Summer is one of our favorite seasons.
And everything about planning and hosting a summer wedding, is all about love and fun under the sun. Summer provides a lush backdrop and a colorful inspiration for any couple. Some of our favorite weddings we’ve ever planned and/or coordinated, were held in the summer. So, let’s go down our list of fresh, new summer ideas that will keep your guests entertained, and help your wedding go down in the record books.
#01: Be Playful with Nature
Summer provides a beautiful landscape and backdrop for any reception or ceremony. Choose a venue that features the beauty that summer provides. When it comes to florals and wedding decor, be sure to use flowers that can withstand the summer heat. No one likes a wilted hydrangea on a hot summer day. Select florals that are summer blooms and that can withstand the whole wedding day. Some of our favorites are tropical florals, desert blooms, or even a touch of cacti. Be creative and think outside the box with your floral selection. And, of course, be sure to use what nature provides with your venue itself.
#02: Eclectic and Fresh
We always look forward to seeing what color palettes and themes our summer clients select. Summer is all about beautiful sunny days and vibrant summer nights. When planning your color palette, think of fresh, bright, and fun summer hues that can spice up your event. Do not be afraid to mix colors or patterns. Work to create a space that shines brightly on a summer night. Add a variety of colors to keep your wedding light and airy, with lots of fun.
#03: Summer Hydration
With the heat of summer, don’t forget to keep your guests and your wedding party cool with drinks. Now, drinks don’t always have to be alcoholic. You want to be sure that you are providing your guests with plenty of hydration, from water. Have a water station available for the whole event. Whether you choose to just serve tap water, bottled water, or infused water, you want to make sure that your guests are staying refreshed in the summer heat. For alcoholic beverages, have fun with your signature drinks! Keep it light and fresh with some new summer cocktail recipes.
#04: Wedding Favor Fun
Spice up the traditional wedding favor with something fun and practical in the summer weather. You can incorporate summer, in a fun and even practical way! Or, utilize what summer in your area has to offer, with a sampling from a local farmer’s market or garden. There are so many ways to get creative with wedding favors during these hot months. Some of our all time favorite summer-themed wedding favors are:
Personalized Drink Koozies
Personalized Sunglasses
Fans to Keep Cool
Fresh Fruit
Jar of Honey
Whatever you choose, get creative and think of a fun, summer-themed way to surprise your guests.
#05: Frozen Treats
Who doesn’t love a cool treat on a hot, summer day? One of our favorite memories as a child is waiting, hearing the ice cream truck jingle, and running after it. Ditch the usual dessert bar for your summer wedding this season. Many couples are opting to have a food truck, or dessert truck grace their wedding reception. Guests can enjoy a cold cup of shave ice, or even their favorite ice cream dessert from a local food truck. Frozen treats and desserts are a fun way to stay cool during your summer affair.
#06: Thoughtful Timeline
When you sit down to create your timeline for your wedding day, keep the summer season in mind. Planning your ceremony for 2PM, may not be the best choice. Plan and look at the hottest times of day. You want to make sure that you keep your guests comfortable and that you stay cool in your wedding day attire. A popular ceremony start time for these summer months is an evening wedding, around 5PM or 6PM. Having an evening ceremony is the perfect timing for the sunset and allows a much more comfortable temperature. Guests won’t have the blaring sun beating down on them, and trust us – you’ll want some golden hour photos. Be thoughtful when you create your timeline, this includes thinking about the temperature when the reception is set to end. Summer nights can be chilly, so be prepared to keep your guests comfortable at all points of the day.
Summer is a hot season for the wedding industry. It’s not only our busiest season, but it offers endless opportunities to get creative in your planning and create a memorable event for your wedding party, guests, and your partner. As you sit down to plan, utilize all summer has to offer and sneak in some summer treats. Don’t forget to keep your guests hydrated with fresh summer drinks and be thoughtful with your timeline to keep your guests happy and cool. If you do this, your wedding is sure to create some hot, hot memories.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.