Bridal fashions for three summer-themed weddings

I’ve got quite a few weddings to attend in the next few weeks, and with summer lovin’ on the brain, I thought I’d start this post by introducing my favorite celebrity wedding of more recent times. Drum Roll…

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz!

I love everything about this wedding, including the fact that it was held in July in Corsica at a private home, and that the bride looked radiant in a Grecian-style Vera Wang ivory silk georgette gown. Oh, and she gave up a few inches of height in order to fit in with her perfect beach setting by wearing gold sandals by Louboutin–love that. Her jeweled headband by Jacob & Co. wasn’t too shabby either, was it?

This post will include a Part I and Part II. The first part will focus on recession-friendly bridal looks that will complement the various summer wedding themes and settings open to those of us who are choosing to wed during these hazy, lazy, crazy days.

My Part II will focus on those of us who are planning to sit back and relax as guests of the bride. We still need to look setting-appropriate, of course.

If you’re planning a beach wedding: first, choose a dress that flatters your figure (regardless of the setting). Next, go for light and sheer fabrics that will sway with the breeze, and keep your train and veil on the shorter side:

Floral One Strap Empire Waist Floor-length Wedding Dress, $159.03; V-Neck Beaded Chiffon Beach Wedding Dress, $169.78; Tea-Length Sleeveless Organza Wedding Dress, $111.71; Maggie Sottero: Abigail (price not available online).

Going for something more quirky? Maybe a rustic farm wedding or eclectic garden party? These dresses are totally charming:

Clockwise from left: Justin Alexander, Jasmine Bridal (#F374), Jasmine Bridal (#F151), Etsy, $309; Etsy Statement Flower Crown Headband, $49.

Or maybe your idea of summer splendor involves a sophisticated urban rooftop setting with white candles as far as the eye can see and the city skyline as your backdrop? You might appreciate something modern and slightly edgy, but mostly uncomplicated:

Clockwise: BHLDN: Burnished Organza Gown, $800; BHLDN: Bouvier Column Gown, $1,000; J. Crew Dauphine Gown, $795; BHLDN: Foxtrot Topper, $40; Carol Hannah: Versailles Pencil Shorty, $405.