A summer wedding is all about embracing the warmth, the longer days and that carefree feeling that you only get with summer. A summer wedding is wonderful – maybe it’s the golden hour light that lasts forever or the fact that you can generally rely on good weather. Or just that everyone’s in a better mood when the sun’s shining.
I’ve been a part of planning summer weddings in every setting you can imagine – beachside ceremonies at sunset, vineyard receptions, backyard garden parties, elegant ballroom do’s with the doors thrown open to terraces.
Summer works so well because of how forgiving it is. You can make it casual and laid back or more formal, whatever you like the summer will work.
June is generally the most popular wedding month in the United States, with July and August not far behind. A big portion of weddings happen during summer months and it’s easy to see why – the weather helps you out, venues often look incredible in the sun and there’s a celebratory energy in the air.
But summer weddings aren’t perfect. There some things you need to keep in mind.
Heat and humidity, for starters. Makeup can melt and hairstyles wilt.
You need to think about keeping the guests comfortable, hydrated, that there’s enough shade and timing the ceremony to avoid the hottest part of the day. The good news? These are all problems you can get round with a little planning.
What I love most about summer weddings is the variety you can bring to them. You can go tropical with bright colors and palm leaves, coastal with nautical blues and whites, garden party with pastels and florals, rustic with sunflowers and mason jars or minimalist with clean lines and bold colors. Summer doesn’t box you into one aesthetic, it gives you so many possibilities.
So use these 80+ summer wedding ideas to inspire your wedding.
Summer Wedding Color Palettes
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Coastal Blues and Whites
Navy blue, sky blue and crisp white make a classic coastal aesthetic perfect for beach or waterfront summer weddings. My friend had a Cape Cod wedding in July a few years ago using this palette and the photos against the ocean were just stunning. It was clean, elegant and couldn’t have been more summery.
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Tropical Brights: Fuchsia, Orange and Yellow
Bold, vibrant colors feel fun and match the energy of a summer celebration. The likes of hot pink bougainvillea, bright orange birds of paradise and sunny yellow. It works especially well for destination weddings or couples who want something that’s going to stand out and be bold.
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Sunset Inspired: Coral, Peach, and Gold
Warm sunset tones feel romantic and summery without being too bright or overwhelming. Coral bridesmaid dresses, peach florals and gold accents make a glowing aesthetic that will look fantastic in photographs in golden hour.
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Garden Fresh: Green, White and Blush
Lots of lush greenery with white and soft blush flowers makes for the perfect organic summer garden feel. This palette works for both formal and casual weddings and never looks dated. And the greenery is usually more affordable than lots of flowers.
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Lemon Grove: Yellow, White and Gray
Bright yellow paired with white and soft gray feels fresh and summery. Its things like lemon trees, Mediterranean vibes, Italian coastal towns etc. I went to a vineyard wedding that used this palette last summer and the guests all said how happy and uplifting the colors felt.
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Lavender Fields: Purple, White and Sage Green
Lavender, deep purple and sage green male for a sophisticated summer palette inspired by Provence lavender fields. It feels romantic and elegant without being too sweet or pastel. Works beautifully for outdoor summer evening weddings.
Summer Ceremony Décor
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Beach Ceremony With Driftwood Arch
If you’re getting married on the beach try using a driftwood or weathered wood arch decorated with white flowers and flowing fabric. Keep it simple – the ocean is your backdrop. I always tell couples to let the natural setting do the heavy lifting.
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Sailcloth Tent With Chandeliers
Sailcloth tents have this beautiful natural light quality and they look elegant for summer weddings. Hang chandeliers (crystal or greenery) from the peaks to add extra drama and atmosphere as the sun sets. It’ll look more sophisticated than traditional white tents.
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Ceremony Under a Large Tree
If your venue has a beautiful mature tree, get married under it. The shade will keep your guests comfortable and the natural canopy makes for a romantic setting. Add some simple aisle markers and maybe a few hanging elements but let the tree be the star.
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Tropical Leaf Arch
For tropical summer weddings make an arch using large palm leaves, monstera leaves and bird of paradise flowers. It will look very bold and makes a serious statement. Works especially well for destination weddings or couples going for a full tropical theme.
