Here’s your expert-approved guide on practical tips that you might overlook when planning a summer wedding celebration!
Summer weddings evoke images of beautiful ceremonies in picturesque natural settings and sun-kissed outdoor receptions. However, the season also brings intense heat, which could disrupt the event flow of your wedding festivities and make you and your guests uncomfortable.
To help you beat the heat and plan the perfect summer wedding, we reached out to leading wedding experts and planners for handy tips. Save this guide to ensure that your guests feel comfortable and well thought of at your summer wedding!
Later Start Time
When scheduling the event flow of your summer wedding, consider the peak sun times and opt for a later start time.
“We have more daylight in the summer season, so you can consider a later ceremony time, like 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.,” declares Penny Haas, owner and lead planner of Penny Haas, LLC. “This will still give the afternoon glow, but help out with temperature during set-ups, direct sunlight on the vendors, the design, and the guests, and encourage the wedding to continue into the evening, where guests can enjoy dinner, drinks, and dancing as the sun goes down.”
Personalized Accessories That Double Up as Heat Protection
Offering guests chic custom accessories such as sunglasses and parasols that protect them from the sun’s harsh rays will greatly elevate their comfort during a summer wedding.
“Personalized sunglasses with the couple’s names, hashtag, or wedding date on them are not only great for surviving outdoor summer weddings — they also make for fantastic photos!” says Nirjary Desai, event producer and founder at KIS(cubed) Events. “Leave them on each guest’s chair along with sunscreen, and handheld fans as a surprise when they arrive.”
Providing parasols is an excellent way to offer shade, protect guests from the scorching sun, and add a stylish touch to your wedding aesthetics.
“White parasols are practical, pretty, and definitely on-trend. Offering them to guests during sunny ceremonies or cocktail hours is a thoughtful touch that people genuinely appreciate,” adds Pamela Tatz, owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography. “They also photograph beautifully, creating a sort of elevated, romantic garden party feel.”
Shaded Lounge Areas
If you are hosting your wedding festivities outdoors during peak sun times, incorporate shaded lounge areas where guests can take breaks from the heat. These spaces can be a great spot for guests to unwind or socialize with other guests as well.
“As a matchmaker who often works with couples and high-profile wedding guests, I always remind my clients that comfort and connection go hand-in-hand. For summer weddings, it’s not just about staying cool — it’s about creating an atmosphere where people want to mingle and engage. Consider lounge areas with shaded seating, and hand fans or parasols that double as charming take-home favors. The more at ease your guests feel, the more memorable and magical the day becomes,” mentions Cassindy Chao, celebrity matchmaker and founder of Ancient Wisdom, Modern Love.
Venues With Indoor And Outdoor Spaces
Picking a venue that features indoor and outdoor spaces provides flexibility and a refuge from the sun.
“While everyone’s dream vision for a destination wedding is to get married outside, it’s important to consider the comfort of you, your spouse, and your guests. We love it when couples opt for venues that offer both outdoor and indoor settings, such as a rooftop terrace connected to a ballroom with AC. Plus, a rooftop will most likely offer a comfortable breeze and unbeatable panoramic views of your stunning locale,” remarks Jen Avey, VP of marketing at Destination Weddings Travel Group.
Hydration And Sunscreen Stations
Keeping guests hydrated and protected from the heat is crucial for an enjoyable summer wedding.
“Often, by the time cocktail hour and reception come along, the temperature has cooled, but it’s usually during the ceremony when the heat is scorching. Take care of your guests by ensuring a shaded area and/or sunglasses, visors, umbrellas, folding fans, etc. Additionally, a hydration station with refreshing coolers such as iced tea and lemonade is a must!” states Zorawar Shukla, wedding DJ and CEO of Desi Beat Collective.
Adding a hydration station will help prevent guests from having heat strokes later on.
“Many summer weddings host the ceremony outside because of the beautiful landscapes. Think about offering a hydration station upon arrival at the ceremony. This can be as basic as bottled water in a cooler with a fun koozie to a more elevated infused water station. When the heat and humidity are high, keeping your guests hydrated is helpful before the celebration begins,” adds Shannon Tarrant, co-founder of Wedding Venue Map.
Be Prepared
If you are hosting your wedding festivities outside on a hot summer day, it’s important that you are prepared if any guests or vendors have a heatstroke.
“I always like to keep instant cold packs for emergencies and recommend that my couples do the same. I also advise them to have some electrolyte drinks and a couple of dry clothes that can be soaked in cold water and used as damp, cold towels. In case someone experiences heatstroke, these are three things that can help bring their temperature down until professionals arrive on site,” says Nicole Chan, owner and photographer at Nicole Chan Photo & