Say “goodbye” to ordinary and “hello” to inventive and inspired! Toss conventional wedding standards out the window and embrace your creative side. Here’s a peek at the hot trends for summer weddings.
1) Unique Settings
To add a personal touch, couples are venturing outside of the traditional ceremony at a place of worship followed by a banquet room reception. The beach remains the most popular spot for summer brides, but also consider a mountainside, garden, yacht, museum, lighthouse, theme park, or historic mansion. Anything goes – be original!
2) Destination Weddings
Start the honeymoon early, and head to an exotic destination to exchange vows. Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, with couples only inviting close family and friends to share in the festivities. This saves a lot of money, time, and stress and allows everyone to enjoy a fabulous summer vacation. What guest won’t appreciate that?
3) Keep it Small
Forget inviting 400 of your closest friends. (Who needs the hassle?) Today’s weddings are more personalized and intimate, with many guest lists topping out at 100 people. Trim your guest list, and treat your true friends and loved ones to something truly spectacular.
4) Buzz on Bars
They’re not just for drinks anymore. Take your guests on a culinary journey of the senses with strategically placed food stations. Dynamic bars with bite-sized samples allow guests to mingle and savor several flavors. So when you think catering – think tiny and scattered.
5) More Seating Options
Go ahead, ditch the head table and opt for something a little different. More personal – less awkward. Consider instead a sweetheart table for two, and enjoy a few minutes of alone time with your honey. Sit with your parents or other guests; it may allow you to spend some quality time with people not a part of the wedding party. Or do away with reserved tables and assigned seating, mingle with your guests throughout mealtime.
6) Go Clubbing
Transform your reception space into a swank lounge with romantic nooks and crannies conducive to conversing and flirting. Think sexy lighting, seductive music, plush couches, and low coffee tables.
7) A Warm Welcome
With the emergence of destination weddings and guests often spread all over the country, savvy couples are taking advantage of a golden opportunity to offer a warm welcome and set the tone for a fabulous series of events. What a great idea! Welcome baskets are an added touch that immediately comforts the travel-weary and makes your guests feel right at home.
8) Beyond Blush and Bashful
Gone are the days of adhering to light pastels and muted shades. Today’s summer brides are opting for bold and interesting pairings of colors. Not afraid of mixing purples and oranges, the color palette is expanding.