You’ve said “yes!” to the big question and now it’s time to start planning your dream Vermont summer wedding. At The Barn at Boyden Farm, we specialize in crafting intimate warm-weather weddings that take advantage of the surrounding natural beauty of the Green Mountains and lush countryside. If you’re looking for laid-back sophistication, rustic romance, and inspiration to infuse your big day with the best of Vermont summer, then you’ve found your venue. Read on for creative Vermont summer wedding ideas and tips that will help you plan a picturesque, fun-filled celebration.
Add a Pop of Color
Vermont offers a canvas of natural beauty to inspire your wedding’s color palette. When selecting summer wedding colors, it’s essential to consider both the natural backdrop and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. In the verdant landscapes of summer, vibrant and bold colors can stand out beautifully – think sunflower yellows, bright corals, and vivid blues. These colors not only add a pop of personality, but also complement the natural surroundings without blending in.
Alternatively, if you prefer a softer palette, pastel tones such as blush pink, lavender, and sky blue can evoke a dreamy and romantic feel while still providing a lovely complement to the vibrant green backdrop. Regardless of whether you’re envisioning an outdoor ceremony amidst towering trees or a rustic-chic barn reception, integrating these nature-inspired tones into your wedding decor will create a cohesive and visually stunning atmosphere that captures the essence of summertime in the Green Mountain State.
Host an Outdoor Ceremony
An outdoor wedding ceremony is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the natural splendor of a Vermont summer. Feel the warmth of the sun and a gentle breeze as you exchange vows surrounded by lush greenery, colorful wildflowers, and panoramic mountain views. An outdoor summer wedding ceremony in Vermont creates a laid-back, romantic feel and allows your wedding party and guests to enjoy the seasonal weather and scenery.
We recommend choosing a versatile wedding venue where you have multiple options for where to host your ceremony outside – bonus points if some of these locations include shade. For example, The Barn at Boyden Farm offers multiple ceremony sites for you to choose from, including our picturesque post and beam pavilion, wildflower meadow, patio, and (should the weather turn inclement) our rustic hayloft barn. Keep your outdoor vows short and sweet and then head to our air-conditioned barn space accented with twinkling fairy lights for your reception and the remainder of your celebration.
Seasonal & Practical Favors
A summer wedding presents endless possibilities when it comes to selecting gifts and favors for guests, each item designed to enhance their experience and commemorate the special day. Some of our favorites include the following:
- Personalized sunglasses with your wedding date or initials
- Customized fans or parasols to keep guests cool during the ceremony
- Mini monogrammed tubes of sunscreen with SPF
- Customized koozies for keeping drinks cold
- Tiny personalized bottles of bug spray to keep insects at bay
Lawn Games for All Ages
Summertime lets you take advantage of the warmer weather and longer daylight hours to incorporate interactive elements and lawn games into your big day. Set up corn hole toss, giant Jenga, croquet, or ladder ball outside to entertain guests between activities. Organize pick up games like frisbee or soccer to get everyone involved in the fun.
If you choose to have kids at your wedding, plan outdoor activities to keep them entertained like a scavenger hunt, relay races, bubble machines, sidewalk chalk stations, or kite flying. At our venue, our large yard areas and surrounding open fields allow for plenty of movement and play.
Summer Fruits & Flavors
Treat your guests to tastes of the season by incorporating summer’s bounty into your summer wedding menu and decor. Vermont’s abundant summer harvest offers an array of fresh, vibrant fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches. Consider incorporating these flavors throughout your menu, as well as in your signature cocktails: think Gin & Tonics infused with local botanicals, refreshing Strawberry Gin Fizz cocktails, and delightful Maple Bourbon Lemonades. Craft cocktails like these are always a big hit at the summer weddings we host – an added bonus of being located next door to Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits.
