What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Content editor
Sarah Lafarge
Summer wedding outfit ideas
A summer wedding guest outfit not only has to look smart and elegant, it also has to keep you cool and comfortable however hot it gets. Whether you're attending a wedding in the UK or heading abroad for a beach wedding, we've got all the inspiration you need.
The first thing to look at is your choice of fabrics. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen and silk are breathable and better suited to warmer weather than synthetics. Look for flowing, rather than clingy, dresses that could make you feel restricted and therefore overheat.
For men, the ideal choice for higher temperatures is to choose a linen suit. Our linen Miracle suit is designed to be crease-resistant, so you'll look smart and fresh all day (and night) long.

Best colours for a summer wedding
What colour you choose for your summer wedding outfit is also a key consideration. Firstly, check with the bride's party to see what colours they're wearing to avoid any outfit faux pas on the day (white and cream are also off the table for obvious reasons).
Pastels are the obvious choice for summer wedding colours – think pale pinks and blues, soft lavender or yellow. Vibrant tropical-style hues such as turquoise, fuchsia and coral also work well. Softer metallics such as silver are also a good option. Be inspired by our selection of wedding guest dresses by Monsoon, LK Bennett and Ro & Zo.
For men's suits, choose a lighter shade – pale grey, sand and light blue – teamed with contrasting pastel accessories such as ties and pocket squares. If wearing a darker colour is non-negotiable, navy looks less harsh than black in the summer months.

Summer wedding accessories
We all know that summer weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for every eventuality, especially if you are attending a wedding in the UK. Having the right accessories to hand can help your summer wedding attire go the distance.
If hot sunny weather is forecast, or you're attending a wedding abroad where high temperatures are expected, a pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat is essential summer wedding attire for women. Open-toed shoes that keep your feet as cool as possible are also a good idea. If you're attending a summer wedding in the UK, have a wrap, blazer or cardigan to hand if the weather takes a turn and temperatures start to drop.
For men, if the wedding is abroad (especially on a beach), check to see if the dress code is more relaxed. You might not have to wear a tie and footwear could be more casual too, think loafers worn without socks or even smart leather sandals.
Loving your M&S outfits? Tag your looks on Instagram with #MyMarks for a chance to be featured online.
Published 5.16.2025
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