Summer weddings are the perfect way to celebrate the love you share as a couple.
But there are so many options to choose from. And you can easily get lost while searching and scrolling.
So, we have compiled nine summer wedding themes you can adapt for your wedding and blow your guests’ minds away.
These themes are perfect for romantics who want to make memories of one of the most important days of their lives.
Table of Contents
1. Elegant Beachside
The most popular summer wedding theme is a beachside wedding. This is due to the smooth sand’s romantic ambiance, the waves’ soothing sound, and the delightful breezes.
Furthermore, the natural beauty of the seaside setting serves as a beautiful background for the ceremony celebration.
Beach weddings often provide an extra layer of excitement and adventure, especially if you hold it in an exotic location.
With the help of these suggestions, you can organize your beach wedding in a way that would make Cupid proud and jealous.
Attire
While organizing a summer beach wedding, consider the dress code first.
The hues you choose determine the color palette for the wedding. So, take your time to decide on it.
Your wardrobe should also reflect the beachy vibe of your wedding.
For instance, beach wedding gowns should be light, flowing, and made of breathable fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or lace.
Also, avoid wearing bulky, heavy clothing that will make moving around in the sand challenging.
Light-colored linen suits, such as white, beige, or light blue, will be comfortable and fashionable for men.
Decorations
Decorations should incorporate seashells, starfish, and sand to create a beautiful coastal vibe.
Pastel colors like baby blue, blush pink, peach, and lavender can enhance the elegance of your beachside wedding.
For example, you could use these colors in your flower arrangements, table linens, and bridesmaids’ dresses.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
When it comes to eating, you can go all out and enjoy the seafood alternatives on the coast.
You can broaden your menu to include seafood options like lobster tails, shrimp cocktails, and oysters on the half shell.
You may also give your visitors a taste of island paradise with a Pina Colada cocktail, which has a creamy, velvety texture and a tart and tangy flavor.
A steel drum band playing Caribbean-inspired music or an acoustic guitar player serenading you and your guests may complete the beachy, laid-back vibe of your wedding.
2. Floral Garden
During the summer, flowers add a touch of natural beauty to your wedding, while the warm weather creates a light and airy atmosphere.
Here are some ideas for incorporating a floral summer wedding theme into your special day.
Decorations
A floral wedding can never have too many flowers.
Just make sure none of your guests suffer hay fever from the pollen in the air.
So, fill every nook and cranny with peonies, roses, dahlias, and sunflowers.
You can add some greenery, such as eucalyptus and ferns, for a natural and fresh look.
You can then create a floral arch for the ceremony under which you can recite your vows; it will be a picture-perfect backdrop for your photos, exactly like in the movies.
Attire
Ladies could wear bright floral-colored dresses to match the ambiance, while gentlemen could wear light-colored suits.
You can even make a DIY floral crown to wear as the bride.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
During a summer wedding, provide fresh delicacies such as fruits, salads, and refreshing cocktails to satisfy your guests’ thirst.
Here’s how to set your dinner table to complement your flower wedding theme.
Item | Description |
| Centerpieces | Mix of peonies, roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, and sunflowers. |
| Table Runner | Floral print. |
| Place Settings | Flower petals or sprigs of herbs. |
| Napkins | Floral patterned. |
For entertainment, a jazz band or slow music could help tie in the flower theme.
3. Fairytale Theme
A fairytale-themed wedding brings your childhood tales to life, with the ambiance of the venue and flowers playing a crucial role.
The dreamy venue, adorned with lush flowers, can create the perfect magical and romantic mood.
So, if you’re planning a fairy tale wedding, here are some suggestions to aid you in making it a reality.
Decorations
To create a dreamlike mood, use a lot of flowers, preferably roses, and fairy lights.
Are you looking for an enchanting woodland, a frozen landscape, a moody bohemian look, or another fairytale vibe?
Use gold or silver accents, turrets, and castle-inspired centerpieces to create a castle or princess vibe in your decorations.
Then, depending on the childhood fairytale you’re attempting to recreate, incorporate some unique features from that story. Add fairy tale elements like a glass slipper or magic mirror to your decor.
Attire
Your wedding attire should mirror the romantic and mystical concept.
For the bride, choose a ball gown with flowing skirts and exquisite decorations, while a tuxedo for the groom can give a touch of refinement to the fairy tale theme.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
For fairy tale weddings, you need an elegant meal selection fit for royalty.
Serve elegant hors d’oeuvres and entrees with a distinctive cocktail like Champagne or sparkling wine. A Champagne tower or fountain can add to the day’s sophisticated ambiance.
Then, use a soft, dreamy filter to give your wedding photos a fairytale-like feel. With the help of these suggestions, you can organize your beach wedding in a way that would make Cupid proud.
Also, consider hiring a classical quartet or harpist to perform throughout the ceremony or celebration because the music you choose for the wedding should express a romantic and magical theme.
