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
Location
- 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
Color palette –
- bright and bold – hot pink and deep red or mango and fuschia
- nautical – navy and white is a clean summer classic; accent with touches of yellow, red or gold.
- seaside – combine aqua with beige, peach or white
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 provides ideas and advice for incorporating the summer season into every wedding detail.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.