How to Plan a NC Wedding on Instagram

How to Plan a NC Wedding on Instagram: A Complete Guide

Instagram is a dynamic platform for wedding planning, blending endless inspiration from styled photo shoots, behind-the-scenes prep, and real wedding stories with actionable ideas for couples to plan a NC wedding on Instagram. As a wedding venue owner, it’s easy to get swept up in glamorous celebrity weddings and trending decor—but the most meaningful weddings are deeply personal. At Redbird Ridge Estate, the approach is all about authenticity: the venue showcases real couples, candid “Instagram vs. reality” moments, and celebrations crafted to reflect each couple’s unique style—not just what’s popular online.

Real Weddings and Your Style

Couples planning their NC wedding with Instagram often find themselves inspired by a whirlwind of stories and reels: dramatic floral installations, luxury setups, and viral dance floors. But while styled shoots set trends, nothing resonates more than genuine emotion and memorable moments from actual weddings. At Redbird Ridge Estate, guests see everything from epic behind-the-scenes stories to heartfelt ceremonies, reminding them the best events are those that reflect the couple’s true personalities—quirky, classic, understated, or bold. Couples can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of nature, participate in outdoor activities, and take advantage of the onsite lodging. There is also a wide variety of free decorations to choose from at Redbird Ridge Estate.

Bride in historic tobacco barn with chandeliers at a Charlotte wedding venue

Making Instagram Work for You

Planning a wedding has always been a mix of excitement, nerves, endless mood boards, and binders full of ideas. But in today’s world, Instagram provides wedding inspiration, connections, and organization.

Start by following venue accounts, wedding planners, and vendors that showcase a balanced mix of curated “Pinterest-perfect” imagery and candid, authentic content. Use hashtags related to your desired wedding style (#NCwedding, #OutdoorElegance, #RedbirdRidgeEstate), and don’t be afraid to bookmark and save posts that inspire you—but always remember to adjust inspiration to suit your own vision. At Redbird Ridge Estate, couples often use Instagram story highlights to see previous weddings at the venue and imagine how they might personalize their own celebration.

Bride and Groom dipping at the aisle with Mountain View at Charlotte wedding venue

Authenticity Over Trends

While celebrity weddings and viral trends offer fun inspiration, planning through Instagram should ultimately prioritize what feels authentic for each couple. That could mean a romantic picnic proposal, an intimate outdoor ceremony, or a vibrant reception filled with personalized touches. Redbird Ridge Estate believes every wedding deserves to be a unique expression, turning inspiration into reality with a focus on local beauty, genuine details, lasting memories, and a true experience rather than just a day.

Practical Instagram Tips

  • Use a unique wedding hashtag to encourage guests to share candid moments from the day, creating a living gallery of memories.

  • Engage with venue and vendor stories to get real-time ideas and see how professionals handle both the best moments and behind-the-scenes challenges.

  • Save and organize posts that genuinely reflect your taste, then discuss them with your planning team to adapt ideas for your own event.

  • Don’t feel pressured to recreate celebrity weddings—focus instead on meaningful details, authentic connections, and experiences that represent your relationship.

Bride and Groom vows with boho flowers and triangle arch in front of mountain at Charlotte wedding venue

Instagram can inspire creativity and connection, but the best weddings are those designed for real couples, by real couples. At Redbird Ridge Estate, every celebration is crafted to keep it real—so guests remember the joy, not just the photos.

The platform is no longer just a place for keeping up with friends and celebrities. For engaged couples, Instagram has become a digital planning tool, a visual mood board, and a global search engine for wedding vendors. With millions of couples, photographers, florists, planners, and fashion designers sharing their work, it’s like walking into a curated bridal expo that never closes.

If you’re currently engaged and wondering how to use Instagram to plan your dream wedding, this guide will walk you through every detail—from using hashtags strategically, to making mood boards, to finding your vendors, and even showcasing your day in the best possible way.

