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The Whole Works
By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
If you’re having a summer wedding, you may be hoping for those rays to reappear on the big day. Well, I am going to make sure you are well prepared for a hot wedding day.
With some top tips and super fun summer wedding ideas to get you and your guests making the most of the warm weather and light evenings.
Photo: Till Death Do We Adventure via 70s Elopement Ideas
Things to consider quickly if the weather looks set to be scorching;
Above all though, it’s all about having fun in the sun, I hope these suggestions leave you excited and inspired by the thought of sunny wedding days.
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Keep hydrated with jugs of water on tables teamed with plenty of ice for all. But of course, you can really go wild with the drinks you have on offer too.
Think pretty bottles of lemonade, the classic Pimms welcome tipple, delicate cocktails, jar drinks with stripy straws, drink dispensers for guests to help themselves, mini milk bottles filled with juice, a pimp your prosecco stand or a fabulous cart to place them all on.
Get crafty and make your very own ice buckets loaded with fresh flowers. Budget-friendly, simple and oh-so-pretty!
Photo: Cotton Candy Weddings
Upcycle an old bathtub and fill it with drinks for guests to help themselves.
Photo: Matt Moore Photography via Bohemian Tipi Wedding Stationery: Meg Monde
If you are a gin buff, create a self-serve outdoor bar area – it’s sure to be a talking point with guests!
Photo: Alex Tenters Photography via Longton Wood Wedding
When it comes to hot weather, hydration is key! Set up a beautiful table with drink dispensers and glasses for thirsty folk.
Photo: Martin Venherm Photography via Falside Mill Wedding Styling & Props: Fifty Six Events
Make your bubbles personalised with a station to add flavour to your prosecco or drink of choice. It doesn’t need to be fancy either, this vintage suitcase looks superb.
Photo: Bloom Weddings via Animal Lovers Wedding
Is there a more welcome sight on a scorching day than a wall of drinks?
Photo: Kevin Fern Photography via Outside Inside Wedding
You may be having an alcohol-free wedding entirely. But if you aren’t don’t just focus on the booze, which can be dehydrating. Provide plenty of soft drinks to quench everyone’s thirst from ceremony to reception.
Photo: Kate Gray Photography via Rainy Summer Barn Wedding
An ice-cool beverage is certainly going to go down well when it’s hot.
Photo: Alex Abbott via Outdoorsy Garden Rustic Tipi Wedding
Make your drinks shine with cute eco-friendly paper straws, fruit slices or simply a pretty table set up.
Photo: Lisa Dawn Photography via Budget Friendly Village Hall Wedding
A great way to pretty up drinks buckets? Create your very own flower ice cubes. Be sure to check flowers are edible if used in drinks though.
Photo: The Springles via Small Wedding Ideas Catering: Keeleys Kitchen
For a tropical vibe, how about a coconut water drink?
Photo: Jade Touron Photography via Staycation Wedding Ideas
You want your summer wedding to be pretty and practical, right? Well let’s dive into some unique ideas and ways to stay cool.
Paper fans can double up as a cute favour and a way to keep the breeze flowing.
Photo: M.Studios via Blithewold Mansion Wedding
Parasols or umbrellas can have a dual purpose – shelter from any rain showers and keep guests in the shade if they are out in stark sunlight during the day.
Photo: Kino Ortega via Sage Green Mediterranean Destination Wedding
Create the perfect summer wedding favour by making personalised sunglasses to hand out.
Photo: Joshua Rhys Photography via Old Barn Wedding
If your guests are sure to be dressed to the nines with the finest headwear, give them a place to store their hats after the ceremony.
Photo: Pixies in the Cellar via Hargate Hall Wedding
If your wedding venue has a pool, why not make a feature out of it and add some decor?
Photo: Apollo Fotografie via San Rafael Wedding
Give out flip-flops for guests that are suffering from hot feet.
Photo: HBA Photography via Calke Abbey Wedding Stationer: Rose Press
If guests have forgotten to bring an extra layer for cold spells or a chilly evening, they’ll be grateful for a blanket or pashmina.
