20 charming summer wedding ideas

There are so many reasons to choose a summer wedding. The sun’s out (hopefully), the flowers are in bloom and it’s the perfect season for outdoor ceremonies, drinks on the terrace, garden games and so much more. 

Our real weddings are full of brilliant summer wedding ideas, so we’ve shared a few of our favourites below, along with some stunning dress and accessory tips from our instore bridal experts. So, grab a cold drink, relax and get in the mood for some summer wedding fun…

1. Have an outdoor ceremony

This is the ideal time of year to plan for an outdoor ceremony. A picturesque garden, riverside or woodland setting will be absolutely magical. Also, don't let the temperamental UK weather worry you. Most venues have a back-up, indoor location too, just in case. 

2. Dress for the weather

Summer suits almost every style of wedding dress, from a sparkling princess ballgown that will glint in the soft light to a pared-back, modern sheath that will look cool, calm and collected. There really is no right or wrong when it comes to your wedding dress. It just has to make you feel amazing!

However, bohemian, lightweight styles that are easy to wear and not too warm are a great choice. And nobody does this look better than Heidi Hudson, with her floaty ethereal designs that are perfect for floating around on a hazy summer’s day.

Alternatively, boho isn’t the only option for a summer wedding and Sofia Cruz’s simple modern elegance might be the look for you. Think well-crafted, clean-cut designs with a hint of contemporary cool that will set the tone for a stylish garden party.

3. Light-catching sparkle

A few accessories sparkling in the sun are a must-have, whether that’s a classic tiara, belt and more or just a simple hair comb and veil. Florals are ideal for reflecting the blooming backdrop, so look for stunning clay flower headbands and lightweight veils edged in the prettiest floral lace.

4. Be bold with your bridesmaids

For your maids, pastel and muted tones are great for spring and also look lovely in summer, but why not try something a bit brighter? Strong tropical colours like hot pink or orange look amazing in glorious sunshine, and add a striking accent colour to your day.

Real bride Gina had a beautiful burnt orange colour scheme for her June wedding. “Burnt orange has always been a favourite of mine,” she says. “The bridesmaids looked stunning in this vibrant hue and it created a great contrast against the lush greenery of the venue.”

5. Beautiful brights everywhere

Follow that through with bold colour splashes everywhere from your bouquet to your stationery. We love how this couple kept it simple with pretty cherry blossom on the tables for an elegant touch of hot pink.

6. Do it festival style

Summer is the perfect time for a festival theme, complete with tipis, food trucks, glitter bars and live music. There are lots of festival-ready wedding venues around the UK that are designed for this kind of relaxed, fun celebration. For more ideas read our festival wedding guide here.

7. Get glamping

Also, for the full festival experience, and to save your guests money, why not offer glamping? This could be a simple space for guests to set up their own camping gear or somewhere with bell tents and luxe facilities all ready to go.

8. Embrace seasonal flowers

Peonies, roses, sweeties, hydrangeas, lavender, cosmos, dahlias, sunflowers and so much more are all in bloom during the summer. Why not try mixing in some scented herbs too for a beautiful fresh aroma?

9. Wear a flower crown

Don’t just save the flowers for your bouquet and centrepieces, either. Ask your florist to create a stunning flower crown to match your colour theme and use similar fresh flowers to decorate a plain naked cake.

10. Budget-friendly rustic decor

Woden pallets, loosely arranged flowers in jam jars and homemade bunting all look amazing in the summer sun. As an added bonus, rustic can be a budget-friendly choice, as much of it can be homemade or vintage.

11. Set up outdoor games

Make the most of the outside with garden games, everything from giant jenga and croquet to cricket on the beach or a treasure hunt. If you have the space, hire a bouncy castle for the kids (and the young at heart!).

12. Bring your pet

An outside wedding also makes it much easier to get your pet involved. So, find a lovely matching bow tie for your favourite pooch and bring them along. Read our guide to managing pets at weddings for more ideas on how to include your four-legged friends. 

13. Hire an outdoor photo booth (or create your own)

A cool VW camper van makes a great photo booth for your guests to have fun with. Alternatively, you can save pennies and create your own with a selection of fun props and vintage picture frames hung in a tree.

14. Make the most of golden hour

This is the perfect season to make the most of ‘golden hour’, when the sunlight turn a magical golden hue around sunrise and sunset. In the summer months it’s often between 7pm to 8pm (there are online calculators for your exact date and location) so ask your photographer for a few shots around then.

15. All the fun of the fair

Fun fairground rides are the perfect way to wile away summer’s evening. These newlyweds chose a venue that already had a fabulous vintage carousel onsite, but you could hire your own if your venue allows.

16. Go for sharing platters or food vans

When it comes to your food, look for light seasonal options. Sharing platters are a big trend and a selection of Mediterranean-style olives, breads, meats and more will make guests feel like they’re on the continent. If you’re having more of a festival vibe, consider a selection of food vans serving everything from pizza and fish and chips to noodles, burritos or Greek mezze. 

17. DIY Cocktails 

Guests will love a fun drinks station with a selection of tempting alcoholic and non-alcoholic treats. Hire a gin or cocktail company to make them for you or (if your venue allows) bring in a selection soft drinks, spirits and mixers with recipes for guest to create their own. Don’t forget the cocktail umbrellas!

18. Seasonal favours

Guests will love a pair of flip flops for tired feet, a personalised fan to keep them cool or heart-shaped glasses that will look fun in the photos. If the weather’s looking promising, you could also supply a basket of straw hats/parasols to keep the sun (or rain) off. Hot weather toiletries will also be much appreciated. Leave baskets in the toilets with deodorants, wet wipes, perfume/aftershave, bug spray and more so people can freshen up.

19. We all scream for ice cream

Who doesn’t love the sound of an ice cream van approaching? Treat guests to a surprise visit from an ice cream van after dinner and people will be talking about it for years to come. Fruity ice lollies and fruit smoothies will also help guests cool off.

20. Finally, go out with a bang

The depths of winter are not ideal for fireworks. However, in summer, it starts to get dark at just the right time and a fireworks display is the perfect way to end the day. Alternatively, a sparkler exit is a more budget-friendly option that will also give you beautiful photographs to enjoy for years to come.

Summer lovin'

So, what's not to love about a glorious summer wedding? And, if you're already well on your way to planning a summer date, then we hope this has given you a few more fun ideas. Don’t forget our bridal experts (both online and instore) can help you find the perfect dress and accessories to suit any season. Lastly, whatever you're doing this summer, we hope it's a good one...

Click here for lots more great ideas for summer weddings from our brilliant real life brides and here to find your perfect summer wedding dress. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.