10 Tips for the Perfect Summer Wedding

Happy Summer! Tis the season to get outside, perfect your tan, enjoy barbecues with your family and friends, and of course ~ attend a LOT of weddings. Summer is prime wedding season due to the beautiful weather, flexibility of schedules, and the amazing honeymoons options. Below are 10 Tips for the Perfect Summer Wedding that will help you plan the ultimate summer wedding to make your dreams come true.

1. Send the Save the Dates Early

save the date

Summer is the perfect time to relax and take a much deserved vacation. People start planning early to fill their schedule as to not miss anything important. This is why it is super important to send your save the dates early! The earlier you make your friends and family aware of your date, the higher your attendance will most likely be. Your guests will be able to plan their summer fun around your special day. Keeping in mind that summer is a busy time for weddings ~ if your save the date is received first, this increases the chances of having all of the most important people in your life at your perfect summer wedding.

2. Choosing the Perfect Dress

flowy dress fabric

All eyes are on the bride during the ceremony so finding the perfect dress is one of the most important tasks of the wedding planning process. Most brides start shopping for their dress months ahead. That being said,  keep in mind the summer weather and that choosing a lighter fabric for your dress will save you from the heat on your summer wedding day. A flowy dress would not only be more comfortable, but also fit the vibe of a summery wedding. It can be stunning!

3. Think of your Guests – Flowy and Light Dress Code

summer wedding bridal party

Respect your bridal party and guests by choosing a dress code that will make them feel comfortable yet chic in the summer sun! Remember, pictures are taken all night and light colors and fabric for your bridal party will be well received. Depending on how formal your wedding is, encourage your guests to dress in their summer styles and allow them to kick off their shoes on that dance floor.

4. Choosing the Best Timeline

ceremony party

Summer has the most amazing perks like beautiful sunsets, so keep in mind that these do not occur until later in the evening so use this to your advantage! Consider having your ceremony start around 6 pm so that your guests are not in the hottest heat of the day. You do not have to worry about the sun setting until around 8pm which would look amazing for cocktail hour photos. *wink wink*

5. Avoid Heavy Foods

wedding food dish

Planning happens in all different seasons before the wedding, so making sure you are stick to that vision of a summer wedding is important. Choose foods that pair well with summer and the heat. You want your guests to not only enjoy the food, but feel good after eating it.

6. Come Prepared

summer wedding sun

You know what you are getting into when having a summer wedding. Yes, a good burn can lead to a nice tan eventually, BUT not on your wedding day! If having an outdoor wedding or having wedding photos taken outside for an extended period of time, make sure your makeup has SPF in it as well as applying sunscreen to your body before the ceremony. Advise your wedding guests to come prepared with their sunscreen glow. 

7. Summer Bouquets & Florals 

summer florals

Summer is a favorite season in the floral world because of the beautiful flowers and complimentary hues all around! Do not be afraid to go with a bouquet of bold summer colors. With the sun beaming on you and your bright white dress, it will look amazing to have bright yellows, pinks, and greens in your bouquet.

8. Stay Hydrated

couple having fun at wedding

Signature drinks make weddings so unique and fun. You and your partner get to create special cocktails for your guests to enjoy that truly represent you. While drinks can help keep the party flowing, in the heat of the summer sun, make sure you are encouraging your guests to drink lots of water in between these amazing beverages. The wedding party starts their days early with getting ready, pictures, and all of the other bridal party duties, so keeping them hydrated is an important task to make sure they stay on the dance floor till the very end of the night! For some ideas of specialty cocktails that we have seen, check out our blog on Signature Wedding Drinks that Will Personalize Your Wedding!

9. Create Your Summer Playlist

jellyroll band with bride

No day is ever perfect without music that sets the mood and keeps your dance floor packed! Beautiful weather calls for a lively summer playlist, so choose a live band to bring your favorite songs to life. Live performers engage with the audience with their high energy, interaction, and dance moves which will get all of your guests up and on the dance floor! If you are looking for some song inspiration, check out our Songs for Weddings page which has tons of playlist ideas! 

10. Most Importantly – ENJOY YOUR DAY!

wedding bride and groom dancing

This day is all about you and your special person. No matter what season it is, hot or cold outside, trust yourself and the preparation you have put into planning this special day. These 10 Tips for the Perfect Summer Wedding are to help you prepare for a successful and unforgettable summer event. Once the day comes, enjoy it! 

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a better idea on how to prepare for your perfect summer wedding, let’s highlight tip Number 9 – Finding Your Perfect Music!

If you are interested in hiring one of the best Philadelphia wedding bands, you can contact us today. Here at BVTLive, we are home to over 11 live wedding bands. All of our bands range in pricing and experience to offer you options that fit every kind of bride and groom. We also offer great options for Philadelphia wedding DJs, DJs with live musicians, and specialty acts for your upcoming event.

BVTLive! will make your wedding day dreams come true!

Call us today: (610) 358-9010

Follow us on Instagram: @bvtlive

Visit our website: bvtlive.com

Blog Contributed by: Brooke Richie

Guided by his experience as the bandleader of Philadelphia’s top band, Jellyroll, and President of BVTLive!, Kurt Titchenell has kept dance floors packed and created unforgettable memories for thousands of events nationwide! Widely acclaimed as an entertainment expert, Kurt and BVTLive! have earned the most prestigious accolades in the industry. Most notably were two Jellyroll performances at The White House. Kurt's dedication to the success of every event is evident through his passion for creating the ultimate party experience. As President of BVTLive!, Kurt is committed to making your event a success.