Photo: Pear & Bear Photography via Wollaton Hall Wedding Blankets: BrollyBucket
Have fun with your summer wedding and go for an all-out tropical theme. How lovely is this tropical wedding invite idea?
Photo: Jade Touron Photography via Staycation Wedding Ideas Stationery: Bee Davies
Lollies will be loved by all ages and are a great way to keep your mouth hydrated.
Photo: Emily Olivia Photography via Boho Woodland Wedding Ideas
You may have seen autumn wedding tables laden with seasonal vegetables. But how about a summer wedding table adorned with seasonal fruit and flowers? Wow!
Photo: Giuseppe Giovannelli via Tuscan Wedding Ideas Wedding Planner & Designer: ilbiancoeilrosa – your wedding – Tuscany
Take citrus fruits of your choice and write names on them. So chic.
Photo: Paige Mary Photography via Italian Wedding Ideas Concept/Planning/Styling: Celebrating Love by Lucia Penman
How much fun is this ice cream cone wedding bouquet? I don’t think it can get any more summery!
Photo: Shutter Go Click Photography via Seaside Pastel Home Spun Wedding
Bring your guest book outside, such as this amazing painting guest book idea.
Photo: Natalia Case Photography via Frickley Lake Wedding
What’s better than having a balmy warm wedding and being able to spend it outdoors? From music to entertainment and everything in between, if you are blessed with good weather, get outside!
Bring your live musician set up outside, or set up your speaker al fresco to mingle outside with the perfect backdrop music.
Photo: Paige Mary Photography via Italian Wedding Ideas Concept/Music: Buzz Music Group
You think of summer, you think of fetes and summer games right? Well, why not include some in your outdoor space? Whether you go for a sports day-style contest, bouncy castle (great for kids or adults alike) or fete games, you and your guests will have a blast.
Plus it keeps the little ones well and truly entertained into the evening.
Photo: Sharon Cooper Photography via Enchanted Garden Events Wedding
Let’s face it no one wants to get burnt and spend their wedding night applying aftersun, ouch. Bring plenty of SPF for you and your guests if you’ll be having lots of time in the rays.
Does it get any lovelier or more summery than a picnic?
Photo: Love Luella Photography via Pretty Summer Picnic Wedding
Quite simply, go outdoors. Bring your ceremony or reception outside. Chat with your venue about the possibilities or if you are having a DIY celebration just go alfresco. But be sure to have a backup plan just in case those rain clouds descend, and you can relax knowing your perfect setting is organised whatever the weather.
Also, consider the utilities and facilities you may need to keep everything running smoothly.
Just imagine the atmosphere of saying I do beside the sea or beneath a canopy of trees. Then partying the night away in the open air with twinkling lights above you. Perfection. If you can’t take the whole day outside, think about hosting speeches or your first dance outside for a touch of uniqueness.
Photo: Charlie and Em Photography via Staffordshire Garden Wedding
Consider having sparklers, fireworks, or a fire pit as the sun sets for a great wedding photo idea.
Photo: Kristen Kate Photography via Sage Green Wedding Ideas
If it’s just too hot to eat outdoors in the midday sign, wait until the sun sets for a romantic evening supper.
Photo: L’Ordine della Giarrettiera via Villa Del Grumello Wedding Planner Florist Decor & Stationery: DAB Wedding
Seeking shade is essential in a heat wave, so think about offering shelter. You could head beneath the trees or supply umbrellas to keep the heat off of you and your guests.
Don’t forget though that with fine weather you could supply camping or glamping accommodation too if your venue allows. It will be such fun sitting by the campfire come evening and having breakfast together the following day too.
Photo: Love and Life Studio via Lakeside Wild Berry Farm Wedding Structures: Funky Monkey Tents
If the weather is set to be fine, you can really open up your transport options. If you are within walking distance, take a stroll with your guests to the reception. Beside a river? Take a boat trip together. On the farm? Hop on the back of a tractor.
If you are bicycle enthusiasts, cycle to your nuptials or why not simply put the roof down on your convertible car? Perhaps consider if your outfits/hair can hold up with potential wind-sweeping conditions mind due.
