We’re in the thick of wedding season now, and if you have upcoming nuptials there are lots of hot trends you should know about. If you’re looking to break some traditions on your big day, here is a collection of the biggest and most colorful trends for this summer.

Outdoor BBQ
Nothing says summer like BBQ, so why not have it at your wedding? Rather than a typical seated meal, you can feature stations with steaks, ribs, burgers and side dishes. Brides: just be careful about getting BBQ sauce on that white dress!

Bundt cake
Cupcakes have replaced more traditional wedding cakes as the hip new reception dessert, so where did bundt cakes come from? These cakes are a Southern delicacy and they’re becoming more popular at weddings this season, either as a side dessert or replacing a regular cake or cupcakes.

Hair styles and pieces
Rather than traditional veils or new age flower crowns, many brides are opting to spice up their outfits with hair pieces. A jeweled hair piece can add an elegant splash to an otherwise minimalist wedding dress. Many brides are also going with two distinct hair styles: up for the ceremony, and down for the reception.

Mismatched bridesmaid styles
Bridesmaids are no longer expected to dress exactly alike. Many brides are picking a color (or two) and letting their bridesmaids choose their own style of dress. Just give them color swatches and let them pick the style that fits their body shapes.

Custom photo booth
A backdrop with a custom design is the perfect addition to your wedding reception, because it creates a fun photo booth atmosphere for you and your guests. You can use whatever wording or images you’d like, contact Sign Art Etc to learn more.

If you’re dreaming of palm trees, sun-kissed beaches and tropical flora, why not incorporate it into your wedding? Even if you’re landlocked, you can easily turn your big day into the tropical wedding of your dreams with these ideas.

Use leis as gifts for your guests or as decorations
Leis are floral garlands that are often presented to visitors of Hawaiian islands. Providing each reception guest with a lei is a nice way to welcome them, and it also adds to the atmosphere when everyone is wearing one. Another option is to use the leis as decorations, draping them on chairs at the reception or church pews in the ceremony. You can buy assorted leis in a variety of colors.

Turn the bar into a tiki shack
For the cocktail hour and reception, add decor to the bar area that will give it a tropical, Hawaiian feel. Oriental Trading has a section devote to luau decorations. If you’re really feeling ambitious, you can order thatched roofing from the experts at Tiki Shack Importer.

Hawaii is one of the most romantic places on earth, so why not give your wedding a Hawaiian theme?

Give every cocktail a splash of color
When it comes to cocktail hour, think colorful. Liquor.com has a list of 10 colorful cocktails that are perfect for the tiki bar, like a Mai Tai, a Rum Rangoon or The Quetzal. Add pineapple, little umbrellas and other colorful additions as garnishing.

Create a tropical backdrop
A backdrop for picture taking customized with tropical imagery of your choosing will make your wedding photos even more memorable. You can opt for the traditional repeating pattern or use one large graphic, like a beach scene or a tropical rain forest. You can upload your own image to the Sign Art website, or you can select from the many pre-made templates.

Aloha and congratulations!

Few things are as romantic as setting sail on the open water. If you and your spouse-to-be love the ocean, a nautical theme is a wonderful fit for your wedding. The Sign Art team has some tips on how you and yours can set sail with a perfect, salty day.

Use colors inspired by the ocean
Navy and white are a great combination for a nautical color scheme. You can also incorporate sea green and other shades of blue. Bride Box suggests using yellow with navy and white for a splash of color.

Tie a fisherman’s knot at the altar
They call it “tying the knot,” so why not tie an actual knot? You and your partner love the ocean, so you can learn to tie a fisherman’s knot together and perform it as part of the ceremony.

Use props inspired by the sea
Old lobster traps and life preservers can be reused as decorations or even escort cards. Driftwood crafts like these sailboat figures from Stephanie Hunter are cute and easy to make.

Boat shoes for the groomsmen
For a fun take on wedding attire, have the groomsmen wear matching boat shoes instead of dress shoes, without socks of course. It’s a little more casual, but it’s still a fantastic look, and it fits the theme perfectly.

Create a banner
You can design the perfect custom photo backdrop for your big day. Even if you’re landlocked, you can design a step and repeat banner with a nautical theme to help set the scene. Your guests later can have fun taking photos in front of  it.  You can upload your own images or our helpful staff can walk you through it.