18 Summer Wedding Ideas

Planning a summer wedding? Awesome! These 18 Summer Wedding Ideas will help you make your big day super special and fun. Get ready for some cool tips to keep everyone happy when the sun is shining bright. Let’s make your wedding unforgettable!

Choose An Outdoor Ceremony Spot

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a sunny, flower-filled garden prepared for a wedding ceremony, with white chairs facing an arch draped in greenery.Pin

Say your vows outside!

You can pick a garden, a beach, or even a backyard.

The sunshine and fresh air add a lovely touch.

Your guests will enjoy the natural beauty.

Just make sure you have a backup plan if it rains.

Opt For Light Wedding Attire

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a smiling bride in a simple, flowing, sleeveless chiffon wedding dress standing next to a groom in a light tan linen suit.Pin

Think light fabrics for your dress and suits.

Materials like linen, cotton, or chiffon keep you cool.

You don’t want heavy clothes making you sweat.

Consider shorter dresses or suits without jackets.

Comfort helps you enjoy your day more.

Your wedding party will thank you too!

Give Fans As Wedding Favors

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of pretty paper hand fans placed on each chair at an outdoor summer wedding ceremony setup.Pin

Help your guests beat the heat.

Offer cute hand fans as favors.

You can match them to your wedding colors or theme.

Guests can use them during the ceremony or reception.

It’s a practical gift they will surely appreciate on a warm day.

Set Up A Hydration Station

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of elegant glass beverage dispensers filled with fruit-infused water, iced tea, and lemonade on a decorated table.Pin

Keep everyone refreshed with a drink station.

Offer water infused with fruits like lemon or cucumber.

Iced tea and lemonade are great choices too.

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Make it look stylish with nice dispensers and cups.

Staying hydrated is key for a fun summer party.

Serve Ice Cream For Dessert

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a cheerful ice cream cart decorated with flowers serving scoops in cones and cups at a wedding reception.Pin

Skip the heavy cake and offer ice cream!

You could have an ice cream bar with different flavors and toppings.

Or, hire an ice cream truck for a fun surprise.

It’s a cool treat that everyone loves, especially on a hot summer evening.

Include Fun Lawn Games

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of wedding guests laughing while playing giant Jenga and cornhole on a green lawn during cocktail hour.Pin

Get your guests mingling with lawn games.

Think cornhole, giant Jenga, or croquet.

These games are easy to play and add a relaxed, playful vibe.

They are perfect for cocktail hour or during the reception.

It keeps guests entertained outdoors.

Plan A Lighter Menu

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of beautifully presented plates with grilled fish, fresh salads, and colorful summer vegetables at a wedding dinner.Pin

Choose lighter food options instead of heavy meals.

Fresh salads, grilled fish or chicken, and lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables work well.

Think fresh and crisp flavors.

Your guests won’t feel sluggish in the heat.

Consider serving food family-style for a casual feel.

Use Bright And Bold Colors

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a vibrant summer wedding tablescape featuring hot pink, orange, and yellow flowers, colorful napkins, and bright glassware.Pin

Summer is the perfect time for bright colors.

Use bold hues like coral, yellow, turquoise, or fuchsia in your decor, flowers, and bridesmaid dresses.

Cheerful colors make everything feel festive and match the sunny season.

Have fun playing with different combinations!

Offer A Sunglasses Station

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a basket filled with various styles of sunglasses with a small sign saying Pin

Set up a station with affordable sunglasses.

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Guests can grab a pair to wear.

It’s a fun and useful favor, especially if your ceremony is in direct sunlight.

Plus, they make for great photos!

Provide Pretty Parasols

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of several decorative paper parasols open and standing in a large wicker basket for guests at an outdoor wedding.Pin

Offer parasols for shade.

They look elegant and help guests stay cool during an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour.

You can find them in various colors to match your theme.

Parasols add a charming touch and provide needed sun protection.

Add Late-Night Summer Snacks

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of colorful gourmet popsicles being handed out to guests on a dance floor late at night during a wedding reception.Pin

Surprise your guests with cool late-night treats.

Think popsicles, mini milkshakes, or a fruit pizza bar.

After hours of dancing, a refreshing snack is very welcome.

It’s a fun way to end the night on a sweet and cool note.

Consider A Tent Reception

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a large white wedding reception tent elegantly decorated with string lights, flowing fabric, and round tables set for dinner.Pin

Enjoy the outdoors without worrying about weather.

A tent provides shade during the day and cover if it rains.

You can decorate it beautifully with lights and flowers.

Tents offer an open-air feel while giving structure and protection for your reception space.

Decorate With String Lights

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of warm, glowing string lights crisscrossing above an outdoor wedding reception area at dusk, creating a magical atmosphere.Pin

Create a magical mood with string lights.

Hang them overhead in your tent or between trees.

They add a warm, romantic glow as the sun sets.

String lights make any outdoor space feel cozy and festive.

They look stunning in photos too.

Take Sunset Photos

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a silhouetted newlywed couple kissing against a backdrop of a vibrant orange and pink sunset sky.Pin

Plan your photo session around sunset.

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The “golden hour” light is soft and beautiful, making your pictures look amazing.

Sneak away with your photographer for a few minutes to capture these romantic shots.

Summer sunsets can be truly spectacular.

You won’t regret it.

Use Floral Ice Cubes

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of clear ice cubes with small, colorful edible flowers frozen inside floating in glasses of water and cocktails.Pin

Add a pretty touch to your drinks.

Freeze edible flowers or small fruit pieces into ice cubes.

They look beautiful floating in water, lemonade, or cocktails.

It’s a simple detail that elevates the look of your beverages and fits the summer theme perfectly.

Create Signature Summer Cocktails

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of colorful signature cocktails like mojitos and strawberry daiquiris garnished with fruit slices being served at a wedding bar.Pin

Serve refreshing signature drinks.

Think mojitos, margaritas, or fruity spritzers.

Name them something fun related to your relationship.

Offer a non-alcoholic version too.

Guests love trying special drinks, and it adds a personal touch to your bar menu.

Keep The Ceremony Short

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a smiling couple walking back down the aisle holding hands after a brief outdoor wedding ceremony.Pin

Be mindful of the heat during your ceremony.

Keep it sweet and relatively short, especially if it’s outdoors in direct sun.

Your guests will appreciate not having to sit in the heat for too long.

You can save longer readings or rituals for the reception.

Find A Waterfront Venue

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a wedding magazine, of a wedding reception setup on a dock overlooking a calm blue lake or ocean at sunset.Pin

Choose a venue by the water.

A lakeside resort, beachfront hotel, or riverside garden offers beautiful views and often a cooling breeze.

The water provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and photos.

It enhances the relaxed summer wedding atmosphere.

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