Summer weddings can be full of sunshine, bright colors, and a vibrant atmosphere. With a bit of foresight and planning, you can make the most of this beautiful season for your special day. Here’s how to plan a flawless summer wedding.
Table of Contents
1. Consider the Venue
Summer provides an excellent opportunity to explore outdoor venues like botanical gardens, vineyards, or the beach, which are, let’s face it, the best wedding venues. If you’re considering an outdoor wedding, ensure there’s ample shade for guests and a plan for inclement weather, like a marquee or an indoor backup venue.
2. Choose Seasonal Decor
Celebrate the summer season with your decor. Incorporate bright and cheerful colors, fresh flowers, and even fruit in your centerpieces. Consider decor elements that reflect the summer, such as lanterns, candles, or fairy lights for a twilight ceremony or reception.
3. Plan for the Heat
Plan your day with the summer heat in mind. Schedule your ceremony for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense. Provide amenities like handheld fans, sunglasses, or parasols, and have plenty of water stations available to keep guests hydrated.
4. Select the Right Attire
Choose wedding attire suitable for a warm weather event. Light, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen or chiffon will be more comfortable for you and your bridal party. For a more casual vibe, men might consider lighter suits in colors like grey or tan.
5. Create a Seasonal Menu
Work with your caterer to create a menu that features fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Think about serving lighter dishes, such as fresh salads, grilled meats, or seafood. For dessert, consider a fruit-based dessert or a naked cake adorned with fresh summer berries.
6. Offer Summer Refreshments
Delight your guests with refreshing summer beverages. In addition to alcoholic options like summer cocktails, prosecco, or chilled beer, offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or infused water.
7. Pick Summer Blooms
Many beautiful flowers are in season during the summer, which can be great for your decor and your budget. Roses, sunflowers, daisies, hydrangeas, and peonies are all great choices for a summer wedding.
8. Consider the Lighting
Longer daylight hours mean you can make the most of natural light for your ceremony and photos. If your event extends into the evening, plan for outdoor lighting, such as string lights, lanterns, or even a fire pit.
9. Protect Against Bugs
If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, consider how you’ll keep bugs at bay. Citronella candles, bug spray stations, or even hiring a professional pest control service can help keep your venue comfortable for guests.
10. Plan Fun Summer Activities
Take advantage of the season by including summer activities in your wedding. Lawn games like croquet or horseshoes can add fun to your reception. For a beach or lakeside wedding, you might offer a bonfire, complete with s’mores, once the sun goes down.
11. Have a Rain Plan
While we often associate summer with sunshine, rain is a possibility. Ensure you have a plan B in case of inclement weather. This might involve renting a tent or marquee or having an indoor space available.
12. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Especially for outdoor ceremonies and photos, sunscreen is crucial. Consider providing some in baskets at your venue for guests to use and prevent any sunburns. Planning a summer wedding can be an exciting task, with the season lending itself to bright colors, beautiful outdoor venues, and delicious fresh food. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable summer celebration.
