If being a wedding guest is on your list of summer plans, finding the perfect party ‘fit is essential, never more so than now, with most nearlyweds getting hyper-specific about what they want wedding guests to wear.

Though wedding dress codes have always been a thing, they have become much more creative and inspired as of late. The once standard wedding guest dressing directives of brunch casual, cocktail, or black-tie formal are being replaced by fun and aspirational fashion concepts that are exclusive to a couple’s celebration.

This year, prepare to see some very fresh and unconventional wedding guest dress guidelines—encompassing everything from ‘Dark Romance Drama’ to ‘Country Western Cool’—in the fine print at the bottom of your RSVP. Couples are also providing visual references of what they’d love to see their guests wearing with wedding guest style mood boards posted on their wedding website.

Here, we break down five of 2024’s biggest wedding guest dressing trends, and the perfect summer wedding guest outfits to shop so you are on perfectly on brand for every big day in your iCal.

The Trend: Dark Romance Drama

Pinterest just released its 2024 Wedding Report and one of the top trends of the year is Gothic Glamour. The translates into a moody and elegant wedding aesthetic that’s just a touch emo. Not only is black an acceptable colour to wear to this style of wedding, it’s encouraged (who knows, the bride may also be wearing it!). We love the idea of wearing a sweeping dark floral print maxi dress, or a dark green, lace-trimmed slip dress. Accessorize with pearl pieces, a vertiginous black patent pump and matte red lipstick.

The Trend: Beachy Barefoot Elegance

This vibe is all about keeping your style breezy and beautiful for a destination wedding set against a dreamy tropical backdrop. Billowy fabrics, pretty patterns and loose silhouettes, like a flattering-fit halter gown and flowing floral maxi will be your style stars (they are also easy to pack). Keep your accessories easy and understated—sparkling drop earrings, a stylish clutch, and a slick of nude lip gloss is all that’s required.

The Trend: Groovy ‘70s Chic

The retro influence is running high this wedding season, and the decade of choice is the 1970s. This era offered so much great style, with the fashion focus for weddings this year being on the decade’s early years, characterized by toasty tones, soft textures and power flower patterns. A breezy crochet knit dress is perfectly on point as is a retro ruched bodice maxi dress. Finish the look with sculptural gold hoops, white platform sandals and a spritz of a classic boho-floral fragrance.

The Trend: Fête En Blanc

The all-white fashion party has been hugely popular theme for the past few years and shows no sign of slowing down. It’s a particular favourite of ours because it makes for the dreamiest wedding day photos. A coquettish sundress and a power jumpsuit are fresh wedding guest outfit selects. Wear either look with white pumps, an iconic purse, and a slick of glossy colour in the shade of summer roses on your lips.

The Trend: Country Western Cool

We started to see the rise of the chic western-influenced wedding last summer, and now with the arrival of Cowboy Carter everything country-themed has exploded. This is one of our favourite wedding guest styles to fully lean into right down to wearing western-inspired midi boots (and matching teeny boot studs in your ear stack). Pair these accessories with a chic midi dress—we love statement red lace or a vintage floral print. Sun-kissed skin is the perfect beauty partner.

Read more:
These Will Be 2025’s Biggest Wedding Dress Trends
10 Beautiful Canadian Wedding Venues to Check Out 
15 Celebrity Wedding Dresses That We Love