Bridal party portrait in front of black wall at Charlotte wedding venue

Why Instagram Is Such a Powerful Wedding Planning Tool

Before diving into the strategy, let’s understand why Instagram has become central to the modern wedding planning experience:

  • Visual-first platform: Weddings are all about aesthetics—dresses, decor, flowers, venues—and Instagram thrives on striking images.

  • Discoverability: Thanks to hashtags and location tagging, you can find vendors in your city with a quick search.

  • Real-time trends: You see what’s in style right now, whether it’s micro-weddings, unique floral arches, or colorful cakes.

  • Community vibes: You can follow other engaged couples, join bridal communities, and see how they’re approaching the process.

  • Vendor portfolios: Many professionals showcase their best work on Instagram before anywhere else.

Bride and groom in field in front of mountain at Charlotte wedding venue

Think of Instagram as your mini wedding planner, inspiration board, and networking event—all in your pocket.

Step 1: Start With Inspiration and Mood Boards

The first thing most couples do when they get engaged is dream about the look and feel of the day. Instagram is perfect for that.

How to Build Your Mood Board on Instagram:

  1. Use the Save Feature: Create collections within your profile specifically for categories like:

    • Dresses

    • Cakes

    • Venues

    • Décor ideas

    • Makeup and hairstyles

  2. Follow the Right Accounts: Search for bridal magazines, international wedding planners, photographers, and even celebrity weddings for inspiration.

  3. Explore by Hashtags and Keywords: Instead of only searching “wedding décor,” try more specific tags like #BohoWedding, #LuxuryBride, #RusticWeddingDecor, or #CharlotteWeddingVenue.

  4. Use Stories & Reels for Trends: Stories often reveal behind-the-scenes tips, while Reels highlight current wedding trends in quick video snippets.

Essentially, you can create a personalized digital binder of ideas to refine your vision for the big day.

Bride and groom in front of mountain with triangle arch at Charlotte wedding venue

Step 2: Use Hashtags Like a Search Engine

Instagram hashtags are more powerful than most people realize when it comes to wedding planning.

  • Find Vendors by Location: Let’s say you’re getting married in Charlotte. Try hashtags like #CharlotteWeddingPlanner, #CharlotteWeddingVenue, or #CharlotteFlorist. This allows you to discover talented local vendors without endless Google searches.

  • Follow Niche Styles: Love minimalism? Try #MinimalistWedding. Interested in destination weddings? Explore #SantoriniWedding or #MountianViewWeddingIdeas.

  • Track Real Couples: Couples often create their own hashtags (like #SamAndChrisSayIDo). By browsing, you’ll find real-life examples that feel authentic and relatable.

A pro tip: Once you find a hashtag you like, click on related hashtags Instagram suggests—this can send you down the exact inspiration rabbit hole you need.

Bride and groom facing each other at a historical tobacco barn at a Charlotte wedding venue

Step 3: Scout and Vet Your Vendors

One of the most practical uses of the platform is researching and communicating with wedding professionals to plan a NC wedding on Instagram.

Picking Vendors on Instagram:

  1. Portfolios at Your Fingertips: Unlike traditional websites, Instagram portfolios are updated daily.

  2. Reviews in the Comments: Couples often tag vendors and leave reviews or shoutouts in captions, which gives you insight into real experiences.

  3. Check Their Stories: Many vendors use Stories to share behind-the-scenes setups, showing how reliable, timely, or creative they are.

  4. DM for Quotes or Questions: Instagram allows for instant, casual conversations.

Whether it’s a photographer in your city or a cake artist across the world, Instagram helps you see real work in real time rather than filtered marketing material.

Groom and friends talking in a Charlotte wedding venue

Step 4: Create Your Own Wedding Instagram Account

While you could just use your personal profile, many couples find it helpful to create a dedicated wedding Instagram account.

Why This Works:

  • Keeps your planning process separate from your personal feed.

  • Makes it easy to share updates with close friends and family.

  • Becomes a digital diary of your engagement journey.

  • Lets you test out content ideas for the big day (like sneak peeks of engagement photos or décor mood boards).

