Summer Weddings: Can I Tie The Knot?

Planning a wedding in the summer? You're in luck! This season is a great time to say I do, with warm weather, blooming flowers, and plenty of seasonal wedding theme inspiration. However, it's important to consider the pros and cons before making your decision.

One of the biggest advantages of a summer wedding is the weather. You can expect blue skies and balmy breezes, making it perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Just be mindful of potential weather concerns like thunderstorms or high temperatures, especially in certain regions. Another benefit is that there are fewer holidays to work around, and guests are often more willing to take time off and travel during this season. You'll also have a wide range of venue options, from barns to mountaintops to beach weddings.

On the other hand, summer is the most popular season for weddings, so venues and vendors may be booked up and prices tend to be higher. It's important to start planning early and be flexible with your wedding date. Competition for venues and vendors is fierce, so you may need to consider a weekday wedding or adjust your timing to a Friday evening or Sunday morning.

When it comes to food and flowers, opt for seasonal and local options to get the best prices and reduce your carbon footprint. Think light and fresh dishes, seafood, and grilled options. As for flowers, sunflowers, hydrangeas, calla lilies, and succulents are all great choices for summer. Don't forget to provide thoughtful wedding favors for your guests, like sunglasses, fans, or parasols to protect them from the sun.

Overall, a summer wedding can be a beautiful and memorable experience, but it requires careful planning and consideration of potential challenges. By starting early and being flexible, you can create a dream wedding that takes advantage of all the season has to offer!

Pros and cons of a summer wedding

Pros of a Summer Wedding

• Daylight can last until 8 or 9 pm, giving you ample time for a later or longer ceremony without rushing to get your photographs done before sunset.
• The weather is usually gorgeous, with blue skies and balmy breezes.
• There are fewer holidays to work around.
• It's widely considered acceptable to have an Independence Day or Labor Day weekend wedding.
• "Yes" RSVPs are more likely to roll in, as guests are often more willing and excited to take time off work and travel to a summer wedding.
• Your outdoor venue and location choices are wide open. Think barns, mountaintops, beaches, and more!
• There's a wider variety of menu options, with local cheeses, ripe fruits, and fresh meats.
• You can have a fire and make s'mores under the stars.
• There's a wider variety of floral options, with all kinds of flowers in perfect bloom.
• The season's natural beauty is so romantic.

Cons of a Summer Wedding

• Heat and humidity are the biggest disadvantages of the summer months. Many people worry it will affect their hair and makeup look.
• Summer is the most popular season to tie the knot, so venues and vendors often up their prices during this time.
• Your favourite venues and vendors could be booked up months to years in advance for popular summer wedding dates.
• Destination wedding and honeymoon prices are also at their peak as most Americans book their vacations during the summer months.
• Attendance is always a toss-up when it comes to guests who are avid summer vacationers.
• You'll need to give your guests plenty of time to book flights and plan travel, or they may not be able to attend.
• Summer means sunshine, and that means harsh lighting for your photos.

Weather considerations

Summer is a great time to have a wedding, with warm weather and plenty of seasonal inspiration. However, there are some weather considerations to keep in mind to ensure your big day goes smoothly.

Firstly, be mindful of the potential for extreme heat. Summer temperatures can soar, and you want to ensure your guests are comfortable. Aim for a late afternoon or early evening start time, and provide shaded areas, fans, and air conditioning if possible. Consider providing sunscreen, sunglasses, parasols, and bug spray for outdoor ceremonies.

While summer usually brings blue skies and balmy breezes, there is also the potential for thunderstorms, especially on the East Coast. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, always have a backup plan in case of rain. This could be a tent or an indoor space reserved for inclement weather.

Additionally, be mindful of natural disasters that can occur during the summer months. The West Coast often experiences wildfires, while the East Coast is prone to hurricanes. Check the forecast and be prepared to adjust your plans if needed.

