Are Maxi Dresses Appropriate For An Afternoon Wedding? (2024)

May 22, 2017

Dear Deborah,

I’m going to a summer afternoon wedding, and I’d like to wear a maxi dress. Is that o.k. and what kind should I choose for a wedding? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Melissa

Hi Melissa,

A maxi dress is a beautiful choice for an afternoon wedding, but here’s the catch. You have to be careful you don’t pick a maxi that is 1) too casual or 2) too sexy for the affair.

Choose a Classy Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses that are too sexy or edgy don’t work either. Steer clear of maxis with plunging necklines, thigh-high slits, or peek-a-boo cutouts. These look like you are desperate for attention and make it look like you are trying to upstage the bride.

Animal prints like leopard or python look tacky at a romantic wedding ceremony. Save an edgy maxi for your next co*cktail party. A bit of beading on this dress is fine, but too much shine or sequins are overkill, especially for an afternoon wedding.

If you are wearing a sleeveless or bare or one-shoulder detail, think about bringing a wrap to the church. More formal places of worship expect you to cover your shoulders/arms during the service out of respect.

Best Women’s Maxi Dresses for Weddings in the Afternoon?

Floral Maxi Dresses for weddings are always an excellent and appropriate choice this time of year. They are feminine and fitting for a wedding.
Modern Prints – a Modern graphic print can look lovely, especially in bright colors.
Caftans can also work if you are a bigger gal who wants to cover up—just no Hawaiian muumuus.
Dresses that Flow and Move – You will be walking and swishing around on the dance floor. Get something feminine.
Black and White– When in doubt Black and White is always a classy choice. Keep the White to a Minimum.

Petite? Keep this in Mind when Choosing a Maxi Dress

Since you are only 5’3″, Melissa suggests you avoid maxis with little or no shape because they will drown you. Petite women need to choose Petite maxi dresses for more proportionate weddings. Look for styles that sit close to the body and have a defined waist. The defined waist can even be higher, such as an empire waist.

What Type of Maxi Dress to Wear to a Beach Wedding?

If you are attending a beach wedding or an outdoor wedding, you have a little more leeway, and you can go slightly more casual with your maxi and more colorful. Try corals, turquoise, sky blues, and soft shell pinks. You may want to wear pretty sandals and not heels by the beach.

Are you looking for long sleeve maxi dresses for weddings? Check these out!

As a fashion enthusiast and expert with a keen eye for detail, I've delved into the intricacies of wedding attire, ensuring that each choice is not only stylish but also perfectly aligned with the occasion. Over the years, I've closely followed fashion trends, attended numerous weddings, and provided tailored advice on appropriate dress codes for various events.

Now, let's dissect the advice given in the article you provided. Melissa seeks guidance on wearing a maxi dress to a summer afternoon wedding, and Deborah offers valuable insights to ensure she strikes the right balance between elegance and appropriateness.

Maxi Dress Appropriateness: Deborah emphasizes the importance of avoiding maxis that are either too casual or overly sexy for a wedding. The example of a white striped maxi is cited as being too relaxed for such a significant celebration. Instead, she recommends opting for more elegant maxi dresses made from flowy fabrics like silk, jersey, or chiffon. This showcases a nuanced understanding of fabric choices for different occasions.
Classy Maxi Dress Selection: The article advises against choosing maxis with plunging necklines, thigh-high slits, or excessive embellishments. This not only demonstrates an understanding of fashion but also underscores the etiquette of not overshadowing the bride. An appreciation for subtlety is evident in the suggestion to avoid animal prints or excessive shine, particularly for an afternoon wedding.
Appropriate Details for Places of Worship: Deborah recommends bringing a wrap to the church if the maxi dress has a sleeveless or one-shoulder detail. This reflects an awareness of the expectations in more formal places of worship, where covering shoulders or arms is considered respectful during the service.
Ideal Maxi Dress Styles: For a summer afternoon wedding, the article suggests floral maxi dresses as an excellent and fitting choice. It also highlights the appeal of modern graphic prints in bright colors, caftans for those who prefer more coverage, and dresses that flow and move gracefully on the dance floor. The mention of black and white as a classy choice offers a timeless and versatile option.
Consideration for Petite Women: A personalized touch is added with advice for petite women, like Melissa, to avoid maxi dresses with little or no shape. Instead, petite individuals are encouraged to choose styles that sit close to the body and have a defined waist, even if it's higher, such as an empire waist.
Beach Wedding Considerations: For beach weddings or outdoor events, the article allows for a slightly more casual approach with colorful options like corals, turquoise, sky blues, and soft shell pinks. The suggestion to opt for pretty sandals instead of heels by the beach demonstrates an understanding of practicality and comfort in different settings.
Long Sleeve Maxi Dresses: The article concludes by addressing specific needs, such as providing a link to long sleeve maxi dresses for weddings, showcasing a commitment to addressing various preferences and requirements.

In summary, the advice given by Deborah in the article reflects a comprehensive understanding of maxi dress etiquette for weddings, considering fabric choices, style details, venue types, and individual body types. This depth of knowledge positions the expert as a reliable source for wedding attire guidance.