4. Woodland Fairytale
A woodland fairy tale wedding is ideal for romantics seeking a dreamy, enchanted setting filled with natural elements like stones, moss, and wood.
Decorations
Use fairy lights and candles that match your color palette to create a magical ambiance. You can use wildflowers and greenery to add whimsical and natural beauty to your decor.
And for a more rustic feel, add tree stumps, logs, and branches. You can use them as part of seating too.
To create a woodland fairytale atmosphere, you can even go further and DIY wooden signs, lanterns, and other rustic decor items.
Attire
To create a romantic and ethereal look, a woodland wedding goes well with a bridal gown with lace, floral appliques, or tulle.
Accessorize with floral crowns or hair accessories to add a bit of whimsy to your bridal party outfit.
For the grooms and groomsmen, choose natural colors and textures to match the woodland theme.
In contrast, flowing fabrics and earthy tones for your bridesmaids’ dresses will complement the woodland fairytale atmosphere.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
Serve hearty food such as grilled meats and vegetables to add to the woodland atmosphere. Use seasonal fruits and berries for your desserts to bring some sweetness to your woodland fairytale.
You can present your food and drink on wooden boards or in natural baskets or crates while serving specialty drinks such as mead or mulled wine to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Then, create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere with live acoustic music as a climax for your woodland wedding theme.
You can also give your guests something to remember by creating a fairy tale photo booth with woodland props and decor.
5. Bohemian Chic
For couples seeking the ideal balance of elegance, whimsy, and carefree vibes, a boho theme will enable you to realize your wedding dreams.
One of the primary benefits of having a boho-themed wedding is its flexibility in personalization.
There are no strict rules to follow, allowing you to mix and match different elements and styles that reflect your taste and preferences.
This freedom of expression is perfect for couples who want to make their wedding day unique and memorable.
Decorations
Warm, earthy colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown are essential for a boho wedding color scheme.
Metallic accents like gold and copper can add a hint of boho glam to any space.
Remember to fill your arrangements with plenty of lush greenery and flowers; after all, what would a Bohemian wedding be without them?
Attire
The dress code for a bohemian chic wedding is free-spirited, laid-back, and colorful.
The women can wear:
- Flowy maxi dresses in floral prints or earthy tones
- Flower crowns
- Dainty jewelry
- Strappy sandals or ankle boots
While the men can don:
- Casual button-up shirts in neutral colors
- Suspenders and bowties
- Statement hats
- Boots or loafers
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
For the menu, think of farm-to-table style dishes.
For Bohemian wedding dishes, consider incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients into your menu. Think colorful salads, grilled veggies, and hearty dishes like paella or roasted chicken.
Don’t forget to provide plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for your guests who prefer plant-based meals.
To complement the Bohemian vibe, serve signature cocktails like botanical-infused drinks and herbaceous cocktails. You could even set up a DIY cocktail station where guests can mix and match their ingredients.
And for entertainment, how about a live band playing folk music or a fire dancer to continue the celebration well into the night?
6. Classic Vintage
You don’t need a quantum machine to skip back in time for your wedding. A classic wedding makes one feel transported back in time to an era of elegance and sophistication.
The vintage decor, classic attire, and entertainment combine to create a sense of nostalgia that can evoke warm feelings of happiness and romance.
Decorations
As for decor, it depends on which vintage year you choose.
For example, a 1950s wedding had muted colors, feminine laces, and jewelry such as a platinum wedding band adorned with diamonds.
So, using soft lighting and muted colors to create an intimate and warm ambiance will make guests feel relaxed and at ease.
Also, when organizing a vintage-themed wedding, paying attention to every aspect, including your wedding invites, is critical.
One way to add a touch of authenticity and charm to your invitations is to have them handwritten or use a font that resembles actual handwriting.
Attire
Still, with a 1950s vintage wedding, the attire should reflect glamour and elegance.
You can wear a ball gown with a full skirt secured with a ribbon or bow at the waist.
Don’t forget to wear gloves and a veil to enhance the overall glamour of the outfit.
The groomsmen could wear dark-colored suits with a slim design and a fedora or another type of hat.
Hairstyles like finger waves, victory rolls, and pin curls are popular for enhancing the vintage theme of the wedding. You can achieve these looks with the assistance of a trained hair stylist or by following guidelines and do-it-yourself processes.
A simple makeup style with a natural, dewy complexion, light smokey eyes, and red or nude lipstick can create a classic, elegant look that complements the retro theme.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
Provide traditional foods and cocktail alternatives such as gin and tonic or a Manhattan to contribute to the retro ambiance and offer your guests a flavor of a bygone era.
You can also hire a jazz band or incorporate swing dancing into your reception to give your guests a sense of the past.
7. Rustic Country
A rustic summer wedding theme has a lot to offer.
Do you want to experience the pretty, lush green outdoors, a hint of vintage charm, or a casual, laid-back atmosphere?
You can create this mood by using a rustic country theme.
