India Couture Week 2017

Ace fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani who showcased his collection the Last dance of the courtesan at India Couture Week for the first time last year ever since the event shifted to the capital, will be taking the grandeur and elegance quotient at the seven-day gala event a notch higher with his upcoming Bridal Couture and Occasion Wear 2017 collection Tarakanna on day two of the event.

"With silhouettes that sparkle and shine, as if through a haze of stardust, Tarakanna is a portrait of understated cosmic glamour," said the veteran designer about his upcoming collection in an exclusive interview to News18.

Talking about what the collection draws from, the couture giant told News18, "We took inspiration from all things universe – constellations and stars being the core theme for the collection. The frothiness of celestial bodies translates into the lightness and movement of the garments. Vibrant colours of sunrise and the tones of the in-between sky create the colour palette of oranges and mauves and pure pinks. The way light reflects off of the imperceptible objects in the sky, forms the 3D work that is weightless."

In an effort to make bridal and occasion wear light so that the bride and others who don any outfit from the collection can look beautiful, elegant and at the same time enjoy the wedding day/the event, the designer has intentionally created ensembles that are light-weight and fit the person like a glove. The new collection encapsulates the designer's love for layering light-weight clothes that fit like a glove. Regal volumes, innovative techniques and smart contouring have been used tactically to make it appear as though the clothes glide effortless like a beautiful dream.

"Couture around the world is known as much for feathery lightness as well as the gravity defying construction – this is where our new couture began as we thought deeply of lightness so Indian brides can enjoy their wedding and dance in their clothes. That is how we have evolved – by creating a new vocabulary of design. Our clothes need to embody the spirit of our cultural legacy, which has to be updated for the global, peripatetic customer,’ said Tahiliani.

When asked how much and how has Indian couture evolved over the last several years he said that Indians were on the cusp of a new way, which is a wonderful fusion of the two worlds, where a true confluence in ideas results in a contemporary Indian style that is not ‘ethnic’ or ‘western’ but is a true synthesis and has global identity and relevance.

He also mentioned that Indian couture has progressed by quantum leaps and bounds in the last 15 years resulting in placing the Indian fashion industry securely on the global map. He said, "We now have fashion weeks, trends, glossy magazines, some multi-brand boutiques of note and a thriving handloom scene. Designers have started their own stores and brands have been established. As we celebrate our traditional handlooms and craftsmanship, the demand for Indian couture is growing exponentially worldwide."

Explaining that a harmonious marriage of traditional crafts and contemporary is extremely important, Tahiliani said, "The Tarun Tahiliani brand has set out to create the ultimate “India Modern”: a brand with a view in the present moment, but, ultimately steeped in the Indian traditions of draped form and the techniques that millions of Indian craftspeople imbibe with love. As Indian couture grows by leaps and bounds in the global market, we take immense pride in our traditional embroideries and fine craftsmanship. It is easy to lose your roots and heritage if you focus too much on the contemporary. A harmonious marriage of the two is of utmost importance, more so ever today."

When asked what all modern elements has he added to his upcoming line to make it more appealing and acceptable by the the global takers, the designer said, "The collection was designed keeping in mind that these pieces could be sold as separates. Adding to the mix and match of traditional Indian silhouettes are the jackets, capes and gillets, adorned with tassels to break the monotony. These garments create a more global appeal for our customers from around the world. For menswear, the simple tailored shape of the kurta is enhanced with an attached drape, creating a balance of modernity and tradition."Read more at:royal blue prom dresses | black prom dresses

Rose water beauty packs, tips for skin, hair

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Want to put your best look forward from head to toe. The answer is simple, 'Rose water'.

Rose water is a powerful ingredient, mild in nature that can work wonder on your skin, hair and mood. The incredibly useful, beauty enhancing potion nourishes the skin from deep within, providing beneficial nutrients.

The solution helps to remove dirt and oil accumulated in clogged pores of the skin. It acts as a great cleanser having anti-inflammatory properties. It also controls skin pH balance and excess oil.