Think of it as a private or semi-public wedding planning scrapbook.

Step 5: Use Instagram Stories and Reels to Your Advantage

Don’t underestimate how helpful Instagram’s short-form tools can be:

  • Polls for Decisions: Can’t decide between two invitation fonts? Post a story poll and let your friends vote.

  • Countdown Stickers: Make your planning more exciting by counting down to dress fittings, your bachelorette party, or wedding day.

  • Save Inspiration Reels: Many planners and stylists use Reels to share quick tips that can save you money, stress, or time.

Instagram stories keep the process interactive, while Reels let you learn tips that aren’t always obvious from photos alone.

Step 6: Build a Community and Seek Support

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. Instagram helps you connect with people going through the exact same process.

  • Engage with Bridal Communities: Follow wellness and planning-focused accounts that share tips for organization and stress management.

  • Connect with Other Brides and Grooms: Commenting on posts or sharing your journey can spark friendships with couples in your city or even across the world.

  • Learn from Real Couples: Unlike Pinterest (which often emphasizes styled shoots), Instagram is full of actual weddings—real budgets, real timelines, real challenges.

Sometimes, the most valuable insight comes from another couple’s candid caption rather than a glossy editorial spread.

Bride and groom feeding each other cake at a Charlotte wedding venue

Step 7: Showcase Your Wedding Strategically

When your wedding day arrives, Instagram becomes an extension of your celebration.

Tips for Sharing Your Day:

  • Create a Wedding Hashtag: Something simple, unique, and easy for your guests to remember—so everyone’s photos and videos stay collected in one place.

  • Hire a Social Media Coordinator: Some couples now include this as part of their planning team. A professional can handle live posting so you remain fully present.

  • Leverage Stories Highlights: After the big day, create highlights for different moments—ceremony, reception, first dance, etc. Redbird Ridge shares weddings in their highlights on Instagram.

Your wedding will live on not only in the photo album, but in an interactive, shareable memory bank.

Step 8: Avoid the Comparison Trap

Of course, while Instagram is incredible for inspiration, it can also create unhealthy pressure. Glossy, edited wedding posts can lead to overspending or feelings of inadequacy.

Here’s how to avoid falling into that trap:

  • Remember that styled shoots aren’t real budgets.

  • Focus on ideas that resonate with your story, not someone else’s.

  • Unfollow accounts that create stress or unrealistic standards.

Use Instagram as a tool, not a measuring stick.

Step 9: Optimize Your Planning Timeline on Instagram

To make the platform work within your planning timeline:

  • 12+ months out: Collect inspiration, follow vendors, build your mood board.

  • 9 months out: Narrow down vendors, use Instagram DMs to inquire about dates.

  • 6 months out: Decide on décor, dress, and photography styles.

  • 3 months out: Share engagement shoot previews, start testing hashtag ideas.

  • 1 month out: Hype the countdown with stories.

  • Wedding week: Share behind-the-scenes packing and prep.

  • Post-wedding: Share highlights, vendor appreciation, and your professional photos.

This breakdown keeps it from being overwhelming and turns it into a planning partner for planning your NC wedding on Instagram.

Bride and groom holding hands at wedding ceremony at a Charlotte wedding venue

Instagram as Your Wedding Sidekick

Planning a wedding used to mean flipping through binders at bridal shops and tearing out magazine pages. Instagram has transformed the process into something social, interactive, and visually dynamic. It offers endless inspiration, connects you with vendors instantly, helps you crowdsource support, and ultimately captures your journey in one beautiful feed.

The key is knowing how to use it smartly—searching strategically, saving efficiently, and remembering that your wedding is ultimately about you and your partner, not how it compares to the next swoon-worthy carousel post.

So, grab your phone, start that “Wedding Mood Board” collection, and let Instagram become your most stylish, supportive sidekick for saying “I do” for planning your NC wedding on Instagram.

