I want to reassure you right away: there's no perfect dress code for a summer wedding! In fact, the choice of summer dresses for a warmer-season wedding is so vast, you can't go wrong. Just follow a few simple common-sense rules.

Let's start with the color question.

The bride often expresses preferences or exclusions regarding the dress code to be observed at the ceremony and especially at the reception. And she will certainly be thoughtful enough to inform you promptly. In this case, it's kind to respect her wishes. I strongly advise against risking the wrath of a sweet bride-to-be.

It goes without saying that both white and black are colors to be ruled out from the outset, without waiting for the bride-to-be 's prohibition. White is, in fact, the color reserved for the prima donna, the bride, but this may not be necessary if she decides to wear a different color dress. However, this choice will only be made clear when she appears at the door of the church or hall chosen to celebrate the ceremony, whether religious or civil. Therefore, by that time, all the decisions will have been made and the color choices long ago. Black is very classy in many circumstances, but on the occasion of such a joyous celebration, it risks being too funereal; it is better to choose it elsewhere and on other occasions.

The " red " issue is a sore point. It's certainly a bold and undeniably classy choice. Red expresses passion, and those who wear it don't fear glances and attention—quite the opposite. This, however, means that choosing this color could be interpreted as a desire to attract attention and praise that would otherwise be delicately reserved for the bride. However, there's no reason to stop someone from risking some poorly concealed gossip and instead fully enjoying the pleasure of a beautiful, bright, and passionate color.

However, green light is given to all other colors, shades, and chromatic effects.

Covered or uncovered shoulders?

It depends. If the ceremony is religious, it's elegant for both the bride and her guests to gracefully veil their back, arms, and décolleté. It's certainly an elegant choice. Given the high temperatures, the ideal is to have a stole or shrug in summery fabrics that can then be discreetly tucked away in your bag. I never forgo this stylistic choice, even for civil ceremonies, as it definitely complements the dress I choose. You'll have no trouble finding a shrug or summer stole to match your dress on this very site.

Long or short?

If the reception is held in the afternoon or evening, a long dress is usually acceptable, but that doesn't mean short or so-called "cocktail" dresses are to be overlooked. If the reception is during lunch, however, a long dress risks being an inappropriate and untimely choice—definitely out ! A different matter is "how much to reveal" between the shoulders and legs. A long dress that reveals the back with a generous neckline and the legs with a long slit is very classy. In this case, it's not advisable to be equally generous with the front neckline. We know, the heat can be unbearable and justify excessive choices, but class is always essential, and circumstances shouldn't fool you. A short dress, on the other hand, can be a vibrant and youthful choice, but since there's little fabric in a short dress, I advise against excessive use of color, sequins, or mini skirts.

High heels or flats?

Even here, the answer is not obvious. It depends on the circumstances, since sometimes both the ceremony and the reception are held in inaccessible areas, such as the top of a hill in a medieval village, with narrow streets lined with beautiful cobblestones. Architectural choices often don't go hand in hand with fashion, and there's nothing more vulgar than a beautiful woman walking with great difficulty in vertiginous heels down a medieval village alley. It's best to inquire beforehand about the location of both the ceremony and the reception, and if the circumstances require it, you can also choose more comfortable heels. On the other hand, I advise against wearing flats . I can't imagine any reason that would justify wearing flats in elegant circumstances. It's best to reserve them for walks on the beach or runs in the park.