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Flower Aisle with Petals
Create an aisle that’s entirely of flower petals – rose petals, peony petals or mixed flowers in your wedding colors. It probably sounds expensive but you can often get bulk petals from florists for reasonable prices. The photos are incredible and it smells amazing.
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Bamboo or Rattan Ceremony Chairs
Swap traditional ceremony chairs for bamboo or rattan ones. This is very tropical and they photograph well. Most rental companies have these available and they take the feel of outdoor ceremonies to another level.
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Ceremony Parasols for Guests
Provide pretty parasols or paper umbrellas for guests at outdoor summer ceremonies. They’re practical (sun protection), they add a pop of color, and they create amazing photos when everyone’s holding them. You can find bulk parasols on Amazon.
Summer Florals and Bouquets
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Sunflower Bouquets
Sunflowers are in season in summer and they’re cheerful, cheap and absolutely synonymous with summer. A bouquet of sunflowers with some greenery and maybe a few white accents feels fresh and happy. It works really well for rustic or barn weddings.
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Tropical and Protea Palm Leaves
King protea flowers paired with tropical palm leaves create a bold bouquet. Very modern, very summery and unlike anything your guests will have seen before. Protea are also surprisingly tough in the heat.
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Hydrangeas in Summer Colors
Hydrangeas are abundant in the summer and come in gorgeous colors – blue, purple, pink, white, green. They’re also nice and cheap because each bloom is large, so you need fewer stems to create full arrangements. I use them constantly in summer weddings.
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Wildflower Meadow Bouquet
Loose, unstructured bouquets with summer wildflowers – daisies, black eyed Susans, Queen Anne’s lace, cosmos. Feels organic and freshly picked. Perfect for bohemian or garden style summer weddings where you want that feel.
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White and Green Eucalyptus
For a more modern, minimalist summer wedding stick with all white flowers and lots of eucalyptus. Clean, elegant and the simple, letting other elements (like your venue or your dress) shine. Works year round but feels especially fresh in the summer.
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Dahlias in Bold Colors
Dahlias bloom in late summer and early fall and they’re absolutely stunning – layers and layers of petals in every color imaginable. A dahlia heavy bouquet feels luxurious and romantic. They’re also better at dealing with the heat than some delicate flowers.
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Citrus and Herb Bouquets
Use fresh herbs (rosemary, lavender, sage) and even small citrus fruits in your bouquet. They smell incredible, look unexpected and feels very summery and Mediterranean. I helped with this for a California wedding last year and guests kept commenting on the scent.
Summer Reception Table Settings
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Bright Colored Table Linens
Don’t be afraid of color in summer. Bright coral, sunny yellow or tropical blue tablecloths create an immediate festive, summery feel. Balance that with white or neutral napkins and dinnerware to keep it elegant, not overwhelming.
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Natural Wood Farm Tables
Skip linens entirely and use natural wood farm tables for a rustic summer look. The wood grain is beautiful and feels organic. Add simple runners (gauze or linen) and lots of candles and greenery down the center.
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Striped Runners in Nautical Colors
Navy and white striped table runners make an instant coastal summer vibe. Pair with white dishes, blue glassware and nautical details like rope wrapped votives or small anchor accents for a beach wedding look.
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Tropical Leaf Chargers or Placemats
Use palm leaf or monstera leaf chargers under white plates for a tropical summer table setting. They’re statement pieces that immediately set the tone. You can find these on a lot of party supply sites.
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Colorful Glassware
Colored glassware in summer tones – turquoise, amber, cobalt blue or pink – adds some warmth and interest to your table settings. Mix and match colors for a bohemian look or keep them uniform for something more formal.
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Fresh Fruit Centerpiece Elements
Use fresh summer fruit – lemons, limes, oranges, figs, or berries – in your centerpieces or scatter along tables. It adds some color, smells fresh and feels very like summer abundant harvest. Plus it’s affordable and edible after.
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Rattan or Wicker Chargers
Rattan chargers add texture and a casual, beachy feel to summer table settings. Layer with white or colored plates and you’ve got a look that’s elegant but not stuffy. Works for both beach and garden summer weddings.
Summer Centerpiece Ideas
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Floating Candles With Flower Petals
Large glass bowls or cylinders filled with water, floating candles and flower petals. Simple, elegant and the candlelight looks magical as evening falls. Very cheap too as you only need flower heads, not full stems.
