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Summer wedding dress

16 Summer Wedding Ideas And Reasons to Plan One

Are you considering planning a summer wedding?

There are a lot of things to consider when deciding which season to get married during. From what the weather will be like to the potential cost of venues, you and your spouse should think hard when choosing a date. We love when we hear couples are planning summer weddings because there are so many reasons to pick the hottest, most vibrant season for your nuptials. If you’re still on the fence, keep reading for ten reasons why we think planning a summer wedding is the perfect choice!

Why we love summer weddings

  • Gardens bursting with blooms. Take your pick of flowers in any color imaginable. Will it be daisies, roses, poppies, or zinnias?
  • The prettiest outdoor photos. Your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses will pop against a backdrop of leafy trees, lush grass, or the shore.
  • Ice cream! Sorbet! Popsicles! Help your guests cool off with an ice-cold dessert that’ll have everyone screaming for seconds.
  • Hours and hours of sunlight. With the sun going down later into the evening, you can hold an outdoor ceremony in the evening and get gorgeous sunset photos.
  • Flip-flops, sandals, and open-toed shoes. Show off a pedicure that matches your bridesmaids’ dresses, or have fun with nail art.
  • Endless wedding dress options. In warm weather, you can wear whatever wedding dress you want: no need to worry about sleeves! And, unless it’s unseasonably cool, you don’t have to worry about a bridal jacket or wrap!
  • Fun with sunnies. Gift your bridal party —or all your guests—customized sunglasses so they won’t squint during the celebration (they also make for cute photo ops).
  • Life-size lawn games. Set up horseshoes, croquet, or cornhole for added entertainment during cocktail hour.
  • Dining and dancing under the stars. There’s nothing quite like eating al fresco and twirling on a dance floor lit up by the night sky and fireflies.
  • A sparkler send-off. What better way to end your wedding day than with a brilliantly illuminated exit?

Summer Wedding Ideas & Themes

1. Beach Wedding: Beach wedding themes are a classic for summer weddings. The ocean and sand bring romance to any wedding dreams. Wedding dresses can be more casual if preferred.  Hair in a boho style or updo can add that special beachy vibe to your wedding day. Beach weddings can be pure and simple, just enough flowers to enhance the setting with a driftwood or wicker archway. Celebrate cocktails on the beach with a tent covered reception, or head to a nearby venue. 

2. Sunflowers: Late summer weddings are perfect for sunflowers. This calls for a warmer color palette as the weather is starting to change to slightly cooler evenings and earlier sunsets. Carry a bouquet of sunflowers and use them everywhere for décor with burnt orange and warm yellows for accent colors.

3. Garden Party Aesthetic: Garden weddings are so inviting and speaks summer. Who doesn’t want to spend a beautiful summer day outside in a flower filled garden. Select a venue that has plenty of flower gardens which adds to the overall dĂ©cor. Create a signature summer cocktail for your guests to enjoy. A tent is always a safe plan for the reception, in case of a summer shower. Select soft colors for the bridesmaid’s gowns and table decorations. Bridal gowns for garden weddings can be elegant or casual, the garden wedding is a setting for many looks.

4. Rustic/Barn Backdrops: Rustic weddings are a great idea for a backyard or barn wedding. Warm colors, greens, dried flowers and wicker all add that rustic touch. Wildflowers are a great selection for flowers, bouquets and centerpieces. Many DIY ideas are available to help you add the finishing touches, such as backdrops, guest seating charts, cocktail menu and venue décor.  

5. Vintage Theme: Timeless and sentimental, vintage style weddings are a classic. Choose a historic venue, if possible, with authentic furnishings and architecture. Next is the dress, a vintage dress has many options including long and short lengths, lace, beads, and pearls. Antique jewelry is a must in selecting your bridal accessories. Family heirlooms can add that sentimental charm to your look. Create a refined cocktail hour with servers and bar carts. Candles and candelabras add a romantic touch with white and muted colored flower centerpieces. 

6. Tropical Destination: Have an island destination wedding or even if you can’t travel to the islands, create a tropical theme. Think tropical paradise. Bold, bright colors are the style here. From the dresses to the table settings, get creative and focus on colorful tones and island prints. Tropical flowers look great in an updo and on the cake. Don’t forget the tropical cocktails and island menu.

Planning a summer wedding? Click here to get everything you need to plan the perfect summer nuptials, from creating a vision board and wedding website to finding the perfect local wedding vendors!

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