Although summer is one of the most popular times of year for weddings, it can also be hot and uncomfortable.
It’s crucial to keep guests in mind while planning a summer wedding and remember that they will be exposed to extremely high temperatures and UV radiation.
To make your dream summer wedding a reality, there are a few options, such as picking the attire to wear when walking down the aisle or choosing florals and table arrangements to enhance your celebration.
Creative drinks, ice cream, and summer wedding decorations like personalised floats, mini-flamingo floats, greenery, and twinkling lights are among the most crucial components of a summer wedding.
There are a few decisions to be made in order to make your ideal summer wedding a reality, such as selecting the attire to wear as you walk down the aisle or selecting the floral arrangements and table settings.
Why Plan A Summer Wedding?
Here are some great reasons to plan a summer wedding if you still need to do it!
- Today’s couples want to bring nature into their wedding because it gives them space for guests to walk around and beautiful scenery to photograph.
- Summer brides tend to have more colour palettes to choose from.
- Honeymoon destinations can be enjoyed at any time of the year if you choose the right one, but there are more options during the summer months, especially if you choose to honeymoon locally.
- Six months is enough for a summer wedding if you don’t intend to be engaged for a long time.
- With consistent weather during the summer months, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor venues to choose from.
Tips To Make Your Summer Wedding A Perfect Affair
If you’ve already decided to go for summer to celebrate your big day, you must keep a few things in mind. Also, we have some great tips to make it more special!
1. Avoid Being Too Rigid With The Dates & Timing
Summer weddings are very popular, so be flexible when choosing your preferred time.
You may want a Saturday afternoon wedding in June, but you can book more of your favourite vendors for Friday night or Sunday morning. A weekday wedding is another option to consider.
Also, choosing your wedding date during the off-season or off-season can save you money and increase venue and vendor availability.
Remember that the weather may not be ideal, but it can be a beautiful and memorable day with proper planning.
Also, be careful when choosing dates for holidays. Sure, you can arrange your wedding around big summer holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, but that can affect the number of guests you can attend.
Ideally, you don’t want people outside during the hottest part of the day. To ensure that your vision comes true, it’s important to have a contingency plan in place in case something unexpected happens.
If the ceremony is held outdoors, waiting until mid to late evening is highly recommended to avoid everyone sweating in their wedding attire. Even if your wedding is 100% offsite, you want to satisfy your guests.
2. Arrange For Abundant Shades
This is especially important if the wedding occurs in a hot and sunny place.
Providing shade will keep your guests comfortable and allow them to enjoy the celebration without the heat or discomfort.
Consider renting tents and parasols to shade your guests during your ceremony or reception and prevent them from getting too hot or sunburnt.
If your wedding takes place on the hottest day of the year, it’s best to watch the ceremony from the shade of a tent or gazebo rather than sunbathing until it’s over.
Therefore, monitoring the weather forecast and planning accordingly is important to ensure everyone is comfortable during the ceremony. Additionally, we recommend having an indoor backup location in inclement weather.
3. Get Some Beach Goodies
When hosting a summer wedding in a remote location, it’s important to consider everything your guests might need in an emergency but may be unable to find.
Consider providing a detailed map with directions to the venue, a list of nearby accommodations, and emergency contact information.
Also, consider creating a contingency plan in case of severe weather or other unforeseen problems.
Additionally, area maps and event schedules help guests navigate remote locations and plan activities accordingly.
Especially if the area is known to be infested with mosquitoes and other pests, it is important to choose a quality repellent that is effective at repelling insects. Providing guests with various repellents, such as sprays and wipes, can also help.
4. Get The Perfect Color Palette
Summer is the perfect season to experiment with light pastels for weddings and light, airy fabrics like linen and tulle.
You can choose a colour palette that works for you, but in general, darker and warmer tones complement the cooler surroundings, making them ideal for winter weddings.
Additionally, consider incorporating natural elements such as flowers and greenery into your decor for a summer wedding to add a seasonal feel.
Remember to choose comfortable clothes for you and your guests, as thick fabrics and tight fits can be uncomfortable in the warmer months.
You can also choose a specific summer wedding theme for your wedding. Another option is incorporating bright, bold colours like coral, turquoise, and yellow into your wedding theme to complement the vibrant summer season.
Also, consider providing refreshing beverages and snacks to keep guests cool and comfortable throughout the ceremony and reception.
Consider using a colour scheme or theme that reflects the season regardless of style. Doing so will make the big day more conscious.
5. Go For Seasonal Food And Decor
We want to ensure your wedding vision is clear, but it’s important to be realistic about what works (or doesn’t) in summer, especially flowers and food.
That doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate them into floral arrangements and centrepieces, but you can also combine them with some heat-tolerant plants to keep the flowers from wilting too much.
Work with your florist to find seasonal flowers that fit your theme and overall vision. You can contact a reliable mississauga flower delivery centre to get some fresh blooms to your doorstep.
Also, when the photographer isn’t photographing the wedding, ask your bridesmaids to place the bouquet in a shaded area or a vase of cold water.
If the buds are exposed to summer heat for a long time, keep a spray bottle handy and mist lightly every hour.
