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32 of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for 2023

Author: Hollie Bond

NB: To help you browse our best suggestions we have included some third party links. Some purchases made through these links may earn us a commission to help keep our blogs and offers current and up to date. Thanks for your support!


Short, sheer, strapless, silk... the wedding dress world is your oyster when it comes to summer weddings. Here are 32 of the best for summer 2023.

There’s a reason summer is the most popular season for weddings in the UK. We all love a bit of sun, warmer temperatures and longer days. The chance to spill out into the venue’s garden for drinks with all the beautiful flowers and green foliage as a backdrop to the big day photos is tempting for many engaged couples too.

With our ever changing weather though, it can be tricky to choose summer wedding dresses with confidence. You might sensibly choose a silky slip dress for July only for it to be uncharacteristically cool and wet on the day you say “I do”. The key to getting your summer wedding look just right is to consider all eventualities.

When you go wedding dress shopping speak to the bridal boutique and ask which dresses they suggest for summer and ways in which they can make them work come rain or shine. They might suggest a pretty bolero that you can remove if it gets warm or perhaps a lace overlay for the church if you want to cover up that can then reveal a bandeau bodice for the evening.

One thing that you can be sure of is that the temperature will higher than the rest of the year, so this opens up your choice of wedding dresses a huge amount. Sometimes though too much choice can be overwhelming and makes it even more difficult to choose the one. To help you on your quest to finding the perfect summer wedding dress, we’ve rounded up 32 of the most stunning gowns for 2023, with something for every type of bride and every budget.

What is a summer wedding dress?

There’s no such thing as a summer wedding dress per se. You can technically wear any dress you like at any point of the year. However, chances are the temperature will be warm (and even potentially very hot) and so dresses that are lighter, have less layers and don’t have sleeves are usually an excellent choice. Certain fabrics lend themselves best to the summer season too, such as linen, silk, chiffon, cotton, crepe, Georgette, organza and lighter weave lace. When you’re trying on dresses, imagine how you’d feel in them if it was 30 degrees celsius and burning sunshine. If you suddenly feel very hot and constrained in the dress, then you can be sure it’s not the ideal wedding gown for your summer wedding.

On the flip side, if you’re worried about it being uncharacteristically cold or wet on your summer wedding day, then you can always ask your bridal boutique if they have jackets or removable sleeve options that you can add and then take off if it gets hot. There’s something for every style of wedding celebration too, whether you’re getting married in the city, countryside or even planning a beach wedding.

Casual wedding dress with back detail, Stella York
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Stella York 1

In warmer temperatures you don’t need to cover up as much and dresses can have lovely details on show like this exquisite beaded shoestring triangular back design. When paired with the boho French tulle skirt, it’s a recipe for summer style perfection.

Beaded back lace fit and flare gown, Justin Alexander
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Justin Alexander 2

This Justin Alexander is a floral and flirty style for summer and would work brilliantly at a number of weddings from beach celebrations to city affairs. You’ll turn heads in the figure-hugging silhouette and the strappy neckline means you’ll keep your cool, whatever the temperature.

Margot wedding dress, Elizabeth Fillmore
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Elizabeth Fillmore 3

If you’re a less is more bride then this summer slip dress will be right up your street. Made from silk crepe with a dramatic low back and delicate spaghetti strap detailing we think this would be ideal for an overseas big day.

Mauve wedding dress, Ellis Bridals
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Ellis Bridals Mauve 4

Love lace sleeves but don’t want to melt on your summer wedding day. This dress from Ellis Bridals is the perfect compromise with its chic illusion sleeves with stunning shoulder details and wow-factor buttons down the barely there back.

Dreamer mini dress, Temperley London
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Temperley London 5

If you love a high neckline on a dress but are getting married in summer, consider having a shorter skirt to give it a nod to the season. This bridal mini dress is made from lightweight georgette and has just the right amount of bling to give it the bridal edge.

Isla wedding dress, Jenny Packham
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Jenny Packham 6

A silk slip dress is a wonderfully elegant choice for a summer wedding. This one from Jenny Packham with its statement cowl detail back would look brilliant up a black tie city wedding.

