The Number Wedding Etiquette Mistakes Guests Make, According To Expert

Picture this: you're scrolling through a friend's wedding photos and spot someone in flip-flops at a black-tie garden party, or worse, a guest in head-to-toe white stealing focus from the bride. Sound familiar? These fashion faux pas happen more often than you'd think at summer weddings.

Thanks to outdoor ceremonies and relaxed vibes, many guests assume summer weddings mean anything goes. But according to wedding specialist Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use wedding venues across the UK, this casual approach often backfires spectacularly.

“Summer weddings bring out the worst etiquette mistakes,” explains Bramer. “Guests see ‘garden party’ or ‘outdoor ceremony’ and think they can rock up in whatever feels comfortable. But there's a huge difference between dressing appropriately for the season and completely missing the mark.”

Bramer has witnessed countless fashion disasters across his venues, from stilettos sinking into lawn ceremonies to guests shivering in cocktail dresses at chilly evening receptions. After years of managing weddings at stunning country estates and castles, he knows exactly what works - and what doesn't. He shares his expertise below.

The Biggest Summer Wedding Etiquette Blunder

The number one mistake? Completely ignoring the venue and dress code in favour of what looks Instagram-ready. “I've seen guests turn up to black-tie garden parties in casual sundresses, and formal church ceremonies where someone's wearing shorts because it's sunny outside,” says Bramer. “They're not thinking about the setting, the formality, or how their choices affect the couple's big day.”

Why Summer Weddings Are Etiquette Minefields

Summer ceremonies create unique challenges that often catch guests off guard. The combination of outdoor settings, varying temperatures, and relaxed atmospheres can lead to serious miscalculations.

“People assume summer equals casual, but that's not always true,” explains Bramer. “A July wedding at a country estate might start with a formal ceremony in the chapel, move to cocktails on the lawn, then dinner in the grand hall. You need to dress for all three scenarios.”

The weather factor compounds the problem. Guests often prioritise comfort over appropriateness, leading to outfit choices that clash with the venue's style or the couple's vision.

How Poor Attire Choices Ruin The Day

The impact isn’t limited to a few awkward looks. Inappropriate guest attire creates genuine stress for couples and disrupts their carefully planned aesthetic.

“When guests ignore dress codes, it’s noticeable in every photo,” says Bramer. “The bride has typically spent months – or even years – planning her dream day, choosing colours and themes, then someone rocks up in neon pink when she's asked for pastels. It's heartbreaking.”

The problems multiply during the ceremony itself. Guests in inappropriate footwear create noise walking down aisles, while those in revealing outfits can make religious ceremonies uncomfortable for everyone involved.

The Essential Do's And Don'ts

Getting summer wedding attire right isn't rocket science, but it does require thoughtful planning. Bramer's golden rules help guests navigate any scenario.

“First rule: read the invitation properly,” he advises. “If it says ‘cocktail attire’ or ‘black tie’, that applies regardless of the season. Summer doesn't override the dress code.”

DO: Bring backup shoes for outdoor ceremonies. Stilettos and grass don't mix, so pack flats or wedges. Choose breathable fabrics that photograph well and won't wrinkle during long days.

DON'T: Wear white, cream, or anything that could upstage the bride. Avoid overly casual items like flip-flops, shorts, or athletic wear unless specifically requested.

“Think about the venue,” suggests Bramer. “Castle wedding? Dress elegantly. Beach ceremony? Smart casual works, but still polished. When in doubt, ask the couple directly - they'd rather help than deal with awkward situations on their wedding day.”

Nick Bramer, Wedding Specialist at Country House Weddings, commented: “Being a thoughtful summer wedding guest comes down to preparation and respect. Check the weather forecast, but don't let it override the dress code. Bring layers for temperature changes and comfortable backup shoes for outdoor elements. Most importantly, remember this day isn't about you - it's about celebrating the couple. Your outfit should complement their vision, not compete with it. When guests put thought into their appearance, it shows in every photo and creates the magical atmosphere couples dream of. A little consideration goes a long way in making their day perfect.”