ABIA Notebook — Summer wedding ideas and inspiration
In Australia the sounds of chirping cicadas have already announced that Summer wedding season is here, so we share a selection of the latest bridal styles and warm-weather wedding inspiration.
Coral Sea Resort | @findinggeorgephotography_
Compiled by Tanya Bywater of ABIA Weddings Australia | December 2024
It’s a time of sandy toes and long balmy evenings, with the slightest hint of Christmas, so for carefree couples set to marry amid Summer’s glow — be it on the beach, or within the comfort of air-conditioning — we showcase the season’s pick of fragrant floral bouquets, al fresco styling, bridal beauty, ‘on trend’ wedding attire and relaxed, hazy-day wedding inspiration.
Summer wedding table décor
Styled by The Event Artists
A simple assortment of mixed vases, filled with white summer cosmos, daisies and hydrangea, set the stage for relaxed summer wedding dining at this table setting styled by The Event Artists.
@nicolebutlerphotography
Summer wedding dress
Design by Alexis George
The warmth of the season lends itself to sleeveless wedding dress designs and increasingly-popular skirt and top ensembles, like this one-off Alexis George two-piece gown, cut from the designer’s 3D vintage cotton lace and finished with delicate hand-stitching.
Summer wedding jewellery
Shop at Gerard McCabe
Pearls are trending at present and this Akoya Pearl Wrap Bracelet — and the coordinating pearl necklaces, rings, pendants and earrings in Gerard McCabe’s Atlantis Collection — offers summer brides a jewellery selection inspired by the allure of the ocean.
Summer al fresco wedding inspiration
Located at Villa Botanica
Crisp white tablecloths, fresh florals and strings of fairy-lights combine to create the ultimate seaside wedding soiree at Villa Botanica.
@lovelenscapesphotography
Summer reception dress
Shop at Etre Marie Bridal Boutique
For brides opting to change dresses between the wedding ceremony and reception, this ‘Scarlett’ mini bridal dress — designed by Trish Peng and available from Etre Marie Bridal Boutique — pairs glittered tulle and a feathered hemline, for perfect summer party vibes.
Summer bridal beauty
Shop at Vitis V
The blend of just two pure, powerful cold-pressed ingredients — white grapeseed extract and unfermented grapeseed oil — in Vitis V Face TonIQ can replace 10 traditional elements of a bride’s beauty routine, smoothing, hydrating, healing and softening to provide a simple solution to glowing summer skin.
Summer groom’s suit
Shop at Black Jacket Suiting
A linen suit exudes laid-back summer elegance for grooms, and the addition of cotton in this Uberstone Beige Lounge Suit — available to hire or buy from Black Jacket Suiting — helps prevent crushing, for a look that’s lightweight, breathable and super smooth.
@evernewstudio
Summer ceremony venue
Located at Coral Sea Resort
Summer and sand go hand-in-hand in Australia, so it’s the ideal season for a beach wedding, and we’re enamoured with this beach wedding setup, at the Coral Sea Resort in Airlie Beach, where the weather is summery almost year-round.
@findinggeorgephotography_
Summer wedding catering
Shop at Pineapple Traders
Looking for a clever way to tie your catering in with a breezy summer theme? We think these sweet Capiz shell dishes, from Pineapple Traders, might be just the thing.
Summer wedding photos
Image by Luke Middlemiss Photography
For a romantic and summery wedding or engagement photoshoot, we love this ‘summer in a snapshot’ capture by wedding photographer Luke Middlemiss.
Luke Middlemiss Photography
Summer wedding shade
Hire from Stradbroke Island Events
If an outdoor ceremony is part of your summer wedding plan, make sure shade for your guests is taken into consideration. Think leafy trees overhead, awnings, market umbrellas or portable and stylish shade solutions like these parasols, hired from Stradbroke Island Events, which allow wedding guests to help themselves.
Summer wedding cake
Design by Mad About Cakes
This spectacular wedding cake design, by Mad About Cakes in Melbourne, encapsulates the summery essence of the Italian Riviera in two sweet tiers.
Summer wedding beverages
Served by Bubble Over Champagne Towers
There’s nothing quite like a cold glass of champagne of a warm summer’s day, and a Bubble Over Champagne Tower makes a showstopping way to serve your wedding reception guests.
@findinggeorgephotography_
Summer wedding lighting
Hire from Cape Events
A clear roof, strung with fairy lights and Yallingup bamboo pendants — hired from Cape Events — looks stunning by day, magical by night, and makes the perfect space for guests to party all evening.
@katedrennanphotography
Summer wedding marquee
Hire from Stradbroke Island Events
If your wedding style is casual, boho or beachy, keep your outdoor reception on-theme with a conical tipi like this one, hired from Stradbroke Island Events.
Summer wedding headwear
Design by Tina M Copenhagen
For the savvy bride, or a sun-safe wedding guest, the ivory-toned Paris Flexibraid Fedora, by Tina M Copenhagen, offers an easy-pack solution for weddings celebrated in Australia’s harsh summer weather.
Summer wedding flowers
Designed by Leah Mitchell Floral Design
A summery bouquet of seasonal cosmos, dahlias, roses, chamomile, zinnia, larkspur and peonies encapsulate the carefree essence of summer in this delicate Leah Mitchel Floral Design bridal arrangement.
Luke Fletcher
Summer wedding fragrance
Shop at Goldfield & Banks Australia
For brides seeking a scent that embodies the season, Australian perfume house Goldfield & Banks’ Coast to Coast collection proffers Sunset Hour, Pacific Rock Moss and Bohemian Lime, which share citrussy notes of lemon, finger lime and mandarin and take inspiration from Aussie coastal locations.
Summer wedding stationery
Design by Wedding Flowers WA
Handmade by Wedding Flowers WA, delicate dried florals combine with simple black and white, in these bespoke, summer-inspired wedding place cards.
Indoor summer wedding venue
Located at Zest Waterfront Venues Point Piper
To avoid the summer heat, while still embracing the delights of the season, opt for an indoor wedding venue — such as those offered by Zest Waterfront Venues in Sydney — which combines air-conditioning with spectacular ocean vistas.
Summer wedding dessert
Styled by The Event Artists
Warm weather and traditional heavy desserts don’t always work well together, so we love the idea of this help-yourself doughnut bar, styled by The Event Artists.
By sharing the latest wedding ideas and trends, our intention is to inspire and inform, but Notebook inclusions are not necessarily endorsed by ABIA, or its employees, and readers should make their own enquiries to determine the products and services best suited to their needs.
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