Welcome to The Hampton Roads Wedding Guide Newsletter where you can plan the wedding of your dreams from start to finish. From inspiration to checklists and planning articles, to the best wedding professionals in Hampton Roads, it's all here!

July 2020 Newsletter
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Summer Wedding Trends

Complete Weddings + Events


Summa' summa' summa' time! We just love summer weddings, but couples tend to shy away from them because, well, it's HOT. But there are many ways to ensure you have a beautiful and comfortable wedding day and your guests remember more than just the heat. Here's a great list of tips from Brides Magazine, but here are some of our favorite suggestions:

Offer Refreshing Cocktails and Wine
If your summer wedding is outside, make sure your guests (and YOU) stay hydrated. Offer ice water or water flavored with fresh fruits and herbs like mint! Choose cocktails that are light. Heavy red wine is a great option for your indoor reception, but guests may prefer local beer or white wine in the heat.

Ensure You Have Some Shaded Décor
If your ceremony and reception are outside, try to find spots around your venue that are shaded. A tent is a great way to offer your guests shade from the hot sun AND it's a shelter from bugs and rain. Here are some of our favorite companies that can provide you beautiful tents:


Make a Smart Timeline
Remember that later afternoon is the hottest time of the day. Brunch weddings are a great choice for summer weddings! If you want an evening wedding, start your reception at sunset and keep it short if it's outside. You want your guests to remember your beautiful vows and not how hot it was.

Heather Hughes Photography, Sanderling Resort
Summer Wedding Treats

Pungo Strawberry Festival

Summer is the season of fun and fruity flavors! Embrace your local produce and hit up your favorite local farm for berries and other fresh fruits. These can be served during cocktail hour as appetizers (think a gorgeous fruit display with local cheeses) or used to make fruity cocktails. 

Be inspired by summer with your sweets! Ask your baker to create a summer inspired cake or treats for your day. Cupcakes are a fun way to do this or hand decorated cookies! Gigi's Cupcakes even makes delicious cocktail inspired cupcakes like a margarita flavor! End the night with a special treat and support your local ice cream shop with a gelato or ice cream truck! Your guests will be blown away and cooled down with an icy treat.


Carolina Cupcakery
Gigi's Cupcakes
Stay Cool with Bridal Party Fashion

Studio I Do Bridals

When it comes to bridal and bridal party fashion in the summer, think less heavy fabric and cooler designs. Shorter gowns are perfect for an outdoor wedding and will be significantly cooler than a full length dress. You can even opt for a short dress for the reception after a longer, more traditional gown for the ceremony! Choose silhouettes that are less form fitting and necklines that show a little more skin to keep cool.

When it comes to fabric- stay clear of satin for both you and your bridesmaids and try linen suits for the groomsmen. If you're aiming for a less formal event, you can even forego suit jackets. 

Avenir Bridal Boutique

Your bridesmaids will be so grateful if you choose dresses that are made of loose fabric OR let them choose their own within a color scheme you've selected. Bridesmaids standing in floor length satin gowns in 90+ degree heat is a dangerous scenario. They will be so thankful if you keep their comfort in mind! Your bridal salon can help by giving you options for fabric and style that will be best for warm weather weddings. Use their professional advice and knowledge! Go a step further and let your bridesmaids choose how they would like to wear their hair. For some bridesmaids with long or heavy hair, wearing it in a beautiful updo will really help keep them cool. 

Ava Clara Couture Bridal, We Are the Mitchells
Summer Florals

Did you know that flowers are seasonal? Sure, we all know that most flowers don't bloom in winter, but some flowers are more abundant in summer versus fall or spring. This means that they are less expensive and easier for your florist to obtain. Try to think of flowers that can withstand high temperatures like sunflowers or greenery! For bouquets, keep them as cool as possible for as long as possible before pictures to keep them from wilting. Greenery, like succulents and garland, is a great option for summer reception decor.

Norfolk Wholesale Floral
Lasting Impressions LLC
David Schwartz Photography
Check Out Our Latest Issue!

The latest issue of Hampton Roads Wedding Guide is available in over 50 locations throughout Hampton Roads as well as digitally on our website. For a complete list of where you can find a copy check out our website! 

In our latest issue you can learn more about all of the incredible vendors we have featured, from venues to photographers to delicious catering options. Plus, you can learn some great tips for your big day!



"When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out."-Elizabeth Bowen
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