Work with your caterer to plan a summery menu, and ask your venue to keep your summer wedding cake (and other delicacies) in a cool place until you serve it.
This can make your wedding day less stressful as food is left unattended in the heat of a summer wedding.
6. Keep A light Summer-Friendly Dress Codes
When it comes to staying cool, you don’t have to be obsessed with how your bridesmaids and groomsmen are dressed, but you should also keep in mind their comfort.
As one of her top tips for summer weddings, Bridesmaid recommends light and airy outfits that are relatively easy to achieve with her dress.
Guests are required to wear cool, breathable clothing. Finally, remember to stay calm and comfortable with yourself and your loved ones.
Another important tip for brides is to wear hairstyles that keep them cool. Long-haired brides and grooms should wear their hair in a bun to avoid hanging over the neck or shoulders.
If you’re getting married in the Deep South at the end of July, maids and groomsmen may prefer to avoid being buried under layers of fabrics and accessories.
Consider shorter dresses and lighter fabrics such as organza or charmeuse. As a best man, you should be extra careful not to sweat even before the ceremony begins.
7. Stay Prepared For Sudden Summer Showers
Most climates have showers in the summer.
These summer showers are usually brief and occur in the afternoon or evening, providing relief from the heat.
Some people are surprised by the showers; others are not.
But if you’ve been planning your wedding for months, there’s no way to predict if it will rain on your special day.
A plan B for an unexpected weather event is always a good idea. Consider renting an indoor space or tent to ensure your wedding day is special, rain or shine.
As your wedding day approaches, you can predict the weather more accurately and plan accordingly.
It is important always to be prepared for any situation. Therefore, always communicate your backup plan to your provider and guests to avoid confusion and last-minute changes.
That way, your special day won’t be ruined by unexpected weather.
Remember, a little rain or shine shouldn’t ruin the joy of your wedding day and the love you and your significant other have.
8. Arrange For The Most Refreshing Summer Cocktails
Summer drinks should include fresh fruit, a spritzer of rosé, and plenty of lemonade.
Add a touch of blended berries, aromatic herbs, or vibrant citrus to complement your wedding cocktail with a refreshing signature drink.
Your guests will appreciate the explosive taste of your drink, adding a fun and unique touch to your wedding celebration.
Be creative with your cocktail menu! Experiment with different fruit and herb combinations. When serving cocktails for your big day, there’s no better time to get creative than summer.
Gin pairs well with fizzy, refreshing drinks and may be the perfect summer spirit. Why don’t you make your original gin cocktail together?
Refreshing Berry Mojito, Arnold Palmers with Vodka, Juicy Sangria, Mango Bellini – oh yeah!
Keep water available at all times so your guests stay hydrated. Hosting a cocktail party is a great way to impress your guests and showcase your mixology skills.
You can also experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create unique and delicious drinks that everyone will love.
9. Keep Some Essentials And Favors Ready
If you’re hosting an outdoor event such as a ceremony, cocktail hour, or wedding reception, consider purchasing sun protection items for your guests.
However, taking some time before your wedding to prepare for some typical weather scenarios can help you avoid unnecessary stress during the day.
Summer weddings can be expensive, so budget wisely.
One of the best ways to do this, especially for summer weddings, is to purchase versatile party favours.
Wedding gifts are not required, but some couples give their guests thoughtful gifts as a thank-you for attending.
For maximum value for money, look for gifts guests can use on their wedding day, such as sunglasses, homemade fans, umbrellas, and custom drink koozies. The
welcome bag is also a preferred option for out-of-town wedding guests.
For a summer wedding, consider giving guests small gift bags with helpful items such as a small water bottle, travel-size sunscreen, and bug spray if you’re in a hot and humid area.
10. Stretch The Special Day With Additional Events
If you’re hosting your wedding abroad (or in a scenic location), consider planning an extra weekend of events, so your guests can turn your wedding into a little getaway.
During the summer, guests tend to take more vacation time to plan their vacations around the events they attend.
This can include a welcome dinner or brunch, group trips to local attractions, or even day trips after the wedding.
Giving your guests a chance to extend their stay and enjoy the destination will make your wedding memorable and enjoyable for all involved.
If you’re familiar with the area of your venue, share your recommendations for local attractions and activities to help your guests get the most out of their trip. Encourage your guests to turn their wedding into a mini trip to spend more time with their loved ones.
“When our guests turn our wedding into a vacation, we have more time to interact with them on our big day.”
You’ll also get the chance to explore the area and create lasting memories beyond your wedding day.
Additionally, providing recommendations for local attractions and activities will enhance your overall experience.
Wrapping It Up!
Assuming you and your chosen one have agreed on wedding priorities and budgets (haven’t you had those conversations?), how do those priorities match the venue you have in mind? Consider how well they match.
Whatever your top priorities, make sure the space you choose is also right for your guests!
As a rough rule of thumb, she should be about 12-14 square feet per guest for a sit-down dinner, or 8-9 feet if she sits and some stand-and-serve cocktails.
Get everything done before the last hour to enjoy a cheerful and magical wedding!