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  5. How to Throw the Ultimate Summer Wedding
Martha Stewart Weddings

How to Throw the Ultimate Summer Wedding

chloe gorman bio martha stewart weddings
By Chloe Gorman
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caitlin amit wedding couple kiss
Credit: Sally Pinera

All the ideas and details you need for an amazing warm-weather celebration.

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caitlin amit wedding couple kiss
Credit: Sally Pinera

Planning a summer wedding? We completely approve. Summer is the one of the most popular seasons for weddings—and for good reason. There's just something about hearing a couple say "I do" on a warm, sunny afternoon that makes everyone happy. Plus, with all of the available floral options, the long days (perfect for extended celebrations!), and the season's incredible natural beauty, this time of year is tough to beat—especially for nuptials.

From refreshing beverage options (we love a slushie cocktail!) to fun outdoor décor and breezy bridal fashion, it's clear that summer and wedding season are practically synonymous. To help you pull off the perfect warm-weather event, we've rounded up all of the elements that will make your celebration a success. A few things to immediately add to your summer wedding must-have list? Frozen treats and light sips, a shade plan (this is critical for keeping guests cool!), and—perhaps our favorite idea—ceremony programs that double as fans (your attendees will thank you). If you're searching for more tips, look to the following guide: It has everything you'll need to plan the wedding of the summer season. Although keeping your guests cool and comfortable throughout your big day is arguably priority number one, we've also provided advice for choosing melt- and wilt-resistant desserts and flowers to ensure that all aspects of your event can beat the heat.

Though the warm weather will already have your guests in good spirits, this guide will help you guarantee that it stays that way. By the time you're finished, you'll have everything you need to throw the ultimate summer wedding that everyone will enjoy.

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Create a Seasonal Invitation Suite

floral stationery with citrus details
Credit: Melanie Duerkopp Photography

Your guests' first impression of your big day begins with the stationery suite. For a seriously amazing summer wedding, be sure to choose paper goods that match the season. Looking for a place to start? Try using summer wedding colors like pinks, yellows, and oranges.

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Wear a Summer-Ready Hairstyle

cristina chris wedding bride back of dress
Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography
27 Wedding Updos We Love

Summer comes with heat and humidity—two things that can really wreak havoc on your wedding hairstyle. If you know your locks will have a tough time in the heat, think about trying a soft updo or half-up, half-down hairstyle to keep the look tamed (and help you stay cool, too).

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Summery Bridesmaids' Attire

bridal part outside wearing oyster colored bridesmaids dresses
Credit: Maria Lamb

Whether it means picking lightweight fabrics, shorter gowns, or lighter, brighter colors, keep your wedding party's comfort in mind when you're making big-day style decisions.

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Have an Outdoor Ceremony

bride and groom during outdoor forest wedding ceremony
Credit: BrittRene Photography
16 Things You Need to Know to Pull Off an Outdoor Wedding

Possibly the prettiest benefit of a summer wedding is the ability to host your ceremony outside. Pick a setting you love, and don't be afraid to dress it up with a little décor of your own.

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Ceremony Program Fans

cloth ceremony program fan
Credit: Laura Gordon Photography
22 Wedding Ceremony Program Fans to Help Keep Guests Cool

If you're planning an outdoor service, passing out ceremony programs that double as fans is just one easy way to help your guests beat the heat. Plus, these helpful props are an easy paper good to make yourself.

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Create Shade

mustard yellow velvet lounge chairs beneath tree
Credit: Kelly Ginn Photography
Creative Ways to Create Shade at a Spring or Summer Wedding

Lounge areas are always a good idea, but they're especially wonderful for a warm summer wedding. Make yours even better by setting it up in a shady spot where guests can cool off (cocktail in hand).

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Offer a Hydration Station

jars of flavored water
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography
Non-Alcoholic Hydration Stations Your Wedding Guests Will Appreciate

One summer essential you don't want to forget? A hydration station. By offering fun beverages that are also hydrating—think fruit-infused water—you'll help ensure that you and your guests stay safe under the blazing sun.

