Breezy Bridal Wear Inspiration For The Perfect Summer Wedding

It’s hard to believe that we’re almost in July, and that means that it’s getting HOT. Considering venue availability, guest list, and all sorts of other scheduling complications, it’s hard enough to pick the perfect day to get married. The last thing that you want to think about is the weather, especially when you consider your outfit. While deodorant and facial mists can do in a pinch, it may be worth considering matching your attire to the climate, rather than the other way around. We’ve compiled a list of beautiful, breezy options that will help you beat the heat and look stunning on your special day. 

Let’s start with backless! One of the easiest ways to eliminate some unnecessary fabric is by taking out the back. With so many different styles to choose from, it’s incredibly easy to find something that fits your needs and allows for some breathing room... literally. 

What’s more, you can go for a halter neck and backless style to show off even more skin. We loved this style for the way that it highlighted the bride’s tattoos! Plus, if you’re planning on being in the sun, you won’t have to worry about awkward tan lines from any sort of fancy straps. 

Yet another way to eliminate unnecessary material is to go short! A shorter dress will allow your legs to breathe and will ensure that you won’t overheat. And, since you’ve worked so hard on your summer tan, why not show it off a bit? 

Short dresses come in tons of styles, from classic vintage to a modern sheath. You can even combine these two options for something backless AND short to really make sure that your wedding attire is a breeze. It’s time to shake off the idea that a “traditional” wedding dress has to come with a 12-foot train. In some cases, short dresses are just more practical, and they won’t make you pick function over fashion. 

However, if you’re a person who would really prefer a long dress, it’s time to think about an overlay. A tulle or lace overlay will add style without adding too much weight, and it has the perks of look breathtaking caught up in a summer breeze. We love the cascading effect of the tulle, especially when paired with a longer veil like this one. 

What’s more, an overlay gives you the option to work with something that’s not all white. A white lace overlay over a nude gown is a subtle twist on tradition and allows you to show off the intricate lacework. Whether caught up in the wind or twirling around on the dance floor, an overlay is sure to a smashing summer dress success. 

Speaking of lace, what better time than summer is there for an all-lace everything look? We are loving the trend back to crochet and bohemian styles that just look beautiful paired with wildflowers and loose braids. We’ve even seen a couple of designers who do custom crochet wedding wear pieces, so you can be sure to find something that you love! 

Lace also allows for you to add a light and breathable sleeve, in case you’re not thrilled at the prospect of showing off your arms. We absolutely LOVE the open lace design here of the neckline and the sleeves. Full coverage doesn’t have to lead to overheating, and the lace sleeves are just the epitome of elegance and class. 

So let’s keep talking sleeves. There seems to be nothing more that wedding designers (and wedding dress enthusiasts) love more than a good sleeve. If you’ve decided on a summer wedding date and you’re bummed about having to go sleeveless, fret not! Besides just a lace sleeve, there are so many fun options that allow you to have a summer sleeve dream, like this gorgeous cape sleeve moment. 

If you’re not feeling lace or don’t want something all the way down to your wrists, flutter sleeves are the perfect way to go. This design from Emily Bridal Wear is stunningly simple, and the wide sleeves allow for a large airflow up to where you might need it most. This sleeve silhouette looks especially good when paired with a fitted bodice, and we love the way they fall just past the elbow. 

Of course, not everyone wants a dress for their wedding day, and in the age of coronavirus, city hall weddings might be the way to go. In that case, let’s think about an all-white summer look that’s wedding appropriate, like this cropped crochet top and white pants with a slight ankle flair. An elegant way to beat the city heat and a lot more practical than walking around in a floor-length dress all day. 

And even if you do elect for a less traditional wedding look, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any class. This stunning look showcases an illusion shirt with an almost “fit-and-flare”- esque design. The cropped pants can show off a strappy summer shoe, and although the outfit is fitted, it’s not heavy enough to create too much of a problem. Going for a shirt and pants look also allows you way more flexibility than a full dress, making sure that you are as comfortable and cool as you want to be. 

But choosing a shirt and pants combo isn’t the only way to mix and match. How about another trend we can’t get enough of? The two-piece wedding dress. Whether it’s two pieces from the same designer, like the gown pictured below, or two pieces you source from different boutiques, a two-piece wedding dress allows for ultimate customization without the custom couture price. 

As with the case of the short dress or the backless one, a two-piece dress can give a little extra breathing room, especially around the stomach and hips where tight dresses can get especially hot. Almost everything we’ve covered above is possible in a two-piece wedding dress — sleeves, lace, crochet. They are a great way to buy into the full summer aesthetic and to showcase your own personal style. 

Above all else, your wedding wear should be about YOU, being comfortable, confident, and cool. These summer looks are just to get you started, and we can’t wait to see how you beat the heat on your special day.