If you're searching for the best wedding venue in the Charlotte area or a versatile and accommodating event space in Alexander County, make sure you check out Redbird Ridge Estate.

Bride and groom first dance at white wedding venue in NC

Planning a wedding near Charlotte, North Carolina? Redbird Ridge Estate is a stunning white wedding venue that perfectly combines timeless Southern charm with modern elegance. Set on 72 acres of rolling pastures, creeks, a pond, and breathtaking mountain views at the base of Barrett Mountain, this beautiful estate offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for ceremonies and receptions accommodating up to 150 guests. The elegant white venue features stunning white interior and sparkling chandeliers, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere for your special day. Onsite lodging is available for parties as large as 24 people, with charming historic farmhouse and cabin accommodations that blend rustic character with modern comfort. With dedicated bridal and groom suites and attentive, personalized service, Redbird Ridge Estate ensures a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience.

Contact Us to schedule your personal tour at Redbird Ridge Estate!

For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Redbird Ridge Estate:

If you liked this blog, then check out this one: Top 10 Pumpkin and Apple Farms in NC

Bride and groom exit with sparklers at white wedding venue in NC

Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this Wedding Venue Map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!

Read More

Benefits of Booking Your Wedding on a Holiday Saturday in 2026

Why Couples Should Book Their Wedding on Holidays That Fall on Saturdays in 2026 in Charlotte: Valentine’s Day, Independence Day and Halloween.

If you're planning to get married in 2026, consider scheduling your big day on a holiday that falls on a Saturday. In 2026, several holidays—federal, state, and cultural—coincide with Saturdays, offering unique opportunities for couples. A great choice for holiday wedding is Redbird Ridge Estate. Nestled at the base of Barrett Mountain and surrounded by 72 acres of rolling pastures, creeks, ponds, and breathtaking mountain views, Redbird Ridge Estate offers an intimate and picturesque setting that feels both secluded and special. The estate’s commitment to intentional hospitality and creating unforgettable moments ensures your wedding will be as meaningful and memorable as your love. With onsite lodging, Redbird Ridge Estate makes the perfect destination wedding venue. To see real weddings and inspiration, follow us on Instagram.

Bride and groom in front of Mountain View with cross and flowers at Charlotte wedding venue

Key 2026 Holidays on Saturdays

  • Valentine’s Day – Saturday, February 14

  • Armed Forces Day – Saturday, May 16

  • Independence Day – Saturday, July 4

  • Sweetest Day – Saturday, October 17

  • Halloween – Saturday, October 31

Booking your wedding on Valentine’s Day offers a naturally romantic atmosphere, a highly memorable anniversary date, and thematic opportunities that highlight love and personal connection.

Bride and groom in front of Valentine's Day decorates tablecape at a Charlotte wedding venue

Benefits of booking your wedding on a holiday Saturday: Valentine’s Day

  • Valentine’s Day is globally recognized as the celebration of love and romance, which infuses your wedding with meaningful symbolism and a sentimental backdrop that’s instantly understood and appreciated by your guests. The built-in romantic ambiance—from heart-shaped decorations and colors like reds and pinks to floral arrangements and candlelight—creates an enchanting setting for your ceremony and reception when booking your wedding on a holiday Saturday in 2026.

  • Choosing Valentine’s Day makes your anniversary easy to remember, and celebrating on the holiday itself can turn each anniversary into an extended festivity—perfect for winter getaways or special events.

  • The date also allows couples to personalize the occasion, weaving elements of their own love story into the celebration and making the day deeply meaningful.

  • Additionally, since many weddings share similar themes, Valentine’s Day naturally provides a ready-made palette for décor and activities.

Booking your wedding on Independence Day offers a vibrant, memorable, and festive atmosphere, blending your celebration of love with the patriotic spirit of a major holiday Saturday in 2026.