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Lantern Centerpieces With Florals
Cluster white or gold lanterns in varying heights with small floral arrangements around the base. The lanterns give you light as the sun sets and the mixed heights making them look more interesting. This combo is perfect for summer evening receptions.
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Tall Tropical Arrangements
For dramatic impact use tall arrangements with bird of paradise, protea and large tropical leaves in clear or gold vases. Creates height without blocking guests view and makes a bold tropical summer statement.
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Mason Jars With Wildflowers
A classic rustic summer look – mason jars filled with wildflowers or sunflowers, tied with twine or ribbon. Affordable, casual and extra summery. You can collect mason jars secondhand or buy them in bulk cheaply.
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Citrus and Greenery Garlands
Instead of traditional centerpieces run garlands of eucalyptus, greenery and fresh citrus fruits down the center of tables. Add votives throughout for candlelight. Very Mediterranean summer villa aesthetic.
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Potted Herbs as Centerpieces
Cluster pots of fresh herbs – basil, rosemary, lavender, mint – as centerpieces. It will smell amazing, looks fresh and summery and guests can take them home to plant. A lot more useful than typical centerpieces that will get thrown away.
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Low Garden Rose and Peony Arrangements
Lush, low arrangements of garden roses and peonies (if you’re early summer when peonies are still available) in soft summer colors. Romantic, elegant and keeps guests sight unblocked so they can talk across the tables.
Summer Wedding Cakes and Desserts
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Naked Cake With Fresh Berries
Semi naked or naked cake with fresh summer berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – cascading down. Very summery, very pretty and the berries add some natural color without artificial food coloring. Works for both rustic and modern feels.
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Tropical Cake With Bold Flowers
White cake decorated with bold tropical flowers – bird of paradise, orchids, anthuriums. Makes a statement and photographs incredibly. Just make sure the flowers are food safe if they’re touching the cake directly.
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Lemon or Coconut Flavored Cake
Summer inspired flavors like lemon elderflower, coconut, key lime or even strawberry shortcake. The bright, fresh flavors match the summer season perfectly and taste lighter than heavy chocolate or caramel cakes.
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Ombré Sunset Colored Cake
Buttercream frosting that fades from yellow to orange to pink, mimicking a summer sunset. I’ve seen this done for beach weddings and the effect is stunning – especially in photos during actual sunset.
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Donuts or Macaron Tower
Instead of a traditional cake do a donut wall or macaron tower in summer colors. More casual, more fun and the guests can grab them easily. It works especially well for outdoor daytime summer weddings where you want a lighter dessert option.
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Ice Cream Bar or Popsicle Station
Set up an ice cream sundae bar or gourmet popsicle station as your dessert. It’s practical (helps guests cool down), unexpected and everyone loves ice cream in summer. You can get custom popsicles with your wedding colors from specialty companies.
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Watercolor Beach Scene Cake
Hand painted watercolor design on white fondant depicting a beach or ocean scene. Artistic, romantic and great for beach or coastal summer weddings. The soft watercolor effect feels summery without being literal.
Summer Lighting and Ambiance
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String Lights Everywhere
You can never have too many string lights at a summer evening wedding. Crisscross them overhead, wrap them around trees, drape them along fences etc. They make for a wonderful atmosphere as daylight fades into dusk.
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Tiki Torches for Beach Weddings
Line pathways or the perimeter of your beach reception with tiki torches. They provide lighting and reinforce the tropical beach vibe. Just make sure your venue allows open flames and position them safely away from fabric or flammable décor.
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Paper Lanterns in Summer Colors
Hang paper lanterns in bright summer colors from tree branches, tent ceilings or pergolas. They’re cheap, easy to hang and color and light overhead. You can get them in bulk on Amazon for very little money.
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Market Lights
Bistro style market lights strung overhead make a European summer cafe feel. More substantial than string lights, they provide actual lighting that works while looking elegant. Great for vineyard or garden summer weddings.
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Candles in Hurricane Vases
Pillar candles in hurricane vases protect flames from summer breezes while creating romantic candlelight. Have them in groups of three or five on tables, along pathways or around the dance floor for layered lighting.
