Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception 36 Summer Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Warm-Weather Nuptials If you're throwing a summer celebration, you'll want to bookmark these ideas that range from wedding fashion to decorations. By Chloe Gorman Chloe Gorman Chloe is a digital editorial assistant for Martha Stewart Weddings. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and currently resides in Connecticut. Editorial Guidelines and Alexandra Kelly Alexandra Kelly Alex is the senior home editor for Martha Stewart. She has over 10 years of experience producing digital content in the home and lifestyle space, ranging from cleaning and organizing to etiquette and home design. Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 24, 2024 Close Photo: Sotiris Tsakanikas Whether you're getting married at the start of the season in late June, at the tail-end in late September, or in the middle of July or August, a summer wedding date affords you plenty of opportunities to embrace the season on your big day. If you're taking advantage of the sunny forecast and tying the knot on the beach or serving your favorite seasonal treats (think ice cream or sliced watermelon), you already understand what the hottest months have to offer. Ultimately, it's easy to see why so many couples wed during the summer. If you're one of those couples, consider the following summer wedding ideas—they'll help you curate the best possible warm-weather event. Start with the basics: Capitalize on your outdoor wedding venue by hosting all of your festivities in the open air. While seasonal décor is a must when crafting a summer event, there's one other factor to consider: It's also key to keep guests' comfort in mind—which is why we've also provided plenty of ideas that will help your attendees beat the heat, stave off mosquitoes, and avoid other summertime nuisances. From décor suggestions to practical advice, this list has it all. With all of this inspiration under your belt, your nuptials will feel like the ultimate summer vacation for your celebrants. 17 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2024, According to Experts 01 of 36 Oyster Boat Laura Gordon Elevate the typical oyster experience by serving them in a boat—they'll be the most memorable oysters your guests will have eaten. 02 of 36 A Boho Dress Lorenzo Accardi Getting married near the beach this summer? Try a light, boho-inspired wedding dress that perfectly captures a laid-back beach wedding vibe while also looking effortlessly chic. 03 of 36 Ice Cream Cake XO Azuree Photography Cue the childhood nostalgia by serving ice cream cake instead of a traditional wedding cake. Here, three frozen tiers of cake are beautifully displayed in an elevated twist on the classic. 12 Retro Wedding Trends That Are Making a Comeback, According to Event Planners 04 of 36 Seasonal Fruit Favors Jessica Antola There's almost nothing better than fruit in the summertime. A bag of local cherries makes for a delicious sendoff for your guests. 05 of 36 Sunglass Escort Cards onelove photography Summertime means shades are required—take a cue from this wedding and use sunglasses as part of your escort card table. Guests will know where to find their table—and get some stylish protection from the sun while doing it. 06 of 36 An Airy Dress Ashley Ludaescher Photography If you're tying the knot during the summer, you might be thinking of wearing a short dress. Not only did this Zimmerman number's length help keep the bride cool, but the cutouts on the back made the look even more warm-weather-ready. 07 of 36 Fan Menus The Happy Bloom At your summertime event, your paper goods will be even more impressive if they serve a dual purpose. These folding menus by The Paper Refinery doubled as fans to help guests cool off during the reception. The floral print on the back of the stationery also matched the table's Floressence Flowers centerpiece and décor by Willow & Oak. 08 of 36 Bright Mixes Sotiris Tsakanikas Fewer things scream summer more than a pink-and-orange color palette, which makes this Splendid Events centerpiece particularly seasonal. Take notes from the pros and use the colors throughout your own floral arrangements. Sliced fruit also nods to summer. These 2024 Wedding Flower Trends Will Inspire Your Own Nuptials 09 of 36 Fruit Trees Rachel Solomon Photography Florals are always a welcome addition to a ceremony aisle, but for a summer wedding, we think fruit trees are an even better option. LVL Weddings & Events proved flowers and oranges look even prettier together than they do apart when styling the last row of this ceremony's chairs; the team also added a small mix of roses from Heavenly Blooms to the bottom of the display. 10 of 36 Blush Dresses Kerry Jeanne Photography Emphasize your in-season pink-and-white color scheme by making like this bride and outfitting your bridesmaids in blush gowns. These attendants' ensembles matched their muted bouquets from Bellaflora Farms perfectly. 11 of 36 Seasonal Welcome Baskets J. Harper Photography Welcome your attendees to your warm-weather event by treating them to some seasonal goodies. We're pretty sure they'll thank you for something like this summery spread, complete with honey and gin from Bar Hill, florals from Tarrnation Flower Farm, and twine from Silk & Willow. 12 of 36 Pretty Fans Elias Kordelakos If your ceremony will take place in an outdoor area without shade, you'll need to find another way to help your guests beat the heat. That's why The Twelve Events set up this fan station at this summertime event. 13 of 36 Fruit Escort Cards Hunter Ryan Photography During the summer, so many different flowers, fruits, and vegetables are in peak season, which means it's easy to incorporate them into your big-day décor. Want a truly inspired idea? These citrus escort cards by Dana Marino Design and Fabulously Chic would work beautifully when citrus is in season; peaches would be lovely during peach season! 14 of 36 Watermelon Pops Caroline Tran Photography Chances are, your cocktail hour and reception will be full of seasonal favorites, but for a truly refreshing bite, we suggest passing around frozen watermelon slices. 