It’s that time of year in the UAE when summer weddings are in full swing. If you and your partner are contemplating the perfect time and venue to say “YES,” you’re caught up in the excitement too. However, you may be wondering how to make your special day stand out in a place that’s already known for its vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and in search of a distinctive wedding theme, we have you covered! Our article features a carefully curated list of 15 incredible and unique summer wedding themes that will take your celebration to the next level, infusing it with elegance and charm.
Wedding Themes for Summer Weddings in 2023
This list is carefully curated considering all the latest trends in the summer wedding ideas to give you inspiring ideas for your upcoming wedding. But before we start our listing all the best summer wedding ideas make sure to read our take on the ultimate wedding planning checklist of 2023!
Now without further ado, let’s get straight to our top picks make sure to read our article till the end to pick your favorite theme for summer weddings!
1. Lush Tropical Emirati Theme
Celebrate your love with a breathtaking outdoor summer wedding that embraces the allure of Dubai’s tropical charm. Consider the lavish Tropical Emirati theme for your special day, combining the city’s balmy beachy atmosphere with picturesque tropical blooms and an enchanting stage setup.
Infuse your outdoor wedding ceremony with a burst of vibrant colors that complement the soothing blue hues of the beach. Embrace the beauty of the UAE’s tropical flowers, and draw inspiration from the lush, evergreen date trees that grace the region’s landscape.
To create an unforgettable ambiance, adorn your reception space with coral colors, airy fabrics, and delicate sea shells. These additions will not only enhance the tropical vibe but also transport the wedding guests to a magical paradise, making your wedding a truly unique and memorable experience for all.
2. Romantic Cottage-Core Wedding Theme
Yes, Girlies! We know how much cottage-core aesthetics are trending and we can’t help but include them as an inspiration for summer weddings. If you and your partner being bride and groom are also hardcore cottage-core fans then why not choose a cottage-core theme for your summer wedding?
The charm of a cottage-themed wedding lies in its mesmerizing simplicity and aesthetic appeal. You can work closely with your venue planner to bring this theme to life and create a stunning outdoor ceremony. To create the perfect ambiance, choose decor in taupe and brown colors, which will enhance the rustic feel of the cottage theme and your wedding venue.
For centerpieces, opt for a variety of flowers on summer weddings that capture the essence of a cottage-core vibe, and consider adding some traditional elements to the background decor. When it comes to food and beverage choices, offer your guests a selection of refreshing flavors with fresh fruit juices to beat the summer heat. For the main meal, consider incorporating traditional Baduein cuisine to add authenticity to your cottage-core summer wedding.
3. Boho Theme
It’s not uncommon for couples to want to experiment with various cultural aesthetics and add a unique touch to their wedding day. If you’re someone who loves the idea of a free-spirited and non-traditional wedding theme, perhaps a boho theme would be perfect for you.
The beauty of a boho theme is its artistic freedom and openness, transcending cultural boundaries to create the perfect ambiance for your special day. When selecting a wedding venue, opt for a location that allows you to stay cool while adding inspirational touches that reflect your boho vibes, such as tapestries or abstract centerpieces.
You can also go for a minimal aisle decor by incorporating pampas grass to create a bohemian, rustic wedding feel. Encourage your guests to embrace the boho theme and come dressed in attires with a bohemian color palette to capture the essence of your free-spirited atmosphere.
4. “Fae” Garden Theme
You cannot miss a garden theme when searching for a summer wedding theme and to add a touch of uniqueness why not add a “fae” element? A Fae Garden-themed wedding idea includes lush greenery and stunning floral arrangements.
Let the star of this theme be an open garden with bouquets and floral arrangements and to top that choose a color palette that compliments the summer vibes and allows your outdoor summer wedding to get more dreamy.
This will be the best way to embrace mother nature and beauty while your photographer captures the stunning sunset clicks for you. To give this summer wedding idea a modern touch, add a mini stage so that you can enjoy the dance floor after tying the knot with your partner.
5. Lavender Love Theme
Summer is filled with beautiful purple hues of lavender, making it one of the best summer weddings. A lavender theme exudes subtle elegance, and you can enhance its effects on your guests by incorporating charming pastel colors throughout.
Lavender has a calming energy and a delightful scent, making it an excellent choice for your wedding. To create a more soothing and radiant atmosphere, consider adding candles to your lavender-themed decor. To add more magic to your event, you can draw inspiration from our article on 74 unique wedding ideas to inspire your guests.