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Uplighting in Warm Amber
Rent uplights for your venue in warm amber or golden tones. The lighting creates atmosphere and makes everything glow beautifully. Most lighting rental companies offer colored uplighting and it makes a huge difference in photos.
Summer Bridesmaid Dresses and Attire
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Lightweight Chiffon in Bright Colors
Flowing chiffon bridesmaid dresses in summer colors – coral, turquoise, yellow or bright pink. The lightweight fabric keeps bridesmaids cool and the movement looks beautiful in outdoor settings, especially when there’s a breeze.
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Mismatched Tropical Print Dresses
For bold couples let your bridesmaids wear different tropical print dresses in coordinating colors. Very summery, very fun and makes for amazing photos. Just make sure everyone’s dress has a similar level of formality and color story.
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Short or Tea Length Dresses
Shorter bridesmaid dresses are more practical for summer – easier to walk in, cooler in heat and less likely to drag through grass or sand. Plus they have a fun, casual summer vibe that photographs so well.
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White or Cream Bridesmaid Dresses
An all white or cream bridal party looks fresh and summery. Don’t worry about them competing with the bride – your dress will be more elaborate. All white parties look gorgeous in photos against summer greenery or beach backgrounds.
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Floral Crowns or Hair Flowers
Fresh flower crowns or individual blooms tucked into bridesmaids’ hair. Very bohemian and summery. Use flowers from your wedding palette and keep them delicate. Works especially well for outdoor garden or beach summer weddings.
Keeping Guests Comfortable in Summer Heat
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Fans for Ceremony
Provide pretty paper fans or wooden paddle fans for guests during your ceremony. They’re practical (keeps guests cool) and they can double as ceremony programs if you print your ceremony details on them.
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Shade Solutions
If your ceremony or cocktail hour is outdoors – provide shade. Large umbrellas, a tent or choosing a spot under trees. I’ve seen guests literally leave ceremonies because they were too hot and uncomfortable in the direct sun.
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Hydration Station
Set up a water station with infused water (cucumber, lemon, mint, berries) and fancy glassware. It keeps guests hydrated and it doubles as a pretty detail. Include a sign encouraging guests to drink up.
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Sunscreen and Bug Spray Baskets
Provide baskets with sunscreen and bug spray in your bathrooms or near the entrance. It’s thoughtful, practical and guests will appreciate it. Include a cute sign like “Get Protected” or something playful.
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Earlier Ceremony Time
Schedule your ceremony for late afternoon (4 or 5 PM) instead of midday. The heat is less intense, you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day and you’ll get that gorgeous golden hour light for photos right after the ceremony.
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Misting Stations
Set up misting fans or a misting station where guests can cool off. Sounds like a lot but it makes a real difference at outdoor summer weddings. I’ve seen this done at several July and August weddings and guests loved it.
Summer Stationery and Paper Goods
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Tropical Leaf Invitations
Wedding invitations featuring palm leaves, monstera or banana leaf designs set the summer tropical scene before guests arrive. You can find gorgeous templates online or hire a custom designer on Etsy.
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Watercolor Beach Scene Invitations
Soft watercolor illustrations of beach scenes, waves or summer florals on your invitation suite. Romantic, artistic and absolutely summer. The watercolor effect feels light and fresh, perfect for summer weddings.
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Bright Colored Envelopes
White invitations in bright colored envelopes – coral, turquoise, yellow or fuchsia. That color immediately signals “summer wedding” when guests open their mail. Plus colored envelopes are surprisingly affordable.
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Menu Cards With Citrus Illustrations
Menu cards featuring lemon, lime, or orange illustrations. Place at each setting so guests know what they’re eating while adding a fresh summer element to your table setting. You can DIY these easily.
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Acrylic or Wood Welcome Signs
Large acrylic or wooden welcome signs with summer florals or beach scenes. Modern, chic and creates a great photo opportunity for guests as they arrive. You can order custom signs on Etsy.
Summer Wedding Favors
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Sunglasses in Summer Colors
Personalized sunglasses with your names and wedding date. Practical (guests will use them during your outdoor wedding), fun and very summery. You can order bulk sunglasses online for reasonable prices.
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Mini Bottles of Sunscreen
Small bottles of sunscreen with custom labels. Thoughtful, practical and guests will appreciate having sun protection at an outdoor summer wedding. Way more useful than generic favors.