Cheryl split dress, Halfpenny London
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Halfpenny London 7

Show a bit of leg at your summer wedding in this stunner of a maxi dress. The halter neck combined with a backless design and leg slit is just the right level of sexy for a modern bride.

Kiria dress, Sanyukta Shrestha
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Sanyukta Shrestha 8

This dress is part of Sanyukta Shrestha’s vegan range of wedding dresses, so it’s an excellent choice for any bride hoping to hold a sustainable and eco-conscious wedding day. The sweetheart neckline is a romantic look while the skirt is worthy of any princess bride.

Lisbeth wedding dress, Vera Wang
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Vera Wang 9

Just because you’re marrying at the warmest time of year doesn’t mean you can’t have a full and luxurious ballgown skirt on your wedding dress. Just be sure to avoid thick fabrics on the bodice too or long sleeves. This Vera Wang stunner is a savvy choice with its sleeveless bandeau top.

Behati wedding gown, Grace Loves Lace
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Grace Loves Lace 10

All eyes with be on your as you take to the aisle in this summer wedding gown that is just made for a beach wedding or somewhere where hot weather is guaranteed. The fashionable two piece design features a full sleeve top with elasticated cuff and a flattering square neckline. We love the lace skirt that will swirl in the tropical breeze as you say “I do”.

Style 140 wedding dress, Jesus Peiro
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Jesus Peiro 11

This gorgeous gown will make a real statement when you’re walking down the aisle. It’s a super flattering silhouette too with its pretty sweetheart neckline, chic crop top and deep pockets in the full skirt that will make posing for photos a delight.

Jeanne wedding dress, Rime Arodaky
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Rime Arodaky 12

Parisian designer Rime Arodaky has pulled out all the stops with this incredible summer wedding dress. Everything from the v neckline and illusion sleeves to the flirty thigh slit and sequin encrusted bodice says stylish and fashion forward bride.

Deep v neck, high-low wedding dress, Berta
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Berta 13

New York designer Berta are famous for their high end designer dresses and this one from the Como collection is all about making a statement and looking out of this world on your big day.

Seraphine wedding gown, Charlie Brear
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Charlie Brear 14

The beauty of this summer wedding dress from British designer Charlie Brear is that it’s so versatile. You could wear it just as it is (a deep V strapless dress with column skirt in stretch crepe) or add cute puff ball sleeves, a lace sleeve overlay or a sheer panel across the neckline. The world is your oyster.

Shangri-la wedding dress, Claire Pettibone
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Claire Pettibone 15

What could be more apt for summer than a wedding dress covered in bold florals? This dress is called shangri-la and we agree, it’s heaven in a wedding dress. The illusion neckline, Guipure lace fitted waist and graceful skirt all combine to make it an elegant style that shows off the floral embroidery to its best. Keep the accessories minimal and let this gorgeous gown do the talking.

Olivia dress, Sassi Holford
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Sassi Holford 16

Sassi Holford brings a regal vibe to all her dresses and this one wouldn’t look out of place on a modern day princess. As you’ll be a VIP on your wedding day this summer dress couldn’t be more suitable. The scoop neckline, blush tulle and interesting under arm cut away detail complete the A-lister worthy style and will make your look memorable for all the right reasons.

Amelia wedding dress, Suzanne Neville
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Suzanne Neville 17

With its flattering neckline, figure-skimming mermaid silhouette and fabulous half skirt, this dress was made for brides who want to look elegant at their glamorous summer wedding. The skirt design is ingenious as it allows you to look every inch the princess bride while you’re wearing it, but it won’t make you hot in summer and it allows you to show off your physique.

Ekaterina A line dress, Maggie Sottero
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Maggie Sottero 18

This dress is all about grace and elegance. The off the shoulder neckline is so flattering, as is the simple but sumptuous satin fabric. the ruched bodice and the pretty buttons down the back. The perfect choice for sunny nuptials.

Benjamin mermaid wedding dress with v-neck, Pronovias
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Pronovias 19

Is it a suit, is it a dress, is she a Hollywood star? Keep your guests guessing with this stylish mermaid dress, that would look just as stunning on the red carpet as it would at a city celebration in the UK. It might have long sleeves, but it’s a lovely option for a summer wedding with a thigh slit to keep you cool, deep v neck and sultry liquid crepe fabric.