6. Summer Sunflower Theme
Transform your summer wedding into a vibrant and dazzling celebration, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of sunflower fields in full bloom. The mesmerizing golden hue of these beloved flowers evokes the essence of radiant love, while their abundant petals symbolize joyous moments shared with loved ones.
Enhance your wedding decor with a simple yet romantic touch that embraces the spirit of sunflowers. Create an enchanting atmosphere by featuring potted plants adorned with cheerful blooms at your ceremony site. For a grand entrance, consider framing the pathway with tall garlands woven with stunning yellow flowers.
7. Midsummer Night Theme
Create a captivating fairytale experience for your wedding, enveloped in the mesmerizing glow of delicately strung white lights among the trees and draped from pavilions. Elevate the enchanting atmosphere with elegant flower arrangements gracing the tables, and set the mood with soft background music for a truly special celebration under the stars. To achieve the perfect decor, incorporate elements like delicate candles and ethereal pampas grass.
8. Barbie Wedding Theme
A Barbie-themed wedding encapsulates the essence of elegance and glamour. Inspired by the iconic doll, this theme infuses a touch of timeless charm and sophistication into every detail. From the decor adorned with signature Barbie pink hues to the meticulously crafted attire reminiscent of the doll’s fashionable flair, every element is designed to celebrate a love that is both playful and chic. This unique wedding theme brings the magic of Barbie to life, creating an unforgettable experience that resonates with a sense of joy and style.
9. Fairytale Theme
A fairytale wedding theme transports couples into a realm of enchantment and fantasy. Drawing inspiration from classic tales, this theme weaves a sense of wonder throughout the celebration. Lavish decorations, reminiscent of castles and magical forests, create an atmosphere that is both dreamlike and elegant.
Every detail, from the ethereal lighting to the whimsical centerpieces, contributes to a wedding that feels like a page lifted from a fairytale. This theme grants couples the opportunity to embrace a world of imagination and create a truly magical and unforgettable day.
10. Celestial Theme
A celestial wedding theme is a captivating journey into the cosmos, where the stars, planets, and galaxies become the inspiration for a truly unique celebration. This theme enchants with its celestial charm, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.
The celestial backdrop, featuring deep blues and shimmering metallics, sets the stage for a celestial spectacle. Details like twinkling lights, celestial motifs, and celestial-inspired decor lend an otherworldly ambiance to the event.
11. Pastel Passion Theme
If you’re yearning to envelop your special day in a captivating blend of softness and vibrancy, the pastel-themed wedding could be the perfect canvas for your dreams. Delicate and sophisticated, pastel colors paint a story of subtlety imbued with profound emotional depth.
Imagine a setting adorned with gentle blush pinks, serene mint greens, and soothing lavender tones. These pastel shades intertwine like a symphony of whispered emotions, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and emotionally resonant.
12. Peacock Summer Theme
Peacocks, renowned for their exquisite allure, evoke notions of grace, nobility, and unwavering integrity. Drawing from the resplendent tapestry of their feathers, envision a wedding theme that weaves together a mesmerizing symphony of dark and light blue paired with a verdant green pallet.
Much like the peacock’s majestic display, your celebration could unfold amidst a palette of deep sapphire blues and lush emerald greens. These shades, reminiscent of the peacock’s iridescent plumes, come together in a dance of elegance and vitality, creating an ambiance that exudes both opulence and harmony.
13. Bedouin Theme
Embark on a journey of enchantment with a Bedouin-inspired wedding theme that exudes beauty and mystique. Transform your celebration into an immersive experience, transporting your guests to a world where the allure of ancient traditions meets the modern elegance of your love story.
Imagine a desert oasis coming to life before your eyes, as intricate patterns and vibrant textiles grace every corner, evoking the nomadic spirit of the Bedouin culture. Rich earthy tones, warm ambers, and deep desert hues set the stage, enveloping your guests in a tapestry of authenticity and wonder.
14. Eco-Friendly Theme
Let your wedding theme bloom sustainably, where every element finds purpose and leaves no trace behind. Embrace the beauty of an eco-friendly reception, where even the centerpieces play a delicious and thoughtful role. Picture a celebration where nature’s bounty takes center stage, showcasing the enchantment of edible flowers and fragrant herbs.
As guests gather around tables adorned with living artistry, they’re greeted by centerpieces that double as culinary delights. Edible flowers and aromatic herbs not only captivate the eye but also tantalize the taste buds, inviting everyone to savor the harmony of flavors and scents that nature graciously provides.