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Local Honey or Jam
Small jars of local honey or summer fruit jam with custom labels. Sweet, supports local businesses and feels summery and fresh. Tie with twine or ribbon in your wedding colors.
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Succulent or Cactus Plants
Small potted succulents or cacti as favors. They thrive in summer heat, guests can take them home and plant them and they’re more special than generic favors. Add a tag with your names and wedding date.
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Personalized Koozies or Tumblers
Can koozies or insulated tumblers with your names and wedding date. Guests can use them during your reception (keeps drinks cold) and take them home afterward. Very practical for summer outdoor weddings.
Additional Summer Wedding Ideas
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Boat or Yacht Ceremony
If you’re near water you could get married on a boat or yacht. It’s very unique, ideal for summer and the water will keep everyone cool. You’re also guaranteed no crashers since it’s a private vessel.
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Outdoor Movie Night
Set up an outdoor movie screening after dinner as entertainment. Project onto a large screen or building wall, have blankets and pillows on the lawn and show a romantic comedy or your favorite film. Very summer date night feeling.
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Summer Signature Cocktails
Create refreshing summer signature cocktails – mojitos, margaritas, Aperol spritzes or watermelon coolers. Give them fun summery names tied to your relationship or wedding location. Keep guests refreshed and happy.
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Fireworks at Sunset
If your venue and local regulations allow it, fireworks at sunset create a spectacular moment. It’s abbot as celebratory as you can get and guests will never forget it. Just make sure you have all necessary permits and safety measures.
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Sparkler Send-Off
Give guests sparklers for a special send off at the end of the night. The photos are incredible – you and your new spouse walking through a tunnel of sparkling light. Very popular for summer evening weddings.
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Lawn Games During Cocktail Hour
Set up lawn games – cornhole, giant Jenga, croquet, or bocce ball – during cocktail hour. It gives your guests something fun to do, encourages them to mingle and feels very casual summer party. Perfect for outdoor daytime weddings.
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S’mores Station
Set up a s’mores station with a fire pit, graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows for roasting. Very summer camp and fun and it’s an interactive dessert option guests love. Works especially well for rustic or outdoor venues.
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Pool Party After-Party
If your venue has a pool invite guests to an after party pool party. Provide towels, have a DJ or playlist ready and let guests jump in after the formal reception ends. Just right summer and extends the celebration.
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Fresh Flower Bar
Set up a station where guests can create their own small bouquets to take home using flowers from your wedding palette. Provides entertainment during cocktail hour and guests leave with a living favor. I saw this at a garden wedding a few years ago and guests loved it.
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Sailboat Backdrop for Photos
If you’re near a marina or harbor use sailboats as your photo backdrop. It’s very nautical and makes for amazing photos. Work with your photographer to scout locations during your venue visit.
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Sunset Ceremony Timing
Time your ceremony to end right at sunset so you can transition immediately into golden hour portraits. The lighting is incredible, the temperature is cooling down and that’s when you get those photos that look like they’re from a magazine.
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Fruit-Infused Water Dispensers
Large glass drink dispensers with fruit infused water – cucumber mint, strawberry lemon or watermelon basil. Keep them available throughout your reception. Keeps guests hydrated and looks beautiful as décor.
Making Your Summer Wedding Theme Work
A good way to look at a summer wedding is to embrace the season but plan for the realities. Summer is gorgeous – the long days, the warm weather, the outdoor possibilities – but you can’t ignore the heat, the sun and potential humidity.
The most successful summer weddings are the ones where couples thought about the comfort of their guests first. They mqde sure there was shade, they offered cold drinks, they timed their ceremony to avoid the hottest hours and they had backup plans for any extreme weather. Happy, comfortable guests make for a better celebration.
You shouldn’t be fighting the summer but instead using it. Take advantage of outdoor venues that might not work in other seasons.
Use seasonal flowers that are more affordable in summer. Plan your timeline around that incredible golden hour light. Let the long days work in your favor instead of trying to make something that works against the season.
And remember that summer weddings should feel joyful. This is the season of fun and freedom and warmth.
Start with one or two summer elements you’re excited about – maybe it’s a beach ceremony or a specific color palette or incorporating tropical flowers – and go from there. It will come together naturally, especially when you’re working with a season that’s already doing half the work for you.