The best summer wedding themes include these 9 easy, elegant ideas! Inspired by our real-life brides, we promise that they won’t break the bank. Notepads at the ready…

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-CHILDREN'S-PLAY-AREA-lottieettlingphotography.com--Abi&JulianWedLEP_345

Children’s play area

Keep your little ones happy with a dedicated play area just for them. You don’t have to spend a lot – just use your imagination! Pretty the area up with bunting – you’ll find everything you need right now in the Wedding Ideas Shop.

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-DECK-CHAIRS-shelldemar.com

Deck chairs

If you’re planning a summer theme near the seaside, deckchairs are the perfect way to seat your guests. Choose fun, brightly striped material to match your chosen wedding colours or go for a mis-match for a really relaxed beachy look.

Continue reading below…

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-FANS-sarahleggephotography.co.uk--Nonsuch-415

Pretty fans

Practical and pretty, fans are a great favour idea for your female guests and bridesmaids alike. They look fab in pictures and will keep your guests cool while they’re sipping Champagne at the drinks reception.

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-FINGER-FOOD-annelimarinovich.com--Jen-Jeremy-Bittenham-Springs-Wedding-Photography-Anneli-Marinovich-372

Finger food

No one wants a large, hot, sit-down meal in the height of summer so save some of your budget and opt for finger food instead. We love mezzes, hot roasts, afternoon teas. Sharing platters are also a great way to get your guests talking.

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-FLOWERS-IN-HAIR-zarapricephotography.com-&-momento-online.com----spb-104

Flowers in the hair

It’s one of the hottest looks for bridesmaids for summer 2014 – flowers in the hair are a must for rustic or festival-inspired celebrations. We love floral crowns or one real bloom pinned into a relaxed updo, but if budget is tight fabric flowers work just as well.

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-HAY-BALE-SEATING-andreapickering.com-

Hay bale seating

Country or festival-inspired wedding? Think outside the box when it comes to seating like this real couple did. We love this quirky hay bale seating idea, complete with cute signs and pillows. Add in a few throws and guests are more likely to stay outside and make the most of the long, warm, summer evenings.

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-OUTDOOR-GAMES-devlinphotos.co.uk-Jenny&James-513

Outdoor games

Not just for the little ones, outdoor games are a great idea in summer and keep guests entertained while you’re off having your pictures taken. Don’t go OTT – think about games that can be easily transported back inside should a shower strike!

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-OUTDOOR-LIGHTING-alexbeckett.co.uk--AlexBeckett.HP10588

Quirky lighting

Make the most of the outside spaces with some quirky lighting. Think Moroccan-style lamps, candelabra, tealights in votives… Whatever best suits your theme. Use light to lead your guests to the entertainment, the food, even back to the car park at the end of the night.

9-easy-elegant-ideas-for-summer-wedding-themes-PROPS-staplephotography.co.uk--Wedding-HighRes-481

Props for the sun!

Sunglasses, flip flops, water spritzers – think of the little things that will make the day more comfortable for your guests. Imagine slipping into a pair of flip flops after your hot, swollen feet have been squashed into glamorous heels all day! That’s sure to keep them dancing well into the night.

Not getting married in summer? We’ve got lots of other super seasonal ideas right here. And if you’re still searching for a summer wedding dress, we’ve found hundreds of hot new styles.