25 Hot Summer Wedding Ideas

Grab our top tips for staying cool, calm and oh-so-stylish at your warm-weather soirée.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

April 13, 2018

By: Maria Conti

Related To:

Signature Pop-tail

What could be better than hand-crafted, signature wedding cocktails? That’s easy. Hand-crafted, signature wedding pop-tails. Mix drink with dessert to create a drool-worthy hybrid perfect for steamy summer temps. This pretty gin and tonic pop is guaranteed to get guests talking (and maybe even dancing, too)! Get this recipe and more by clicking the link below.

See More Photos: 11 Boozy Ice Pops to Toast the End of Summer

Breezy Blue

Skip harsh hues and opt for soft, sky blue bridesmaid dresses for an airy, ethereal wedding day. Pro tip: the easiest way to pull off the mismatched maid look is by asking your girls to order from the same manufacturer. Pick the fabric and blue hue of your dreams, then give your bridesmaids the freedom to choose a neckline and print they feel the most comfortable in.

See More Photos: 21 Oh-So-Pretty Bridesmaid Trends

Fresh Bites

Crush the crostini game and serve guests with various flavor options. Juicy berries and honey drizzle will satisfy guests’ sweet tooths until it’s time for cake. Pro tip: you can never go wrong with prosciutto and mozzarella for a savory option.

Sweet and Savory Crostini Recipes

From: Katie Meyers

Sip + Be Seated

Offer guests a sip as soon as they enter your event with a "sip and be seated" table. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a good, chilled glass of rosé on a hot summer day. Agreed?

Citrus Sweets

Skip heavenly white and amp up the flavors of summer with a sweet lemon elderflower cake. Garnish with berries, lemon slices and petite purple blooms. Fun fact: These are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cake flavors.

Celebrate Like a Royal: Lemon Elderflower Cake Recipe

Hydration Station

Keep guests hydrated and happy with fruit-infused water stations. For modern brides and grooms, this graphic, black and white signage and sleek pedestal are speaking your language. If you’re a "more is more" kind of couple, recreate a similar setup with gilded signs and blooms galore.

MORE IDEAS: 6 No-Sweat Tips for Cooling Down a Summer Wedding

Dramatic Drapes

Never underestimate the impact of drapes. Add sleek, white draping fabric to a pavilion or garden venue to create upscale sophistication outdoors.

Make Him Your "Something Blue"

Stick your groom and groomsmen in handsome, blue suits for the day. Trust us, he’ll look dashing and he’ll feel comfortable in this classic, semi-casual and sun-friendly approach to wedding attire.

See More Photos: A Classic Black-Tie Wedding at Historic Nashville Estate

Berry Bouts

Nothing says seasonal like a beautiful boutonniere filled with fresh, on-the-stem berries. Whether they’re in peak or off-season, these lapel decorations can lend a fresh feel to your big day.

See More Photos: 38 Fresh-Cut Wedding Boutonniere Ideas

From: Abby Larson

Cool Favors

It may be hot, but these thoughtful favors are definitely cool. Buy them in bulk to cut costs on the big day.

MORE IDEAS: 15 Wedding Favors You Can Buy in Bulk on Amazon

Yes Way, Rosé

Turn the summer-sip staple into a pint-sized sugary delight. This rosé toasting cake is a beautiful, bite-sized confection crafted from your go-to bottle of blush. Cheers!

Get the Recipe: Rosé Toasting Cakes

Bright White + Beachy

Driftwood, sea glass and soft white blooms aplenty — this table setting is fit for a sophisticated seaside affair. The good news? This design would look just as heart-stoppingly beautiful inland as it does here by the sea.

See More Photos: An Ultra-Elegant Seaside Wedding

Florals Galore

Fact: there’s no such thing as "too many flowers" on your wedding day. Pair your bridesmaids’ pretty posy bouquet with a pastel, floral gown for an undeniable, summery scene.

Slice of Summer

Summer in the Hamptons, anyone? We’re swooning over this classic cake vignette. Recreate this look by displaying a crisp white cake on a vintage wood pedestal. Add a striped linen runner and fresh, baby-blue blooms.

See More Photos: 65 Beautiful & Unique Wedding Cake Design Ideas

Summer Seeds

Green up your party guests' thumbs with these take-home surprises that truly are the gift that keeps giving. Following the included instructions, your guests can plant the seeds in their yard for an abundance of beautiful blooms.

