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Fashion experts reveal the colours you should NEVER wear to a wedding - and the best wedding guest dress trends for the summer
From crisp pastels to bold brights, picking the perfect outfit for a summer wedding can be a minefield.
Luckily, the fashion team at Next has revealed the colours that could be the key to perfecting the summertime wedding look in the UK and abroad - and the ones you should avoid at all costs.
While soft hues and elegant florals are in, wearing anything too close to white, including creams and off-whites, is a risky move that could clash with the bride's big moment.
On the other hand, certain trending colours such as butter yellow, pistachio green - and even stylish browns - could be the ticket to being best dressed.
The team said: 'When it comes to wedding guest dresses, some brides prefer guests to steer clear of shades that are too light, ie creams, off-whites and whites themselves, so if you find yourself wondering whether the colour is too close to white, it's best to check with the bride first.'
Instead, guests are being advised to embrace muted tones and romantic pastels, which offer just the right balance of style and subtlety without stealing the spotlight.
They added: 'This summer, pastels and more muted tones are set to come into their own at weddings both in the UK and abroad.
'Softer shades make the ideal choice for a wedding guest outfit, so as not to draw too much attention by being too loud but still feeling seasonal and making a statement.'
Butter Yellow
Lipsy Yellow Hybrid Jersey Borderie Mix Midi Dress £55
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Butter yellow is a great choice for those heading to a wedding abroad this year - as it's a colour that's right on trend.
The colour has taken centre stage on fashion runaways this year and is clearly the shade of the season.
Experts at Next said: 'It's no secret that butter yellow is having a moment this spring/summer, and the pastel shade is a great choice for those heading to a wedding abroad, just make sure to opt for a shade that isn't too light and could be considered off-white, opt for something that has some vibrancy to it.'
Dresses such as the Lipsy Yellow Hybrid Dress or Reiss's more pleated look are great options to emulate this trend at weddings this summer.
Dusty Blue
Chambray Blue Short Sleeve Asymmetric Hem Midi Dress £62
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Dusky Blue Long Sleeve Tie Waist Ruffle Embroidered Maxi Dress £72
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Dusty blue is an easy shade to make you appear put-together and polished with minimal effort.
In fact, pairing this colour with gold accessories will warm up the look for a summer occasion and also add a luxe feel.
It also works well in a variety of different materials - whether a satin slip dress or cotton maxi - and is very versatile.
Pistachio Green
Reiss Sage Zoey Satin Drape-Detail Slip Dress £170
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Sage Green Cape Maxi Dress £72
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Like butter yellow, pistachio green is another shade that is very in vogue for 2025.
The muted shade is a great choice as it feels modern, tapping into the current trend, but also timeless and elegant.
The experts noted: 'Shades of green are proving ever popular with bridal parties this season, with many bridesmaids being dressed in sage bridesmaid dresses.
'Pistachio green is also a great choice for a modern look this summer.'
Lavender
Forever New Purple Mia Satin Maxi Dress £120
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Lipsy Lilac Textured Belted Midi Shirt Dress £65
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Lavender or lilac is often seen as a more romantic shade, making it perfect for weddings in an outdoor or garden setting.
The fashion team at Next said: 'Pairing this colour with some silver sandals and a matching clutch bag will help you add a touch of glamour to your summery look.'
It's also very versatile, as a satin slip dress is timeless and elegant or a textured belted midi dress may be more comfortable for cooler climes.
Brown
Phase Eight Brown Maxine Spot Chiffon Jumpsuit
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Though brown may traditionally be associated with the autumn or winter, there are certainly ways to rock it throughout the summer.
The fashion experts at Next predict that brown is set to be popular this season - and believe it will get a great show at summer weddings.
They said: 'It may feel like more of an autumn/winter shade, but brown wedding guest dresses for summer are also going to be popular this season.
'Opt for lighter shades like mocha or taupe, depending on your skin tone, avoiding darker shades like chocolate brown, which should be reserved for later in the year and accessorise with gold tones to warm up the look.'
Polka dots
Lipsy Monochrome Spot Sleeveless Ruffle Belted Maxi Dress
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It's also important to think about the pattern you want your wedding guest dress to have.
The fashion experts said: 'Whilst it's not a colour specifically, it's also worth mentioning that polka dot patterns are trending this wedding season and also make a beautiful choice for those who would prefer not to wear a solid colour.
'We're seeing lots of monochrome colour schemes in this pattern, which feel timeless and elegant.'
Polka dots could be the way to elevate a simple monochrome look, adding a stylish twist for the perfect wedding balance.
