Everything You Need to Know About Summer Weddings

Summer offers a ray of sunshine perfect for making any outdoor wedding a blast. Apart from the great weather, summer weddings give brides high flexibility for color, theme, and floral choices.

If this is the season you plan to wed, you are making a great choice. But to make this the perfect season for your wedding, knowing the pros and cons will help!

Photo: @amare.images of Misty LP2204

The Pros of a Summer Wedding

• Couples can enjoy a wide variety of options in summer. Summer weddings have daylight hours up to 9 PM, giving couples more flexibility for their wedding schedule. This helps so that couples don’t need to rush to take photos since they have longer daylight hours to capture the best photographs. 

• When the evening arrives, the fun does not end as couples and guests can enjoy a nice temperature even when  the sun goes down! 

• Summer offers the freshest meat, the most delicious fruits, and the availability of local cheeses. On your special day, you can prefer to serve a diverse range of delicious local foods at your guests' table. With these local food options, both you and your guests will have a special experience.

• Memorable outdoor settings make a difference! Summer weddings offer many venue options, like beaches, gardens, or barns, for couples to make memories with their guests.

• The types of outdoor activities are limitless. Summer weddings offer the opportunity for lawn games, cocktail hours under the stars, or even firework displays. These add an extra layer of fun and excitement to the celebration which is harder to achieve with an indoor wedding.

• We can’t forget to mention the honeymoon season! Since the summer season is popular for vacations, couples can easily transition from their wedding celebration to their honeymoon. This allows for a more relaxed and extended honeymoon experience without having to travel abroad.

The Cons

Now let’s discuss some of the cons to watch out for with a summer wedding:

• It can be hot. Of course, it's summer so expect high temperatures. However, brides are not the only victims in this hot season. Because of the heat, guests might find it hard to focus on your vows and the details you spent countless hours planning.

• Attendance could be challenging during the summer season. Sending late invitations for summer weddings might cause a decline in guests that can attend because of prior commitments. If late invitations are unavoidable, check with your most important loved ones before committing to a date. This will ensure they're available on your chosen date and don't have any vacation plans.

• The summer sun could limit some photo opportunities. There may be areas at your venue that your photographer cannot capture as it is directly in the sunlight. 

• High Demand and Costs. Since summer is a popular season for weddings, venues, vendors, and accommodations will be in high demand and prices will likely be higher. Couples might face challenges securing their desired date(s), photographer, etc. and may need to book well in advance.

• Allergies. For individuals with allergies, summer weddings can be challenging to attend because of high pollen counts. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions can make allergy symptoms worse for both the wedding party and guests.

Photo: @sierradevinphoto of Lucy LA22105

What Makes a Perfect Summer Wedding Dress?

For the bride and groom, dressing properly for a summer wedding is essential. For brides-to-be, finding the perfect summer wedding dress is all about striking the right balance between style and comfort. Choosing lightweight fabrics like chiffon, organza, or lace will allow you to move freely and stay cool on any summer day.

Consider opting for a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder style to keep you feeling fresh and elegant throughout your special day. These styles allow for better air circulation, keeping you cool and in comfort throughout the day. A summer wedding dress with delicate floral accents capture the essence of summer and is another way to match your wedding dress with the season.

If you're having a more casual summer/ beach wedding, you might consider a shorter hemline or a tea-length dress. This will help prevent your gown from dragging on the ground/in the sand and keep you feeling light and airy.

We're all for a touch of sparkly beading to add glamor to your dress. However, for brides planning an outdoor summer wedding, we suggest minimal embellishments to reduce added weight and discomfort in the summer heat.

Above all, ensure that the dress fits well and enables you to move freely without any constraints. Arrange multiple fittings to confirm the fit is easy to move in (especially if significant alterations are required). Prioritize comfort to ensure you relish every moment of your special day, regardless of the weather!

 

Photo: @annieluiphotography of Peggy AA2314 

Some Summer Wedding Ideas to Consider

You might consider these summer wedding ideas to make your special day extra memorable:

• Choose a colorful palette. Summer weddings are the perfect occasion to embrace bold/bright colors in your decor and floral arrangements. They can create a cheerful and festive atmosphere for your wedding ceremony. Use vibrant oranges and pinks for a tropical theme or subtle yellow for a different effect. Summer allows brides to be creative with their color choices for the decor.

• Offer refreshments and some seasonal sips. Offer cold drinks before the ceremony and/or serve fresh fruit and drinks during cocktails.

• No wedding is complete without the centerpiece dessert – the wedding cake! Summer weddings call for creative cake flavors and designs that embody the season's vibrancy. From citrus-infused cakes to tropical flavors like coconut and mango, the options are endless. Don't forget to consider the heat when choosing your cake's ingredients and frosting – you don't want a melted masterpiece on your big day!

• Outdoor ceremonies surrounded by nature are a major draw for summer weddings. Outdoor ceremonies provide a stunning backdrop for your special day, whether you choose a garden, beach, or wooded setting. Just be sure to have a backup plan in case of rough weather and provide shade and seating for guests to stay comfortable.

 

Make your summer wedding special with the warmth and vibrancy of the season. Plan carefully to ensure a magical celebration of love!