Set Your Summer Wedding Apart With These 7 Impactful Changes

In collaboration with Oscar Collins

Hosting a summer wedding offers various opportunities to make your big day memorable. The season brings lots of sun and lush scenery, creating a beautiful backdrop for your special ceremony. Consider these seven inspiring ideas and tips to make it a memorable event.

1. Create Signature Cocktails

Signature drinks are a creative way to incorporate your and your partner’s personalities. Think of fun memories or a shared hobby to inspire your cocktails. For instance, you can provide beverages from your favorite shows, such as banana daiquiri from “The Godfather” or Gibson martini from “The Queen’s Gambit.”

You can also ask your bartender to create something based on your preferences. Model your beverage after your first-anniversary celebration or incorporate details from when you saw each other, like a classic piña colada if you met at a beach.

2. Plan a Teepee Wedding

Historically, a teepee is a dwelling for Native Americans living nomadic lifestyles. People use them for contemporary ceremonies. Whether you want to celebrate your Native American roots or upgrade your outdoor wedding venue, a teepee wedding offers a memorable way to celebrate with loved ones.

Teepees can provide much-needed shade from the afternoon sun. With adjustable features, they can also adapt to cooler evening temperatures. Here’s how you can have a successful celebration:

• Hire a tent provider: A professional will help set up your tent and provide water supply, power and lightning.

• Choose a location: Opt for a relatively flat, well-drained area with a pleasant view, such as a lake or the mountains.

• Plan the decor: Teepees offer a canvas for bringing your whimsical or boho-chic wedding vision to life. Incorporate fairy lights, florals and textures to create a dreamy atmosphere as the sun sets and the evening creeps in.

3. Make Hats for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Give your entourage something unique as a gift. Make personalized summer wedding hats for them — accessorize wide-brimmed toppers for women and fedoras for men. Hats are stylish and functional, offering protection from the sun during the ceremony. They also make fantastic accessories for your boho-inspired photoshoot.

4. End your Summer Wedding Night With Fireworks

You and your future spouse are about to embark on an explosive journey — what better way to celebrate it than with a stunning fireworks display? Light up the sky and leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

Preparation is essential — find a trusted fireworks supplier and ask your wedding coordinator to place everyone 200 feet away from anything that shoots up in the air. For ground-effect fireworks like fountains, maintain a minimum of 35 feet away to ensure a safe celebration.

5. Host a Rooftop Summer Wedding

A rooftop wedding celebration offers panoramic views of the city, oceans or mountains, creating a natural backdrop for your party. The open sky, sunset and stars will enhance the romantic vibe of your reception. Different venues present various skyline views.

For example, The ROOF at Ponce City Market in Georgia provides stunning city views, while the High Crest and Rooftop Terrace at Wave Resort in New Jersey offers serene sunset and beach scenes.

6. Invite Your Pet

There are many ways to incorporate your animal companion in your wedding. Pose for pictures, walk down the aisle together or use them as your ring bearer. Your guests will love seeing and taking pictures and videos of your furry friend on your big day.

7. Host a Pool Party

Treat your wedding as a refreshing escape this summer. Look for a venue with a swimming pool, sunbathing area and a reception setting for a unique experience. This unforgettable poolside party will be a cherished memory for you and your guests.

What to Avoid During a Summer Wedding

There are many ways to make your summer wedding memorable. However, there are things to avoid to ensure uninterrupted fun.

Wearing Heavy Makeup

Choose your makeup carefully. You don’t want to look oily because your foundation is melting or your mascara is running down your face. Light makeup ensures you look beautiful and natural under the sun. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin.

Choosing Heat-Sensitive Flowers

Inform your florist to ensure your wedding flowers will hold up throughout the day. Some varieties wilt quickly under the scorching sun due to lack of water and heat stress.

Not Checking the Weather Forecast

Summer doesn’t guarantee sunny days. Prepare a backup plan if it rains, especially when hosting an outdoor event. Look for a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor settings for convenience. If applicable, include “in case of rain” reminders on your invitation detailing venue changes.

Have a Memorable Summer Wedding

Summer is a season of endless possibilities. Incorporating these ideas into your wedding provides a unique and memorable event people will remember for many years.