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 the 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 Palettes:
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, and 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, hydrangeas, 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)
