There’s something about summer weddings that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the golden-hour glow that makes everyone look like they belong on the cover of a romance novel, or the way laughter seems to float through the warm air a little easier. If you’re planning a summer celebration, the season practically hands you a mood board – bold, joyful and endlessly romantic. We’ve whipped up some tips to help you plan the summer wedding.
Stylish ways to keep guests cool
Every detail matters – and keeping guests cool isn’t just thoughtful, it’s part of the experience. Think paper fans printed with your ceremony program, linen parasols at each seat and welcome drinks that go down like a breeze (something chilled, crisp and citrusy).
Want to add a little flair? Set up a vintage popsicle cart during cocktail hour or tuck cold towels near the lounge area. These summer wedding ideas don’t just beat the heat – they show your guests they’re in for something special.
A floral moment that feels wild, not manicured
Summer is nature’s peak performance, and your florals should play to that strength. Ditch the stiff symmetry and let arrangements move freely, like they’re growing right out of the ground. Picture an aisle framed with meadow-like blooms, floral arches that feel organic instead of overly sculpted and tiny buds placed where nobody expects them (tucked into napkins, winding up your chairs or floating gently in a water feature). It should feel like the garden bloomed just for this day.
If you love a bold colour story
Summer is the season to have fun with colour, whether that means going vibrant and juicy or soft and sun-washed. A bold palette might mean shades like bougainvillea pink, marigold and papaya layered together for a look that feels full of life. Or maybe it’s a cooler, moodier take – like cornflower blue, slate and lilac with unexpected pops of copper.
Pastels can also shine in summer weddings when grounded with earthy neutrals or richer undertones – think pistachio green paired with dusty rose, or butter yellow with terracotta. These colour choices aren’t just for your florals, either. Let them show up in signature cocktails, coloured taper candles, place cards or even the stitching on custom napkins. The right palette doesn’t just set the tone – it transforms the entire atmosphere into something truly unforgettable.
Outdoor dining that feels like a dream sequence
When the sun dips low and the evening begins to hum, dining outside becomes the moment. Not picnic casual – more like a timeless dinner party under the stars. Think wood tables softened by layered textures, stoneware plates, wispy silk runners that catch in the wind and candles flickering inside hurricane glass as dusk settles in.
Serve seasonal favourites that celebrate summer’s best, like grilled corn with herb butter, maple-glazed salmon or roasted chicken with fresh garden herbs. Add summery salads made with strawberries, cherries or heirloom tomatoes picked at peak.
End the meal with something light and nostalgic, like mini butter tarts, lemon lavender cake or a wild blueberry crumble served warm with fresh cream. Thoughtful, local summer wedding menus like these feel indulgent without being fussy – and they give guests a true taste of the season.
The dance floor everyone ends up on
The energy of a summer night is unmatched and with the right setup, no one will be able to resist the pull of the dance floor. Whether it’s a terrace strung with café lights or a wooden platform beneath the stars, it’s important to give people space to move.
But it’s not just about where they dance at your summer wedding; you also have to curate a playlist that leans into nostalgia and joy – songs that get people out of their seats and into that magical in-between space where time stretches and memories are made. Add a midnight snack station and suddenly it’s 1 a.m. and nobody’s going home.
Entertainment that feels relaxed, not rehearsed
Skip the overly structured reception timeline and lean into entertainment that invites guests to relax and enjoy the moment. Live music during cocktail hour – like a steel drum band, an acoustic guitarist, or a local indie band – sets the tone beautifully.
Lawn games are always a hit (especially if there’s a little shade), and a photo booth tucked into a vintage trailer or a gorgeous floral wall gives guests a fun excuse to mingle between courses.
Want something extra? Try a wine or local craft beer tasting station, or set up a late-night s’mores pit if your summer wedding venue allows it. When the entertainment feels easy and organic, guests feel free to fully enjoy the night.
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