I planned, paid for, and did most of the work for my own wedding in 1999. I helped my sister with her wedding last year. I have always loved weddings. As children, my friends and I used to throw elaborate pretend weddings each summer. My daughter and her best friend invited my husband and I to their fictional wedding last summer. First my daughter was the bride and her friend was the groom. Then, after a brief intermission, they switched roles. We celebrated the nuptials with pistachio ice cream.
Summer isn’t just for pretend weddings. It has long been a popular time for real, grownup couples to tie the knot as well. The warm weather and long hours of daylight allow the couple to include some unique twists in their big day.
Here are some ideas for making summer weddings memorable:
1. Get married at a unique location and make a vacation out of it. Everyone loves a summer vacation! If you plan the wedding far enough in advance, you can make arrangements for all of your family and friends to come together for an extended experience. Choose a location that offers a wide range of activities suited for many different ages and interests. Consider renting a cabin on a llama farm in the North Carolina mountains, spending time at the beach, or going on a cruise. Walt Disney World even offers wedding packages!
2. Say your vows in the water. Don’t just get married on or near the water. Put on your bathing suits and make your commitment while in a pool, ocean, or river. Think of the money you’ll save on your outfits! All you’ll need is a white bathing suit for the bride and black swim trunks for the groom. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can wear bathing suits in the wedding colors you select.
3. Take advantage of the extra daylight by having an outdoor wedding. Set up yard games such as croquet and horse shoes. Put out hula hoops, jump ropes, bubbles, and kites for kids and adults alike to challenge each other with.
4. Ask guests to wear flip flops. Many brides have been planning a traditional, formal church wedding their whole lives and aren’t willing to let it go, regardless of how beautiful the weather is outside in the summer. Asking everyone to wear flip flops honors the season in a subtle and whimsical way. The whole wedding party should wear flip flops as well. Specialty versions are available that say “bride” and “groom.”
5. Bring in an ice-cream truck instead of serving cake. Allow guests to enjoy their favorite ice-cream bar or Popsicle. Another option for chilly treats is to rent an industrial snow-cone maker with a variety of flavored syrups.
Summer is meant for low-key fun. There’s no reason a summer wedding can’t have the same vibe. Make a splash as you celebrate your love in the warmth of summer.
