8 Summer Wedding Ideas for 2023 and 2024

As summer starts to come to an end and fall weddings approach quickly, I wanted to take a quick breather and share some of the summer wedding ideas I have created with my couples this year, and what trends I am seeing in my consultations with couples getting married in 2023! In general, people are prioritizing personal touches more and more and I can’t even begin to tell you how excited and happy that makes me. I truly believe that nothing beats a thoughtful, intentional touchpoints with your guests throughout your wedding day. If you are starting to plan your summer wedding in 2024, I would love to hear from you.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the summer wedding ideas below as much as I do!

#1 Watercolor Details on your Invitation Liners

Great wedding design starts with your invitations. Often your guests’ first impression into your wedding day, one of the summer wedding trends I am most excited about for 2024 is an increase in watercolor details on invitation liners. Seriously – this fun and surprising touch is sure to result in a little wow factor for your guests, and is a great way to showcase your personality (or tease what’s to come – like the Costa Rica wedding invitations below!)

#2 Delicate Paper Details on Pastel Colors

I’ve talked about trending wedding colors on the blog before here, but one of the things I am loving for spring and summer is a combination of soft pastel colors, and delicate paper details. I’ve always been a fan of using hand-torn paper for table numbers and other signage, and a soft shade makes the wedding design feel that much more romantic, yes?

#3 Paper Fans for Ceremony Programs!

It’s been a hot, hot summer here in New Jersey. While ceremony programs in the form of paper fans are not exactly “new”, they aren’t going anywhere either. As someone who believes the best design comes in forms your guests will interact with, I also can’t think of a better way to share details of your wedding ceremony than something your guests will appreciate cooling down with.

#4 Create a Flip Flop Station

Some of my favorite wedding signage comes in forms of “we have waited a year for this, party accordingly” or “you can find your seat here, but your place is on the dance floor”. If you are looking for a little extra incentive to get your guests on the dance floor, consider adding a flip flop station to your summer wedding. Guests will likely be wearing strappy sandals or open toed shoes and slipping into something a little more comfortable might be all the encouragement they need.

#5 Go a little luxe (and support local!) with wedding favors

For a while it looked like favors were going to disappear altogether, but in the last year they have made a big come back. Couples are going the opposite direction and instead of skipping this wedding tradition, they are choosing something that’s a little luxe – supporting small businesses and choosing something personal to them as a couple.

#6 Have a “Help Yourself” Drink Station

I mentioned earlier about how this summer has been a scorcher right? Although signature cocktail signs are one of my most popular wedding day requests, if you are planning an outdoor wedding in the summer, consider setting up a drink station so guests can self-serve. Alcoholic or not, guests will appreciate a little refreshment as they wait for the ceremony to begin or avoid lines during cocktail hour.

#7 Include Your Dogs

If your venue allows, I am a big fan of couples bringing their dog to join in the wedding day fun! If they don’t allow your dog to be there, there are still so many fun ways to honor your furry family member. One of my favorite ways is to name a signature cocktail after him/her – complete with a custom illustration of course! I’m not going to lie, these are often some of my favorite drawing projects.

#8 Finish with Sparklers

Finally, finish off your outdoor summer wedding with a grand exit. Sparkler exits aren’t going anywhere, and in fact, they are getting even better now that guests have a little more practice with them. Make sure to opt for the extra long sparklers and warn your photographer ahead of time if this is how you want to end your summer wedding.

Start Designing your Summer Wedding in 2024 Now

Whew – that was a lot. Honestly though, I loved reliving some of my favorite summer wedding days so far on the blog today! As I start to get ready for the fall weddings approaching, I want to encourage you to get in touch if you are planning a spring or summer wedding in 2024. Unlike years past when wedding calligraphy was often booked 4-8 months in advance, I am already actively booking for the spring/summer wedding season (and some dates are already completely booked!). To learn more about my day of wedding details services, click here. Or, click the button below and let’s chat about your wedding day!