Summer has long been one of the most popular times of the year to get married. Whether you are getting married on the beach or planning a romantic garden ceremony, we have all the summer wedding ideas you need. We love summer weddings for their laid-back vibes, sunny skies, and nights dancing under the stars.
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If you’re getting married between June and September, check out these summer wedding ideas.
Place
Outdoor venues are the best option for summer weddings, especially for couples who want to take advantage of the season’s warm temperatures and sunny skies. Vineyards, gardens, country clubs, and barns or farms are some of the most popular locations for summer weddings.
Another favorite for couples who get married during the summer months – and this should come as no surprise – are the beaches and oceanfront locations. If you are lucky enough to live near a body of water, it can serve as a beautiful backdrop for your nuptials. Even if you have to drive a few hours to get to the water, it can be a great excuse to have a “destination” wedding that’s closer to home and doesn’t require too much travel.
We are all in favor of celebrating your wedding outdoors, but we must mention that Mother Nature can sometimes play an unwanted role: thunderstorms, insects, super hot temperatures… yikes! While these probably won’t ruin your big day entirely, they are definitely annoying inconveniences if you have to deal with them. If you dream of hosting an outdoor wedding but can’t get past the “what if,” then look for a venue with a hybrid indoor-outdoor space – for example, a riverfront country club with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view, or an outdoor patio that can be closed off in bad weather.
Season
Summer weddings are held from the beginning of June to the beginning of September. Temperatures and humidity will vary depending on where you are getting married. If your wedding is taking place on the East Coast, keep in mind that the Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, although most storms occur from late August through September. For your own peace of mind, do yourself a favor and have a rain plan ready, just in case!
Color palette
Ready to choose your wedding colors? Summer wedding ideas and styling are all about creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere, so keep that in mind when finalizing your perfect palette. Bright and colorful wedding ideas are a popular choice for summer events, especially among couples getting married on the beach or in a tropical location. For an eye-catching combination that screams summer, pair three or four vibrant colors.
If wedding pastel colors or neutrals are more your style, don’t feel pressured to go with a bold color palette. When worn to a summer wedding, neutrals and pastels feel light and airy, especially if you’re getting married outdoors in a picturesque setting. Do you need an inspection? We love summer wedding ideas with an all-white decor.
Decor
As you are considering decorating and other wedding ideas for the summer, try to hone in on a specific style. Do you want a nautical and beach wedding, or do you imagine something classic, vintage or rustic? If you can’t decide, you can choose a style that reflects your hangout, which is always a good idea. For example, the beach wedding style makes perfect sense if you are getting married near the water, but it may seem out of place if your venue is a barn or ballroom.
The Boho wedding style is ideal for the summer, especially if your venue is outdoors. This free-spirited aesthetic focuses on the use of nature-inspired details such as feathers, greenery, succulents, and geodes. Other bohemian elements, such as hanging centerpieces, dream catchers, macrame accents, and mix-and-match furnishings, will add a relaxed and whimsical feel to your decor.
Summer is also a fantastic opportunity to try out themes out of the ordinary, like modern tropical vibes in a garden or a mermaid-inspired wedding on the beach. Consider your hangout and think of creative ways to get inspired by that setting!
Stationery
For anyone having a beach or nautical wedding, ocean-inspired motifs like shells, anchors, waves, and sailboats are obvious choices when it comes to wedding stationery. A few additional summer wedding ideas for stationery include watercolor washes, floral patterns, and tropical palm leaves. In general, your stationery should reflect the venue, color palette, and style of the wedding to keep it consistent with the rest of your décor.
flowers
You will have plenty of seasonal flowers to choose from if you are getting married in the summer. Some of the more popular types include sunflowers, freesias, orchids, garden roses, poppies, and daisies, all of which lend themselves to cheerful and cheerful flower arrangements that complement the cheer of summer. Looking for summer flowers that hit? Try standout flowers like anthuriums, proteas (see 20 gorgeous ideas here), stargazing lilies, and birds of paradise.
If the summer temperatures are very hot in the place where you are getting married, you should take into account the types of flowers that can withstand intense heat. Certain flowers, such as hydrangeas and peonies, are summer favorites, but they are also considered delicate and very sensitive to heat. Your wedding florist can help you find the best flowers for your needs.
Clothing
Hot and sticky weather means that you will want to avoid making your outfit too fussy and stuffy, especially if you will be outside for a large part of the wedding. If you are wearing a wedding dress, light styles are your best bet (unless your venue will have full air conditioning). Look for dresses that have slimmer silhouettes and are made with airy fabrics, such as organza, tulle, lace, or chiffon – this is even more important if you’re hunting for beach wedding dresses. Remember: a heavy robe will feel even heavier when you factor in humidity and warm temperatures.
Heat can also do a number on your wedding hairstyles and makeup, so be sure to check with a beauty professional to make sure you look #fabulous all day. Go for an easy hairstyle (get inspired by these summer wedding hair ideas) and prepare ahead of time to prevent your wedding day makeup from melting (yes, that includes wearing sunscreen!).
For anyone who wears a suit, summer temperatures are a good excuse to ditch jackets and heavy materials for more casual options instead. Stay cool in light colors and breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.
Be sure to prepare for the sun with cute accessories, such as sunglasses, sandals, hand fans, and umbrellas. Not only will they make you and your wedding party feel ready for summer, but they also double as playful photo props.
Cake and dessert
Like flowers and makeup, the heat of summer can affect your wedding cake in not-so-great ways. Butter frosting acts differently in heat depending on the exact recipe, and fondant cakes can start to sweat or form pockets of air. Your baker can advise you on the best heat resistant solutions for your needs during your cake consultation.
If you’re feeling hip, skip the frosting (and a possible cake fiasco) by serving a naked cake or semi-naked cake instead. Dress up the levels with fresh berries or flowers, which look beautiful both in person and in photos. Win win!
Make sure you have plenty of cold snacks on hand, too. Keep thirsty guests happy by offering a self-serve beverage station with ice water, lemonade, and iced tea. Delight everyone with fun cocktails or soda lines, or surprise them with summery treats like sherries, snowballs and ice cream.