Eva embellished cami midi wedding dress, ASOS Edition
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for ASOS Edition 20

Keep things short and sweet with this glam ivory wedding dress from ASOS. With such a budget friendly price tag you can afford to splash out on some incredible heels to go with it. The stunning sequins from top to bottom with glitter like stars in the summer sunshine as you grace the aisle.

Esther Bardot wedding dress, Whistles
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Whistles 21

This high street dress looks a lot more expensive than its £499 price tag. It’s a smart choice if you want a cami style top but don’t like the tops of your arms as these will elegantly be covered by the Bardot-style sleeves.

Alice dress, Monique Lhuillier
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Monique Lhuillier 22

A fabulous flower print and two-piece wedding dress – this might be the coolest look for the modern bride for summer 2022. This is definitely one for the maximalists out there with its puff sleeves and full skirt, but one thing’s for certain, you’ll certainly look every inch the romantic bridal beauty as you walk towards your husband or wife to be.

Claudia dress, Ghost
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Ghost 23

It can be hard to find the perfect summer wedding gown if you’re a vintage-loving bride as a lot of the more traditional styles have long sleeves or are made from thicker fabrics. Ghost’s Claudia dress though combines all the elements of old-school style with short sleeves and a summer wedding perfect light skirt and bodice. We love the 1930s vibe and the stunning draped cowl back.

Savannah wedding dress, Blackburn Couture
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Blackburn Couture 24

Boho brides will adore this fabulous gown from Russell Blackburn at Blackburn Bridal in London’s Blackheath. The fringing and high neckline makes this the perfect choice for a modern bride who is planning an overseas wedding or a festival style big day here in the UK.

Mixed lace ballgown with sequin detail, Essence of Australia
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Essence of Australia 25

Wedding gowns don’t get much more traditional than this ballgown beauty. Look closely though and you’ll see plenty of details that will make sure you stand out as a one of a kind bride. The lacework is intricate with multiple mixed florals, there are delicate sequins hidden all over the dress and both the back and front feature a flattering open v neck design.

Meghan dress, Madison James
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for MAdison James 26

There’s so much to love about this summer wedding dress, from the elegant bateau neckline and cap sleeves to the minimalist sheath silhouette and open back. It’s the heavenly bow at the Botton of a run of romantic buttons that really steals our hearts though.

B19 Look 19 wedding dress, Gemy Maalouf
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Gemy Maalouf 27

How amazing is the skirt on this wedding dress? It’s perfect for brides who want a flare dress with a huge skirt but without felling like they’re going to overheat in summer, as it features a figure-hugging slimline skirt with a statement design overlay. We’re also head over heels in love with the embroidered rounded neckline and dainty cap sleeves.

Willowby by Watters Lilia gown, BHLDN
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for BHLDN 28

You’ll look like you’ve just skipped out of a summer meadow straight into your wedding ceremony if you choose this elegant boho dress. The floral appliqué lace is all over the dress so there can be no doubt that this is ideal for the season and the style of the sleeves and body add a seriously romantic vibe to the whole look.

Jordi dress, Mira Zwillinger
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for Mira Zwillinger 29

Florals don’t have to look romantic and traditional. This statement summer wedding dress is as modern as they come with a striking paint splash look and a wow factor one sleeve neckline. A couture look for a bride who loves high end design and to stand out from the crowd.

Lizzie tea length dress, House of Mooshki
of the Best Summer Wedding Dresses for House of Mooshki 30

There’s no rule to say you can’t wear a short dress at a winter wedding, but it makes a lot of sense to show off your pins in summer when you won’t be shivering! This chic little number would be ideal for summer nuptials as it allows you to indulge in a full lace sleeve and standout skirt without worrying you’ll overheat on the dance floor.

HB

Written by

Hollie Bond

Hollie is a lifestyle journalist with over ten years’ experience working in the wedding industry as Lifestyle Editor for You & Your Wedding magazine Also a Regional Editor for Muddy Stilettos, Hollie has written for Square Meal magazine, Family History Monthly, BBC History magazine and Homes & Antiques. In her spare time you can find Hollie in a dance studio practising ballet…

Learn more about Hollie Bond

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