If you’re a bride planning a summer wedding, choosing a comfortable wedding dress style that compliments your summer wedding details will make your day much more special. Our ultimate guide to summer wedding dress ideas will help you choose a gown that will keep you comfortable all day long without compromising elegance and style.
Wedding Dress Styles That Are Perfect for Summer Weddings
- Casual Wedding Dresses: Perfect for relaxed settings, these dresses often feature simple silhouettes and lightweight fabrics.
- Beachy Wedding Dresses: These dresses are ideal for seaside ceremonies, characterized by flowy lightweight fabrics and delicate details.
- Illusion Wedding Dresses: Known for their sheer fabrics and lace appliques, these dresses add a touch of mystery while keeping things breezy.
- Low-Back Wedding Dresses: These gowns offer plunging or keyhole back styles that show off your back.
- Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses: These gowns feature an elegant neckline while exposing the shoulders, available in various styles from strapless to boho-inspired looks.
Each style caters to different preferences and wedding themes. When choosing the perfect dress, consider factors like your venue, your style, and how well the dress complements your decor and the overall aesthetic of your wedding. In this guide, we’ll give you more information about each of these summer wedding dress styles so you can shop for your gown confidently!
To find inspiration for your summer wedding dress, explore some stunning gowns like Charlotte, Josephine, Layan, or Jayden from Ellen’s Bridal. These wedding dresses are lightweight, easy to wear, and are perfect styles for summer weddings!
1. Casual Wedding Dresses
Casual wedding dresses are perfect for brides seeking a relaxed and laid-back vibe on their special day. These dresses prioritize comfort without sacrificing style, making them perfect options for summer weddings.
Comfortable and Lightweight Fabrics
Casual wedding dresses often feature comfortable and lightweight fabrics such as:
- Chiffon
- Crepe
- Stretch lace
These materials are breathable and keep you cool even in the warmest weather.
Simple Silhouettes
Simple silhouettes are a hallmark of casual wedding dresses. Expect to see:
- A-line shapes
- Sheath designs
- Tea-length gowns
- Gowns with shorter trains or no trains
These styles have an understated elegance that is both sophisticated and easy to wear.
Examples of Casual Wedding Dress Styles
Here are some examples to inspire your search:
Leela by Ellen’s Bridal showcases a beautiful, relaxed design perfect for a summer ceremony.
Talulla by Ellen’s Bridal offers another stunning option with its simple yet captivating silhouette.
2. Beachy Wedding Dresses
Beachy wedding dresses are perfect for laid-back water-front nuptials. They are designed with soft and lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, organza, and tulle, making them ideal for easy movement and breathability—essential for a summer wedding.
Characteristics of Beachy Wedding Dresses:
- Soft and Lightweight Fabrics: Materials like chiffon and organza are commonly used to create a light and breezy look.
- Open-Back or Low-Back Designs: These styles help keep you cool throughout your special day.
Examples of Beachy Wedding Dress Styles:
- Penelope: This dress from Ellen’s Bridal features a flowy silhouette that’s perfect for a beach setting.
- Willow: Another great option from Ellen’s Bridal, showcasing a low-back design that adds both elegance and practicality.
For brides who are looking for affordable options, it’s helpful to explore different price ranges available at bridal shops like Ellen’s Bridal. You can find more information about the pricing here.
Lightweight fabrics and flattering silhouettes create stunning summer beach wedding dresses.
3. Illusion Wedding Dresses
Illusion wedding dresses are a beautiful choice for summer brides who want to look ethereal and sophisticated. These dresses are made with sheer fabrics and delicate lace appliques, creating a romantic and breezy vibe.
Characteristics of Illusion Wedding Dresses
- Sheer Fabrics: Illusion dresses are usually crafted from lightweight materials like tulle or organza, ensuring both comfort and elegance.
- Lace Appliques: Intricate lace patterns are carefully added to the dress, providing a touch of sophistication and beauty.
- Breezy Look: The combination of sheer fabrics and lace gives the dress a light and airy appearance, which is perfect for warm weather.
Illusion Necklines and Sleeves
- Necklines: Illusion necklines feature sheer fabric adorned with lace or embroidery, offering the illusion of a strapless or off-the-shoulder design without sacrificing support.