With cooling properties, rose water is a perfect remedy for curing sunburned skin. It provides a protective layer to the skin which may help retain moisture. Being rich in antioxidants, it can provide speedy recovery.

Also, rose water softens the skin and moisturises it without leaving a greasy film on it. It hydrates and revitalises the skin giving it a fresh look.

Mixed with coconut oil, rose water may work wonder to remove makeup without harming the skin.

The antibacterial nature of rose water makes it apt to be used as a topical treatment for cuts, burns and wounds.

Rich in anti-aging qualities, rose water may lighten skin blemishes, wrinkles, stretch marks and may improve skin’s elasticity. It speeds up cell production to tighten the skin pores gently. It’s a great skin toner.

Having anti-inflammatory properties, rose water can help reduce redness of irritated skin, dermatitis and eczema.

The antimicrobial and cleansing properties of rose water may treat acnes, pimples, and infections.

Rose water acts as a natural conditioner that nourishes, moisturises and revitalises scalp and hair. It promotes hair growth treating scalp inflammation and dandruff effectively.

The fragrance of rose water enhances mood. Spray it on your bed and pillows before sleeping. You’ll sleep better after a tiresome day. It may be sprayed in your rooms for a passionate comfort. You may take a rose-scented bath as well.

Fill an empty spray bottle with rose water and spritz it on your face, hands and clothes before leaving home. You will feel fresh and charming throughout the day.

To reduce the puffiness of eyes, you may apply chilled rose water on your eye lids.

Do-it-yourself facial packs made of rose water:

As a cleanser: Mix one teaspoon of rosewater with two teaspoons of wholesome milk. Apply on face and rinse off after 15 minutes.

As a face wash: Mix one teaspoon of rose water with one teaspoon each of almond milk, lemon juice and aloe vera gel. Apply on your face and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Ideal for sensitive skin as well.

As an exfoliator: Mix two tablespoons of rose water with just enough brown sugar to get a gritty but not sharp texture. Rub on your face, neck, elbows, heels, arms and wherever else you need softening in the shower.

As a pigmentation remover: Mix rose water and aloe vera gel in equal quantities. Apply and keep it on face for 15 to 20 minutes. Before rinsing off the pack’ gently massage it for a few minutes. Pigmentation, age spots, pimple marks and other blemishes may disappear effectively.

As a rash healer: Mix some rose water with aloe vera gel, cucumber juice and yogurt in equal quantities. Apply it on affected area. Keep it for 15 minutes. Wash it off. It works well on sensitive skin too.

As a tanning remover: Add one tablespoon each of rose water and lemon juice in four teaspoon of gram flour. Mix well and apply on your face. Rinse after 15 -20 minutes.

As a night treatment: Blend one teaspoon each of rose water and aloe vera gel, half egg white and two teaspoons of cucumber juice altogether. Apply on your face and neck before going to bed. Rinse with cold water after 15-20 minutes. It’s a great hydrating mask.

Use rose water in your daily beauty regimen. To avoid any fragrance or dyes, look for 100 per cent pure rose water. It is available at most pharmacies and cosmetic shops. See the glow it provides to your skin and hair.

Rose water is a must in every woman’s vanity case.Read more at:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/prom-dresses-uk

How to stay cool when the weather gets hot

Summer is here and with it is the potential of brutal heat waves that make it so miserable, it can literally take your breath away. Temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit are not only uncomfortable, they can be downright dangerous, especially for the very young or the elderly in our community.

Weather forecasters may issue heat-related weather warnings. A Heat Advisory means that temperatures may reach 100 – 105 degrees in the next 72 hours. An Excessive Heat Warning indicates heat index values in the 105 to 110-degree range within the Warning region.

The hottest temperature ever recorded was right here in our state of California. On July 10, 1913, it was a sizzling 134 degrees Fahrenheit in Furnace Creek, located in Death Valley.

Luckily, here in Anza, we should not have to experience anything so oppressive. But the temperatures in the triple digits are still a concern, especially from a health standpoint.

