Summer Wedding Dresses Perfect for Warmer Weather

If you're in the process of choosing a wedding dress for your summer celebration, you might feel limited by the warmer weather—especially if you're tying the knot under the sun, sans air conditioning. While breathability should be one of your big-day ensemble priorities, it's important to note that a summer-appropriate garment that keeps you cool doesn't have to feel formulaic (so many brides think a strapless silk number is their only option!). There's a way to make just about any silhouette—traditional or contemporary—work for your warm-weather nuptials. The secret? It all comes down to fabrication.

Believe it or not, you can absolutely wear gowns with unexpected elements that often connote cold-weather events—like sleeves, high necklines, and ball gown skirts—in the summertime. Choosing ultra-light, sheer fabrics that hardly touch the skin is key when you're altering these accents to suit the soaring temperatures. Of course, you don't have to go this route. Classic summer ensembles—like this bride's sleeveless silk Theia sheath with a romantic boat neckline—are just as beautiful, as are gowns with open backs and short or draped sleeves (two popular summer elements). These go-to cuts are tried-and-true for a reason: They keep brides cool and speak to the season's fashion scene.

If you'd prefer a summer classic, know that there are plenty of ways to make your garment your own. As you're about to discover, timely motifs, like butterfly and floral appliqués, add personality to your wedding dress, but still feel seasonally-appropriate. To help you find an ensemble that works for your summer event, we've rounded up some of our favorite wedding dresses from warm-weather fêtes. They prove that your look can and should reflect who you are, whatever the temperature.