Another consideration is the popularity of summer weddings. It is one of the busiest times for weddings, so venues and vendors may be booked up. Start planning early, and be flexible with your date if possible. You may also encounter higher prices during the summer peak season.

Finally, consider the impact of the weather on your food and flowers. Some blooms are known to wilt in high temperatures, so choose heat-resistant plants or pair them with more durable flowers. For food, opt for dishes that won't spoil easily in the heat, and store your cake and other offerings in a cool place until they are served.

By being mindful of these weather considerations, you can ensure your summer wedding is a success!

Food and decor ideas

Food Ideas

• Grazing tables: These can include your favourite meats, cheeses, crackers, and seasonal fruits, such as melon, berries, and other in-season options.
• Light and fresh foods: Sushi, grilled fish, and pasta with browned butter sauce instead of a cream-based one are good options for a summer wedding.
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables: Watermelon, tomatoes, peaches, eggplant, zucchini, and basil are all in season during the summer.
• Interactive food stations: These can include pretzels, macaroons, pie, jams, ice cream, hot chocolate, popcorn, and veggies.
• Boozy popsicles: Add these to your cocktail list to spice things up!
• Ceviche in martini glasses: A refreshing dish to cool off your guests.
• Mini tacos: A visually stimulating and refreshing appetizer.
• Deviled eggs with caviar: A cooling and savory snack.
• Tropical fruit skewers: A great option for outdoor weddings to help guests cool off.
• Italian-inspired pasta station: Cheese tortellini, fettuccine, and other kinds of pasta can be offered.
• Seafood station: Include crab legs, oysters, and shrimp.
• Fried chicken sliders with coleslaw: A good option for those who enjoy meat but don't want their meal to revolve around it.
• Ice cream and sorbet cups: A sweet frozen treat for your guests.
• Bruschetta: The ultimate neat, easy-to-eat, and tasty appetizer.
• Sliders: Crowd-pleasers, perfect for outdoor weddings.
• Flatbread: Fill with your favourite meat or veggies.
• Grilled cheese bites: Perfect for farm weddings.
• Mini margaritas: Transport your guests to the beach with these adorable drinks.
• Rosé slushies: A fun, playful take on the classic summer drink.
• Signature cocktails: Focus on cucumber, mint, or berries to create light, refreshing sips.
• Bug spray: A thoughtful idea to provide guests with protection from mosquitoes.

Decor Ideas

• Umbrellas: Create shaded areas for your guests with chic umbrellas above decorated outdoor lounges.
• Greenery and blooms: Hang greenery and colourful blooms to capture your guests' attention.
• String lights: Add a beautiful glow to your celebration.
• Fans: Provide fans with your programs or place one at each dinner setting.
• Flower wall: Use it as your altar or add it to the reception space to create a photo-worthy backdrop.
• Light and airy fabrics: When choosing your attire, stick to lighter, flowing fabrics to help keep everyone cool.
• Parasols: Guests will look sophisticated carrying these, and they will also provide protection from UV rays.
• Balloons: Fun and playful decor items that are not just for children's birthday parties. Stick to white for a clean and sophisticated look, or go for a rainbow of colours.
• Sparklers: Light up the night with these as your celebration comes to a close—they create stunning wedding exit photos.

Wedding attire

When it comes to wedding attire, comfort is key, especially if you're tying the knot in the summer heat. For bridesmaids and groomsmen, opt for shorter dresses or lighter fabrics like organza or charmeuse. Groomsmen, in particular, will want to avoid sweat overload, so stick to lighter suit jackets and vests, or even go without the jacket. Rolled sleeves, suspenders, khaki, and shorts with flip-flops are all great options for a summer wedding.

For guests, lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must for summer nuptials, especially at high-end affairs in hot and humid climates. Printed charmeuse, jersey, crepe, viscose, and polyesters that give off a satin look are all good choices. The formality of the event will usually indicate the silhouette, with long skirts and dresses for formal weddings, and midi and mini skirts for casual and cocktail gatherings.