Heat-related injuries can seem harmless enough, but too much sun and an overheating body can spell disaster and even death.

Sunburn is usually a real first-degree burn that injures the top layers of skin exposed to the damaging rays of the sun. This can result in redness and intolerable pain. Severe sunburn can even cause swelling, fluid-filled blisters, fever and headaches. Ointments, cool baths or compresses may help relieve sunburn. Drinking plenty of water helps the body recover.

Heat cramps are another overheating illness and usually related to dehydration. Symptoms include increased sweating and painful muscle spasms of the arms, legs and sometimes the abdomen. People have even reported cramps of the hands and back muscles. The treatment involves removing the person from the heat, offering lots of water and gently massaging the tightening muscles to relieve the spasms.

Heat exhaustion is the inability to sweat enough to cool the body efficiently. Extreme fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting as well as cold, clammy, pale, red or flushed skin indicates heat exhaustion. It is very important to immediately find a cool spot for the victim, loosen clothing and apply cold compresses. A doctor may need to be consulted of any vomiting continues as the person is cooled.

Heatstroke is the worst heat-related event that can threaten a person’s well-being. It happens when the body is so stressed that it stops sweating but the body temperature continues to rise. Hallucinations, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and eventually delirium or unconsciousness can occur. The skin will be hot, dry, red or flushed. Heatstroke is a severe medical emergency that could be fatal. Dial 911, remove clothing, place the person in a cool place or even a cold bath until help arrives. This could mean life or death.

Many common sense methods can be used to lessen the possibility of heat-related illnesses.

Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as these are the hottest hours of the day.

Reduce physical activity outside during the hot times.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when outside, as this type of clothing reflects heat and sunlight, which in turn will help keep you cooler.

Avoid eating hot, heavy meals that include lots of protein. These foods increase your metabolism and your body’s water consumption, which raises your body’s temperature. Eat light.

If you don’t have an air conditioner in your home, take a cool bath or shower twice a day and visit air-conditioned public spaces or “cool-off” locations during the hottest part of the day.

Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty. Water is best. Avoid alcohol or caffeine drinks since they are diuretics (food, drink, or medicine that increases the flow of urine, thus depleting the body of water).

Use sunscreen if you need to go out in the sun. Sunscreens can weaken with age, so be sure to make sure yours is not expired.

Anza is also fortunate to have a Cool Down Center located at the Anza Community Hall, 56630 Hwy. 371, across from the Circle K convenience store in Anza. What this means is that when temps get into the triple digits, volunteers man the Hall and open it to the public. Anyone can go there to be in a cool environment and receive free bottled water Mondqy through Friday from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.. The County of Riverside Community Action Partnership sponsors this endeavor. Cool Down Centers such as this are active from June 15 through Oct. 15, and Warm Centers are active from Dec. 1 through March 31.

While summer means heat, it does not mean you have to suffer to the point of affecting your health. There are options out there. Be careful and be cool.Read more at:short prom dresses | plus size prom dresses

Amanda Kilton and Jonathan Bakos

Gothic Revival-style Roseland Cottage was built in 1846as a summer retreat for Woodstock native and New York City businessman Henry Bowen, who used Roseland to entertain friends and political connections, including four U.S. presidents.

When planning their Oct. 8, 2016, wedding at the pretty-in-pink property, Jonathan Bakos and Amanda Kilton “wanted to be sure that we worked with the big personality that Roseland already has,” says Amanda. “It has such a presence.”

To start, the couple scanned an invite from one of Bowen’s legendary Fourth of July bashes and turned it into a save the date. “Since we were very much trying to be ‘place specific,’” says Amanda, “it set the tone for both vintage and visual history.”

The “visual” aspect was of particular importance to Amanda and Jon, photographers who met in the photo lab as students at the Art Institute of Boston in 2007. “Jon is endlessly supportive of me and my ideas,” says his new bride. He is also “constantly full of surprises. In the planning process he took every idea that I had and made it even better.”

