Summer weddings are quite popular, both indoors and outdoors. Choosing a dress or outfit that suits the wedding requires knowing the formality of the wedding, the overall feel, and even the wedding venue. You will also need to pick the right color to wear to a summer wedding. Colors for summer weddings should not stand out too much, should suit the season and be flattering. Ideally, the colors you wear to a summer wedding will be colors you love and work for the wedding.

A Formal Wedding

Choosing colors for a formal evening summer wedding can be a bit challenging. Wedding etiquette is changing and guests may now wear black to weddings, especially formal ones. If you choose a darker or more somber color for a formal summer wedding, accessorize with brighter color or sparkle. You can also opt to wear a brighter or pastel shade, but do avoid anything that might make you look like one of the bridesmaids for an evening wedding. Summer fabrics can make a darker or richer color appropriate. Consider chiffons instead of velvets and dress cuts that expose a bit more skin to make black or another rich color more summer wedding appropriate. A dark suit in black or charcoal gray is traditional for a formal evening summer wedding for men, regardless of the temperature.

An Afternoon Wedding

Wear a beautiful and colorful summer dress for an afternoon wedding. Choose a summery shade that works with your own coloring and opt for modern color pairings. Yellow looks very current when matched with gray or try a rich and vivid bright pink with black and white. If you opt for a black dress, wear lighter or brighter accessories to avoid looking serious or somber. White remains a color designated for the bride, so avoid white dresses and suits at summer weddings. Navy, gray and khaki suits are ideal for men at afternoon weddings.

Dressing for the Heat

Select lighter colors for outdoor summer weddings. If you know it will be hot, wear pastel tones to stay cooler. Men might consider khaki or classic seersucker suits or opt for khakis and a light colored dress shirt or linen shirt to beat the heat. Buttery yellow, peach, pink, lilac and a wide variety of blues will all work well for skirts and dresses. If you prefer neutral colors, try a dove gray or light golden brown.