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The Best Summer Wedding Dress Styles for 2023

Are you searching for summer wedding dresses that will have you looking effortlessly cool and stylish? From breathable fabrics to unique embellishments and appliqués, summer wedding gowns from designers like Essense of Australia, Stella York, Martina Liana and All Who Wander are all any bride needs for a warm-weather celebration.  

Whether you are getting married at a casual summer wedding in your backyard or outdoors on the beach, we have curated the best wedding dresses for your summer celebration and added some tips to help you plan your wedding day. Keep reading to discover more about elevating your bridal style with dresses for a summer wedding. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor Summer Wedding 

The first step in planning a summer wedding is deciding whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding. Indoor summer weddings have the benefit of air conditioning and more control over decorations and unexpected weather conditions. On the other hand, an outdoor wedding brings the beauty of nature to your beck and call, and the night sky provides a glittery backdrop as you share your first dance together. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference and the couple’s style, plus practical considerations like weather conditions!  

If choosing an outdoor wedding, keep your guests top of mind and remember that they may be dealing with high temperatures and UV rays. Combat the heat by choosing to host your wedding at a later time after the sun sets, renting portable fans or misters, offering sunglasses as a wedding favor or selecting a venue with an indoor area where guests can pop in to cool off. Find more helpful tips and advice on planning a successful outdoor celebration on our Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Weddings

Choosing the Right Fabric for a Summer Wedding 

Summer weddings, while absolutely stunning, can often be hot and humid depending on the location. Summer brides may want to consider the type of fabric they want to wear while wedding dress shopping to avoid selecting something that is heavy or makes them feel overheated. We’ve rounded up a few wedding dress fabrics that may work best:  

  • Tulle – This open-net, sheer fabric is breathable and airy, and it can add volume to nearly any summer bridal gown. It is an excellent option for brides who seek outdoor wedding dresses that make them feel comfortable in the warm sun. 
  • Crepe – Modern summer brides will love this silk fabric’s soft structure and lightweight nature. Crepe is clean and smooth, and it drapes beautifully on the body, making it a stunning choice for sleek outdoor summer wedding styles such as a museum courtyard or rooftop wedding venue. 
  • Chiffon – Whether you are saying “I do” on the beach or want a dress that’s easy to travel with for a destination wedding, chiffon is a must. This lightweight fabric is a classic, and for a good reason— it’s flattering and drapes beautifully on so many body types. 

What are the Best Silhouettes for a Summer Wedding? 

When it comes to picking out a wedding dress silhouette for summer wedding dresses, brides will want to consider not only the venue but the expected weather conditions. That being said, comfort can be key for the summer bride. Avoid dresses with heavier fabrics like ballgowns and instead look for dresses such as sheaths, A-lines or slip dresses.  

If you want to add more drama without committing to the extra fabric, consider adding detachable elements like an overskirt and removable sleeves for two looks in one. Just keep in mind that wedding dress overskirts work better for an indoor wedding ceremony where the temperature can be controlled.  

Summer Wedding Dress Ideas for a Beach Wedding 

For the bride who feels at home on the beach, look for a few key design elements that make for beautiful beach wedding dresses. Easy-to-wear fabrics in simple silhouettes capture the ocean’s beauty and keep you fresh in the heat of the beach. Nothing says beach wedding dresses quite like a flowy A-line silhouette and a strapless neckline. When it comes to wedding dress fabrics, silky chiffon pairs well with any seaside ceremony, but lace also has a place at summer beach weddings. 

Our Favorite Summer Wedding Dresses 

Our summer wedding dress gallery is filled with fabulous options to get married under the sun! Whether it’s warm outside or just in your heart, thanks to our labels — Essense of Australia, Stella York, Martina Liana and All Who Wander finding your dream bridal gown is easy as pie! Here are some of our favorite summer wedding dresses: 

Casual Summer Wedding Dress 

Summer brides will love the fashion-forward and stylish, All Who Wander west gown! This two-piece A-line silhouette displays a boho vibe on a casual bridal gown design. Elements like a chic detachable belt and sheer balloon sleeves with a buttoned crepe cuff paired with luxe embroidered silk chiffon create a relaxed and modern gown for a casual summer wedding. You can explore more casual wedding gowns in our gallery!   

Outdoor Summer Wedding Gown 

For brides who use words like ethereal and romantic when describing their wedding aesthetic, Essense of Australia Style D3636 is a gorgeous choice for an outdoor summer celebration. The sweeping layers of chiffon fabric on the floating A-line skirt are elevated with a sexy high slit that will keep you cool at your warm weather celebration. Summer brides will also love the gorgeous off-the-shoulder blouson sleeves that can be removed when those temperatures rise. 

Summer Beach Wedding Dress  

Brides don’t need to sacrifice glamor when looking for a summer beach wedding dress — take the All Who Wander jules gown! A romantic slip gown made from ivory liquid crepe pairs beautifully with a modern straight neckline and thin spaghetti straps. Deep side cutouts plunge to the waistline with illusion tulle, which makes the ideal combination for a breathable dress for a ceremony on the sand. 

Glamorous Summer Bridal Dress 

Brides will shimmer in the sun when wearing this sparkling fit-and-flare wedding dress. Martina Liana Style 1488 is a summer-ready gown with beaded spaghetti straps that meet a sparkling sheer, bustier bodice. The sparkle doesn’t end there because brides will find another layer of glittery tulle underneath the skirt, which adds a shimmering dimension to shine bright on their wedding day. Sexy side cutout details made of illusion are met with a twist on the traditional laced back detail created by soft, airy tulle straps. Embroidered lace details and matching sheer long lace gloves complete this stunning summer bridal look! 

Lace Summer Wedding Dress 

Brides can opt for this allover lace fit-and-flare summer bridal gown for a classic wedding theme! The cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline on Martina Liana Style 1463 add a soft touch to the shoulder, while a round keyhole open back creates a dazzling finishing detail. The gown’s overskirt can add an additional layer of ethereal beauty to a formal ceremony. Later, it can be removed to create more movement for a warm evening reception filled with love, laughs and dancing! 

Simple Summer Wedding Dress 

The simple A-line silhouette of Stella York Style 7585 is undeniably the definition of modern romance. With sleek spaghetti straps, a soft V-neckline adds a flattering cut accentuated by the refined lines of the crossover ruching in the bodice. The craftsmanship of this gown makes it a flawless fit for nearly any summer wedding venue, whether it’s a destination wedding in Fiji or a coastal celebration on Cape Cod. 

Plus Size Summer Bridal Gown

The stunning hand-placed blossom appliqué on Stella York Style 7636 intricately adorns this allover lace figure-flattering silhouette. This plus size wedding dress features a sweetheart neckline and a detachable lace shoulder strap for a comfortable design that will complement any bride’s summer nuptials. The gown has a breathtaking skirt that cascades into a sweeping train, which will look beautiful in pictures! 

Ready to find the summer wedding dress of your dreams with these designer styles? To find a bridal shop near you, visit our store locator today.