Summertime and the livin’ is easy, as the song goes, and that same thought applies to summer weddings. 
School’s out, vacation time is easier to coordinate, flowers are abundant, and the season itself is associated with relaxation, chill vibes and good times. All that is reflected in the trends and opportunities that summer presents for originality, imagination and fun on the big day. Longer daylight hours also allow for later ceremonies, beautiful “golden hour” photography and celebrations that feel like they can last well into the evening.
Dress and dresses for the season
Summer brides are less restricted to the traditional silks and satins. Lace, chiffon, cotton organza and silk crepe make for gowns that respect tradition while adjusting to the season’s bright days, warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight. Brides are also embracing lighter silhouettes, removable sleeves and overskirts that transition easily from ceremony to reception.
Bridesmaids cheerfully wear short, flouncy pastels or coordinated dresses in complementary shades rather than identical gowns. The ladies remain comfortable in the warm weather while photographing beautifully outdoors before everyone heads inside for the reception.
Lighten up, gentlemen
The bride and her attendants are not the only ones with more fashion options. While the tuxedo is never wrong, summer is perfect for lightweight suits, especially seersucker, which is closely associated with the season anyway. Linen, cotton and tropical-weight wool suits in shades of tan, light gray, sage and dusty blue have become increasingly popular.
It’s not unusual for jackets to be done away with entirely, with the man of the day and the rest of the fellows in shirtsleeves, sometimes with matching suspenders and ties. Loafers often replace formal patent shoes, giving the wedding party a polished but relaxed look.
Fresh fare for warm weather
The “anything goes” approach of summer is A-OK when it comes to feeding guests. So much warm weather food, such as fried chicken and sandwiches, is casual to begin with. That makes the buffet table easier to set up and access, especially if the main dishes can be eaten by hand. Charcuterie displays, fresh fruit, colorful salads and slider stations also fit perfectly with the season.
Summer is also the perfect time for herb- or fruit-infused sparkling water, signature cocktails, or an iced tea “bar,” with the traditional warm weather refresher spiked with liquors, such as Long Island Iced Tea. Be sure to label them as such, though!
The best of both worlds
Many summer bridal parties begin with a ceremony outside, and the Kansas City area has many, many options for outdoor nuptials, including public parks, forest preserves and gardens. Then move the party inside, where the cool air is a welcome change from the region’s famously sunny – and frequently hot – temperatures.
Air conditioning provides welcome relief from the heat while offering dependable lighting, spacious dance floors and room for creative décor. The summer look and feel is easy enough to recreate in a large, air-conditioned space with seasonal flowers, bright colors and plenty of natural light.
Let summer bloom
Flowers of all kinds are readily available in the summer, including regional wildflowers that are not only beautiful and plentiful, but environmentally friendly and, usually, less costly.
Arrangements, from bouquets to centerpieces, are quite “freestyle,” with explosions of texture and color that mimic nature itself. Garden roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, cosmos and zinnias all thrive during the season, while floral arches, statement centerpieces and lush greenery help bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. The result is a celebration that feels unmistakably like summer from the first bouquet to the last dance.
Hot fun in the summertime
One thing ties all of these trends together: comfort. Summer weddings invite couples to relax some of the rules while keeping all of the elegance. Whether it’s lighter clothing, colorful seasonal menus, abundant flowers or an outdoor ceremony followed by a cool, comfortable indoor reception, the season encourages celebrations that feel joyful, personal and memorable for everyone involved.
Ball Event Center offers the space, staff, and expertise to make any summer wedding the highlight of the season. Space that can be configured to almost any number of people, a full service, industrial kitchen with every convenience and easy/out access, and plentiful parking make it the perfect location to bring the outdoors in on the happy day!