If you're after a new suit, look for styles with blended fabrics for added breathability. Lightweight wool provides all-season wear, while wool-linen blends offer strength and durability without the wrinkles and creases of 100% linen. A wool-silk blend is another great option for warmer destinations, as the softness of silk is ideal for higher temperatures.

Florals are always a good choice for a summer wedding. For women, a chiffon maxi with a floral print is a fun and flirty option, while men can look for button-up shirts or pocket squares with floral motifs. If you want to push the envelope, brighter shades like lilac, green, and sky blue are on-trend this year.

Neutral colours such as beige, light grey, and green are also go-to seasonal colours. A natural colour palette with beige and brown tones paired with a crisp white shirt is a great way to freshen up any look.

If you're attending an outdoor summer wedding, functional footwear is a must. Avoid heels that could sink into the sand or grass, and opt for dressy sandals, ballet flats, slip-on mules, or espadrilles instead. If you want a bit of height, wedges or platforms are a good choice.

For a beach or seaside venue, breathable fabrics and unfussy accessories are key. Flat sandals, block heels, or boat shoes will help you stay cool and comfortable while navigating uneven terrain. This summer wedding attire also calls for prints and patterns, such as palm patterns, colour blocking, oversized florals, and rattan textures.

For a formal summer wedding, you can't go wrong with a well-tailored tuxedo or glamorous long gown in materials like chiffon or crepe. These days, the term "formal attire" can also mean a dress code that's slightly less formal than black tie, so a tux or floor-length gown might not be required.

Elements like a high neckline, one-shoulder sleeve, or a printed pocket square can elevate your formal outfit. Accessorise with statement earrings, a bold headpiece, or luxe loafers (sans socks!) to complete the look.

If you're attending a casual summer wedding, anything goes, but denim, shorts, and tank tops are probably not appropriate unless specifically noted as acceptable. Linen frocks, chinos, and polo shirts are all good options for a more relaxed event.

Favours and gifts

Summer weddings are a great opportunity to get creative with favours and gifts for your guests. Here are some ideas to delight your guests and show your appreciation:

• Customised items: Personalised items such as sunglasses, fans, matches, luggage tags, popcorn boxes, wine or beer bottle labels, and playing cards are unique and memorable favours. You can add your wedding date, names, or a special message to make them extra special.
• Practical items: Consider items that will be useful during the wedding or for future summer adventures. Items like sunscreen, hand fans, parasols or sunglasses can help keep your guests comfortable in the summer heat. You could also offer bug spray to protect them from insects, or koozies to keep their drinks cool.
• Edible treats: Food and drinks are always a popular choice for wedding favours. Offer customised cookies, candy bags, honey jars, or even a mini s'mores kit for a sweet treat. You could also provide local specialties like jams or honey, or go for a healthier option with fresh seasonal fruit.
• Plant-themed gifts: Small potted plants or succulents are a lovely favour idea, especially if your wedding has a floral or garden theme. Guests can take them home and enjoy them long after the wedding.
• Drinkware: Offer personalised drinkware such as wine glasses, shot glasses, or flasks. Alternatively, provide a fun drink spiker to prevent drink spillage at the beach or a cute can cooler to keep drinks chilled.
• Hangover kits: For a lighthearted option, provide hangover kits as favours. These can include items like electrolyte drink powder, vitamin C, ibuprofen, eye masks, and breath mints—a fun way to help your guests recover from the celebrations!
• Beach essentials: If your wedding has a beach theme or is held near the beach, consider favours like beach balls, beach totes, flip-flops, or even a beach towel. These items will be appreciated by your guests and can be used during the wedding or on future beach trips.
• Entertainment: For a playful touch, offer items like sparklers, customised dice, or a deck of cards. These favours will add a fun element to your wedding and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
• Sentimental gifts: For a more heartfelt option, offer gifts like handkerchiefs or customised mugs. These items can be practical while also holding sentimental value, especially if they are beautifully packaged or personalised.

Frequently asked questions