If you’re looking for great wedding ideas for summer, we’ve got a slew of them coming your way. From fresh, seasonal florals, food, and fun activities to stunning, summery touches that will make your summer wedding a smashing success.

As you plan your summertime wedding or event, bear in mind–first and foremost– the comfort of your wedding guests as they gather to celebrate with you during the hottest months of the year. You’ll be contending with heat, UV rays, and probably a little sweat, but don’t sweat it– there are plenty of ways to make the soiree a lovely time for all involved while adding playful touches as nods to the summer season.

Great wedding ideas for summer include casual, outdoor rehearsal dinners and pre-wedding parties!Casual Pre Party/Rehearsal Dinner

If you love a pool party, perhaps a summer wedding is right up your alley. Having a casual rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding day party is a great way to get the merriment going right off the bat. And after all, summer is all about having a blast. Let the key players in your wedding pregame at a quintessential summer pool party, or curate an outdoor clambake or cookout to keep things casual and fun.

Incorporate Al Fresco Meals

Picnics and patios exist for a reason, people. It’s because eating outdoors is incredibly fun! So as you plan your summer wedding, think about how you can incorporate al fresco dining into the mix for your reception, rehearsal dinner, or even a wedding shower.

Summer-Centric Gifts or Favors

Another fun wedding idea for summer is finding ways to celebrate the season with wedding favors or bridal party gifts that scream “fun in the sun.” Some ideas for this are sun hats– also a great way to help your guests beat the heat at your summertime ceremony, customized beach towels adorned with your wedding date and info or bridal party names, or even cool wayfarer sunglasses with your date and hashtag on them!

Delicious, seasonal cocktails are a great way to celebrate your big day among our other wedding ideas for summer.Summer Cocktail Ideas

A favorite summer shindig cocktail idea is popsicles in the prosecco! Nothing says summer like an ice cold glass of bubbly with a popsicle in it. This cocktail is the perfect blend of fun and delicious, and your guests will appreciate the cool down. Other fun ideas include serving up cocktails in carved out pineapples or coconuts for added flair and flavor. Check out these 68 summer cocktail recipes to get inspired!

Airy Fabrics

It’s gonna be hot! So choose your attire wisely. This is a day-long affair, so you’ll want to make sure you and your bridal party is dressed for summer wedding success. No one wants to be uncomfortable or have sweat stains either. So choose light, breezy, airy fabrics. A summer wedding is also a great opportunity to incorporate some fun prints, and floral fabrics into the scheme of things. Maybe your bridesmaids sport floral dresses instead of just choosing a traditional color!

Throw Some Shade

And we don’t mean that how it sounds– like real shade. Your guests won’t want to spend hours outdoors in blazing summer heat, so think about creative ways to provide shade for them. You could have a wedding tent, or even provide parasols for guests to use during the ceremony to hide from the sun, particularly if the vows are exchanged during the hotter hours of the day. You can also have hydration stations so your guests can easily grab water or lemonade to cool off between the micro events of your big day.

No matter what, Tennessee summer is a lovely time of year, and can make a happy backdrop for your wedding day. Just remember to incorporate these wedding ideas for summer to ensure your event is one every last guest will enjoy from start to finish. Happy planning! And as always, contact our expert wedding team at Howe Farms with any questions.