In addition to hiring husband-and-wife photography team Jason Frank and Danielle Sykes, the couple, who share a love for large-format photography, hired Steve Sherman of Rocky Hill to take a large-format formal portrait of their families on the steps of Roseland. “Having all your favorite people together in one place is really special,” remembers Amanda. “We’ll treasure that moment forever.”

The bride, in a vintage-inspired tea-length gown designed by Corrine Crocker-Luby of Glastonbury, and her dapper groom exchanged vows beside Roseland’s boxwood-edged parterre garden in a ceremony officiated by their college professor, Margot Anne Kelley. During cocktail hour, guests sipping the couple’s signature drink: “Mr. Bowen’s Fourth of July Pink Lemonade,” played cornhole using custom boards the couple had emblazoned with the visages of the U.S. presidents (Grant, Hayes, Harrison and McKinley) who once visited.

Table markers for their reception on the South Lawn were made with vintage postcards of places Amanda and Jon have traveled (including the Grand Canyon, where Jon proposed). On each table was a vintage Bakelite View-Master (collected from flea markets, consignment shops and eBay) with a corresponding reel of photos. Centerpieces were vintage milk glass (more flea markets), which Bonnie McCabe of Floral Accents by Bonnie in Glastonbury colored with dahlias, berries and some of the succulent hens and chicks the bride’s grandmother always had in her rock garden.

“I loved looking for things that would make our day unique,” says Amanda. “That’s the fun part of planning.” That being said, “Jon, who has spectacular attention to detail, had as much to do with our wedding as I did,” says his appreciative bride. “The day was our creation.”

P.S. Yes, those are umbrellas in one photo. It rained on Amanda and Jon’s wedding day. And you know what? It was still spectacular. In fact, when it started to come down during their outdoor ceremony, “I was so involved in the moment I didn’t even notice,” says Amanda.Read more at:grey prom dresses | http://www.marieprom.co.uk/cheap-prom-dresses-uk

South Shields beauty queen off to Miss England

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Ashley Robertson, 26, from The Lawe Top, will be strutting her stuff against finalists from across the country when she dons her sash in the prestigious final, which takes place on July 14 in Birmingham.

The beauty queen won a place in the final after winning the Miss Durham Tees Valley competition earlier this year. Now she is preparing to compete in rounds including Miss Sportswoman, Miss Knowledge, Miss Talent, Miss Popularity, Miss Charity and more.

A highlight is set to be the Miss Eco round in which Ashley has made an eco-friendly dress made from recycled plastic bottles. Ashley is no stranger to the pageant world after competing in Miss England for the past five years with various titles.

She says she’s hoping to build on her experience this year.

“I’m hoping to take everything I’ve learnt to help put in a better performance,” she said. “I think having that experience will definitely help because I already know what to expect, what is involved and how much hard work goes into it.

“Pageants aren’t what they used to be. Today it’s all about finding an all round girl, with talent, fitness, knowledge and creativity but, most importantly, someone how cares for their community and charity.”

Competing in pageants has led to a career change for Ashley who has swapped being a beauty therapist for becoming a full time charity fundraiser.

Over the years, she’s raised thousands of pounds for the Heel & Toe charity, which supports young people in the North East with disabilities with events such as the Great North Run and a skywalk.

She was so inspired by their work that she has become a fundraiser for the charity, who are also her official sponsor in Miss England.

Ashley said: “As part of Miss England you carry out charity fundraising which is how I found out about Heel & Toe. I’ve done lots of sponsored events for them over the years and feel so inspired by what they do.”Read more at:royal blue prom dresses

Fashion to me is being sexy, says Gifty Powers

“For me, fashion is sexy, classy and elegant,” the reality show star said in a recent chat with TheCable Lifestyle.

When asked for her favourite fashion items, Gifty said, “It is shoes, outfit, and jewelry. Although the jewelry needs to go with the outfit, You know there are some outfits that do not require jewelry…”

The actress said her participation in the reality show transformed her life, describing it as a “great platform”.

“It has been amazing, like very good and one thing I would never stop doing, is thanking God for Big Brother to give me this great platform, it is legit,” Gifty said.

