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  5. 25 Seasonal Ideas for Your Summer Wedding Reception
Martha Stewart Weddings

25 Seasonal Ideas for Your Summer Wedding Reception

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By Emily Platt
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summer reception ideas boat lake
Credit: Sweetwater Portraits

These unique details make for a memorable summertime celebration.

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summer reception ideas boat lake
Credit: Sweetwater Portraits

Summer is the unofficial season of fun, so a wedding reception in June, July, August, or September should be just that. Whether you're throwing a thematic event that's entirely centered around seasonal details or you just want to add a little touch of summertime to your party, there are plenty of ways to incorporate staples of the warmer months into this portion of your big day. Need proof? We've got you covered. Here are some of our favorite summer reception ideas.

You can infuse summer's splendor into anything, really, including your menu, your event design, and your entertainment. Try serving seasonal snacks, like s'mores, for example. Or, use in-season or heat-proof blooms in your centerpieces or other décor elements. Additionally or alternatively, you can include summertime activities for your guests (or you and your new husband or wife!) to enjoy. We love the idea of offering lawn games, or a grand reception entrance on a boat!

No matter what type of celebration you're throwing—from a beach or backyard affair to a formal indoor event—there's a summery idea that'll suit your needs. Play with summer flavors, flowers, and motifs to show guests exactly why you picked the wedding date you did. To fuel your imagination, we've offered up even more suggestions on the slides ahead, plus photo representations of the recommendations above. If you plan an event with one of these unique and exciting details, your reception's bound to be as hot as the summer sun. We'll raise a glass (or popsicle!) to that.

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Picnic Setup

summer reception ideas picnic set up
Credit: Whitney Heard
Picnic-Inspired Wedding Ideas

For a super casual celebration, try a picnic setup. Cynthia Martyn Events designed these pretty stations.

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Nonalcoholic Beverages

megan scott wedding his and hers refreshments
Credit: Birds of a Feather

Not all guests want to drink alcohol, especially when it's hot outside. This couple offered "his" and "hers" beverages: sweet tea and lavender lemonade, respectively. A MIHO Experience provided the drinks, while Hanwriting calligraphed the dispensers.

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Farm Stand Design

summer reception ideas farm stand
Credit: Ayres Photography
23 Delicious Food Bars for Your Wedding

If your favorite part of summer is the fresh produce, honor your interest with a unique display. Here, Costamanga Design served Private Knives Catering fare with a farm stand-inspired setup.

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Outdoor Décor

summer reception ideas outdoor decor
Credit: Emily Elyse Wehner
Get More Outdoor Wedding Lighting Ideas

Maybe you're obsessed with chandeliers, but you want to throw your warm-weather reception outdoors. Don't worry—you can do both! This Bliss Haven Farms event design proves it.

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Beach Venue

wedding tent at night
Credit: Aria Isadora & Tiffany Sage for BFA
See More Beach Wedding Venues

Pitch your reception tent on the beach for an enchanting night by the sea. Sperry Tents provided this one.

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Poolside Reception

summer reception ideas poolside reception
Credit: Jessica Bordner Photography
Get More Ideas for a Poolside Wedding

A poolside celebration is always fun—especially when the space is decorated with pool floats! 

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Adirondack Chairs

summer reception ideas Adirondack chairs
Credit: Juicebeats Photography

Vacation-inspired Adirondack chairs are great for extra seating. They also make excellent props for a post-ceremony photo session.

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Poppy Place Settings

summer reception ideas poppy place setting
Credit: onelove photography

Use summer flowers to spruce up your reception tables. These Vintage Table Co. place settings featured Flour LA poppy stems.

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Citrus Décor

summer reception ideas citrus lighting
Credit: Passionate
Get More Citrus Wedding Ideas

We love seeing citrus used in unique ways. Flowers by Aude wrapped these fruits around a reception's light fixture.

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Tropical Drinks

summer reception ideas pineapple drink
Credit: Sarah Ellefson
See More Frozen Wedding Drinks

What says "summer" better than a tropical (and preferably frozen) cocktail? These Cali Craft Cocktails beverages were served in pineapples.

