Warm sunshine, vibrant colors, and outdoor setting opportunities abound during the summer months. Take advantage of the season with these summer wedding tips.
Summer Weddings - Things to Consider
Beat the Heat - Seriously consider renting fans or portable AC units for an outdoor wedding (even northern climates can hit 90 this time of year), and try to find a location with ample shade so guests can escape blazing sun and heat. Even if your wedding is inside, you´ll need to check the comfort level beforehand - some older venues lack good ventilation or aren´t air conditioned.
Brave the Elements - Outdoor settings are popular during the summer, but high temperatures aren´t the only discomfort you´ll have to contend with. Damaging UV rays, killer mosquitoes and pop-up showers are just some of the elements you may have to endure. Have bug spray, sunscreen and umbrellas on hand just in case.
Work Around Summer Travel - Remember that summer is prime time for family vacations, holiday weekends, oh yeah - and other weddings. Try to book your date and notify your guests as early as possible.
All in the Details - Summer Wedding Ideas
Invitations & Stationery
Add a summer motif - such as a seashell, starfish, tropical flower or plant - to your stationery suite
Go wild with color - now´s the time for paper or fonts in bolder tropical hues - such as fuschia or mango - or the colors of the sea - blues and greens
Wedding Venue
Get outdoors - summer weddings just call for a beach, garden, rooftop or backyard setting
Get on the water - marinas or even yacht cruises make for seasonably stylish venues
Décor Elements
Go casual - summer weddings lend themselves to a casual décor scheme - fitting of a backyard barbeque. Think checked table clothes, benches and picnic tables.
Go natural - incorporate natural décor elements like fruits, vegetables, even insects (like ladybugs or dragonflies, not necessarily roaches!)
Get lit - light up an outdoor evening reception with lanterns or torches.
Flowers
Seasonal blooms - abundant flowers are always in style at a summer wedding. Use bright and cheerful blooms like sunflowers, peonies, hydrangea, mums, daisies, dahlias, zinnias, and roses. Or create a breezy, airy look with white on white - using roses, stephanotis, calla lilies, snowball mums and daisies - and incorporate a touch of blue - like blue hydrangea
Fruits - fruits like lemons and limes look whimsical and chic when filled in tall clear vases
For a beach look - incorporate shells, sand, and sea glass in your arrangements
Menu
Serve lighter fare - think fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables like berries, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, and corn, seafood and lean poultry like chicken. Between courses, serve a light sorbet.
Spark up the grill - serve traditional picnic and grill fare like barbeque, burgers and potato salad
Head to the tropics - feature tropical signature cocktails like margaritas, sangria, or mojitos.
Cake
Light and Fluffy - serve something light, like angel food cake topped with whipped cream and berries
Fresh adornments - top traditional wedding cake with fresh tropical flowers like hibiscus, or decorate with shells and starfish
Spoon it out - serve light sorbet or gelato
Add a cherry - have a do it yourself sundae bar (just make sure you have a way to keep the ice cream cool)
Looking for even more ideas for
wedding themes? This complete guide to planning a
summer wedding has even more tips and advice.
