It feels like it’s shaping up to be a big summer of weddings. The summer of Big Wedding, if you will. Plenty of couples have waited out the rockiest of Covid times in order to have their nuptials and now (touch wood), is their time.

You may have been invited to one of these weddings, leaving you with an important question: what the [redacted] do you wear? We’ve put together an edit of dresses for wedding guests of almost every taste – from print peacocks to minimalists, and even those who don’t like dresses at all.

For a bright spark
Nothing says “fun-loving wedding guest” more than a cheery gown in an eye-catching pop of colour – except maybe whipping out the splits on the dance floor. There are plenty of bright, wedding-appropriate dresses around that don’t require gymnastic flexibility to wear; Kate Sylvester’s Esther dress (coming soon) comes in a lovely coral shade and is made of lightweight cotton with puffed sleeves, a bow to tie on the neckline and an optional belt for cinching the waist. Maggie Marilyn is well-known for its sustainable and luxe party dresses – the It’s Up To You dress is made of sleek, bias-cut turquoise silk, while the Time of My Life dress has added ruffles in a vibrant ocean blue. You could opt for a two-tone look with Hansen & Gretel's jewel-green Aggy wrap skirt, paired with the label's charming pink Lettie top. Aje combines a love of colour with graphic prints on its high-impact orange and floral Monument Tulip maxi dress, and the same print is available on the ultra-fun Gretta Bow Back mini dress with oversized sleeves and a train at the back.

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For a neutrals fan
Luckily for those of us who shirk away from bright tones, it’s no longer really seen as a faux pas to wear black to a wedding. This Ganni bustier-inspired midi dress hits the sweet spot between dressed-up and effortless, and you’re bound to wear it again layered over a T-shirt or under a leather jacket. For those who love black, but have a conundrum when the summer forecast calls for something breezy to wear, Marle’s silk Adis dress hangs elegantly off the body, has a wide neckline that can be worn off one shoulder, and a split up one side. You might be drawn to beige or cream in day-to-day life, but if it’s to be avoided for a more traditional wedding, the pale khaki shade of this Lee Mathews silk-satin slip dress is a lovely neutral alternative. Bec & Bridge has a hefty section of its website dedicated to wedding guest dresses; one of them is The Dreamer wrap dress, which comes in a beautiful warm golden colour, among others. Don’t forget the option to go with a top and a skirt, such as Maara Collective’s sandy pink Narelda silk skirt. It sweeps to the ground with a leg split and ruched waistband.

For a print-lover
Sydney-based Sir the Label wins at an artful print, such as on the blue and white silk Esme halter dress – perfect for swanning around in a summer breeze. For the print-loving minimalist (yes, they exist), the impactful oversized paisley on Sunset Lover’s long-sleeved, silk Dali dress is foiled by its pared-back silhouette. Lee Mathews also does a painterly print well, with the linen-blend Ava maxi dress that has shoulder-covering sleeves for avoiding sunburn. For a hint of ’90s grunge, Realisation Par’s Marie dress will see you through the day with some strappy sandals, and with sneakers or boots forever after. If you like feeling covered but not restricted, this bohemian dress from Shona Joy is made from gauzy chiffon with swooping balloon sleeves in a sweet, abstract print. Its sleeveless sister dress is another romantic option that’s on the subtle end of the print spectrum.

For when a dress won’t do
Wearing a chic suit to a wedding is a great shout; for summer, you can pair it with a dressy crop top or bustier and ditch the jacket for dancing. Melbourne designer and musician Anna Cordell takes inspiration from the music of the ’70s to create her one-off suits, such as this two-piece in a deadstock, striped silk fabric. You can also contact her to create your dream suit from scratch – keep in mind it’s a 10-week process, but the result will be something you’ll love for life. Paris Georgia does effortless and slightly left-of-centre elegance better than most, and the Christophe top is a great dress alternative to pair with your favourite skirt or trousers. There are some silky trouser options at Dissh, such as the gold satin Simone pants that are cut on the bias, and the chocolate brown, 100 per cent silk Evans pant. A wide-legged jumpsuit is basically a dress – but for activities. This one from The Fifth Label has festive ruffled sleeves and comes in a pretty cinnamon shade that you'll reach for long after its debut wear.