Bright Ideas for a Beautiful Summer Wedding

Are you planning to exchange vows this summer?  If yes, here are some ideas to help you prepare for a beautiful summer wedding.  I also searched Pinterest for stunning photos of summer weddings to inspire you even more.

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A romantic bohemian wedding in the summer!

Tie-the-knot outdoors.  Summer is the perfect time to get married out in the sun.  Why not plan a beach wedding or a garden wedding and make the most of the beautiful, sunny weather?  Don’t have a big budget for a destination wedding?  It doesn’t matter!  There’s no need to go far.  Even a small, backyard wedding can be exceptionally wonderful as long as there is a plan and the preparations are done right.

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Simple outdoor wedding banquets arrangements  

Complement nature.  What’s great about an outdoor wedding is that you can actually take advantage of the natural beauty of the place.  Indeed, decorations can be very minimal, which is great especially if you’re on a budget.  Whether it would be an early morning ceremony by the seaside; a brunch in an orchard; or a late afternoon wedding in the garden; the occasion is bound to be beautiful even without lavish adornments. As cliché as it may sound, what could be more picturesque than two people exchanging vows amidst sparkling bluish green waters; lush, green landscape; or under a glorious sky?

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A long piece of plain, white fabric drapes over a tree to create a stunning frame ; 

lighted string jars hung from tree branches add a romantic glow to an evening reception

Flower power.  Bouquets and garlands of fresh flowers are a feast to the eyes.  Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemums, Cockscomb, Columbine, Daisies, Hydrangeas,  Blue Delphiniums, Gerberas, Gladioli, Lilies, Peonies, Roses, Wildflowers, Zinnias ~ these are but a few names to choose from.  It would be a good idea to ask a gardener or a florist a few months in advance which summer blooms are available in your region. Needless to say, flowers in season would be cheaper than the rare varieties.  But don’t forget to consider succulents and greens in your flower arrangements.  They never fail to bring texture, uniqueness, and charm to a bunch of blossoms.

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love the simplicity of these bridal bouquets ~
an assortment of greens, wildflowers, summer blossoms an succulents

How about fruits?  Fruits! Of course!  What's a summer wedding without cocktails!  Berries, cherries, watermelon, mangoes, oranges, lemons and citruses ~ A beverage station is a must for all weddings, but most definitely with outdoor weddings.

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summer fruit punch in glass, jars and bottles

But summer fruits not only make delightful thirst-quenchers! Mixed with colorful florals, fresh fruits make lovely accents on the banquet table and place settings as well.

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Bring in some vegetables!  I love the idea of having a fruit and veggies bar where guests can help themselves of healthy treats anytime during the reception. 

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little, red raddishes with flowers make unique, vibrant centerpiece; 
artichoke bouquet, anyone?;
a colorful veggie bar featuring fresh veggies and a variety of dips and dressings

Ice cream, please!  It should be safe to say that all the guests would surely be delighted to have something cold and sweet to beat the summer heat?  How about frosty ice cream or gelato for dessert! Get in touch with a local ice cream vendor and see if you can hire an ice cream cart or if you have an ice-cream maker, you can set-up your own help-yourself homemade ice-cream booth, complete with cups, cones, and all sorts of toppings to choose from.  Another fun option to cool the palate are popsicles!

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A vintage style ice cream cart;
ice cream snack bar;
homemade ice cream in glass jars ready to be served

Parasols and fans would come in handy for a summertime wedding and would make great souvenirs too! You may choose to distribute these before the start of the ceremony, placing one parasol or fan on each chair or let your guests take one from the basket.

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yellow & white umbrellas await guests on each seat;
paper fans;
white parasols with ribbons in a wooden box;

a heart-shaped fan with the bride & groom's monogram

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An early evening wedding outdoors with the splendid sky as the backdrop.

These are just a few suggestions that you may consider.  Which one of these ideas would you like to incorporate on your wedding day?  Do you have other summer wedding ideas to share?

Wedding Mag: 2013 Bridal Lookbook By Ruche

Have you seen the 2013 Bridal Lookbook by Ruche?  Entitled Forever and A Day, the look book features soft, flowing, vintage-inspired gowns in Grecian style. Nothing stiff and nothing too heavy. Wonderful for outdoor weddings or garden weddings this Spring and Summer seasons.  I also love the whimsical  headdresses, the heirloom jewelry, and the vintage accents.  Here are some of my favorites:

Handmade Rustic Wedding Signs

These rustic wedding signs are adorable!  Perfect for outdoor, backyard or garden weddings, vintage-themed weddings and bohemian-style weddings.  Be inspired and make your own or check out handmade sellers from Etsy to order a custom-made signs and banners.

wood heart sign with the words "Here Comes The Bride" : braggingbags 

burlap heart garland with yellow hearts : victorian station 

Just Married Wedding Banner Sign : Sew Barefoot 

rustic old barn wood sign hand engraved with "Just Married" : bragging bags

Bohemian Inspired Wedding Inspiration: Jamie + Jake

I love beautiful weddings done in a small budget. Here is a perfect bohemian style wedding that will surely inspire couples on a budget.

The bride wore a simple, strapless vintage inspired gown and the groom wore a striped long sleeves and suspenders.  The bridesmaids wore mix and match vintage-style dresses in plains and prints and varying shades of blue from, guess where?? Urban Outfitters and Macy's; while the gentlemen all wore plain, light blue long sleeves with suspenders.

There were a couple of DIY projects that are easy to make such as the bouquets and floral arrangements,the handwritten signs on chalkboards and the photo booth wall.  For dessert, freshly-baked cupcakes made by the bride's best friend, embellished with a super cute topper. 

The couple gave away two kinds of favors.  Guests filled their muslin bags with sweet treats from the candy buffet table.  They also took home a vile of wildflower seeds.  On the vile, it reads: “The earth laughs in flowers” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Vintage things from thrift stores such as lanterns, picture frames, tablecloths, vases, cake stands, mason jars, mirrors, and apothecary jars were incorporated with rustic DIY decor to create the perfect bohemian-style wedding.

The wedding was set in the Keys Creek Lavender Farm, California on a sunny day in June, when lavenders are in full bloom.

The atmosphere was filled with the scent of lavender, love and laughter. 

Every moment was captured beautifully.

photography by: anjuli

found via: Project Wedding