Planning a Summer Wedding
Summer is one of the most popular times to get married — and for good reason. Most of the time, you can expect clear skies and nice weather. There is also more daylight during the summer months, offering you plenty of time to leisurely host your ceremony and celebrate at your reception with your loved ones.
Because of the pleasant weather and longer daylight hours, you also have more flexibility with your ceremony and reception sites. Choose from indoor and outdoor locations ranging from gardens to elegant ballrooms, depending on your needs and style preferences.
Since summer is such a popular time to get married, it can be harder to book your preferred venue and vendors, especially if you wait until the last minute to start planning. If you are considering a summer ceremony, start preparing as soon as possible.
At Weddings at Baywood, we want to help ensure your big day is a success. We've put together some tips and wedding theme ideas for the summer to inspire you and help you start planning your big day.
(Check out our Complete Wedding Guide)
What Flowers Are in Season?
If you are hosting your wedding in the summer, you have almost endless fresh, in-season flowers to choose from. While you can always pick the classics such as roses, baby's breath, daisies and lilies, you have a range of other summer flowers to choose from as well. For example, incorporate lots of sunflowers for a lighthearted summer wedding. If your style is more cottage chic, add some peonies or hydrangeas.
Other popular summer flowers to consider include:
Gardenias.
Asters.
Delphinium.
Poppies.
Dahlias.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that some blooms can begin to wilt in high temperatures. Be sure to discuss your style and the expected temperature on your wedding day with your florist, so your blooms look fresh and vibrant throughout the entire ceremony and reception.
Create a Fun Summer Wedding Menu
Just like with your florals, you have endless menu options to choose from for a summer wedding. Many vegetables and fruits are in season during these months, offering you plenty of fresh summery ingredients to showcase.
Typically, it's a good idea to stick with lighter, more refreshing meals in the warmer months. You can start by serving light hors d'oeuvres such as smoked paprika hummus on fried bread as well as mixed green salads to whet your guests' appetites.
For the main course, take advantage of summer's bounty by incorporating vegetable dishes such as grilled asparagus, sweet corn succotash and grilled zucchini and squash. Plated entrees ranging from butter-poached lobster tail to jumbo lump crab cakes will leave your guests satisfied.
Don't forget to offer plenty of drinks to keep everyone hydrated and refreshed. Fruit-infused waters and frozen cocktails will be appreciated, especially when the temperature starts creeping up.
Along with your wedding cake, consider treating your guests to a summer-friendly station filled with boardwalk-style fries, mini cheesecakes, corn dogs and funnel cakes.
What to Wear for a Summer Wedding
If you host your wedding during June, July or August, you can expect to deal with high temperatures and possibly even humid conditions. With that in mind, be sure to stick with lighter fabrics such as organza, silk or charmeuse for your wedding dress. Sleeveless, flowy gowns and dresses with shorter hemlines can keep you and the bridesmaids cool and comfortable throughout the ceremony and reception.
Similarly, choosing lighter colors such as blush pink, teal, ivory and lilac can help your wedding party stay cool while still complementing your summer theme. If you'd prefer more of a bold touch, go with shades such as coral, navy or marigold.
The groom and groomsmen will also appreciate lighter-toned suits made out of thinner fabrics. Beige or gray colors in fabrics such as seersucker can aid in cooling everyone down. If you are planning a more casual summer wedding, you can even have the groom and groomsmen forgo wearing a jacket and roll their sleeves up instead.
Party Favors Perfect for the Season
For the perfect ending to your wedding, be sure to treat your guests to summer-inspired party favors. Especially if your ceremony or reception is outdoors, your guests will appreciate receiving favors that keep them cool and comfortable. Consider treating everyone to fans, essential oil bug spray or lemonade mixes in mason jars.
In keeping with various wedding theme ideas for the summer, you could also pass out fresh citrus fruits or flower seeds that each of your guests can plant in their gardens. Potted succulents or small bunches of fresh flowers will surely bring a smile to your guests' faces as well.
Discover the Perfect Wedding Venue at Weddings at Baywood
If you are looking for the perfect summer wedding venue, Weddings at Baywood is here to help turn your vision into a reality. As one of the premier venues in Coastal Delaware, we have the elegant spaces you need to host the ceremony and reception of your dreams.
Our wedding venue is perfect for June, July and August, with several indoor and outdoor locations. If you'd prefer to exchange your vows indoors, we have a newly remodeled ballroom that boasts a classic yet modern style. We also have a historic wood-paneled library perfect for intimate cocktail hours or receptions.
If you're picturing an outdoor wedding in the summer, we have a variety of spaces. Choose our expansive veranda setting for views of the golf course or our ceremony garden for a romantic fountain and flowers as the backdrop. We also have a paver patio and tented reception option.
Because we are all-inclusive, you can count on us to handle all your wedding details — from your florals to your catering. If you have any questions about our spaces or services or are ready to begin planning your wedding on our property, fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch with you soon.