Planning a Summer Wedding

Summer weddings evoke visions of beachside ceremonies, palm trees, warm evenings and cool lemonade. Color palettes are brighter and bolder in summer, featuring yellows, oranges, ocean blues, vibrant greens and the whole family of reds. Summer flowers include seasonal favorites like the sunflower, as well as year-round staples like roses, snapdragons, gerbera daisies and even orchids.

Nautical elements are popular at summer weddings. Seashells make pretty accents on invitations and menus, and can be tied to sashes to accent your guest chairs at a ceremony or reception. Glass containers filled with sand and candles in your theme colors can accent or even replace floral arrangements as centerpieces.

Don’t limit yourself to a seaside wedding. Take the party out on the water and charter a yacht for your festivities. Or, create a southern flair in a historic plantation with mint juleps and rocking chairs. Are you a wine connoisseur? Whisper your vows in front of a lush vineyard followed by a tasting in lieu of a cocktail hour. Spruce up an old barn, and give children butterfly nets or jars to catch fireflies. The summer possibilities are endless.

Help your guests beat the heat by planning to shield them from the sun. Have pretty parasols and refreshing beverages ready to hand out as they arrive. Provide vibrant folding fans or even consider a dual-purpose program fan for use during the ceremony.

A classic lemonade stand or displays of old-fashioned containers of sweet tea add visual appeal and refreshment. Personalize bottles of water and display them in a large galvanized tub brimming with ice. Explore your options for canopies, tents or shady hideaways for your celebrations. Everyone in your party will appreciate your thoughtful attention to their comfort.

Advantage Bridal carries everything you need to deck out your summer wedding. Choose from palm tree motif casual wear for pre-wedding parties to flip flops for dancing the night away. There are great nautical accents and you can even give your guests personalized sunscreen favors for the perfect summer splash!