How to Beat the Heat at Your Summer Wedding

Having a summer wedding is not for the faint of heart, especially when you have outdoor events and activities for guests, such as an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour. As a wedding planner, I’ve seen what works best for not only you, but for your guests to beat the heat at a summer wedding. I’ve compiled my years of knowledge into this blog post with everything you’ll need to know for not only an outdoor wedding, but a hot one!

Photo by: Sage Photography

First things first. You need to figure out if your wedding ceremony, cocktail, reception, or all of the above are outside, or if you’re going to split your wedding day up into an indoor/outdoor event. Once you have that decided, you’ll be able to see which ideas will work best for your big day!

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

There are a few things you can do and offer to your guests to help keep them cool during the ceremony, such as:

• Offer Cold Refreshments, Especially Water (You can even offer your guests multiple flavored water options)

• Giving Guests Parasols to Block Out the Sun

• Using Customized Hand Fans or Program Fans

• Have a Morning Wedding Followed by a Brunch (The hottest times of the day are around 3pm, which is an average ceremony start time)

• Have a Sunset Wedding

Outdoor Wedding Cocktail hour

Most couples who have an outdoor ceremony, like to have an outdoor cocktail hour as well. While most of the ways for you and your guests to stay cool are the same as our ceremony suggestions, there are a few other ideas we have for you!

• Serve Cold and Refreshing Appetizers to Guests

• Have a Beverage Burro Walk Around with Cold Refreshments (Pictured)

• Make Sure There are Plenty of Shaded Areas for Guests

• Have Lots of Water on Ice (Make sure it’s readily available and easy for guests to access, like a grab and go cooler near the bar)

Tent Weddings in the summer

Many couples opt for tent weddings these days, and if you’re doing that in the hot summer months, we have a few recommendations for you!

• Invest in Large Fans to Help with Air Flow

• Have Misters for Guests to Use

• Make Sure There’s Plenty of Shade, I don’t Reccommend Clear Tents During the Summer

• Keep the Sides of the Tent Open for Maximum Air Flow

• Have an Ice Cream Truck or Popsicles for Dessert

Guest Favor Ideas for summer weddings

Wedding favors are a great way to give your guests the tools they need to beat the summer heat, all while making sure they stay on brand for your big day! Some of the necessities can even be customized to have your last name, wedding date, or wedding colors on them, such as:

• Mini Customized Sunscreen Bottles

• Ceremony Program Fans

• Parasols

• Hand Fans

• Customized Bug Spray Bottles

• Waterbottles with Personalized Labels

• Customized Sunglasses

Don’t take this blog post as a sign not to do a summer wedding- because they are truly a great party for guests! We just want to make sure you think of every way possible to make sure you as the couple, and your guests, are comfortable throughout the event. We do have a few more tips and tricks for you to take a peek at though, to help make sure you kick off the perfect summer wedding!

Tips and tricks for an outdoor wedding:

• Give your guests a more lax dress code, no black tie suits and ball gowns

• Limit outdoor time if possible

• Make sure you provide plenty of shade for guests

• Avoid peak heat times in your area

• Let your guests know they’ll be outside ahead of time so they can dress accordingly

• Rent mist fans to blow on all outdoor areas used, trust me, they will help tremendously!

• Make sure YOU eat so you don’t faint, you’ll be outside in the heat more than guests to take photos