Spring weddings are in full swing which means that summer is right around the corner! Here are 4 details to incorporate in your summer wedding.

Summer weddings are often some of our favorites. Because of the time of year, you have flexibility to incorporate some creativity into your logistics.

But before we begin to dream up summer wedding must-haves for 2023 or 2024, let’s look back to see what weddings looked like last year.

Popular Summer Wedding Trends in 2022

Last year, summer weddings were more laid back and casual than years past. Couples who had postponed their weddings because of the pandemic were finally able to get married---which made it one of the most popular wedding years yet. Many had already moved the big day once (or multiple times) so this played a role in the overall simplistic design and execution. Soft colors like pastels were more popular along with minimal décor. Entertainment was key to helping pull off the overall experience, like a good band or outdoor lawn games.

This year, we expect even brighter colors, more creative entertainment, and simplified wedding structures (i.e. everything in the same place.) With inflation prices skyrocketing and job changes continuing to occur across industries, money is top of mind for many of our 2023 couples. While this might influence the overall design, it doesn’t have to negatively impact the experiences for your guests! Here are the best details to incorporate in your summer wedding this year and beyond.

Summer Wedding Ideas

Learn about the four key areas where you can bring the season into your plans:

1. Have some fun with your color palette and theme. Of each of the wedding seasons, this is the one where you can most easily weave in some fun and personality through the color and overall theme. (Almost) anything goes---from fruit-themed centerpieces to balloons.

According to The Knot: “Flex your creative muscles by picking an appropriate theme for your big day. Summertime is the perfect season to experiment with bright pastel wedding colors or gauzy, airy fabrics like linen or tulle.”

Not sure where to start? Read more on our blog “How to Select Colors for Your Summer Wedding” and then check out "60 Summer Wedding Ideas We Can't Get Enough Of (brides.com)."

2. Build in methods for temperature control. One of the main things that your guests will remember about the big day is the temperature---especially if it gets too hot! It’s important that people feel comfortable, so make sure to plan ahead. If portions of the wedding are taking place outdoors, have cool drinks available when guests arrive or place a personal fan on each seat (these can serve as your programs, too.)

And if your set up allows for it, place fans in high-traffic areas to help keep people cool. You could also consider an indoor-outdoor feel, with outdoor tents set up with openings for ventilation. And if it makes sense for the wedding vibe, think about your seating chart and favors---consider gifting chic hats, personalized sunglasses, or personal koozies.

3. Incorporate summertime activities. If you’d like to make your wedding feel like an experience for your guests then consider one, or a few, unique activities that tie in nicely to your theme or venue. Activities are a great way to help make your wedding more memorable. Here are a few ideas:

• Outdoor lawn games: Jenga, corn hole, croquet, and ring toss

• Artists: Caricature artist, live wedding painter

• Specialty performer: Spoken word artist, synchronized swimmer, ballet dancer, lion dancers or other cultural performance

• Specialty musical acts: Singer, string quartet, swing band, karaoke

• Fun guestbook alternatives: Photobooth bus or van, 360 photobooth, A large surfboard, Personalized puzzle

4. Help your guests cool off with food and drink. Summertime weddings give you the freedom to have some fun with what you serve your guests! Incorporate food and drink options that help cool down the temperature or add an interactive layer to the overall experience. This could include:

• Iced tea bar

• Fresh fruit or popsicles

• Passed champagne

• Mini margaritas

• Tender coconuts

• Donut wall

• Late night food or dessert trucks

For more ideas, check out these 33 Mouth-Watering Wedding Menu Ideas for a Summer Wedding.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the details to incorporate in your summer wedding. If you’re still looking for a photographer or videographer to capture your special day, we’re here to support you! We have a team of professionals around the nation who capture award-winning work for our special couples.

Read FAQs and learn about our customizable packages, then get in touch with us to check our 2023 and 2024 availability.

[Photoshoot in the spotlight: Mariel + Taras]

Choose Joy,

The Joy Team