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Refreshing Signature Drink

citrus-infused signature drinks
Credit: Koman Photography
38 Signature Drinks That'll Personalize Your Cocktail Hour

There's nothing like a cool, seasonal beverage to really turn your reception into a party. Some of our favorite signature summer cocktail flavors? Citrus and watermelon.

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Play Outdoor Games

wedding bocce
Credit: Shewanders

Planning an outdoor cocktail hour? Don't forget the yard games! Giant Jenga, corn hole, and croquet are all options that bring extra fun to your summer wedding.

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Set Up an Outdoor Bar

wedding bar
Credit: Mike Cassimatis
11 Cool Wedding Bars That Served It Up Big

If the majority (or entirety) of your celebration is taking place outside, an outdoor bar is a must. Just be sure the caterer or bartender has plenty of ice on hand to keep that signature cocktail cool.

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Offer Frozen Treats

kendall jackson wedding guests and ice cream cones
Credit: Jenn Emerling

There's no time better than summer to shake up your dessert ideas. Why not offer something a little offbeat, like your favorite flavors of ice cream (sundae bar, anyone?) or a selection of yummy popsicles?

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Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space

jeanette david wedding reception standing tables string lights
Credit: Maria Lamb

There's more than one way to have a stunning outdoor celebration. Renting a tent can help you plan a day that includes the best of both worlds: fresh air and a more controlled environment. Or skip the tent entirely and set up a raised platform to clearly designate the dance floor or cocktail hour space, while simultaneously keeping the focus on the natural setting.

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Choose Heat-Resistant Floral Arrangements

nonfloral wedding bouquets cari courtright
Credit: Cari Courtright Photography
Summer-Inspired Wedding Flowers for Every Part of Your Big Day

There are few ways to help your wedding flowers look their best this summer. First, choose blooms that will hold up well in the heat. Then, keep arrangements (especially your wedding bouquet) out of the sun for as long as possible before the event begins.

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Pick a Heat-Resistant Cake

naked wedding cakes half frosted
Credit: D'Arcy Benicosa Photography

Keep one very important variable in mind when it comes to your wedding cake: The temperature! If your dessert table will be outside, think about skipping buttercream (which doesn't hold up as well in heat) in favor of fondant; a naked or semi-naked cake, however, are your safest options.

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Add Mood Lighting

twinkle lights hanging from trees above candlelit reception tables
Credit: Sara Lobla

As night falls on your warm-weather big day, you'll need something to light your outdoor reception space to keep the party going. We suggest twinkle or string lights—they add just the right amount of glow and ambience.

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Gift Seasonal Wedding Favors

favors shot glasses names
Credit: Abby Grace
23 Seasonal Summer Wedding Favors

There are a wealth of great summer wedding favors out there. Offer local jam or honey, wrap up individual s'more-making kits, or hand out travel (and beach) friendly totes. For seasonal favors that are dual purpose, try shot glasses with each guest's name that serve as both escort cards and gifts.

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    1 of 17
    2 of 17 Create a Seasonal Invitation Suite
    3 of 17 Wear a Summer-Ready Hairstyle
    4 of 17 Summery Bridesmaids' Attire
    5 of 17 Have an Outdoor Ceremony
    6 of 17 Ceremony Program Fans
    7 of 17 Create Shade
    8 of 17 Offer a Hydration Station
    9 of 17 Refreshing Signature Drink
    10 of 17 Play Outdoor Games
    11 of 17 Set Up an Outdoor Bar
    12 of 17 Offer Frozen Treats
    13 of 17 Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
    14 of 17 Choose Heat-Resistant Floral Arrangements
    15 of 17 Pick a Heat-Resistant Cake
    16 of 17 Add Mood Lighting
    17 of 17 Gift Seasonal Wedding Favors

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