Since the show ended, virtually all the Big Brother Naija contestants have been busy with various projects, and Gifty is no exception.

“I have been up to quite a lot. I am not meant to say some things, but I am sure that very soon it is going to be out, like few projects. I don’t want to rush.”

When pressed to divulge more about the nature of the project, Gifty said, “It is actually an advertisement, it is about fashion, It is about a whole lot to talk about, you know what I mean”.

The reality show star also disclosed that she has worked on some new movies since the Big Brother Naija show ended.

“I have done a couple of new movies since I got out. I did a movie with Shan George, Daniel .K. Daniel, Ken Erics, Ngozi, Eucharia, lots more and still counting,” she said.

Gifty Powers was the fourth housemate to be evicted from the hugely popular reality show.Read more at:graduation gowns | cheap prom dresses

Picture imperfect

The glamour industry has always been associated with the concept of the perfect body — slender, curves in the right places, blemish-free even-toned skin — these are just some aspects that one aspires to when looking at photographs of models on billboards and magazines. And in the era of technology, it is Photoshop that comes to the aid of photographers, models and graphic designers, to create this illusion of perfection through airbrushes and smooth juxtapositions. “Before Photoshop was around, photographers would use soft focus or diffused light to soften out wrinkles or blemishes,” recalls Meher Castelino, India’s first beauty queen.

So when Asos, an international fashion website took the initiative to post photographs of their bikini models without airbrushing away stretch marks and acne scars, it came as a validation to women the world over. The much-commended campaign had women commenting on how this move makes fashion more inclusive.

Indeed inclusiveness and body positivity are watchwords that have caught on more and more with the fashion industry over the years, says fashion photographer Vijit Gupta. “Dove also works with real women, whose blemishes are not Photoshopped. While I have had to work in spaces where Photoshopping is the norm, now I prefer to keep blemishes and imperfections in place. I often tell a model that it adds character to keep the dark circles intact. While there are some models who would rather have any anomalies edited out, many are confident enough to let me keep the photos as they are,” says the photographer, who was involved in a project, along with writer Meera Ganapati, wherein they shot a photo series of models in their daily lives.

Meera and Vijit’s project is only one of the many inclusive fashion initiatives taken in India. One only needs to look at plus size models at Lakme Fashion Week or acid attack survivor Reshma Qureshi, who walked the ramp at New York Fashion Week last year. Kareena Kapoor Khan also became the first mainstream Bollywood actress to flaunt her pregnancy with photoshoots and even walked the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week for designer Sabyasachi.

With fashion trends becoming more and more inclusive, fashion writers like Meera find Photoshop to be a rather disconcerting part of the fashion world. “It’s worrying because it sets false standards of beauty. And young girls, who are easily influenced, begin to fall prey to them. It creates very superficial ideas of self-worth and totally unnecessary body image issues. But I see a small but reassuring trend online where magazines and social media campaigns are slowly challenging the notion of ‘perfect being beautiful’,” she says.

Model Karishma Kotak commends the move that Asos has made and says that she would gladly be a part of a project where Photoshop is left out. “Strategies like the one that Asos has used are just beautiful because it shows women that it’s alright not to be perfect all the time. None of us are completely satisfied with our bodies. Some of us don’t like our arms, some are not satisfied with skin tones, while some of us think we aren’t the right size. But at the end of the day, I love my body because it’s mine. So, if I had to be a part of a project where Photoshop wouldn’t be used, I would definitely do it,” she asserts.

Photographer Daboo Ratnani, on the other hand, doubts the market value of these photographs. “While it is good to have unaltered images for a feature, I doubt it would work in a larger market. These campaigns are good as far as a niche audience is concerned, but I’m not sure how viable they are as a larger marketing strategy,” he explains.

Meher contradicts, saying using photographs of models with stretch marks will, infact, probably help women who have these blemishes themselves. “Fashion is always an aspirational concept. You see a beautiful woman wearing a beautiful gown and you want to be like her; so you buy the gown. What really matters though is that you wear the right clothes at the right time for the right occasion — no matter what your body type,” she concludes.Read more at:royal blue prom dresses | unique prom dresses

How Soko Glam’s Charlotte Cho Shops for K-Beauty in Seoul

“I calculated, and for 2016, I spent a third of the year in Korea,” says New York–based Soko Glam cofounder Charlotte Cho, who travels to Seoul upwards of eight times a year to source the latest and greatest of K-beauty for her online shop. And yet, despite her frequent flyer status, Cho admits that she has a hard time keeping up with the market: “Korean products are changing so quickly. There’s always something new on the shelves!”

For her most recent trip in June, this was no exception. For seven days, Cho traversed the bustling city seeking out unique finds to bring back with her from the likes of concept shop 3CE—complete with a beauty counter, hair salon, and movie theater—and Jakeunchai where she underwent a K-pop makeover. “The emphasis is on a heart-shaped face with a pointy chin,” Cho explains of the favored look. “They’re really about contouring as well, but in a more subtle way [than Americans]. It’s not like Kim Kardashian.”

But don’t be fooled by the plethora of clever cushion compacts and panda-patterned under-eye masks on offer. “When people think of K-beauty they think, ‘Oh, products!’, but there’s so much more to Seoul than makeup and skincare” insists Cho, who squeezed in an aromatherapy tea tasting and acupuncture session, too. Here, from a custom lipstick–making experience to a traditional ginseng foot scrub, a look at Cho’s whirlwind of a week in Seoul, South Korea.Read more at:evening gowns | graduation dresses

Paris fashion runway finally beckons for Australian Toni Maticevski

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Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski’s designs have finally hit the Paris catwalk.

Maticevski, considered one of Australia’s most creative and successful designers, felt the timing was right to stage his first runway show in the city. And although he showed regularly at New York Fashion Week between 2006 and 2010, Paris was always the end game.

“I think everyone dreams about it and I’ve definitely had it on the cards for a long time,” Maticevski told The Australian.

While he shows his work in a showroom in the city three times a year, his international sales and support have grown to the point where he felt a show at the beginning of the haute couture fashion week would elevate and explain the brand further.

“The focus has been to build a strong business foundation. We’ve had a lot of support from international media and stylists and we’ve secured really strong retail accounts. Rather than show (on the catwalk) and hope for business, we thought let’s do business then consider doing a show,” he said. “Our buyers will really get to see how the brand looks on the body in real life. Sometimes clothes on a rack can be uninspiring.”

The off-schedule show will feature Maticevski’s latest resort collection. He says this collection contains many of his signatures, which include sculptural silhouettes and a sports-couture sensibility, while also acknowledging a style and clientele who is “a bit tougher”.

“She’s got a job, she’s on the run — it’s about having clothes that are practical as well as stylish,” he said.

While most consider his work to be occasion wear, Maticevski says he increasingly enjoys the crossover between these pieces and daywear.

“(Customers are) swapping it back with a T-shirt or some other object in their wardrobe for day. I like that idea of giving a bit of formality or polish to day looks rather than stripping back and toning down (the collection pieces).”

While this is Maticevski’s first show in Paris, he has been in contact with the governing body of French fashion, the Chambre Syndicale, about future involvement on official schedules in the ready-to-wear realm.

“It’s just about proper timing and positioning. But the main aim is to boost the experience for my clients and customers and media that support it to give a different perspective of the brand,” he said.Read more at:marieprom

8 reasons why you should only get married in the summer

Of all the weddings you've been invited to this year, you might notice that most of them are in the summer. But it's no coincidence that peak wedding season hits in the middle of the year.

While it's a popular — and therefore often expensive — time to get married, summer is arguably the best season to have your wedding.

INSIDER spoke with wedding planners Amy Shey Jacobs of Chandelier Events, and Amy Katz of Amy Katz Events, to find out what makes summer weddings superior to every other season.

The warm weather means more clothing options

"Wedding fashion for brides, grooms, and guests alike in the summer is poised for gorgeous photography," Jacobs told INSIDER.