15 of 36 Stylish Hats Anna Roussos There are many ways to keep your guests cool during your outdoor ceremony (think parasols or ceremony program fans). For some, a hat is the best option. We love the off-white fedoras that were provided at this event. Not only were they a stylish way to combat the heat, but attendees could also wear them after the wedding was over. 16 of 36 Cool Couple Imaj Gallery It's important that both the bride and groom are comfortable at a summer wedding. Whether you're planning on wearing a full-length gown or a tuxedo, make like this couple and make attire tweaks that work with the season. The short sleeves on the bride's Oscar de la Renta dress and the light color of the groom's Suit it Up Manila tux ensured they felt (and looked!) great all day long. 9 Wedding Dress Trends for 2024, From Corsets to Dramatic Trains 17 of 36 Beige Bridesmaids' Attire Michelle Beller To keep cool on a hot summer day, light colors (not dark shades, which absorb sun rays!) are a must. Consider beige gowns—these were from Watters—for your bridal party. The thoughtfully selected attire will help your party stay comfortable without sacrificing style. 18 of 36 Oyster Towers Sarah Carpenter Photography Seafood is a summertime staple, so feel free to offer it at your cocktail hour. These oysters from Ravishing Radish Catering were just one small part of this event's seasonal spread. 19 of 36 Blue, White, and Gray Sotiris Tsakanikas When thinking of your big-day looks, draw inspiration from your favorite summer color palettes. Although blue, white, and gray were an unexpected choice for this bride's Golden Apple Weddings bouquet and groom's Menz Club tux, they still felt seasonal. 20 of 36 A Clear Seating Chart Vicki Grafton If the beautiful outdoors is the setting for your summer wedding, you won't want anything to obstruct your view—including your seating chart. Guest found their seats (and enjoyed the landscape of Stone Tower Winery) at this event via this acrylic setup by Leah Letters and Ashlee Virginia Events. Planters full of florals from Nature Composed were added the display to emphasize the outdoor vibe. 21 of 36 A Yellow Cake Pinkerton Photography For a wedding cake with summer vibes, ask your baker to work with a vibrant color palette and in-season florals. That's exactly what Růže Cake House did when creating this confection. The pros worked with yellow buttercream and orange-and-pink roses to make the ultimate summer dessert. 22 of 36 Popsicle Garnishes Anna Delores Photography Fruity cocktails aren't the only summer signature drink option out there. Instead, bring seasonal flair to your beverages in an unexpected (and tasty) way by serving popsicles. These iterations served as both swizzle sticks and ice cubes and came with a message—written by Sophia Loves Letters—prompting guests to "stay cool." 23 of 36 Floral Stationery Krista Mason Photography Floral stationery will let your guests know about your warm-weather big day before they even see the date on the card. Attendees got a glimpse of the orange-and-pink peonies on this Betty Lu Paperie suite thanks to a see-through vellum envelope. 40 Beautiful Wedding Invitation Ideas That Will Set the Tone for Your Big Day 24 of 36 A Shell Cake Erich McVey If you're throwing a seaside ceremony, draw inspiration from your surroundings when designing your big-day confection. Mussel shells added a bit of verticality, color, and seasonality to this one-tier cake. 25 of 36 Ice Cream Treats Jenn Emerling For a warm-weather event, replace (or supplement) a traditional wedding cake with ice cream. The frozen treat is a no-brainer when it comes to staving off the heat. Nimble & Finn's served up a variety of flavors at this couple's summer celebration. 26 of 36 Flavored Water Ashley Ludaescher Photography It goes without saying that water is a necessity at any summertime wedding, but that doesn't mean that it has to be plain. To make the refreshment a little more appealing, serve it flavored, like Danae Grace Events did here, by adding in sliced fruits. 27 of 36 Sunglasses Pat Furey Photography Searching for a practical accessory for your wedding look? Sunglasses—these were from The Market NYC—will do the trick. 28 of 36 Parasols Stefano Santucci We'd argue that there's not much better than a destination wedding during the summer, but make sure your guests are protected from the sun; this couple passed out parasols to do so. To nod to their Italian location, the umbrellas sat in an embroidered basket reading "pazzo di te," or "crazy about you." 55 Creative Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Be Excited to Take Home 29 of 36 Sturdy Shoes Carrie Patterson During your outdoor wedding, you won't want to wear stilettoes that sink into the grass, ruining the shoe forever. Instead, opt for something with a sturdy block heel, like these Alexandre Birman sandals. 30 of 36 Colorful Attire Michael & Carina Photography Summer is the season of vibrant colors, so why wouldn't you want to wear them down the aisle? This bride and groom—the former in Abbeydale and the latter in Monique Lhuillier—wore bright hues that worked with their summertime event. 67 of Our Favorite Colorful Wedding Dresses From Real Weddings 31 of 36 Convertible Portraits Vienna Glenn Photography After your warm-weather reception, take a few photos (and a ride) with your new husband or wife in a convertible and enjoy the evening air. 32 of 36 Bug Spray Photography By Loren If there's one drawback to summer, it's the bugs. That's why it's important to make sure guests are equipped with plenty of bug spray if your reception is outdoors. 33 of 36 Thematic Welcome Bags Hunter Ryan Photo Welcome guests to your wedding with gifts that'll help them enjoy the warmer weather. This couple offered Turkish towels, sunglasses, boxed water, and more to their attendees. 34 of 36 A Hydration Station Elizabeth LaDuca Make sure that water is readily accessible throughout your celebration. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can turn glass bottles into table numbers for your reception—just add digits with paint! 35 of 36 Creative Cocktails Gaby J Photography We recommend serving lighter libations for an extra refreshing cocktail hour. A few floating petals in each glass—like those in these Weddings & Events by Emily drinks—are always a pretty touch. Alternatively, opt for frozen drinks! 36 of 36 S'mores Bar Sanaz Photography Serve up your favorite summertime snack (s'mores!) in a stylish way. Mallow Mallow provided these treats. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit