Make a Splash with Your Brand This Summer: Why You Should Prep For Summer Now
With the winter months still in full swing, it can be hard to believe that summer is right around the corner, right? However, for brands that want to shine in the busy summer months, preparation starts now. Custom packaging plays a critical role in shaping how your brand is perceived, especially when seasonal themes come into play. Designing and procuring your summer packaging well in advance not only ensures you’re ready when demand spikes but also gives you a competitive edge in the market.
From eye-catching seasonal designs to the logistical planning required to ensure everything arrives on time, early preparation is the key to a successful summer campaign. As a custom packaging company, we’ve seen firsthand how brands that start early set themselves up for success, whether they’re planning limited-edition product launches or revamping their packaging for the sunny season.
In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s crucial to think about summer packaging now, what to consider when designing for the season, and how to streamline the procurement process for a stress-free summer launch.
Why Start Thinking About Summer Packaging Now?
1. Seasonal Planning Takes Time
The creative process of designing summer-themed packaging isn’t just about slapping a sun or a beach ball on your box—it’s about aligning the design with your brand’s story, product offerings, and audience expectations. Developing thoughtful concepts, incorporating feedback, and iterating on designs require weeks or even months.
By starting now, you allow ample time for brainstorming, revisions, and approvals, ensuring that your packaging feels cohesive and impactful.
2. Production and Shipping Lead Times
Packaging production involves several steps—design, material sourcing, printing, quality checks, and finally, shipping. With global supply chains still facing occasional delays, leaving packaging to the last minute risks missing critical deadlines. Summer is also a peak time for many industries, so packaging manufacturers may be operating at full capacity.
Starting your procurement process early ensures your order is produced and delivered with enough time to spare, avoiding stressful last-minute scrambles.
3. Seasonal Competition
Summer is a competitive season for many industries—think beverages, cosmetics, outdoor gear, and seasonal apparel. To stand out, your packaging must not only look great but also be in the market when consumers are looking for it. Starting early allows you to plan for bold designs, eco-friendly options, or unique features that give you an edge over competitors.
4. Capitalizing on Pre-Summer Marketing
Many consumers start shopping for summer essentials in late spring. Having your summer-themed packaging ready early lets you participate in pre-summer marketing campaigns, helping you capture early-bird customers and build momentum.
Designing Summer Packaging: Key Considerations
When it comes to designing packaging for the summer months, it’s all about capturing the essence of the season while staying true to your brand. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Seasonal Aesthetics
Summer is a season of vibrancy, energy, and warmth. Think about incorporating seasonal colors like sunny yellows, ocean blues, tropical greens, and bright corals. Imagery that evokes summer fun—palm trees, waves, ice creams, and sunsets—can immediately connect your packaging to the season.
At the same time, remember to align the design with your brand’s identity. If your brand is minimalist, you might use subtle, pastel hues or understated patterns inspired by summer rather than bold graphics.
2. Functional Design for Summer Products
Summer often means hotter weather, outdoor activities, and travel. Your packaging needs to accommodate these factors:
- Durability: Ensure that packaging can withstand heat and humidity without compromising product quality.
- Portability: If your products are likely to be taken on the go, lightweight and compact packaging designs will be appreciated by consumers.
- Protection: For items like cosmetics or food, consider insulated or moisture-resistant materials to preserve freshness.
3. Storytelling Through Packaging
Great packaging tells a story. Use summer packaging to share your brand’s narrative or celebrate the season. For instance, you could incorporate themes of sustainability (beach cleanups, ocean preservation) or adventure (road trips, camping).
Adding QR codes or NFC tags that link to summer-themed playlists, recipes, or activities can also enhance the customer experience and deepen their engagement with your brand.
4. Limited-Edition Designs
Limited-edition summer packaging creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency that drives sales. Highlight this on your packaging with phrases like “Summer Edition” or “Only Available This Season” to encourage immediate purchases.
5. Sustainable Materials
Summer often comes with an increased awareness of environmental impact, as people spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. Aligning your packaging with sustainable practices not only appeals to eco-conscious consumers but also supports your brand’s commitment to a greener future.
Consider plant-based inks, recyclable materials, or compostable packaging to reduce your environmental footprint.
Streamlining Procurement for Summer Success
1. Work with a Trusted Custom Packaging Partner
Having a reliable packaging partner can make or break your summer campaign. Look for a partner with expertise in seasonal designs, a track record of meeting deadlines, and the ability to offer innovative material and design options.
2. Forecast Demand Accurately
Review sales data from previous summers to estimate the quantities you’ll need. Seasonal spikes in demand can be challenging, but accurate forecasting ensures you don’t run out of stock—or overorder, which ties up resources unnecessarily.
3. Order Samples Early
Before placing a bulk order, request samples to ensure the design, material, and printing quality meet your standards. This step is especially important for summer packaging, where colors and finishes should pop under bright light.
4. Plan for Contingencies
Even with the best planning, unexpected challenges can arise. Whether it’s delays in shipping or changes in consumer demand, having a buffer in your production schedule and order quantities can save the day.
5. Incorporate Feedback Loops
Involve your marketing, sales, and design teams early in the packaging process. Gathering feedback ensures that your packaging aligns with broader brand strategies and resonates with your target audience.
Creative Summer Packaging Ideas to Inspire You
Looking for inspiration? Here are some summer packaging ideas we love:
- Beverages: Use tropical patterns or gradient designs that mimic a sunset to create a thirst-quenching appeal.
- Cosmetics: Incorporate shimmering or holographic finishes to evoke the sparkle of sunlight on water.
- Snacks: Create resealable, travel-friendly packaging that fits seamlessly into beach bags or picnic baskets.
- Retail Boxes: Design with bold floral prints or playful summertime icons like flip-flops and sunglasses.
Wrapping Up: Set Your Brand Up for a Sunny Season
Summer is a time of excitement, exploration, and joy—qualities that your packaging can and should reflect. By starting your planning process early, you give yourself the time to design, produce, and deliver custom packaging that resonates with consumers and amplifies your brand’s presence.
As a custom packaging company, we’re here to help you bring your summer vision to life. Whether you’re looking for innovative design ideas, eco-friendly materials, or logistical support, our team has the expertise to make your summer packaging a success. Let’s start planning today—because a successful summer begins now.
