The weather is starting to heat up, leaves are beginning to appear on the trees

The weather is starting to heat up, leaves are beginning to appear on the trees… before we know it, summer – the season of weddings – will be here.  It’s always a good idea to coordinate the color scheme of your wedding with the season, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony.  For summer, a bright, cheery color palette of sunny yellow and punchy fuchsia is just right.  Add a few accents of slate grey to cool it down, and you get a look that’s unique, modern, and pulled together.

1. Great invitations can set the scene for your whole wedding and create a buzz months before the event.  I love how these handmade invites mix modern and vintage motifs.  Matching save the dates, RSVP cards, and direction cards are also available, all from Bloom Invitations.

2. Don’t be afraid to mix contrasting colors.  Your bridal party will thank you for not making them spend money on dyed-to-match shoes they’ll never wear again!  This flower girl looks absolutely adorable in her yellow and white sundress with silver-grey ballerina flats.  Photo from forevigt.dk Weddings.

3. Pay attention to the details to make it a memorable day.  This tiny handmade jewelry box covered in Japanese patterned paper is the perfect alternative to the traditional ring bearer pillow.  Available in several different patterns and colors at Windy Weather Bindery.

4. Lighten the mood with a cute, kitschy cake topper.  This little bird couple is so sweet, and best of all, they can be customized to look like the bride and groom!  Handmade by Jennifer Murphy; check her website for more examples.

5. During your cocktail hour, serve your guests a signature drink that matches your color scheme!  I found the recipe for this sunny Bronx cocktail on Brides.com.  Also check The Knot for tons of great custom cocktail ideas and photos.

6. For an outdoor wedding, embrace your natural surroundings and even a simple setting can become spectacular.  Here, a plain stone walkway is brought to life with contrasting yellow rose petals.

7. Let your bridesmaids express their personalities by wearing mismatched dresses, all within in the same color palette.  This vintage-inspired frock would definitely make your maid of honor stand out in the crowd!  Rose Festival dress by Anna Sui, available at Anthropologie.

8. Mix-and-match wedding stationery sets the tone for a playful, lighthearted day.  This folk and floral inspired set was custom designed by Erica Miller for a wedding in Jamaica.  For more photos and information, visit Erica’s website, Thoughtful Day.