We all know summer is the season for weddings. And if you’re like the rest of us, you’re probably trekking from city to city, coast to coast, and country to county every other weekend for yet another friend’s special day. And as much as we hate to say it, the pattern can start to feel the same. (Ceremony, cocktails, dinner, dancing, you know the drill….) So, with that in mind, we got to thinking: How do you make your wedding stand out among the rest?
Well, first of all, make it about you and your partner. It’s your day and your friends and family should leave thinking just that! So if you’re sailors, do it by the water. If you’re foodies, make the menu a priority. And so on. But beyond all the personalized details (which, believe us, we can’t get enough of), there’s another secret to making your wedding stand out: And that’s to make your guests happy, well-fed, and comfortable.
With those three principles in mind, we curated a list of 10 fun, seasonal ideas that are sure to please every single person on your guest list. But, before we get started, we need to add one final principle: Make it Instagrammable! Cause if your friends’ feeds are blowing up with sunset group portraits, boomerangs of signature cocktails clinking, and videos of your killer band on stage, we’d say that your summer wedding was quite the success. And we think your friends will more than agree.
Photo by Patricia Lyons Photography
Embrace a seasonal setting
There’s something special about a setting that evokes summer memories. That’s why embracing the season feels like a great idea, especially when choosing your venue. That way, your guests are in the summer mood from the minute they step on property. (We love this pool setting because what’s more summer than a pool party? Just make sure to keep everyone cool with fans and AC units if you do it outside.)
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Photo by A. Ortiz
Give fun (and festive!) favours
This is another idea that takes the weather into account. Hats—especially cute ones, like these panama hats—are a fun favour because your guests can utilize them at the wedding. That’s right, we’d recommend handing these out before cocktail hour so guests can put them on, pose for photos, and shade themselves from the sun.
We found a cute (and affordable!) panama hat option on Amazon to pull off this look!
Photo by Jana Williams Photography; Design by RO & Co. Events
Serve refreshing drinks
As with any party, the food and drinks are essential elements to everyone having a good time. So start before the ceremony by having drinks (champagne in flutes, tea and lemonade in pretty dispensers) at the entrance—or, if you do wait until cocktail hour, serve something festive like these coconut water treats!
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Photo by Braedon Flynn; Planning by Alison & Bryan; Bar by The Bubble Tap Trailer
Hire a mobile rosé trailer
Hello, summer water. An unlimited, self-serve rosé station is must.
See our roundup of rent-able mobile bars around the country here!
Photo by Pablo Beglez
Play games
Games can be great icebreakers for guests just meeting. We love this idea of a wheel-of-fun, in which guests go up to the wheel, spin it, and whatever it lands on, they do! As you can see, some expressions are to “hug a stranger” and “pick a couple to kiss!”
 for some of our favorite appetizer pairings.](https://media.brides.com/photos/5b47bde669d5290c1245ade1/master/w_854,c_limit/heather.jpg)
Photo by Heather Waraksa
Get creative with the apps
It’s a fact that everyone loves tiny versions of their favorite foods. So do that—but in a creative way, like these tacos served on top of lime slices. For more ideas, head herefor some of our favorite appetizer pairings.
Photo by Christy Wilson Photography
Pair popsicles and Prosecco
Add a popsicle to your glass of Prosecco, and you have the perfect summer drink. Edible flowers inside the clear pops make it picture-perfect—but you better snap that pic and drink up before it melts!
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Photo by Rebecca Yale
Create a memorable environment
And make sure it’s in some way shaded! We love this table set up because it lets the location shine, while also providing a comfortable, inclusive environment for everyone at one table. And that installation up above? How could you not remember that?!
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Provide party-ready props
Guests of all ages will love a prop on the sure-to-be-raging dance floor. And while all props are fun—think glow sticks, funny hats, etc.—we especially love the idea of these pretty, personalized tambourines. For more personalized wedding favor and prop ideas, head here!
Photo by Within This Day
Have a dance party!
If the music is good, you’re golden. Now’s the time to let loose and have f