Bride and groom holding a flag for Independence Day wedding
Independence Day wedding flowers at Charlotte wedding venue

Benefits of booking your wedding on a holiday Saturday: Independence Day

  • Built-in Festivity & Joy: Independence Day comes with a naturally celebratory mood—think fireworks, barbecues, parades, and lively gatherings. This holiday-inspired energy enhances the overall mood of your wedding, creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

  • Long Holiday Weekend: Many guests have the day off or an extended weekend, making it easier for loved ones to attend your wedding—especially those traveling from out-of-town.

  • Easy-to-Remember Anniversary: Getting married on a national holiday like July 4th ensures that your anniversary is easy to remember, and provides a built-in reason for festive anniversary celebrations year after year.

  • Family & Community Gathering: The holiday often brings families together, so your wedding can become part of larger family traditions and reunions.

  • Patriotic Themes & Decor: You can embrace red, white, and blue color palettes, patriotic decorations, themed wedding attire, and historic venues to honor American heritage. Fireworks displays provide spectacular entertainment, and themed food stations (like all-American BBQs or pie bars) add nostalgic charm.

  • Unique Photo & Venue Opportunities: Outdoor locations and historical sites are especially fitting on Independence Day, offering stunning natural settings and on-theme backdrops.

Independence Day themed cocktails at a Charlotte wedding venue

Special Touches that make your Independence Day wedding unique:

  • Fireworks: Capitalize on public or private fireworks shows to punctuate your celebration.

  • Honoring Military Guests: Independence Day is especially meaningful for couples with military backgrounds—saber arches, military attire, or moments of recognition can be included.

  • Tradition & Meaning: The day’s symbolism of freedom and new beginnings naturally aligns with the themes of marriage and commitment

Bride and groom exiting wedding with fireworks on Independence Day at Charlotte wedding venue

Booking your wedding Halloween  offers a blend of uniqueness, creativity, and ambiance that sets it apart from traditional wedding dates.

Bride and groom in front of tree with Halloween theme wedding

Benefits of booking your wedding on a holiday Saturday: Halloween 

Unforgettable Atmosphere & Theme

  • Halloween provides a rich, mystical, and imaginative setting. Couples can embrace enchanting, spooky, or gothic vibes, making for spectacular decor and memorable experiences for guests.

  • The date allows for limitless creativity—from vintage, “Til Death Do Us Part” motifs to black wedding cakes, moody floral arrangements, and candlelit ceremonies.

Halloween decorations for wedding at Charlotte wedding venue

Unique, Fun, & Personalized Celebration

  • A Halloween wedding is far from ordinary—it’s playful, romantic, and open to eccentric, offbeat ideas. Guests may dress up, enjoy themed foods, and participate in interactive activities like tarot readings or magician performances, enhancing the fun. It’s also ideal for couples wanting their event to reflect their personalities: goth, horror, pop culture, or simply a love of autumn.

Stunning Fall Backdrop

  • October offers gorgeous natural settings: vivid foliage, crisp air, and golden afternoon sunlight are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and dramatic photos. Redbird Ridge Estate has stunning mountain view ceremony options that show off the vibrant fall colors from Barrett mountain. Seasonal decor such as pumpkins, gourds, berries, and rich autumn hues provide affordable, elegant decoration options.

Halloween wedding aisle with pumpkins and glass cylinder candles at Charlotte wedding venue

Memorable Anniversary

  • Getting married on a major holiday ensures your anniversary is impossible to forget—and it’s easy to create themed anniversary celebrations for years to come.

Vendor Availability & Travel

  • Halloween isn’t a travel-heavy holiday, so it often allows greater flexibility for guests and sometimes better options or rates from venues and vendors, compared to other holidays.

Offbeat & Bold Choices

  • If you want your wedding day to stand out and be talked about for years, Halloween is an ideal pick. The unconventional date makes your event top-of-mind for guests and offers endless room for showcasing your style.

Bridesmaids Halloween theme dresses and flowers for wedding in Charlotte

A Halloween wedding may not suit everyone—some guests (especially with children) could have competing trick-or-treating plans, and those less enthused by spooky themes may need reassurance that the celebration will be elegant, fun, and reflective of your love. With thoughtful planning, a Halloween wedding can be as classy or whimsical as you choose.

