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!
The modern bridesmaid is no longer a fluffy cream puff of ruffles and lace, made to look identical to all the other maids. Brides today want their maids to have their own look, giving them the freedom to choose a cut, fabric, style, or color that best flatters them. Each bridesmaid is an individual, and when it comes to their attire, one size does not fit all. Giving some diversity to bridesmaid’s attire can liven up your wedding party, and introduce some personal flair. No matter what the wedding’s theme is, you can find a variety of options to help you steer clear of cookie cutter fashion.
First, it is a myth (that is all too often practiced) that all of your Maids must wear identical dresses. Modern Brides consider that each of their Bridesmaids are an individual, with different body types, complexions, and preferences. It is tradition that the Bridesmaids purchase their own dresses, which is all the more reason to be sure they are buying something they want, and could possibly wear again later. A great way to pick a dress that suits both your wedding theme, and your Maid’s tastes, is to give them a color and basic guidelines, and let them choose. Working together with a seamstress can help you collaborate and find a nice balance between diverse dresses, and complimentary looks for your big day. Even if you use the same fabric for each dress, letting your ladies choose the length, neckline, and cut can open up a variety of possibilities. Many Brides today choose one color, and let the dresses vary in shade, which livens up your wedding party.
I’m all about giving gifts that are practical. Although I love the idea of a pearl necklace, there is nothing wrong with thinking outside the box. As a Bride-to-Be, you’ll be in charge of finding gifts for all your bridesmaids. Often it is a gift that means something to you, and is usually uniform for each maid. A trinket or jewelry are the most common gifts for bridesmaids, but there are other options if you’re looking for something unique. Personally, I think the best gift is something that can be used, and often. A necklace is great, but usually not worn every day. If you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, consider something as useful as a hairstyling tool. Odds are, each one of your girls has a beauty routine every morning, and although she may already have plenty of tools, none of them can compare to the quality of 
A modern Bride caters to her bridesmaids individually, and no longer has an identical dress made for each one. Many brides let their maids choose the cut and color of their own dresses, leaving them with the opportunity to have the most flattering dress possible. The same should be applied to their gifts. ghd has released several models that all have a specific focus, which means you can find the one that suits them best. Whether their hair is thick, thin, frizzy, or short, this is a product that will treat their hair right. But no matter which Styler you choose, you’ll always get the best features. Ceramic plates never leave hair fried, or cause damage while styling. Safety features such as automatic shut off and dual voltage are also standard, as well as a guarantee. And with a variety of authorized ghd sellers, you can be sure you’re getting the real thing, and not a knock off.
Wedding bands are all too often the least exciting piece of wedding jewelry, which is a pity considering they are the focal point of the ceremony on your big day. Modern designs offer an alternative to the traditional band, giving you a chance to embrace your own personal flare with your wedding bands. Design doesn’t have to mean elaborate, and over the top jewelry; those with simple tastes will appreciate the focus on metals, lines, stones and other design aspects that Modern jewelry offers. Claudia Endler’s Men’s Line Band, with stackable, contrasting metals in varying finishes is my personal favorite; a subtle and original take without straying too far from tradition. Stackable rings are also great way to build your own design and look, and find the balance you want in a set. Stackable diamond engagement rings are also available, along with the perfect wedding band to match it’s shape and style, they fit flawlessly together.
Lemonade goes hand in hand with summer. Bright yellow sun dresses, fun, retro details, and clean designs are perfect for a summer wedding. Nothing says fresh and happy like lemons. This makes your reception food and drink options a breeze. If you’re looking for a more modern theme, as opposed to the “country life” lemonade stand, try lemon martinis. The lemon ice cream in a hollowed lemon fruit bowl is a fantastic touch. Your candy bar can be filled with lemon drops, yellow rock candy, brightly colored macaroons, and of course, lemon cake! All these details make for a refreshing theme to cool down your wedding on a hot, summer day.
With summer fast approaching, fresh and bold wedding themes are just around the corner. Bright, fun colors with bold patterns best describe a summer wedding. Fruit is a must, whether it be lemonade or strawberry pie. Each new entry for Modern Wedding .org this next week will feature a color and theme to help you plan your seasonal wedding. Plenty of reception food and drink inspiration, bridesmaid dresses, and decor ideas to get you thinking summer! 
