Plan a Summer Wedding

Warm sunshine, vibrant colors, and outdoor setting opportunities abound during the summer months. Take advantage of the season with these tips for summer theme weddings.

Summer Theme 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. Consult our complete list of summer wedding flowers
• 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) 

Attire

• Lighter fabrics – for the wedding dress – think organdy, linen, chiffon, crepe, georgette or any light-weight silk.  Dress the girls in linen, eyelet, or seersucker, and dress the guys in traditional cape cod style – khakis, blue sport coats and colorful ties like those from Vineyard Vines, or morning suits for a more formal affair.
• Simple silhouettes – opt for a slip dress or sheath – as opposed to a voluminous ball gown.  Keep your veil simple as well – look for airy, not poufy.
• Dare to go barefoot – a casual outdoor setting can be made more so with a barefoot bridal party
• Add color – summer is a time to incorporate some color into your ensemble.

Favors

• Keep ‘em cool - personalized paper fans are both decorative and functional
• Keep it fresh – give a taste of the season with fresh fruits such as pears or oranges.
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• From the sea – give bags of shells, sand dollars, sea stones or sea glass – decorated with your monogram
• Flip out – with flip flops in your wedding colors
• Fill up – stuff mini canvas beach bags with candy and goodies

Getaway

• Sail away – on a sail boat, yacht, catamaran or canoe (hint: you’ll need a body of water)
• Ride the waves – on skis or surfboards – same goes – you’ll need a body of water and a willingness to get wet
• Up and away – a hot air balloon makes a dramatic statement and affords some romantic alone time with your new spouse
• Fly away – try parasailing - again, if you’re at the beach and don’t mind getting wet