15. Carnival Theme
Step right up to a world of whimsy and wonder, where love takes center stage in a carnival-themed wedding like no other. Imagine exchanging vows beneath a vibrant and nostalgic big top, where the air is filled with the melodic sounds of laughter and joy.
Every detail is a nod to the magic of the carnival, from the kaleidoscope of colors that adorn the venue to the playful games that beckon guests to partake in the merriment. Cotton candy-hued decorations swirl above, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts enchanting and exhilarating.
11 Things to Avoid Doing in Summer Weddings of 2023
While summer weddings undoubtedly bring joy, they also bring potential pitfalls that must be navigated by both bride and groom to ensure the preservation of their cherished wedding day. In a bid to shield you from future regrets, we offer a selection of our expert tips to guide you toward flawless execution, ensuring a seamless and mistake-free experience.
1. Making Your Wedding Excessively Formal
Brides and grooms ought to keep in mind that summer weddings can embrace a more relaxed ambiance compared to weddings held in other seasons. Embrace the balmy weather and acknowledge that not all guests may desire to be dressed in formal attire.
Yet, the summer backdrop also presents an opportunity to infuse the delights of the season into your celebration. Think about incorporating breathtaking blooms, engaging summertime activities, and delightful culinary treats such as barbecues and Popsicles into your festivities.
2. Using Excessive String Lights
While they undoubtedly add a lively and celebratory touch to a summer evening reception, it’s worth noting that these lights can inadvertently attract unwanted bugs. You certainly wouldn’t want your guests to become unintended snacks. To circumvent this, consider strategically placing lanterns containing citronella candles on each table.
This not only adds to the ambiance but also acts as a protective measure. Alternatively, you can explore your creative side by seamlessly incorporating citronella candles into your centerpieces, ensuring a bug-free and enjoyable gathering for all.
3. DIY-ing All Your Wedding
The prevailing DIY trend in the wedding realm is undoubtedly adored, yet when orchestrating a summer wedding, it’s wise to exercise moderation. An outdoor wedding inherently carries an air of informality compared to its indoor banquet-space counterpart.
However, while embracing DIY elements or departing from black-tie norms, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid veering excessively towards casualness. Remember, this is your cherished wedding day, deserving of a certain level of refinement.
Elements that can be thoughtfully and safely DIY-ed include personalized favors, a rejuvenating station, and creative fan programs, maintaining an elegant touch while infusing your distinct personality into the celebration.
4. Starving Your Wedding Guests
The summer season offers an ideal opportunity to savor lighter, health-conscious culinary delights. Imagine the crisp allure of refreshing gazpacho, vibrant spring salads adorned with succulent watermelon, and the cool indulgence of chilled shrimp cocktails—all perfectly aligned with the weather’s disposition.
However, it’s prudent to strike a balance by incorporating heartier options to fuel your guests’ dance floor escapades throughout the night. Consider comfort foods that seamlessly complement the summer vibe, such as delectable sliders, barbecue skewers brimming with flavor, and the irresistible allure of lobster rolls.
These selections ensure a harmonious blend of satisfying and invigorating choices that will leave your guests both fulfilled and ready to dance the night away.
5. Going Too Minimalistic
Summer often ushers in the trend of embracing natural, minimalist wedding decor, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. However, there’s a fine line to tread between achieving a minimalistic aesthetic and inadvertently creating a sense of emptiness.
While avoiding excessive embellishments and overly structured floral arrangements, it’s crucial to maintain an ambiance that exudes a sense of vitality, radiance, and authenticity. Envision clean and pristine linens setting the stage, while wildflowers are artfully arranged in a relaxed manner, breathing life into the scene.
The key lies in striking a balance between simplicity and vibrancy, ensuring a fresh and bright ambiance that harmonizes seamlessly with the picturesque and organic backdrop nature provides. In essence, it’s about letting the beauty of the setting shine through while enhancing it with thoughtfully curated elements that encapsulate the natural essence of the season.
6. Messing-Up the Venue Timing
For couples planning their outdoor ceremonies, it’s important to be mindful of the sun’s position during the ceremony to ensure that it doesn’t cast uncomfortable shadows on the bride, groom, or guests. Ideally, the sun should be positioned to the side or gently filtered through trees to create a pleasant and flattering light.
By being attuned to the sun’s path and the timing of sunset, couples can ensure not only the comfort of their guests and the visual appeal of their ceremony but also create the perfect atmosphere for a magical and enchanting evening celebration.
