Hot Summer Wedding Trends You’ll Want to Steal

Turn up the volume on your wedding with color. Trade the pastels and neutral tones of spring for a vibrant palette of pink, yellow, orange and blue. Keep your color picks feeling fresh by sticking to a few hues that work well together, or opt for various shades of the same color (think: magenta, berry pink and soft peony). Incorporate color into everything from invites and linens to flowers and patterned bridesmaid dresses—even your food and signature sips are free game.

Graphic prints and calligraphy are the hottest décor elements since copper mugs. Patterned stationery, table runners, napkins and signage lend modern, trendy vibes to your summer soiree while calligraphed touches add a hint of elegance. Another hot detail? Tropical accents like pineapples and flamingos—they’re unexpected surprises that just put a smile on your face, and you don’t need to have a tropical theme to get in on the fun. Just go for it!

Yeah we know: bundt cakes—what? This humble Southern hospitality staple is finding its way onto wedding dessert tables all across America, either as a supplement to a traditional tiered confection or subbing in for the actual wedding cake itself. Even if the cake is simple, don’t forget about presentation. Unique cake stands or statement tablecloths both help to elevate your cake to stylish status.

Reception flowers aren’t just about centerpieces anymore—ceiling arrangements are everywhere. Whether it’s a few garlands of blooms strung through rafters or centerpieces suspended over tables, it’s all about giving your guests that “Oooh!” moment. For bouquets, wild and undone arrangements are still trending, but they’re inspired by seasonal summer flowers. Peonies kick off the early summer months, leading into dahlia season come mid-July.

Ice cream and ice pops in the summer aren’t exactly reinventing the wheel, but the cold dessert game has gotten pretty serious. Gourmet flavors, edible flowers, herbs and creative presentation take these childhood favorites to a whole new adult level. There’s also a lighter take on comfort foods: Indulgent apps like baked mac and cheese are replaced with lightly dressed pasta salad, and desserts like cupcakes are swapped out for mini fruit tarts.

Pick a shade and let your girls go dress shopping to their heart’s content. Mismatched dresses will make them happy, and it’ll make you happy because it’s totally trending. Give helpful guidelines like length or sleeve preferences, provide a couple color swatches and let them do the rest.

There’s an airy breeze blowing through the fashion world. Illusion necklines, opaque fabrics and translucent detailing make for ethereal and feminine-looking silhouettes. Not your thing? Don’t worry: Classic minimalist gowns that feature modest necklines and curve-hugging shapes are just as big.

All hail the party lip! A bold pop of red or fuchsia is the perfect, no-effort way to amp up your bridal look for the reception. What’s hot in hair? Loose, tousled updos styled with a chic hair piece in lieu of a traditional veil.

The fashion runways inspired this bauble trend, and it didn’t take long to sneak its way into bridal fashion week as well—statement earrings and choker necklaces are the “it” accessories. If you’re having trouble with which trend you want to rock, look to your dress neckline to inform what type of jewelry is most complementary with the cut.

Warm weather is synonymous with vacation, which is why more couples are marrying away (think: domestic destinations like Napa Valley or Cape Cod) and turning their celebration into a weekend-long event. With the extra time commitment guests are making, the thank-you favors have turned into welcome gifts, like tote bags with local goodies, a weekend itinerary or list of things to do in the area.