Planning: Hot Summer Wedding Trends

By Patricia Canole

Summer wedding season has arrived and with it softer and sweeter celebrations—to make for lasting memories. Read on for the latest trends in summertime nuptials.

Villa Aquamare, Virgin Gorda, BVI

TREND 1: THEMES Of course, beach and garden themes are at the top of the list for summer weddings. But also think of your favorite warm weather hangouts. A mountain theme (a throwback to those childhood camps days). Or, if you’ve decided on a garden wedding, add a honeymoon element—orchid centerpieces for Hawaii, jerk chicken appetizers for the Caribbean.


TREND 2: COLOR Sticking with two hues along with a definitive accent color will guarantee a spectacular wedding. Rather than using a splash of color at your reception, use one shade for a defining statement—think all-pink centerpieces or bold orange table linens. This holds especially true for your centerpieces: Instead of multicolored centerpieces, alternate single-color floral arrangements for a pulled-together look. Great colors for summertime: Lavender, as well as pistachio. What’s out? All-white weddings.

InterContinental Mondelucia Resort, Arizona

TREND 3: CENTERPIECES Citrus fruit is an old standby for summertime receptions, but step it up and engage your florist to use hollowed-out watermelons as a container. Fill it with seasonal flowers and herbs. Another option is to incorporate wooden vases with grass/moss to give centerpieces a outdoor natural look.

TREND 4: INVITES We’re seeing that more and more couples are choosing to e-mail their save-the-dates, which allows them to splurge on traditional engraved invitations. Use colors in a new and unexpected way. For example, rather than using Caribbean blue lettering on a cream-colored invite, opt for cream print on blue paper. Or mix it up—do the cream-colored invite with Caribbean blue writing, and then a powder blue reply card with a cream-colored font. Consider the material of your invite as well. One hot-off-the-press idea: Use fabric-printed invites, programs, and escort cards for a laid-back look perfect for summer.

Sylvia Weinstock for Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour 

TREND 5: SWEET TREATS White wedding cake will always be a popular choice. However, we’ve noticed that bakers are offering delectable summertime flavors and fillings to fit the mood. Think strawberries and whipped cream filling for a strawberry shortcake-style wedding cake, or a citrus filling like Key lime. Cupcake days are over. Instead we see artsy wedding cakes. You might also consider hiring an ice cream truck for the end of the evening offering late-night snacks for your friends and family.


TREND 6: LET THE PARTY CONTINUE After parties are more popular than ever. In fact, couples are hiring caterers and DJs for the after party and making it a more relaxed event for their guests. Some popular ideas to keep in mind include a beachside clam bake, Mexican fiesta (with margaritas of course), and all-American barbecue with fireworks and all.

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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