As soon as the weather warms up, so does our social calendar—late spring is the unofficial kick-off of wedding season, after all. Shorter hemlines like mini and midi dresses (so long as the dress code allows) and breathable fabrics—slinky silks, fluttery chiffons, and elevated linens—will ensure you stay comfortable, especially as temperatures climb. Spring weddings are the perfect opportunity to bust out your florals, or opt for soft, solid pastels that feel fresh and celebratory—think trending hues like lilac, butter yellow, and sky blue—whether in dress or accessories. When choosing what shoes to wear to a spring wedding, consider the forecast: An open toe tends to be the norm, but a pointed slingback is perfectly suitable for rainy or chilly temperatures.

When it comes to summer ceremonies, lightweight, airy fabrics are your friend—think elevated options like linen, cotton, eyelets, and silk, which will keep you cool and comfortable while still adhering to any dress codes. Color-wise, soft pastels, bold brights, and summery prints are perfectly suited for the season, as are classic neutrals like black. More importantly, don’t forget to consider setting when choosing what to wear to a summer wedding: An elevated mini dress paired with a classic heel works beautifully for a semi-formal reception, but a breezy midi or maxi dress—paired with a chic raffia bag—is better suited for a more casual outdoor ceremony.

When deciding what to wear to a fall wedding, begin with the dress code, which will guide how dressed-up (or down) your look should be. Midi and maxi dresses, as well as sharp tailored suits, provide seasonally appropriate coverage, while knee-length or slightly shorter styles can still feel polished and event-ready. Sleeves are especially welcome this time of year—from fluttery cap sleeves to long, flare styles, they add warmth without sacrificing style. Fall is also the time to embrace rich textures and deeper tones across your outfit and accessories—think heavier silks, velvet, or brocade in earthy neutrals or bold jewel tones. For footwear, opt for a sleek closed-toe heel or, if the weather allows, a strappy sandal.

Like fall weddings, let the dress code guide how formal or festive your winter wedding look should be. While most ceremonies will be indoors, long-sleeved midi and maxi styles provide polished warmth, as do thicker fabrics like velvet and heavier silk, satin, and crepe. Black is classic choice for winter weddings, but deep jewel tones are equally appropriate and add a welcome pop of color. If the date falls during the holiday season, you can also work in a hint of sparkle—whether it’s a re-wear of your favorite festive party dress or a nod to shine through accessories like a strappy gold heel or a studded clutch.

Cocktail attire is arguably the most common wedding guest dress code—and yet, it manages to be one of the trickiest to interpret. Falling somewhere between semi-formal and formal, choose what to wear to a cocktail wedding based on location, season, and time of day. No color is off-limits, but bold brights work well for outdoor summer events, while richer tones or a hint of shine are better suited for winter evening celebrations. In any case, a chic LBD is always a fail-safe option. Hemlines ranging from mini to midi are all fair game—just save your floor-length gowns for more formal situations, like black-tie. Heels are usually recommended but not required; a dressy satin or embellished flat can also be appropriate. When it comes to bags, stick with something small and structured, like a refined (but not overly formal) clutch or a mini shoulder bag.

As one of the most formal dress codes, black-tie weddings call for true evening wear. This typically means full-length dresses and gowns (no mini or midi hemlines) in elevated fabrics that feel luxe and intentional. Think rich silks, chiffons, and crepes, skipping anything too casual like cotton or linen. It’s also the ideal occasion to embrace sparkle and shine through metallic finishes, beading, or embellishments that add subtle drama—polished, but not over-the-top. Heels are the standard, but a refined flat with elegant details can be a polished alternative. Keep your handbag small and structured, like a sleek clutch that complements your look without stealing the spotlight. And if your dress leans simple, statement jewelry—like bold earrings or a sculptural necklace—can be the perfect finishing touch.

Not sure what to wear to a wedding on the beach? Seaside ceremonies often have a more relaxed feel than traditional indoor events, but it’s still important to check your invite for any specific dress code. The key thing to consider: Breezy weather is a given, and strong wind is always a possibility. Skip the micro-minis and instead consider a more practical flowy midi or maxi. A shoe that won’t sink into the sand, like a block-heel or flat sandal, will offer more stability and comfort—and since at least part of the big day will take place outdoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to accessorize with your favorite sunglasses and sun hat.

Headed to the courthouse? What you wear to a civil ceremony tends to fall somewhere between casual and semi-formal, depending on the couple’s preferences. Some may opt for a more dressed-up vibe—especially if the ceremony is followed by a brunch or dinner—while others prefer to keep things low-key, with a dress code to match. A great modern middle ground? A chic tailored matching set or sleek suit. The best part: You can absolutely forgo heels in favor of a polished flat, such as a loafer.