Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Dallas/Meraki Weddings
Summer is the perfect time of year to get married, but depending on where you plan to say I do, it could be hot hot hot.
Once you’ve ordered your wedding dress, it’s time to start shopping for summer bridesmaid dresses to complement your look.
The good news? There are tons to choose from, even if you’re getting married in the blazing sun on the hottest day of the year!
Here are seven summer bridesmaid dresses you’re sure to love, plus how to choose the best colors, fabrics, and silhouettes for the big day:
The Best Colors for a Summer Wedding
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Baltimore/Jenny Quicksall
Almost any color can work for a summer wedding, but there are certain colors, such as brights and pastels, that tend to be summer favorites.
Light pink, coral, lavender, and dusty blue bridesmaid dresses are always on trend for a summer wedding. But neutrals such as gray, beige, and even black are also chic options.
If you’re doing a mixed-and-matched bridesmaid look, consider adding some floral dresses or pretty prints into the mix as well!
When shopping for wedding party dresses, there are only a few colors that really scream fall and winter. (Burgundy, mustard, burnt orange, hunter green, we’re talking about you!) If your heart is set on a traditional autumn shade, consider looking for a dustier or paler option that gives off more summery vibes.
Learn more about the mix-and-match bridesmaid dress trend in our guide — How To Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses!
Choose Fabrics That Work in Hot Weather
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Freehold/Heather Marie Leicy
The hotter the weather, the more comfortable you’ll be in a lightweight dress. Luckily, bridesmaid dresses come in lots of lightweight, breathable fabrics.
From luxe chiffon looks and soft crepe gowns to charmeuse slip dresses and airy tulle designs, finding a lightweight fabric in the color you love will be a cinch!
In the heat, it’s best to avoid heavy fabrics. So faille, velvet, and satin dresses with linings are usually better options for early spring, fall, and winter.
Allover sequin gowns can be a bit heavy for the heat too, but if you’re into glitz, there’s an easy way around that:
Just choose a lightweight dress and accessorize with a beaded or sequin belt!
Gorgeous, warm weather means it’s “wedding season!” Discover 8 Beautiful Spring Bridesmaid Dresses [Pastels and More]!
The Best Silhouettes for a Summer Wedding
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh/Brynn Gross
With the exception of long sleeves, there’s no right or wrong silhouette for a summer wedding.
Strapless, spaghetti strap, sleeveless, short-sleeve, and cap sleeve designs are all great options. You can also keep your bridesmaids looking cool and feeling comfortable. One-shoulder designs, backless dresses, or dresses with strappy back details are summer-friendly!
When it’s time to decide on a length, choose your silhouette based on the formality of your wedding.
For a black tie event, full-length gowns are the standard. Look for a long gown with a front or side slit, and your bridesmaids can enjoy a bit of built-in air conditioning.
If your wedding is slightly less formal, consider knee length, tea length, high-low hems, or midi dresses. Short bridesmaid dresses are also an option for a casual wedding … or a beach wedding in the tropics!
Check out our entire collection of wedding dresses for bridesmaids, including junior bridesmaids, flower girl dresses, & more!
7 Bridesmaid Dresses Perfect for a Summer Wedding
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids/Twobirds New York
Okay, now let’s talk about a few dresses that might be perfect for your big day. Keep in mind — this is just a small glimpse at some of the gorgeous summer bridesmaid dresses in Bella Bridesmaids’ boutiques!
Social 8204
The Social 8204 dress isn’t just a great summer bridesmaid dress. It’s also a look that your bridesmaids can easily wear again as a cocktail dress or as a wedding guest dress to a different summer or fall event.
This midi dress boasts a slip dress silhouette with one wide shoulder strap, one spaghetti strap, a draped cowl neck, and a side slit.
Twobirds High Low Dress
In silky jersey with a high low hem, the Twobirds High Low Dress is a versatile option for any wedding celebration. It’s detailed with spaghetti straps, a slightly scooped neckline, and an A-line skirt, making it a flattering option for every body type.
Jenny Yoo Mila Dress
With delicate ruffles and an allover floral print, the Jenny Yoo Mila Dress is a romantic choice for any beach wedding, garden wedding, or boho celebration. This floor-length gown is made from lightweight, airy chiffon fabric, with spaghetti straps, flutter sleeves, and a V-back.
This look is available in watercolor garden prints, painted petal prints, and vintage florals. So pretty!
Amsale Carmelle Dress
The Amsale Carmelle Dress is lightweight and breathable in a wrap dress silhouette crafted from flat chiffon. This chiffon bridesmaid dress features a V-neckline with halter straps at the back of the neck, a sash at the waist, and a full A-line skirt.
Watters Diedra Dress
Searching for a formal dress for a black-tie summer wedding?
The Watters Diedra Dress is a stunning choice, in a fit and flare silhouette made from soft crepe fabric. This gown features a strapless bodice, a slightly scooped neckline, and a full skirt with a chic front slit.
Hayley Paige Occasions 5704
The Hayley Paige Occasions 5704 gown is timeless in an A-line silhouette with a V-neck bodice and pleated accents. In addition, this gorgeous design features spaghetti straps that crisscross in the back. This dress will help keep your bridesmaids cool and comfy on a hot summer day.
Dessy Collection 3110 Dress
In whisper satin, the Dessy Collection 3110 Dress features a Grecian column-inspired silhouette that makes it oh-so-flattering to wear. But this satin dress is so unique because it’s detailed with convertible straps. So you can wear it as a halter neck, a one-shoulder, or a strapless design.
Conclusion
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your entire life. Shopping for bridesmaid dresses is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning the event!
Are you looking for casual boho bridesmaid dresses? Shopping for formal bridesmaid gowns? Looking for tips on how to style your summer wedding around a certain color?
You’ll find it all on the Bella Bridesmaids blog.
Give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for even more wedding ideas!