5 Summer Wedding Ideas to Consider for Your Big Day

Summer is winding down, but there’s still time to make your summer wedding as festive as possible! Popsicles, parasols, and sunglasses are all great decor ideas, but we have a few ways you can incorporate summer details into your day in a more subtle way. They’re so fabulous you might want to use these ideas even if you’re not having a summer wedding. From putting bar carts outside to minimalist decor, a summer wedding is all about a laidback style that puts an emphasis on a few fun details. Whether that’s bright glassware or lawn games, couples are looking to bring a modern twist to a traditional summer wedding style. Take your summer wedding to the next level with one (or more) of these ideas!

 

Outdoor Bar or Lounge


By far our favorite idea, an outside bar cart or lounge is a great way to soak up the sun at your wedding! A wedding in the summer is one of the only times you’re guaranteed to have good weather, so take advantage of it. Just be aware of the heat levels, as you may want to cover any bar or lounge areas with tents or provide another way for guests to get some shade. Even if your reception is being held inside, using outside space for a bar or lounge will give guests a cute area to escape to if they want to take a break from the dance floor – plus they make for great photo ops!

summer wedding ideas

Photography by Emily Boudreau

summer wedding ideas

Photography by Shot by Seamless

 
summer wedding ideas

Photography by A.M. Whispers

Film Photography


Nothing says summer like a few grainy polaroids or film photos! We love the idea of having a few candid film photos you can look back on in years to come that really capture the vibe of your wedding. While professional, crisp photos are great for framing and photo albums, there’s something special about a film photo. Ask your photographer if they can take a few photos at your reception on a film camera. You can also opt to leave polaroid cameras around your reception to have guests take their own photos. If you go this route, consider a “one for you and one for me” rule where they take two photos so they’ll have memories to keep as well!

summer wedding ideas

Photography by A.M. Whispers

 

Reception Entertainment


Summer weddings are all about the entertainment element that your guests will still be talking about weeks later. Photobooths are the obvious choice and a great one at that! But, if you want other forms of entertainment in addition to a photo booth, consider lawn games or a bounce house. Giant Jenga and cornhole will give your guests a fun activity to do that isn’t dancing. A bounce house, while a staple of children’s parties, is also a fun and creative way to occupy your guests, even Princess Beatrice had one at her wedding!

summer wedding ideas
summer wedding ideas
 
summer wedding ideas

Photography by Emily Boudreau

Minimalist Decor


Chances are if you’re having a summer wedding, part or all of your wedding will be taking part outside. Take advantage of your surroundings and keep decor simple. Table runners instead of tablecloths, bright glassware, string lights, scattered florals, etc. – are all great ways to create a stunning tablescape that still feels minimal. While bright colors are a staple for summer weddings, consider using lighter hues for your decor with a few pops of color. This understated mix will allow your brighter details to stand out more and create a look that is modern and chic.

summer wedding ideas

Photography by Halie Olszowy

 

Single-Serve Wedding Cake


Skip the big wedding cake display for more practical single-serve wedding cakes! These little desserts can be placed at each table setting or on a larger table for guests to grab on their own. While this is a more sanitary option, it also allows you to choose more than one cake flavor. You can experiment with flavors and designs, possibly choosing two different kinds of cake that represent you and your partner’s favorite flavors. This will make for a more personalized experience and give you the ability to include other summer-friendly desserts into your menu like popsicles, snow cones, or an ice cream bar.

summer wedding ideas

Photography by In Our Image Photos

summer wedding ideas

Photography by In Our Image Photos

 

Share this with a bride who is planning a summer wedding. Looking for a wedding gown that will look amazing in warm weather? Browse our collection of made-to-measure wedding gowns that are priced at $1,200 or less!

 

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