Incorporating fruits into your summer wedding decorations can also add a fresh and vibrant touch, whether it be via table centerpieces, hanging garlands, or even as place card holders. For an added pop of color and texture, consider incorporating fruits into other decorative elements, such as cake decorations or cocktail garnishes. Not only do fruits add visual appeal to your wedding decor, but they also evoke a sense of freshness and abundance, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of summer.
Host a Picnic
One of our favorite Vermont summer wedding ideas is a picnic wedding reception. A picnic adds a charming and relaxed atmosphere to your special day, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food in a casual setting while soaking up the beauty of the surroundings. Foster a sense of community and togetherness as guests gather on blankets or picnic tables to savor locally sourced cuisine, creating memorable moments of laughter and conversation.
Additionally, whether you opt for a rustic-chic theme with burlap accents and wildflower centerpieces or a more elegant affair with vintage china and gourmet picnic baskets, a picnic-style reception can be easily personalized to reflect your unique style and preferences. Overall, hosting a picnic at your Vermont summer wedding ensures a delightful and unforgettable experience for both you and your guests, celebrating love amidst the splendor of nature.
Ice Cream Truck or Sundae Bar
Cool off your guests with a nostalgic ice cream truck or a DIY sundae bar stocked with a variety of flavors, toppings, and refreshing treats like fruit sorbets or popsicles. Serving up frozen confections is a fun way to embrace the carefree joy of summer at your Vermont wedding reception. Make your sundae bar interactive with a variety of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry and endless topping options. If your budget allows, rent an ice cream truck to come and serve your guests unlimited cones, sundaes, and root beer floats after dinner. For a unique touch, choose a local Vermont creamery to serve your guests – Ben & Jerry’s, Palmer Lane Maple, and Sisters of Anarchy are some local fan favorites.
Local Craft Beer & Cider Tastings
Showcase Vermont’s thriving craft beer and cider scene by setting up a local brew or cider bar, featuring a selection of seasonal favorites from nearby breweries and cideries. Treat your guests to a curated selection of seasonal favorites, showcasing the unique flavors and artisanal craftsmanship that define the local area. From crisp and refreshing IPAs to flavorful and aromatic ciders, each pour tells a story of local terroir and community pride. A classic Vermont summer wedding idea, local craft beer and cider is a perfect complement to local farm-to-table catering.
Bonfire & S’mores Station
A wedding s’mores station and bonfire offer a cozy and nostalgic touch to any celebration, especially amidst Vermont’s picturesque summer scenery. Gathering around a crackling bonfire under the starlit sky creates an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for fostering conversation and making memories with loved ones. Give guests the opportunity to customize their gooey treats with marshmallows, chocolate, candy, graham crackers and more. Perfect for guests of all ages, a bonfire and s’mores station adds warmth, charm, and a touch of rustic elegance to a Vermont summer wedding, creating cherished moments that will be fondly remembered for years to come.
Fireworks Finale
End your summer wedding celebration in Vermont with a bang by surprising guests with a dazzling fireworks display. An excellent option to end any summer reception, this send off is particularly perfect for couples considering a Fourth of July wedding date. Fireworks make for an unforgettable wedding reception exit, so provide glow sticks, sparklers, and carnival snacks like popcorn and cotton candy to enhance the festive atmosphere. Your guests will “ooh” and “aah” at the dazzling display as you make your grand exit as newlyweds. Our recommendation is to choose an experienced and professional local company that offers high-quality fireworks for these displays, with our preferred choice being North Star Fireworks.
Conclusion
Use these fun and creative Vermont summer wedding ideas to inspire your special day. From incorporating local flavors and farm-to-table dining experiences to embracing the rustic charm of a barn venue like The Barn at Boyden Farm, there are endless opportunities to infuse personal touches and memorable moments into every aspect of the celebration. Whether it’s exchanging vows amidst the rolling hills and lush landscapes or delighting guests with outdoor lawn games and locally crafted beverages, a Vermont summer wedding promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects the couple’s personalities and creates lasting memories for all in attendance.
