It’s summertime and the living is easy—but the wedding planning can get a little hectic. At The Catered Affair, we love helping our clients build their dream-worthy wedding anywhere they choose, from our stunning partner venues to their own backyards or private estates. When it comes to summertime weddings off-premise, we love a classic tented wedding. Open air, beautiful atmosphere, and a stunning décor really allow you and your guests to enjoy the evening together and unify the reception in one area. Here are some of our favorite summer wedding inspirations.
Rustic and Charming
From Pinterest to StyleMePretty we’ve seen how rustic décor and details really elevate a tented affair. For your wedding, try incorporating natural elements into your décor that reflect your venue as well as some fun things between you and your beau. We adore floral or vine standing escort tables and wooden etched table numbers.
Communal Dining
Long gone are traditional dinner reception tables! Now, more and more couples opt for communal dining with farm-style tables. These long often wooden tables invite your guests to interact with the entire wedding party as well as create an opportunity for you to mingle more fluidly throughout the night. Plus, for the foodie bride or groom, the farm-to-table style seating offer a chance to have some family style dining with guests passing around sides while waiters serve their main dish.
Follow the Bites
Entice your guests with playful miniature versions of classic summertime favorites. Mini lime chicken tacos with fresh pico de gallo and a margarita or mini BBQ pork sliders are fun passed hors d’oeuvres and are sure to keep the mood festive and light. Looking to keep the food flowing all night? Try a variety of small plates, passed hors d’oeuvre, and fun interactive stations to keep your guests moving and dining all evening long.
Sip an Old Fashioned
Go beyond white wine and Bud Light with a craft beer bar and a classic cocktail station! This year, celebrate the return of rustic with classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Negroni, Tom Collins, or a French 75. Want to really make the night about you and your beau? Play around with custom signature cocktails named after places you met and serve them in small coupe glasses.
Color Me in Love
In the summer, light colors are everywhere! Stay classy with a traditional white décor accented with pops of pink and champagne or ice blue and capri or really go bold with bright oranges and gold. For your outdoor wedding, be inspired by your surroundings. Having a beach-front reception? Play up bright colors like magenta, teal, and orange for pops of color against neutral tans.