The most popular time to get married is during the summer months of May to August. Most couples want a good weather usually assured by summer, with blue sky’s and warm temperatures. A summer wedding also gives plenty of options for holding your wedding outside. Here are some hints and tips to help you take full advantage of what summer has to offer.
Setting for Your Summer Wedding
A summer wedding is perfect for an outdoor reception and ceremony. Beaches, gardens and even yards lend themselves to weddings held in the glorious sunshine. Decorate your summer wedding with seasonal fruits and vegetables such as Clementine or kumquats with beautiful summer flowers. For an evening reception light your venue with torches and lanterns. For extra touches use gingham table linens and whimsical table centers such as metal watering cans filled with sunflowers.
Summer Wedding Dresses and Attire for the Bridal Party
A summer wedding will usually find the bride in sleeveless and strapless dresses made in lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, organza and georgette. Don’t wear Taffeta Bridesmaid Dresses. And don’t opt for anything too heavy or tight fitting (think Elizabeth Swan in Pirates of the Caribbean fainting in the hot midday sun). For a beach wedding the bridals could wear casual wedding gowns and go barefoot in the sand and the men could wear lightweight linen suits. For a garden party think about large straw hats to help shade you from the sun. Wear your bridesmaid dresses in colorful cocktail gown or floral prints to really evoke the season. If you wanted a more formal affair the men could wear morning suits or tuxedos but stick to etiquette and change the black jackets for white ones.
Heat and humidity will have an impact on your hair so opt for an up do which will last the day and ask your stylist to spray on some anti-frizz spray to help it stay looking its best.
Food for Your Summer Wedding
Summer is bountiful in seasonal produce and your menu should include fresh fruits such as berries & melon, and fresh vegetables such as corn. Seafood is also popular for summer menus such as lobster, prawns and oysters. For an informal reception and one which is great fun, hold a barbecue or a picnic.
Wedding Favors
Make up favors with a taste of the season such as homemade preserves or simply pieces of fruit. If you’re having a beach wedding send your guests home with seashells, sand dollars or beach themed candles. A summer wedding is also great for putting together favors of plant seeds or small potted flowers. If the weather is particularly hot hand out paper fans or parasols for your guests to use to keep cool, they can take them home afterwards.
Summer Wedding Flowers
Summer offers an abundance of flowers and there are many varieties in season at this time of year. Roses, lilies, dahlias, daisies, sunflowers and cosmos are all available and would make colorful additions to your wedding day decorations. For a more elegant and tonal look choose white flowers such as phlox, calla lilies, hydrangea and snow ball mums and accent them with soft colored roses and Casablanca lilies