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BBQ Favors

megan scott wedding bbq sauce
Credit: Birds of a Feather

Give celebrants the gift of delicious summer fun with BBQ sauce wedding favors. If you're in the mood for a DIY project, make your own, like this couple did!

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Fun Accents

summer reception ideas flamingo Champagne tower
Credit: Sarah Kate Photography
See More Wedding Champagne Towers

Little details can take your event to new heights. Consider this flamingo Champagne tower by Emily Clarke Events. It wasn't just for looks: each glass doubled as an escort card!

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Summertime Snacks

summer reception ideas smores snacks
Credit: Sean Cook Weddings
Get More S'mores Ideas for Your Wedding

Serve s'mores with special marshmallows, like these unique XO Marshmallow varieties. The Urban Allure Events wedding's sweets came in yummy flavors, including lavender honey and vanilla.

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Berry Wedding Cake

summer reception ideas wedding cake berry
Credit: Smith House Photo
See More Summer Wedding Cakes

Accent your dessert with seasonal decorations, like berries. Buttercup Bakery made this wedding cake.

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Reception Popsicles

summer reception ideas reception popsicles
Credit: The Brauns

Popsicles (like these J-Pops snacks) will help everyone cool down after a night on the dance floor.

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Seasonal Menu

dinner paella
Credit: Bonnie Sen Photography

At this summer wedding, guests enjoyed plates of Crown Paella.

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Lawn Games

summer reception ideas connect four
Credit: Two Pair Photography
Get More Wedding Game Ideas

Embrace the extended hours of sunlight with outdoor activities, like a giant Connect Four-inspired game.

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Fireworks Display

fireworks palm trees
Credit: Joel Serrato
See More Wedding Firework Displays

Fireworks (or sparklers) are a dazzling way to light up the night. J&M Displays was responsible for this beachfront show.

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Cactus Centerpieces

Reception Tables with Potted Cacti
Credit: Gaby J Photography
Get More Cactus Wedding Ideas

Flower Story decorated these reception tables with heat-ready cacti in assorted vessels.

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Lounge Area

caitlin amit wedding outdoor lounge
Credit: Sally Pinera
See More Wedding Lounge Areas

Summer weddings are usually more relaxed, which makes a casual lounge station doable. This couple scored the décor for theirs at Found Vintage Rentals.

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Reception Ice Cream

Waiter Serving Cups of Ice Cream
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
See More Ways to Serve Ice Cream at Your Wedding

Whether you hire a truck or serve it passed, guests will scream for reception ice cream. This bride and groom offered cups of Graeter's.

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Patriotic Party

fourth of july wedding ideas alexandra wallace
Credit: Alexandra Wallace
Get More Fourth of July Wedding Ideas

For a Fourth of July reception, patriotic décor is a must. Sandcastle Celebrations and Avenue Twelve put together this flag display.

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Fruity Centerpieces

rw_0211_jolene_brad_peach.jpg
Credit: Belathée Photography
See More Wedding Centerpieces with Fruits and Vegetables

In-season fruits can serve as centerpieces and décor. You can't go wrong with pretty peaches.

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Smart Table Numbers

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Credit: Tinywater Photography
Get More Ideas for Wedding Table Numbers

These glass bottles marked reception tables while also helping to keep guests hydrated.

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    1 of 25
    2 of 25 Picnic Setup
    3 of 25 Nonalcoholic Beverages
    4 of 25 Farm Stand Design
    5 of 25 Outdoor Décor
    6 of 25 Beach Venue
    7 of 25 Poolside Reception
    8 of 25 Adirondack Chairs
    9 of 25 Poppy Place Settings
    10 of 25 Citrus Décor
    11 of 25 Tropical Drinks
    12 of 25 BBQ Favors
    13 of 25 Fun Accents
    14 of 25 Summertime Snacks
    15 of 25 Berry Wedding Cake
    16 of 25 Reception Popsicles
    17 of 25 Seasonal Menu
    18 of 25 Lawn Games
    19 of 25 Fireworks Display
    20 of 25 Cactus Centerpieces
    21 of 25 Lounge Area
    22 of 25 Reception Ice Cream
    23 of 25 Patriotic Party
    24 of 25 Fruity Centerpieces
    25 of 25 Smart Table Numbers

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