There’s something special about saying “I do” in the warm glow of summer. Picture airy and light wedding attire, with flowing dresses and open-toed shoes. And, of course, there’s the photography — capturing those special moments bathed in the golden light of the sun. With warm sunshine and longer days, the summer wedding ideas are endless.
Summertime is great for outdoor venues. The heat and weather changes, however, require a bit more planning ahead for comfort). Get inspired by some of the best ideas and tips for summer weddings that will truly make your special day one-of-a-kind.
Summer Wedding Design Themes
When it comes to your summertime wedding vibe, there are plenty of options to suit every couple’s style and vision. Whether you lean toward a more glamorous affair than casual and intimate, these popular themes can typically be incorporated into any venue.
1. Boho
This dreamy theme can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for an outdoor ceremony or barn reception. You can combine rustic elements like wooden tables and mason jars with whimsical touches like string lighting, wildflowers or mismatched vintage furniture.
2. Tuscan-inspired
Imagine your ceremony under a canopy of grapevines, surrounded by warm, sun-drenched colors and the rustic charm of the Italian countryside. This Tuscan-inspired wedding offers a sense of romance, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of la dolce vita!
3. Tropical paradise
Transport your guests to a tropical oasis with vibrant colors, lush greenery, and exotic floral arrangements. Think beachy or coastal decor and fruity cocktails for a fun and festive day.
4. Whimsical
Whimsical weddings embrace a playful feel and burst with delightful, unexpected details. From vibrant floral arrangements to dimmed lighting, you can create a dreamy and unforgettable atmosphere with this design theme.
Wedding Venue Ideas for Summer
Whether you’re beach-bound or saying “I do” in a field of wildflowers, outdoor venues are essential to the summer wedding experience. Choosing the perfect summer venue for your big day can be a daunting task, considering the heat, but with plenty of shade and refreshments, you can make it a breeze.
5. Enchanting garden
Escape the heat with a ceremony and reception nestled amidst lush greenery. You can embrace the natural beauty of the season by incorporating flowing white fabrics, floral centerpieces bursting with color, and twinkling fairy lights for a magic touch.
6. Rustic barns and farms
Embrace the charm of the countryside with a rustic barn or farm wedding. These venues offer a more laid-back atmosphere, plentiful space for outdoor activities, and plenty of natural elements to incorporate into your décor.
7. Beachfront destinations
Let’s talk about the ever-popular destination wedding. There’s something about summer that inspires couples to exchange vows in a tropical paradise with breathtaking ocean views, like a beach in Hawaii or a villa in Bali.
8. Backyard bliss
For a more laid-back, DIY vibe, backyard weddings are also a great option if you prefer an intimate ceremony over the allure of a far-flung locale. Think rustic decor, like burlap table runners and wildflower centerpieces, or a more minimalistic approach with simple white linens and bright pops of color.
9. Romantic rooftop
Cityscapes are the perfect backdrop at rooftop weddings. Guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, a chic and modern setting, and the dazzling city lights come nightfall.
10. Historic mansions or estates
If an outdoor wedding sounds overwhelming to put together, opt for a mansion or estate. These historic venues often boast beautiful gardens and elegant architecture. Historic buildings also typically have large windows to let in natural light while also offering air conditioning to keep guests cool. Your great aunt Susie will thank you!
11. Dreamy vineyards
Imagine saying, “I do” surrounded by lush greenery and rolling vineyards. These types of picturesque locations offer natural beauty, fresh air, and ample space for an al fresco ceremony and reception.
12. Charming outdoor pavilions
Pavilions offer a beautiful balance between an indoor and outdoor setting. The covered structure provides shade and protection from the sun while still allowing you to enjoy the summer breeze and picturesque surroundings.
Summer Wedding Colors
While we love some bright, poppy colors to reflect the season, don’t feel like you have to lean on these classic hues to lead your wedding decor. There are so many other ways to incorporate the essence of summer into your wedding theme.
13. Navy and white
If you are keen on a navy and white wedding, for example, consider incorporating some various colors like a navy with yellow or gold undertones to give an overall warmth that reflects the sunny weather. The “dark” color will come off warm and comforting, perfect for a nautical-inspired wedding.