Photo: Kaitlin Rodgers Photo via Colourful Vow Renewal Transport: Comal Classics
I love weddings with seasonal menus. Food makes up such a huge aspect of a wedding and summery, light cuisine will work well on a hot day. Take your guests to the lawn for a picnic, complete with blankets, hampers and scrummy goodies.
Afternoon tea can be a lovely option for a classic English country wedding or why not try out layered salad jars for a touch of fun? Popcorn stations come evening will go down a storm as an alternative to sweets and a food truck serving pizza will ensure guests are feeling really looked after.
Trust me when I say you just cannot go wrong with ice cream at a wedding. I mean who doesn’t love the cooling sweet treat?
You can hire an ice cream van or cart, ask your caterer for an ice cream pudding or go all out and have an ice cream-themed cake! Be sure to check your guest’s dietary requirements so that everyone can enjoy, or think about having ice lollies, slushies or sorbets to cool off too.
Anything icy, flavoursome and cold will go down a treat.
Photo: Amy Lou Photography via Wylam Brewery Wedding
Make the most of seasonal, local fruit and pile them into your dessert.
Photo: The Springles via Small Wedding Ideas Catering: Keeleys Kitchen
Naked wedding cakes really are inviting, and look so rustic and beautiful. Careful of it drying out in hot conditions though!
Photo: Jessy Jones Photography via Lincolnshire Tipi Wedding
Salad is a summer go-to and is a great accompaniment to many dishes. You can really switch up how to serve it too.
Photo: Peppermint Love Photography via Higher Melcombe Manor Wedding Food: Little Pickle Deli
For snacking between meals, leave out fresh fruit for guests to munch on. A healthier alternative to wedding sweet tables.
Photo: Sarah Legge Photography via Peaches Mint Floral Wedding
How about a buffet table, sharing platter or grazing board for your wedding breakfast?
Photo: Emily Collett Photography via Blue Yellow Wedding Ideas Graze Picnic: Wild and Brie
Classic, cooling and just plain fun, ice cream at weddings rock! Especially in miniature form. Canapes don’t have to be traditional.
Photo: Katherine Ashdown via Southwood Hall Wedding
Perhaps the ultimate summer wedding menu idea – the BBQ. It’s sure to go down a storm with everyone.
Photo: The Shannons via Barley Wood House Wedding Sign: 2 Flux
It’s key to also think about how warm weather may impact your outfits. As well as hair and accessories! No one wants to feel sweaty or uncomfortable at a wedding.
Yes gents, you don’t have to wear a jacket! Go for braces, buttonholes, bow ties, ties, pin badges, belts or an open collar. The options are endless.
Photo: Sarah Hoyle Photography via Boho Beach Wedding Ideas Stylist: Events by Design
Bring up your hemline, and go for shorts or a short gown.
Photo: Hannah Miles Photography via
Not only are hats a chic accessory idea, but they will keep you cool and the sun off of your face.
Photo: Ofelia Matos via Intimate Wedding Spain
Don’t forget your sunnies! You could personalise sunglasses as fun favours, gift them to your wedding party or just bring along your fave pair to accessorise your look. They always look super cool and you just can’t go wrong really can you?
Photo: When Charlie Met Hannah via Giraffe Shed Wedding
If you have long or thick hair, opting for a wedding updo hairstyle will help keep you cool on even the hottest of days.
Photo: Jessica Hill Photography via Wes Anderson Wedding Ideas Hair: Hepcats
Plump for sheer and lightweight fabrics. Linen, tulle, satin and cotton can all work well.
Photo: Jade Touron Photography via Staycation Wedding Ideas Dress: Anna Kara
Does it get any more summer-ready than with a beach bag to pack your essentials?
Photo: Allison Dewey Photography via Alternative Home Made Colourful Wedding
We’ve all heard of cold feet, but no one wants clammy feet. Go barefoot or rock a pretty pair of sandals.
Photo: Daniel Lightening via Wildflower Meadow Wedding Hush Venues
Consider wearing a summery, light wedding day perfume or aftershave for the finishing touch to your wedding day look.
And that's a wrap! All the summer wedding ideas you'll ever need to rock your celebrations. Hooray.
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