August Weddings: Can I Still Say 'I Do'?

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. One of the first things to decide is the date, and this can be a minefield. There are so many factors to consider, from the season and your guests' availability to important cultural and religious events.

If you're planning a wedding in August, there are a few things to keep in mind. In Western cultures, August is the height of summer, so it's a great time for an outdoor wedding. However, it's also a popular holiday month, so some guests may have travel plans. In the UK, August is usually a quiet month for bank holidays, but in the US, there's a long weekend for Labor Day.

There are also a few cultural events to be aware of. In Asian cultures, August 8th is considered a lucky day for a wedding as the number 8 symbolises prosperity. However, in other cultures, August has some unlucky associations. In the UK, for example, August is often associated with the summer holidays, so some guests may be away.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, and there's no such thing as a perfect wedding date. But by doing your research and considering your guests' needs, you can choose a date that works for you and your partner and set the stage for a beautiful celebration.

Guest list and travel

When it comes to your guest list and travel, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, especially if you're planning a wedding during uncertain times. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

• Assess the situation: Before making any decisions, it's important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and restrictions regarding gatherings and travel. This information will guide your choices and help you make informed decisions.
• Communicate with guests: Be transparent and maintain open communication with your guests. Let them know about any changes to the wedding plans and keep them updated as you finalise details. This is especially important if you have guests travelling from interstate or overseas.
• Consider high-risk guests: Identify any elderly or immunocompromised guests on your list. Think about their comfort and safety when organising seating arrangements, food service, and other aspects of the wedding. You may also want to encourage them to attend virtually if they prefer.
• RSVP questions: Include additional questions in your RSVP cards or digital RSVPs. Ask guests about their travel plans, whether they are comfortable attending in person, and if they require more time to RSVP due to changing travel restrictions.
• Virtual attendance option: Offer a virtual component to your wedding, such as live-streaming the ceremony and other special moments. This allows guests who are unable or uncomfortable with travelling or attending in person to still be a part of your celebration.
• Travel arrangements: If you have guests travelling from out of town, consider negotiating room blocks or discounts with local hotels. Provide guests with information about transportation options and any relevant travel restrictions or requirements, such as testing or self-isolation.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your guest list and travel plans if needed. The situation may change, and you may need to make last-minute adjustments. It's a good idea to have a backup plan and be open to alternative dates or venues if necessary.
• Safety precautions: Keep the safety and comfort of your guests in mind. Encourage mask-wearing, provide sanitising stations, and implement other safety measures to create a comfortable environment for your guests.
• Guest comfort: Understand that some guests may be cautious about attending large gatherings. Be respectful of their concerns and comfort levels. If needed, be prepared to adjust your guest list to accommodate their preferences.
• Insurance and contracts: Review your contracts with venues and suppliers, and understand your insurance coverage. Know your rights and options in case of postponement or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.

Food and drink

Local Flavours

Showcase the culinary delights of your wedding location by offering food native to the area or region. This could mean featuring a specific ingredient that is unique to the region or embracing the local cuisine as a whole. Not only will this create a memorable dining experience for your guests, but it will also allow you to showcase the culinary specialties of your wedding destination.

Vegan Menus

Vegan options are no longer an afterthought on wedding menus. In 2023, it became common to see couples dedicating their entire menu to vegan fare. This trend is set to continue, with more couples opting for plant-based options as their primary choice. By offering a vegan menu, you can accommodate various dietary restrictions and treat your guests to creative and delicious dishes.

Fine Dining

For a truly memorable dining experience, consider offering your guests a fine dining experience. This could involve a multi-course menu, elaborate dishes, and impeccable service. If you want to take it a step further, you can even offer a plated dessert to complete the elevated dining experience.

Nostalgic Comfort Food

Add a touch of nostalgia to your wedding menu by incorporating comfort foods and kitschy favourites. This could include reinvented classics such as Monte Cristo sandwiches, smoked salmon mousse, or even cinnamon toast. By infusing nostalgia into your menu, you can create a unique and playful dining experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Creative Cocktail Experiences

Don't forget to include creative cocktail experiences at your wedding. In addition to signature cocktails, consider setting up satellite bars that offer sensory experiences, such as garden cocktails or smoked beverages. Style the bar, glassware, and décor to match the theme of the cocktail lounge for a cohesive and immersive experience.

Farm-to-Table Dinners

With a growing interest in health and sustainability, farm-to-table dinners are becoming increasingly popular at weddings. This trend involves sourcing locally grown, fresh, and nutrient-dense ingredients from local farmers and producers. Not only does this result in delicious dishes, but it also supports eco-friendly growing and harvesting methods.

