With Summer almost here, we’re already seeing a promising beginning to the peak Wedding season. Any bride and groom to walk down the aisle this season are really in luck; with amazing weather on the way, an abundance of stylish trends, and plenty of stunning outdoor venue options to choose from. Two words to describe this year’s summer weddings would be casual and cool, which applies equally to your wedding party’s wardrobe as well as the venue. With long, hot summer days ahead, make sure you, and your bridesmaids will be cool and comfortable in their dresses, and your guests will be comfortable regardless of the weather. When it comes to gown trends this year, dresses with floor-length hems are often exclusively formal, and hardly practical for Summer time weddings, nor do they suit the fun and casual atmosphere prided by many weddings this season. The most popular venues follow the same tone, with backyard and laid-back garden weddings all the rage this year. If you’ve set the date for your dream wedding this summer, here are just a few guidelines to help make it a memorable one.

Choosing appropriate attire for summer is important, whether you’re at the beach, or at a wedding. Even if you have a ball gown in mind, you’ll need to compromise your vision to suit this time of year. Extreme weather could mean an uncomfortable wedding day for your and your wedding party, but shortening the hemline alone can make a huge difference. Short bridesmaid dresses embody what the season is all about; Summer gives us the impression of picnics, vacations, and casual get togethers with family and friends. Many brides and grooms incorporate this atmosphere when it comes to their wedding day, which means your attire should reflect the same. Fun and flirty cocktail dresses, such as these from David’s Bridal, are a great compliment to any Summer wedding.

Many couples choose an outdoor venue during the warmer months of the year; this makes for a casual and relaxed atmosphere your guests are sure to appreciate, not to mention a picturesque backdrop for romantic photo ops. Even if your ceremony will be indoors, the reception can be outdoors, and under the cover of a tent, it can go on long after the sun has set. Whether it’s in a park, in the countryside, in the forest, on a vineyard, in a garden or even in your backyard, outdoor venues are ideal for Summer weddings.

Combine all these details and you’re sure to have an unforgettable Summer wedding everyone will be talking about for years to come!