Wedding Gazette

Ten Ways to Have a Summer Wedding

By Jennifer Baumann

By far the most popular time to get married, plan your summer wedding with all the freedom and playfulness of the season. Here are the top ten ways to infuse your wedding with summer fun.

A Summery Theme

When deciding what kind of wedding you want to have, choose a summery theme. Think of warm summer locales or ideas that inspire romance - flowers, the beach, a picnic, a backyard barbeque, an English garden, a Tuscan villa, etc. Choose decorations, flowers, and invitations that correspond to the theme.

Take Advantage of the Season

Make the most of all the season has to offer. Include fresh summer vegetables and fruits in your menu, use local summer flowers for bouquets and centerpieces. Rent out a spot in a botanical garden, or a friend's beautiful backyard for a perfect summer setting.

Make the Most of Extended Daylight Hours

With long, lazy days and lengthy, breathtaking sunsets, take advantage of the summer sunlight. For a casual wedding, plan a mid-afternoon tea luncheon while light is plentiful. For more dramatic romance, exchange vows on a serene evening as the sun sinks into the West.

Make the Most of Outdoor Locations

Summer is definitely the time to take advantage of glorious and scenic outdoor wedding venues. Take a chance with the weather to be wed by a placid lake, in a formal garden, or on a sandy beach. Or, get creative: invite guests to your favorite spot to camp, or the first weekend away you took together. Just check with local ordinances first before you haul 150 people to a National Park or other private setting.

Plan Ahead for Summertime Mishaps

Mosquitos, thunderstorms, and excessive heat are just a few problems to consider when planning your summer nuptials. If you're planning to have your ceremony and/or reception out of doors, be sure to form an alternate plan in case of weather, and be sure to include the "bad weather" location with directions in the invitation. Renting a tent is a good idea no matter what the weather, since not only does it protect guests from rain, but protects guests (and food) from heat and sun as well.

Summer Favors

Want to leave memories of your summer nuptials in the hearts of your guests for seasons to come? Don't forget to bring summer into your favors. Give favors shaped like flowers, or tiny terracotta pots of perinniels to take home. Give beachy favors shaped like starfish, dolphins, or other maritime themes.

Plan outdoor activities for your guests

You may want to plan some summer activities for guests who will be coming from out of town. Consider reserving a tee time for golf lovers the morning of the wedding; plan a pool party for the kids; take your out-of-town friends and family on a hike, or bird-watching. Give guests who live elsewhere a chance to experience some of the local interests that you love so much.

The Beauty of Citronella

We cannot say enough about this mosquito-fighting candle. Incorporate them into your centerpieces, light them in torches or hurricane lamps around the outside of the tent; do anything with these mosquito miracles to keep those pesky critters out once the sun goes down. In addition, you may want to provide insect repellent, stashed away in pretty buckets or tubs until the sun goes down.

Summer Formal Attire

You may want to spice up your summer wedding with clothing (for the men and the women) that bares a little more, or is more casual, fun and playful. If you're the fashion daredevil who's getting married on the beach, why not try on one of many two-piece designer wedding gowns (some of which look just like swimsuits)? Designers have also splashed the runways with tank-style dresses, mini-gowns, and more. And for the groom? What about linen pants and a jacket, reminiscent of Newport's Great Gatsby? For a beachy look, a loose white shirt and slacks still looks dapper, but with a hint of whimsy. And, what better way to look summery: If your wedding site permits, go barefoot.

Summer Photographs

Don't forget to capture your nuptials in nature with plenty of wedding photos. Even if your event is going to be indoors, find a garden or a quiet spot near the ocean to capture some special moments in a lovely outdoor setting.