Extensive Dessert Options

Move over, wedding cake! In 2024, couples are expected to offer extensive dessert options, including tarts, pies, cookies, donuts, cupcakes, and gelato. By providing a variety of sweet treats, you can create a memorable and indulgent experience for your guests.

Dress code

When it comes to dress codes for an August wedding, there are a few things to consider. August is a month of transition, so expect to work around busy schedules for both your guests and vendors. It's also the last month of summer, so you can take advantage of the flexibility of cooler summer days and the colourful summer harvest.

• Chiffon or silk dresses are great for a spaghetti strap or sleeveless look. These fabrics keep things free and flowing during warm summer days.
• If you're facing cooler weather, opt for a velvet or corduroy ensemble. A bold colour-texture combo can spruce up a suit.
• The theme for August is contrasting colours. Match your neutrals and deep earthy tones with pops of reds, greens, and yellows.
• For a daytime or dressy casual wedding in August, a floral midi dress is a great choice.
• For an afternoon wedding, a frilly high-low style that splits the difference between casual and formal is a good option.
• For a formal August wedding, pick a maxi dress or formal gown in a floaty fabric that doesn't cling.
• For a beach wedding in August, a short sleeve wrap maxi dress or sundress is a good choice.
• A cocktail dress or midi dress is a classic semi-formal wedding guest style. Richer colours are ideal for August.
• For an outdoor wedding, an airy maxi dress is a good option to beat the sun, heat, and humidity.
• There are many amazing options for plus-size wedding guest dresses for warm-weather weddings, such as a summery style with short sleeves.

Remember to always consider the venue, destination, and dress code when choosing your outfit for an August wedding.

Flowers and decor

Flowers

• Bouvardia: Delicate clusters of star-like flowers that branch out like tiny bouquets. Bouvardia is available in white and soft shades of pink, yellow, peach and red, and pairs beautifully with other blooms.
• Calla Lily: A dramatic flower with a distinctive head and stem. For a striking alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet, carry a single calla lily stem across your arm.
• Carnations: Pretty, ruffled petals with a sweet, spicy clove-like scent. Carnations are available in a wide range of colours, including white, pink, red, yellow, peach, burgundy, and two-tone shades.
• Cornflowers: Globe-shaped flowers that can also be daisy- or button-shaped. Cornflowers are your 'something blue' and pair beautifully with white roses for a classic look, or with bright yellow sunflowers for a bolder effect.
• Chrysanthemums: Intricate flowers available in several varieties and colours, including yellow, orange, white, red, purple, and pink. Chrysanthemums make a stunning high centrepiece, especially when decorated with crystal garlands or surrounded by tealights.
• Dahlias: Unusual, delicate flowers with tubular petals that come in a variety of colours, including red, burgundy, and even black. Dahlias add texture to your bouquet or table centrepiece.
• Hydrangeas: Large, distinctive flowers that come in shades of pink, white or blue, with delicate heads. For a vintage wedding, fill lace parasols with hydrangeas and hang them from the ceiling or above reception tables.
• Roses: The classic bridal flower, romantic and instantly recognisable. Roses come in a variety of colours, from white to the deepest red, as well as two-tone shades and various shapes and sizes.
• Sunflowers: Bright yellow flowers that are perfect for a rustic wedding theme. Sunflowers look stunning against blues and purples, or toned down with delicate white blooms.
• Baby's Breath: Gypsophila, or Baby's Breath, is a popular addition to wedding bouquets. Its understated, pretty white petals branch out with narrow, grey-green leaves.

Decor

• For a vintage 1920s Great Gatsby-inspired wedding, decorate your reception tables with vases of elegantly leaning calla lilies in Art Deco style.
• Fill pretty lace parasols with hydrangeas and hang them from the ceiling or above your reception tables for a gorgeous, vintage look.
• For a rustic wedding, pair sunflowers with greenery or other colourful blooms for a polished look.

Save the dates

Save the Date!

You are cordially invited to the wedding of [bride's name] and [groom's name]. We are delighted to announce that we will be getting married on [date] in [city/town] and would be honoured if you could join us for the celebration.

Please save the date and keep an eye out for your official invitation, which will follow with more details.

FAQs

It's best to send out your save the dates around 6-8 months before the wedding. If your wedding is a destination wedding, try to give your guests a little more notice (9-12 months in advance) so that they can make the necessary travel arrangements.

Who should I send them to?

The essential information to include is the couple's names, the wedding date, the location (city and state), and a brief message asking guests to reserve the date. You can also include a photograph, your wedding website, and the dress code.

Avoid adding registry information, specific ceremony or reception details, RSVP requests, and information about extra activities or events surrounding the wedding.

Frequently asked questions