MORE IDEAS: 88 DIY Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Love

From: H. Camille Smith

Made in the Shade

Offer some stylish shade at your outdoor wedding with chic, gray umbrellas styled in a rustic woven basket.

Personalized + Pastel

Take a softer approach to classic paper goods and swap gold and black ink for delicate pastel watercolors, instead. For example, couples today are adding their own personal stamp to their celebration by incorporating wedding day crests. This watercolor take on the trend is to-die-for, don’t you think?

From: Abby Larson

White Out

Simple and chic: we’re a sucker for this sleek wedding trend. Skip the unflattering greens and pinks and have your bridesmaids wear white, too. If you really want to up the chic-factor, request that guests wear white as well.

Show Some Leg

Brides, be brave and break the "rules." Hike up that hemline and rock a breezy, beautiful, mini bridal dress on your big day. We love this laidback look for intimate weddings or destination elopements.

Crowd-Pleasing Late Night Bites

After a night of dancing and drinking, you (along with everyone else) will be so, so glad you saved up for that late-night burger station. We’re currently obsessed with this funky, 90’s-inspired wrapper for more modern affairs.

Signature Summer Sip

When choosing your signature drink, think fresh, summer fruits and berries. For this sweet sip, the deep flavor of fresh blackberries melds with the exotic spice of cardamom syrup and citrusy botanicals of gin, providing refreshing relief to a hot, summer wedding. Get this recipe and more at the link below.

MORE IDEAS: 50 Signature Wedding Cocktails

From: Sam Henderson

Art in Action

While your photographer will certainly capture every classic moment, we love the idea of commissioning an artist on the premises to create an everlasting piece of art for your newlywed home.

MORE IDEAS: 20 Hot Wedding Trends We're Loving ATM

From: Abby Larson

Vibrant Vibes

Salute summer with bundles of bold blooms, vibrant turquoise glassware and warm wood accents. This casual, cool aesthetic is perfect for that laidback, fun-loving couple who wants their wedding to feel like one big summer party.

Twinkle, Twinkle

Light up the summer night sky with several strings of twinkly patio lights. The results? Equal parts timeless, romantic and magical.

See More Photos: 21 Essentials for a High-Style Backyard Wedding

Spice Up the Menu

Forget about that four-course meal. Trust us when we say, guests will be grateful that you opted for fresh-off-the-grill, authentic Mexican tacos instead. This is a fact, people. Tacos are timeless. Go one step further and hire a food truck to cater your fiesta.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Plated

Photo By: Michael & Carina Photography

Photo By: Cheyenne Mojica Photography

Photo By: Heather Baird

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Image by Audrey Grace Photography

Photo By: Julie Paisley Photography

Photo By: Style Me Pretty/ Simply Sarah Photography

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Photo By: Heather Baird

Photo By: Devon Donnahoo Photography, Styling by Katie Kalafat

Photo By: Michael & Carina Photography

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Image by Leila Brewster

Photo By: Style Me Pretty/ Simply Sarah Photography

Photo By: Katie Kalafat, First Comes Love Events

Photo By: JOPHOTO

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Style Me Pretty/ Simply Sarah Photography

Photo By: Carlie Statsky

Photo By: The Ganeys Photography / theganeys.com

Photo By: Brass Penny Photography

HGTV Smart Home 2021

The Laundry Guy

Budget Outdoor Design Ideas

50 DIY Storage Solutions

Top Spring Cleaning Tasks

Easy-to-Grow Flowers

25 Hot Summer Wedding Ideas

Related To:

Signature Pop-tail

Breezy Blue

Fresh Bites

Sip + Be Seated

Citrus Sweets

Hydration Station

Dramatic Drapes

Make Him Your "Something Blue"

Berry Bouts

Cool Favors

Yes Way, Rosé

Bright White + Beachy

Florals Galore

Slice of Summer

Summer Seeds

Made in the Shade

Personalized + Pastel

White Out

Show Some Leg

Crowd-Pleasing Late Night Bites

Signature Summer Sip

Art in Action

Vibrant Vibes

Twinkle, Twinkle

Spice Up the Menu

Shop This Look

HGTV's Ultimate Wedding Guide

25 Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank 25 Photos

36 Party Foods You Can Serve on a Stick 36 Photos

Party Like a Pro: Our 55 Fave Entertaining Ideas 55 Photos

Go Glamping: Throw a Luxury Camping Party at Home 20 Photos

14 Warm-Weather Party Appetizers 14 Photos

Sizzling Themes for an Outdoor Summer Party 12 Photos