Decorations
A rustic country wedding theme necessitates an earthy color palette that feels like you are visiting a horse-filled ranch with a homemade barbecue.
For this theme, you’ll need enough wood for a lumberyard and mason jars for beer.
Attire
There should be a casual yet elegant dress code.
The women can wear flowing, flowery, or lace dresses that appear as if they have just left a country romance book.
While the men can dress in casual suits that will make them look like they just left a John Wayne movie.
And if you want to be a little extra, you can add a twist by rocking cowboy boots and hats.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
This wedding can be more enjoyable than a rodeo and more romantic than a cowboy song with some delicious barbecue, a specialty cocktail, and beer.
A country band can then start playing while some of your guests enjoy two-stepping and others take amusing pictures with cowboy hats, bandanas, and other western-themed accessories.
8. Nautical Theme
The nautical wedding theme is ideal for sea lovers who want to incorporate marine culture into their wedding.
It allows you to commemorate your love uniquely and memorably.
Decorations
Use a navy blue and white color scheme with plenty of anchors, ropes, and other maritime details to create an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re setting sail on the seas of love.
The ambiance should make your guests feel like they are at a seaside wedding with waves crashing in the backdrop, followed by a reception aboard a luxury yacht.
For more decorations, here is a table that can help complete the nautical wedding mood:
Item | Description |
| Tablecloths | Navy blue with white anchors. |
| Centerpieces | Rope-wrapped vases with white and blue flowers. |
| Place Settings | Anchor-shaped plates with sailor-striped napkins and utensils. |
| Backdrop | Large anchor with rope accents and greenery. |
| Lighting | Soft blue and white lights strung around the room. |
Attire
Keep your outfit classic and classy.
The females can dress in turquoise blue gowns that make them look like mermaids.
The bride can also integrate nautical-inspired jewelry into her gown, such as a pearl necklace or anchor earrings.
On the other hand, the men can dress in white or navy suits that make them feel like the ship’s captain.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
A Poseidon-worthy seafood feast with shrimp cocktail, lobster rolls, and clam chowder is ideal for a maritime wedding theme.
Include a specialty drink that is as smooth as a tranquil sea but as exciting as a stormy night.
Finally, for entertainment, engage a live band to have you dancing like you’re on the deck of a luxury liner, or hire a DJ to make you feel like you’re at a beach party.
9. Tropical Paradise
A tropical paradise wedding will have your guests hula dancing the night away.
Decorations
For a tropical paradise wedding, it is essential to use a lot of flowers and bright colors.
Consider lush greenery and an abundance of colorful blooms. Tropical flowers like hibiscus, frangipani, and orchids will brighten the reception.
To complete the island vibe, add some palm leaves and bamboo accents. Remember to add some tropical fruits like mango and pineapples for a touch of sweetness.
Attire
The dress code for this tropical paradise wedding is bright and bold.
Here are a few suggestions on how you can incorporate a tropical paradise wedding dress code.
Women:
- Dresses in bright colors like fuchsia, coral, and turquoise
- Jewelry that makes a statement
- Floral hair accessories
- Comfortable sandals or wedges
Men:
- Linen suits in beige or blue tones
- Simple button-up shirts in white or other colors
- Boat shoes or loafers
- Boutonnieres with a tropical theme
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
Think of fresh seafood like shrimp skewers and fish tacos for the menu.
To complete the island vibe, include some tropical fruits like mango, papaya, coconut, and pineapple. Don’t forget to order an Aloha-inspired fruity cocktail as well.
You can hire a reggae band for a Caribbean vibe to get everyone dancing or a DJ to play some salsa to keep the party going all night.
Plan Your Dream Summer Wedding
Be bold and think outside the box while planning your fantasy summer wedding.
After all, this is your big day.
Consider what makes you and your partner happy when choosing a theme.
Are you both beach bums? Do you enjoy being outdoors? Perhaps you are both voracious readers who want to incorporate fairytales into your wedding. Maybe a Wednesday Addams theme?
Whatever it is, choose a theme that speaks to you both. It should be a reflection of your personalities and shared passions.
Regardless of your chosen vibe, any of the nine themes mentioned above will surround you with love, laughter, and perhaps even a few dad jokes. After all, what’s a wedding without a little bit of humor?
So go ahead and choose the ideal summer wedding theme that complements your style and that of your partner and get ready to create some incredible moments you will cherish forever.
Bring your dancing shoes and sunscreen, then let the good times flow.
And cheers to romance, excitement, and eternal bliss!
Resources
- https://www.greenvelope.com/blog/wedding-themes-for-summer
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a27260837/summer-wedding-color-schemes/
- https://www.theknot.com/content/summer-wedding-ideas
- https://www.theknot.com/content/fairytale-wedding-theme
- https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/rustic-wedding-style
- https://www.windsongranchllc.com/bringing-the-charm-10-ideas-for-rustic-wedding-colors
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qO10aSsWSU