It’s hotter than hell, and you’ve got a wedding to attend. Maybe you’ve got several lined up on your calendar for the summer or early fall. The heat index shows little sign of easing up on us, so it’s probably best to plan for a warm-weather wedding, no matter what the Farmers Almanac predicts for the near future. You can always bring a wrap for the chill of an air-conditioned ceremony or reception.
If you’re following me on social, you might already know I’ve fallen into a bit of an obsessive love affair with Rent the Runway for my speaking engagements. With a free summer after I finished speaking on Maui in June at Engage Luxury Wedding Summit, I decided to use my monthly membership to rent a variety of wedding guest dresses. Did I have a single wedding to attend this summer? No, no I did not. I did it for you, dear reader. If you want the links to each item, head to my new Like to Know it page.
Each of these pieces were tested through sitting, dancing, bending and zipping and unzipping. Whether you’re attending a beach wedding, a black-tie event, a rehearsal dinner, or a casual outdoor ceremony, you need something that fits the wedding dress code, fits your body, and lets you actually enjoy the event without worrying if you made the right call. Everything here is available through Rent the Runway’s monthly membership, which offers runway-style clothing at a fraction of the price. The retail prices are listed so you know what you’re getting: thousands of dollars in pieces for a fraction of that cost. I’ve been an RTR member for more than five years and rented over $80,000 worth of dresses and accessories. I’m not a paid ambassador (yet!), but we may earn a small commission if you purchase a Rent the Runway membership or one of their dresses through my affiliate links. Everything chosen and recommended was completely my editorial selection.
Black-Tie Evening: Sabina Musayev Maze Gown
The Sabina Musayev Maze gown announces itself. If you’re heading to an indoor ballroom event or an outdoor black-tie wedding after dark, this is the dress that justifies the dress code. Want to twirl on the dance floor? This gown was made for it. V-neck, sleeveless, completely unstructured underneath. Pair this with the Elizabeth Cole Davina necklace (the crystal collar) for an edgier look. A sticky bra works best.
Hot Weather Hottie: Marine Layer Paloma Silky Maxi
Shopping for a destination wedding in a tropical locale? The Marine Layer Paloma Silky Maxi in multicolored abstract (retail $198) was made for you. (Note: RTR has this labeled as Archive, but Marine Layer sells it as Paloma on their site.) A couple of loose breast lift pads are perfect as no bra works.
Black-Tie, More Playful: La DoubleJ Soirée Gown
Same dress code, different energy. The La DoubleJ orange floral crepe de chine shifts toward something artsy and fun. The real move is the open waist, which lets you wear this without shapewear and makes that choice feel intentional. Pair with the Davina necklace or skip jewelry and let the florals breathe.
Semi-Formal But Giving Palace Energy: Rebecca Vallance Viola Midi
Off-the-shoulder and fitted through the bodice, this blue midi by Rebecca Vallance signals you understood the dress code without overdressing it. This works for a semi-formal posh wedding where people are dressed up but calves can be shown. Pair it with pearls. White lace gloves if you’re feeling extra.
Sophisticated Evening Wedding, Any Setting: SALONI Fleur-F Silk Dress
Red lace, high neckline, sleeveless, open back. You’ll feel the breeze on your skin in this sexy Saloni Fleur-F silk dress. The formality is there, but the open back keeps it from feeling buttoned-up. Perfect for an evening wedding indoors or on a patio.
Semi-Formal City Wedding: Cara Cara New York Karene Dress
Poppy orange with scattered florals, off-the-shoulder with short sleeves, though I wore them up on this Cara Cara New York Karene dress. The sleeves hold the dress up and define the shoulders, making the fitted form sit right. This works when “semi-formal” means cocktail dress, but you want something with actual color and personality. There is so much give in the stretchy fabric that you’ll be able to do almost any dance move at the wedding reception. Warning: Heads will turn, and compliments will roll.
Rehearsal Dinner on the Beach: NIC + ZOE Double Gauze Mixed Stripe
Blue and white stripe, A-line, removable belt, side pockets. This super-soft guaze Nic + Zoe dress works for something structured happening in an unstructured place. The fabric moves, the silhouette is forgiving, and side pockets on the beach are a practical win.
Beach Wedding During the Day: BOSS Vavaria Pleated Midi Skirt
Pair this Vavaria pleated midi skirt with a simple tucked-in top and crystal beaded flats. The green floral is crisp, the pleating reads polished, and daytime beach weddings need structure without heat. Click here for more details.
Casual Outdoor Beach Wedding: Marine Layer Selene Maxi Dress
I liked the Marine Layer Selene maxi dress so much that I bought it. Yellow abstract on TENCEL, square neckline, loose and straight through. The conservative neckline means you spend the wedding talking to people, not adjusting your dress. Completely comfortable and substantial. Click here for more details.
For the Extras
The Little Liffner Croc Pushlock Clutch (retail $495) works across multiple outfits from the evening weddings.
The Vanessa Bruno Raffia Clutch (retail $285) works equally well for daytime beach events and nighttime tropical soirees. It holds quite a lot, compared to most clutches.
For the morning-after brunch at a beach wedding, the Lilly Pulitzer Jayden linen dress in blue printed linen (retail $198) works.
Summer editor-approved wedding guest dresses to rent from Rent the Runway
