Greetings, lovebirds and future newlyweds! As a seasoned photographer, I am genuinely excited to guide you through the creation of the ultimate Summer Wedding Cheat Guide, ensuring your big day in 2024 is nothing short of amazing. Together, let’s dive into every detail, turning your celebration into a picture-perfect masterpiece!

Summer Wedding Aesthetic: Setting the Tone for Romance

Your chosen aesthetic is the heartbeat of your wedding day. The 2024 wedding scene is all about crafting unforgettable weekends filled with intimate, laid-back gatherings, epic after-parties, and food that rivals the trendiest restaurants. This is the year where anything goes!

Intimate and Low-Key

Consider creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and close-knit. Opt for a muted color palette, soft candlelight, and minimalistic decor. Picture a gathering of your nearest and dearest, basking in the warmth of an intimate celebration.

Retro Revival

Step back in time and embrace the charm of a retro revival. Think bold colors, funky patterns, and a hint of nostalgia in every detail. Incorporate vintage elements, from attire to decor, and let the spirit of a bygone era infuse a sense of uniqueness and personality into your celebration. 

Casual and Fun

For those who enjoy a carefree vibe, a casual and fun summer wedding is the way to go. Infuse vibrancy with playful colors, whimsical decor, and a laid-back atmosphere. Imagine beachy vibes, comfortable seating, and a dance floor that beckons guests to let loose. 

Summer Wedding Dresses 2024

The wedding dress is the star of the show, and staying on trend is crucial. Explore these 2024 trends to make a lasting impression:

• Pastel Wedding: Step into the world of Pastel Wedding Dresses, where soft hues redefine bridal elegance. Blush pinks, serene blues, and mint greens grace the aisle, adding a touch of romance and a modern twist to your wedding day look.
• Big Bows: Elevate your bridal look with the stunning features of Bow Accessorized Wedding Dresses. Whether adorning the neckline, back, or waist, bows offer a romantic and feminine detail that captivates, adding a touch of playfulness and sophistication to your wedding attire.
• Jumpsuits: For the bride seeking a bold and unconventional statement, Jumpsuits take center stage in 2024. Chic, modern, and utterly stylish, jumpsuits offer a contemporary alternative for the fashion-forward bride, allowing you to move with ease while making a statement on your special day.

Summer Wedding Timeline

A well-thought-out timeline ensures your wedding day unfolds seamlessly, creating moments to be cherished.

Here are a few things to think about when coming up with your timeline:

• Opt for a late afternoon ceremony, allowing the golden hour to cast its dreamy glow on your vows.
• Schedule a dedicated time during the golden hour for couple and bridal party photos, capturing the essence of your love.
• Embrace an evening reception under the stars, creating a magical atmosphere that lingers in your memories.

Sample Wedding Summer Timeline

Here is a timeline sample if you prefer to do a first look. If you won’t be doing a first look, you will need to prepare for more photos to be done earlier in the day, and schedule a longer period of time for couple portraits after the ceremony.

Likely ceremony time – 5:00 PM
1:00: Details and getting ready
2:00: Get dressed
2:30: First look
3:15: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
4:00: Bridal party photos
4:30: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 – 6:00: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
6:00 – 6:45: Married couple portraits
7:00: Grand entrance into reception
7:45: Sunset portraits with married couple

Summer Wedding Colors

Colors set the mood, and for summer 2024, Marseille Blue takes center stage. Dive into the cool and calming tones of each fabulous shade, and explore the palettes that harmonize with the summer season.

Marseille Blue: Anchoring our palette is Marseille Blue, the color of the year. This deep and sophisticated shade adds a touch of timeless elegance to your wedding, embodying the serenity of the Mediterranean sea.

Persimmon: Evoke warmth and passion with Persimmon, a rich, orange-red hue. This lively and energetic color adds a burst of vibrancy to your summer celebration, infusing the atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm.

Cyber Lime: For a modern twist, incorporate Cyber Lime into your color scheme. This vibrant green exudes energy and vitality, bringing a contemporary flair to your wedding palette.

Fondant Pink: Soft and romantic, Fondant Pink offers a delicate and charming option for a touch of femininity. This gentle hue complements the summer season, creating an atmosphere of love.

Flowers for Summer Weddings

Selecting flowers that thrive in the summer heat ensures a vibrant and fresh bouquet. Consider these delightful options:

• Roses: Classic and timeless, roses come in a variety of colors, allowing you to tailor your bouquet to match your chosen theme.
• Sunflowers: Bring a burst of sunshine to your arrangements with these cheerful blooms, symbolizing joy and happiness.
• Lavender: Not only visually stunning but also aromatic, lavender adds a touch of romance and tranquility to your floral arrangements.
• Gardenias: These stunning florals have a strong scent and add a modern and classy feel to your bouquet, but be prepared that they can be delicate.
• Dahlias: These are a eye-catching flower to include in your bouquet that can add the touch of color and are best in late summer.
• Hydrangeas: These can work all year long, but definitely have a more summer feel. Just be sure if you live in a hot climate to keep them in a cool place for as long as possible!

Summer Wedding Pictures

Summertime weddings provide a radiant backdrop for capturing the essence of love. With the sun’s golden touch, outdoor shots come alive, illuminating the natural beauty of your chosen venue. Embrace golden hour for dreamy, soft-lit portraits that exude romance. While midday brings intense sunlight, it presents opportunities for stunning shots during your outdoor celebration. 

Hey there, I’m Lydia, your go-to Ontario Wedding photographer, your dedicated storyteller, and your ultimate cheerleader! If you’re seeking a photographer who will be right there with you, capturing every summer moment and ensuring your day is a visual masterpiece, look no further. Connect with me to start planning your dream Ontario summer wedding.