There’s no lack of wedding ideas for summer out there, but finding a few that are unique and affordable can be a pain. Summer is the peak of wedding season, but also hot temps! What ideas will make your guests swoon and stay cool? Which will keep you on budget but also original? We’ve curated some fun summer projects and tips to help you save on your big day and impress your guests.

Our Top 10 Wedding Ideas for Summer:

1. Summer is hot, but the mornings can be cooler. Morning ceremonies and receptions are less expensive because the time slots aren’t as popular. (Brunch, anyone?) Consider an early party and enjoy the day with your sweetie! 2. Use your surroundings! A great trend in summer ceremonies is to forgo the traditional chairs and use the natural landscape for your guests. Hay bales, pillows, and blankets are all ways to make the outdoors more comfortable.

The Freckled Key Photography

3. What if your wedding program doubled as a fan? Personalized ceremony fans double as favor, too! Get them professionally made, or do it yourself with some glue and a sturdy stick. 4. Some of my favorite summer wedding ideas involve the food. Skip the caterer and hire your favorite food truck for the evening. What about an all-American cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill? Instant crowd-pleaser, if you ask me. 5. Don’t forget the drinks! Use Mason jars or red Solo cups for cold drinks, and any container can hold ice. A claw foot tub, aluminum tins, or whiskey barrels are perfect for beverage storage. I’ve even seen the back of a pick-up truck double as a cooler! Dress your container up with some ribbon, or leave it as-is. The best part? Your rustic cooler can double as a planter after the ceremony. 6. Popsicles are a great alternative to cake at a hot, outdoor reception. Serve them in champagne for a refreshing, fun cocktail. 7. Protect your guests from painful sunburns and bug bites! Set out complimentary bug spray and sunscreen they can use throughout the day. 8. Yard games are a great addition to any reception. Create a personalized cornhole toss, or a jumbo Jenga game made from 2X4’s (cut into 10 ½” pieces).

The Freckled Key Photography

9. Save your ‘maids’ shoes with Solemates. These clever heel protectors are a great bridesmaid gift idea. 10. Light up the night with sparklers. The kids will love them, and the unique photo ops are amazing. Do a search on Pinterest and you’ll see what I mean. Share more wedding ideas for summer in a comment below! If you have photos, send them to blog@weddingshoppeinc.com.