14. Watercolor wash palette
Embrace the soft and dreamy aesthetic of a watercolor wash palette. Use a combination of pastels and pops of bright tropical colors like coral or peach to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere.
15. Metallic accents
While not necessarily a color on its own, metallic accents can add a touch of glamor and sophistication to your summer wedding. Gold, silver, or rose gold can be incorporated into table settings, lighting fixtures, or even calligraphy on your invitations to create a touch of elegance.
16. A touch of turquoise
This refreshing and energetic color is perfect for a beach wedding or tropical theme. Balance the boldness of turquoise with crisp whites or creams, or create a playful contrast with touches of lemon yellow or orange.
| Tip: When incorporating your color schemes into Save the Dates, invitations, and other stationery, try balancing patterns with white space. This ensures the design doesn’t look too busy or overwhelming. |
17. Serene lavender
This calming and elegant shade injects a touch of tranquility into your summer ceremony. Combine it with whites and grays for a timeless feel, or add accents of dusty rose or sage green for a romantic and natural aesthetic.
Summer Wedding Décor Ideas
When it comes to decór, don’t be afraid to turn up the wow factor. Summertime is the perfect opportunity to curate a wedding that truly reflects your love and personality.
18. Citrus centerpieces
Embrace the vibrant colors and refreshing feel of summer with citrus-themed centerpieces. Use whole oranges, lemons, or grapefruits as bases for floral arrangements, or create table runners with slices of citrus fruits arranged on a bed of moss.
19. Blooming blossoms
Elevate your ceremony or reception space with bright and vibrant flowers. You can have floral centerpieces, hoops adorned with greenery, or cascading vines while letting the stunning outdoor scenery do the rest.
20. Natural elements
Sometimes, nature itself offers the best decor. For a beachy, nautical, or garden-inspired feel, you can incorporate fresh flowers, greenery, seashells, and woven textures.
21. DIY lighting
String lights, lanterns, and candles are perfect for creating a warm and cozy ambiance. You can hang them from trees or wrap them around poles and columns for a romantic and whimsical effect.
22. Signage and personalized touches
Get creative with your welcome signs, table numbers, and menus. Consider playful fonts and watercolor designs to reflect your summer theme and personality.
23. Protective parasols
Consider decorating with parasols for a fun and practical way to adorn your venue. They can be used to provide shade for your guests until the sun goes down, as well as add a pop of color and texture to your wedding decor.
Reception Ideas for Summer
Ditch the stuffy banquet halls and embrace the summer sunshine! These next ideas will help transform your wedding reception into a vibrant celebration with games, refreshing cocktails, whimsical touches, and more.
24. Lawn games
Add some fun to your cocktail hour mix by incorporating lawn games! These will keep your guests entertained while you and your love are busy capturing photos of your big day. Croquet, cornhole, and giant Jenga are all popular group options. It’s also a great way to break the ice and encourage guests to mingle.
25. Live music or DJ
Transform your dance floor into a magical space with glow sticks, black lights, and neon decorations. You can encourage guests to wear light-colored clothing that will show up under the black lights. Hire a DJ or live band to create an upbeat and festive atmosphere where everyone will dance the night away.
26. Al fresco dining
Embrace al fresco dining for your summer wedding reception. With twinkling fairy lights and comfortable seating, you’ll have a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere for conversation and evening fun.
27. Fresh bites
For cocktail hour, keep bites and drinks light and fresh. Miniature gazpacho soups, watermelon and mozzarella skewers, and mini popsicles are all fun foods that instantly cool the summer heat. Mini lobster rolls and shrimp cocktails for seaside weddings are always a hit. Salads with fresh fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, and peaches, are also a great addition to the menu.
28. Fire pit lounge areas
As the evening cools down, create a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere with a dedicated s’mores station. Provide skewers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers for guests to roast their own s’mores by a bonfire or fire pit. Add other fireside must-haves like popcorn and bean bag chairs for a truly comforting experience.
Summer Wedding Trends
We’re seeing a lot of fun and creative wedding trends continue rise in popularity, like food trucks, signature cocktails, and sparkler exits. Check out more trends below to inspire your summer wedding theme.