The options for what to wear as a wedding guest are endless. "From soft flowing chiffons and silks to gorgeous bright patterns and metallics, summer says chic, effortless, and sexy," the event planner said. "For the summer preppy look, classic white tux jackets and lace gowns outdoors on the lawns of a mansion come to mind. And wedges and strappy sandals are always a win!"

Your guests will be more likely to attend

"It's likely that some, if not a majority of your attendants, will be coming from locations out of town," Katz told INSIDER. "With summer having multiple built in long-weekends and non-family oriented holidays (unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas), a wedding trip could very easily be built into vacation time a guest may already be taking."

It also makes having a destination wedding easier, and gives guests a reason to work their vacation around your day.

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It also means you can have an outdoor wedding

"Having a wedding in the summer means you can have a wedding with a view, one that is outdoors, that has nature and beautiful natural surroundings," Katz said.

"Once your guests arrive safely and in good spirits, they'll be treated to an undoubtedly gorgeous ceremony," the wedding planner said. They'll be able to enjoy the wedding in "a significantly more comfortable climate than fall, winter, or even spring are able to offer."

Jacobs suggests having your wedding in a woodsy setting with a summer camp vibe. "Imagine taking over a sleepaway camp or resort for all of your guests to enjoy: lake activities, pool, tennis, sports, lounging in Adirondack chairs with baskets of blankets surrounding a fire-pit for late-night s'mores and grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," she said.

You have more options with the color scheme

Summer is the perfect time to go with a bright or pastel color scheme, or mix it up and choose more than one color to tie together your wedding.

"Some of the popular color trends are: yellow, poppy, pink (hot pink or pale), seafoam (pale green), blush, orange, baby blue, and cornflower blue just to name a few," Katz said. "Color combinations are very popular in the summer and you can have more than two that work well together."

(Photo:one shoulder prom dresses)

You can serve farm-to-table food

"Everyone is still obsessed with the farm-to-table feel for outdoor entertaining," Jacobs said. "Summer is the height of locavore deliciousness: watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes, corn — they are all at their height of harvest."

You can make the most of eating outside with the decor, too. The event planner predicts that "long outdoor tables with crisp linens and cozy seating areas will remain hot this season."

There's a bunch of seasonal flowers to choose from

If you're a fan of roses or sunflowers, summer is a good time to buy them for your wedding bouquet.

"Peony season ends as soon as June sets in but roses and other blooms still go strong long into the fall," Jacobs said. Eucalyptus leaves, olive branches, and lavender or herbs will also hold up well in the summer months, and make gorgeous centerpieces, according to the planner.

She explained that you can even get flowers like geraniums that act as insect repellents. Other plants that repel bugs include herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and lavender, she said.

Traveling is easier in the summer

Katz pointed out that summer is a less stressful time of year to travel if you're having a destination wedding.

"In the winter there's a good chance you'll have to contend with snow/ice/sleet or, at least uncomfortably cold temperatures. This means packing heavier, accounting for additional travel time and the higher risk of delayed flights," she said. While these "add to the overall anxiety of planning, having, or attending a wedding," you won't come up against those obstacles in the summer.

You can choose a summery theme for your wedding

Jacobs said that some of her favorite themes for a summer wedding are "Tuscan Wine Tasting, Nantucket Clambake, Bonfire Bash, St. Barth's by the Pool, or an Indian Summer Soiree." She added that having a theme gives you "an instant framework for everything from invites to decor to entertainment to your menu."

You can even make a dress code for guests part of the theme. "A white party will always be in style for summer, or seersucker and gingham," she said.

Your guests can play lawn games

Instead of merely relying on a live band to provide entertainment, Jacobs recommends lawn games to get the party started.

"Outdoor games are the best," she said. She recommends getting outdoor lawn game sets from Crate and Barrel, including bocce ball, croquet, and badminton. Even simple games like a beanbag toss and ping pong have been a hit with summer wedding guests. The planner said that she's even seen "guests turning over a ping pong table into a beer pong tournament once the little kids have gone to bed!"