Your Day Unforgettable

By picking a holiday that falls on a Saturday in 2026, you set the stage for a convenient, festive, and unforgettable wedding day. Whether you dream of tying the knot on Valentine’s Day surrounded by romance, or want a lively Independence Day celebration, holiday weddings are a creative way to make your special day even more extraordinary.

 

Planning a wedding near Charlotte, North Carolina? Redbird Ridge Estate is a stunning white wedding venue that perfectly combines timeless Southern charm with modern elegance. Set on 72 acres of rolling pastures, creeks, a pond, and breathtaking mountain views at the base of Barrett Mountain, this beautiful estate offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for ceremonies and receptions accommodating up to 150 guests. The elegant white venue features stunning white interior and sparkling chandeliers, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere for your special day. Onsite lodging is available for parties as large as 24 people, with charming historic farmhouse and cabin accommodations that blend rustic character with modern comfort. With dedicated bridal and groom suites and attentive, personalized service, Redbird Ridge Estate ensures a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience.

Contact Us to schedule your personal tour at Redbird Ridge Estate!

For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Redbird Ridge Estate:

If you liked this blog, then check out this one: How to Create the Perfect Enchanted Forest Wedding

Bride and groom on bridge in enchanted forest at Redbird Ridge Estate wedding venue

Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this Wedding Venue Map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!

Read More

Top 10 Summer Cocktail Trends in Charlotte

Summer’s Hottest Cocktails: What’s Trending in Every Glass

Summer is in full swing, and this year’s cocktail scene is bursting with color, bold flavors, and creative twists on the classic cocktails. As a Charlotte wedding venue owner of Redbird Ridge Estate, we have been lucky enough to have experienced some of the best cocktails crafted by professional bartenders like our daughter, Brianna. Redbird Ridge Estate stands out as a great option for a unique venue in the foothills of North Carolina thanks to its blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and personalized experiences. Nestled at the base of Barrett Mountain and surrounded by 72 acres of rolling pastures, creeks, ponds, and breathtaking mountain views, the estate offers an intimate and picturesque setting that feels both secluded and special. The estate’s commitment to intentional hospitality and creating unforgettable moments ensures your wedding will be as meaningful and memorable as your love.

Whether you’re planning a backyard bash, poolside hang, engagement party, or just want to shake up your own happy hour, here are the top 10 summer cocktails everyone’s craving right now—and the flavor trends behind them.

Tamarind and chili summer cocktail trend in Charlotte sitting on a decorated table

Flavor profiles for this summer’s hottest cocktail trends:

  • Tamarind & Chili: Sweet, sour, and spicy for adventurous palates.

  • Coconut & Lime: Creamy and tart, perfect for poolside sipping.

  • Blood Orange: Deep, fragrant citrus for a sophisticated twist.

  • Hibiscus & Rose: Floral notes for wellness-conscious sippers.

  • Cucumber & Mint: Cooling, herbal refreshment that never goes out of style.

Charlotte summer cocktail trend of a cucumber mint cocktail on a table with cucumbers and mint

1. Margarita (Classic & Creative Riffs)

The margarita reigns supreme this summer, with 42% of drinkers calling it their top trending summer cocktail choice. Tequila is the hero, but bartenders are giving the classic a glow-up with mezcal, prickly pear, tamarind, and even spicy chili rims. Watermelon margaritas are especially hot, thanks to watermelon’s status as the season’s favorite ingredient – and it’s good for the liver!

Summer trend cocktail of a mezcal and tamarind margarita on a blue table runner and plate

2. Spritz Variations

The spritz is another trending summer cocktail that is getting a makeover in 2025! Beyond the beloved Aperol Spritz, you’ll find Blood Orange Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz (elderflower, mint, and bubbles), Campari Spritz, and even frozen spritzes. Bartenders are swapping in cava, sweet vermouth, and grapefruit aperitivo for a fresh spin on this bubbly favorite.