7. Holding Your Ceremony During Day-Time Heat
The discomfort of a scorching hot and sunny environment can cast a pall on even the most finely dressed individuals. Just as guests, flowers, delectable cuisine, and the dedicated waitstaff can also falter under such conditions.
To preempt this predicament, consider a simple yet effective strategy: reschedule your event to commence later in the day when the temperature subsides, and the sun’s angle is more forgiving. Seek out shaded havens for both the ceremony and cocktails, allowing everyone to revel in a cooler and more pleasant atmosphere.
It’s worth keeping in mind that guest enjoyment is intrinsically tied to their comfort. When they find solace in the environment, it opens the door for them to fully immerse themselves in the festivities and truly relish the occasion.
8. Neglecting Comfort
Amidst the excitement of wedding celebrations, it’s essential not to overlook the paramount aspect of overall comfort. Couples should prioritize the well-being of their guests by ensuring a few essential items are on hand for outdoor segments of their celebration.
Envision the convenience and relief brought forth by parasols, gently wafting fans, and refreshingly cold water. You can also throw a simple pool party for your guests while serving them hot dogs and ice cream. These seemingly small provisions can make a substantial difference, offering respite from the elements and bestowing a thoughtful touch upon your guests.
10. Not Noticing the Weather
For those planning elements of their wedding on grassy grounds, it’s prudent to keep an eye on the weather forecast, particularly in the summer months. Specific zones might become muddy and vulnerable to damage.
By staying attentive to these considerations, you’re ensuring that the outdoor aspects of your celebration unfold seamlessly, even in the face of potential weather-related challenges.
11. Forgetting Summer Essentials
Overlooking essential provisions like ice, shaded areas, bug spray, and refreshments for your wedding guests can lead to discomfort and hinder the overall enjoyment of your special day. To avoid these potential pitfalls, it’s crucial to prioritize their needs and comfort.
Ensure an ample supply of ice to keep drinks refreshingly cool, designate shaded spots to shield guests from the sun’s intensity, offer bug spray to combat unwanted pests, and keep a variety of refreshing beverages, ice cream, and air conditioners readily available. By addressing these essentials, you’re setting the stage for a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
Common FAQs About Summer Wedding Ideas & Themes
1. What to wear as a bride for your summer wedding?
If you are confused about what to pick as a wedding dress in the warm weather, go for a flowing, ethereal gown that captures the essence of a summer breeze. Choose light and breathable fabrics such as chiffon or organza. Consider adorning yourself with delicate floral embellishments or subtle lace details.
A touch of shimmer or subtle beading can mimic the glistening sun rays, creating an enchanting aura around you. As for colors, embrace the color palette of the season – think soft pastels, dreamy creams, or even a daring pop of a bright hue that mirrors the boldness of summer.
But if you are a confused bride, don’t worry we have got your back, here is our take on choosing the best and affordable wedding dresses!
2. How to Pick the Right Wedding Cake in Warmer Weather?
Selecting the perfect wedding cake for a warmer weather celebration requires a blend of creativity and practicality to ensure your confectionery masterpiece stands up to the elements.
Here’s a delightful guide to help you make the sweetest choice:
- Frosting Wisdom: Opt for lighter frosting options like whipped cream, buttercream, or cream cheese. These alternatives not only complement the warmth but also maintain their texture and taste even in higher temperatures.
- Flavor Fusion: Embrace the season with refreshing and tropical flavors. Add bright yellow lemons, succulent mangoes, or tangy passionfruit. Plus, it offers endless possibilities for decorative details.
- Tiered Triumph: Opt for a tiered wedding cake design. Multiple tiers allow for better airflow between layers, reducing the risk of the cake melting. Plus, each tier can showcase a different flavor, adding a delightful surprise for your guests.
- Fresh and Fruity: Incorporate summer fruits as fillings paired with baby’s breath or calla lilies.
End Note
When arranging a summer wedding, the decorations, music, and attire each have vital roles in establishing an unforgettable atmosphere for your attendees. Whether you’re drawn to the relaxed vibes of a beach-chic celebration or the carefree spirit of a bohemian affair, there are many fun options to choose from that will reflect your unique style and vision.
If you’re looking for the best summer wedding ideas or wedding planning services and are unsure where to find them, you can check out Monasabats. We offer some of the best wedding planning and event services in the UAE. You can visit their website to explore their offerings and see how they can assist you with your wedding planning needs.