29. Light and breezy attire
While there’s no hard and fast dress code, summer weddings call for light and breezy attire that’s both stylish and comfortable. Light-colored suits in fabrics such as linen or seersucker can provide both formality and breathability. Pale gray, light blue, and beige are also great color choices for summer suits.
For wedding dresses, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, organza, or tulle give a super romantic and airy feel, not to mention they’re really comfortable. When it comes to footwear, lean on open-toe shoes or sandals. Loving that beach wedding vibe? Go barefoot!
30. Cooling wedding favors
Keep your loved ones cool and comfortable by getting creative with your wedding programs and decor. For example, sunscreen or sunglasses are thoughtful touches to have on-hand for guests to grab as they take their seats. Even your ceremony programs can be helpful. Think handheld fan programs, individual Arnold Palmers with ceremony cards and bottles of water at entry.
31. Cold treats
Popsicle cocktails are another playful way to incorporate seasonal flavors such as watermelon and strawberry. You can even create boozy popsicles by freezing a mixture of fruit juice, simple syrup, and your favorite spirit in a popsicle mold.
Don’t sleep on dessert! Retro-inspired cold treats like ice cream sundaes, icebox pies, and slushies are a fun way to beat the heat after a night on the dance floor. Should you want to include a wedding cake, think about ice cream cakes or a recipe that highlights summer fruits.
32. Food trucks
Ditch the traditional sit-down dinners and embrace the casual fun of food trucks. You can have a selection of food trucks offering different cuisines, from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas. This lets guests customize their meal choices and takes the pressure off of creating seating charts.
33. Vibrant florals
This sunny season is obviously a glorious time for the most beautiful summer wedding flowers. Some heat-resistant options include greenery, daisies, gerbera daisies, and tropical flowers like orchids. For a beach wedding, you may opt for tropical flowers like hibiscus, while a rustic wedding may call for floral arrangements featuring wildflowers or sunflowers.
34. Mocktail bars
For nursing parents and kid-friendly receptions, consider setting up a dedicated mocktail bar. It can have a variety of non-alcoholic ingredients like fresh fruits, herbs, flavored syrups, sparkling water, and juices. Guests can mix and match their own concoctions or choose from pre-designed mocktails that catch their eye.
35. Sparkler exits
Light up the night (and your love story) with a sparkler send-off! This dazzling tradition creates a magical exit and photo-op of you and your new spouse running through a shimmering aisle of your loved ones.
36. Prioritizing guest comfort
Extreme heat can be a party crasher. If you’re planning an outdoor summer wedding, choose a venue with plenty of shade, such as a canopy of trees. It’s also good to have an air-conditioned sanctuary for your guests to retreat, as well as plenty of water. When thinking about the scenery and surroundings, a waterfront venue can add a delightful breeze to your ceremony.
37. Food and drinks on ice
Opt for a lighter fare like salads, grilled dishes, and fresh fruits to beat the heat. You can also offer signature cocktails and mocktails with cooling ingredients like cucumber, mint, or citrus.
38. Dressing for the season
Choose a dress code that is comfortable for hot weather, such as semi-formal or cocktail attire. Encourage guests to opt for lighter fabrics and breathable materials for comfort and flexibility.
39. Scheduling earlier hours
When it comes to summer events, especially outdoors, try your best to avoid peak sun hours. Consider an earlier ceremony time to avoid the rising heat of the afternoon.
40. Timely wedding favors
Offer practical wedding favors for staying cool, like fans and sunglasses. Flip-flops also come in handy for guests to switch into during the reception if beachside.
41. Plan for summer rain
Summer can bring unpredictable weather. Always have a backup plan for your ceremony or reception in case of rain, such as a covered patio or tent. This will ensure a smooth celebration regardless of the weather.
Plan Your Summer Wedding With Joy
Whether it’s a magical outdoor venue or fresh fruits on a towering wedding cake — these summer wedding ideas are sure to brighten your big day. When planning, remember to take inspiration from the season and make it work for your vision.
With Joy, you can weave your favorite summer elements into a custom wedding website, Save the Dates, and invitations. Easily set up your wedding registry, manage guest RSVPs, send reminders, and more, all through our Joy app.