Top summer cocktail trend of two glasses of aperol spritz with straws and organges on a wood table

3. Mezcal Margarita

Mezcal is having a renaissance, bringing smoky, earthy depth to the summer cocktail trends. The mezcal margarita, often paired with tropical fruits like passion fruit or prickly pear, is a must-try for anyone looking for something bold and complex.

4. Frozen Cocktails & Spiked Slushies

Nostalgia meets grown-up fun with frozen Aperol spritzes, watermelon daiquiris, and slushies in flavors like kiwi, lychee, and cantaloupe. These icy summer cocktail drinks are perfect for beating the heat and bring a playful, Instagram-worthy vibe to any gathering.

5. Botanical & Herbal Sips

Wellness and complexity are in, with summer cocktail trends featuring cucumber & mint, hibiscus & rose, and even savory notes like basil oil or pickle brine. Think gin spritzers, blueberry basil smashes, and dirty martinis with a fresh herb twist. You can even make the herbal sensations as a mocktail.

hibiscus rose cocktail in a short glass with a hibiscus flower garnish on a table - one of Charlotte's top summer cocktail trends

6. Clarified Cocktails

Crystal-clear, silky summer cocktails are trending thanks to the magic of milk-washing. These drinks look stunning and offer a mellow, rounded flavor profile—perfect for those seeking elegance in a glass.

7. Passion Fruit & Tropical Highballs

Tropical flavors are everywhere, especially passion fruit, which is popping up in mojitos, margaritas, and highballs. Prickly pear and blood orange are also in the spotlight, bringing vibrant color and juicy flavor to summer cocktail menus.

One of Charlottes top summer cocktail trends - the passion fruit mojito in a tall thin glass with mint and passion fruit garnish sitting on a table

8. Watermelon Cocktails

Watermelon is the undisputed fruit of summer 2025, starring in everything from margaritas to spritzes and mojitos. It’s refreshing, sweet flavor is a crowd-pleaser across all age groups and continues to be at the top of the summer cocktail trends.

9. Low-ABV & No-ABV Cocktails

Lighter, sessional drinks are on the rise, with more people opting for cocktails that are refreshing without packing a punch. Think spritzes, sparkling mocktails, and creative zero-proof concoctions with botanical flavors. This summer cocktail trend isn’t going to end.

Elderflower martini in a coupe glass on a table with a silk napkin and lemons as one of Charlotte's top summer cocktail trends

10. Minimalist Mixes

Simple, two-to-four ingredient cocktails are trending for their effortless refreshment and clean flavors. A mezcal and grapefruit radler, sauvignon blanc martini with lemon and elderflower, or a classic gin & tonic—sometimes less really is more with summer cocktails.


Summer cocktails are all about bold reinventions, playful twists, and drinks that look as good as they taste. Whether you’re a fan of smoky mezcal, tropical fruits, or sparkling spritzes, there’s a trendy summer cocktail waiting for you in or near Charlotte. Cheers!

If you liked this blog, then check out this one: Nature Lover's Guide to a Unique Proposal this Summer

Planning a wedding near Charlotte, North Carolina? Redbird Ridge Estate is a stunning white wedding venue that perfectly combines timeless Southern charm with modern elegance. Set on 72 acres of rolling pastures, creeks, a pond, and breathtaking mountain views at the base of Barrett Mountain, this beautiful estate offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for ceremonies and receptions accommodating up to 150 guests. The elegant white venue features stunning white interior and sparkling chandeliers, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere for your special day. Onsite lodging is available for parties as large as 22 people, with charming historic farmhouse and cabin accommodations that blend rustic character with modern comfort. With dedicated bridal and groom suites and attentive, personalized service, Redbird Ridge Estate ensures a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience.

Contact Us to schedule your personal tour at Redbird Ridge Estate!

For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Redbird Ridge Estate:

Bride and groom accepting drinks from a bartender at Redbird Ridge Estate, A Charlotte wedding venue

Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this Wedding Venue Map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!

Read More