- Sleeves: Sheer sleeves can range from cap sleeves to long, fitted designs, adding intrigue and elegance without heaviness.
Examples of Illusion Wedding Dress Styles
- Classic A-line: This style features an illusion neckline and sleeves, combining timeless elegance with modern details.
- Mermaid Silhouette: An illusion back or neckline adds an element of surprise to the figure-hugging mermaid dress.
- Boho-Inspired: Flowy skirts paired with illusion bodices create a whimsical and airy vibe that’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
4. Low-Back Wedding Dresses
If you’re a bride who loves the idea of showing off your back or having an open-back wedding dress, these styles would be perfect for you! These dresses often feature:
- Exposed back details that add a dramatic flair.
- Straps or sleeves to help support the dress while the back of the gown dips below your waist.
The exposed back is the standout feature of low-back wedding dresses. This design element not only highlights your back but also helps keep you cool during warmer weather. It creates a stunning visual impact, perfect for outdoor ceremonies or beach weddings.
Low-Back Wedding Dresses Inspiration
Avery from Ellen’s Bridal showcases an exquisite low-back design with a modern style. If you’re looking for a low-back dress with sleeves, consider checking out Liv from Ellen’s Bridal collection. It combines elegant lace sleeves with an illusion low-back for a stylish and romantic look.
5. Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses
Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses are a popular choice for summer weddings because of their romantic and elegant necklines which showcase your shoulders. These dresses effortlessly combine sophistication with a touch of romance, making them ideal for brides seeking a timeless yet fashionable look.
Characteristics of Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses
- Elegant Necklines: Featuring a neckline that gracefully rests below the shoulders, these dresses flatter your collarbone and shoulders.
- Versatile Designs: From vintage lace gowns to clean crepe silhouettes, off-the-shoulder wedding dresses are versatile and can work for any wedding style you choose!
Examples of Off-the-Shoulder Styles
- The Levon gown from Ellen’s Bridal has a stunning off-the-shoulder neckline and whimsical lace details.
- Another stunning option is the Mabel dress, which showcases intricate detailing and a flattering fit.
These styles ensure that every bride can find her perfect match, whether she desires a minimalist silhouette or intricate embellishments.
Finding the Perfect Summer Wedding Dress
When choosing the perfect dress for a summer wedding, consider your personal style and comfort. Whether you prefer the simplicity of casual wedding dresses or the whimsical charm of floral wedding dresses, there’s something for everyone. The light and breezy options, like beachy wedding dresses and illusion wedding dresses, ensure you stay cool and elegant. Explore low-back or off-the-shoulder designs to show off your figure. Explore these summer wedding dress ideas to find your dream dress!
Our professional bridal stylists at Ellen’s Bridal can help you narrow down your options with our proven system of helping you find the perfect gown for you. Book an appointment to start your bridal shopping journey!
Frequently Asked Questions for Summer Wedding Dresses
What are the characteristics of casual wedding dresses?
Casual wedding dresses are known for their comfortable and lightweight fabrics, as well as simple silhouettes. They are designed to provide ease of movement and a relaxed, yet elegant look for summer weddings.
What are the characteristics of beachy wedding dresses?
Beachy wedding dresses are made from flowy and lightweight fabrics, often featuring open-back or low-back designs to allow for better air circulation. These dresses are perfect for beach or destination weddings.
What are illusion wedding dresses known for?
Illusion wedding dresses are characterized by sheer fabrics and lace appliques, creating a breezy and romantic look. They often feature illusion necklines and sleeves to add an element of intrigue to the dress.
What sets low-back wedding dresses apart?
Low-back wedding dresses are known for their alluring exposed back details. They come in different designs such as plunging or keyhole styles, adding a touch of glamour to the overall look.
What are the characteristics of off-the-shoulder wedding dresses?
Off-the-shoulder wedding dresses feature elegant neckline styles with shoulder exposure. They come in various variations like strapless or boho-inspired looks, adding a touch of romance and femininity to the dress.
What defines floral wedding dresses?
Floral wedding dresses are known for their whimsical flower embellishments and prints, as well as different floral applique patterns and placements. These dresses exude a romantic and ethereal vibe, perfect for a summer wedding.
