newsstands and in mailboxes. As every year brought seemingly bigger and better issues than the previous year, the summer issues delivered with both an impressive size and content. Found on each page after beautiful page were wedding dresses, bridesmaid attire, and accessories sure to wow every excited reader and become integral parts of any bridal and/or wedding dream board. Today, many women still opt for summer weddings for reasons such as weather, along with the availability of a preferred venue, as well as travel destination convenience for family and friends.
While summer weddings in Indian River County (IRC) offer warm weather advantages, they also present the issue of what is considered appropriate guest attire for a summer wedding. Even though rising temps may have guests in a more laid-back and casual state of mind, jeans and flip-flops would not be considered appropriate attire unless they are specified as allowable for the wedding dress code. For all summer weddings, appropriate attire is always the most important order of the day to avoid guests showing up questionably underdressed, which can lead to an attire faux pas that becomes more memorable than the wedding itself.
When choosing guest attire for summer weddings held in IRC, the best advice offered by wedding experts is simple: “The best wedding guest outfits balance an appropriate seasonal style with the dress code for the event.” For wedding guests unsure of the expected dress code, that information is usually included on guest invitations, wedding registries, and websites to avoid any on-site confusion or embarrassment. Experts further point out that, “breathable midi or maxi dresses in floral prints and satin fabrics are always popular, while a navy or charcoal suit is considered ideal for men.”
Arguably the most important thing to remember about wedding guest attire is that wedding guests should “always respect the ‘no white’ rule, and aim to match wedding attire to the specific theme or venue instead.” Many wedding professionals also extend the “no white” rule to include champagne, cream, and even lighter shades of gold, tan, and many earth tones. Even though current trends show brides are choosing more color in wedding dresses these days, guests should exercise caution with light shades of color to avoid the remote possibility of an awkward match with the bride herself or members of the bridal party.
Along with taking note of the wedding theme and location of the venue, guests at summer weddings should also check the anticipated weather for the day of the event. For example, an outdoor IRC summer wedding has the potential for sunny skies and high temperatures, which can change suddenly to an ominous sky and afternoon thunderstorm. Along with strategically placed fans, other thoughtful options for guests at outdoor summer weddings might include baskets with sunglasses, travel-sized sunblock, and/or cool towels, as well as a makeshift lemonade stand with cold drinks for attendees. Umbrellas are also a great idea to help protect guests and their perfectly chosen outfits from an unexpected and sudden rain shower, as they head for outdoor covered areas or indoor options.
For summer weddings held entirely indoors, ladies might consider wearing a layered outfit or bringing a light jacket/shawl with them to help combat the chill of AC units set at winter-like temperatures intended more for large ice sculptures and energetic dancers than for seated guests.
According to recent statistics, summer weddings are still very popular among couples that want to embrace summer as the season of love and marriage. As such, many wedding experts agree that when it comes to the best guest attire at summer weddings it will always be wise to choose light and breathable fabrics that help guests stay cool in warm temps. Once the right outfit is chosen and accessorized, guests can look forward to embracing the warmth and summer love shared by the newlyweds, friends, and family.
Photo courtesy of Jannette De Llanos Photography
Photo courtesy of Jennifer G Photography
Photo courtesy of Alena Bakutis Photography
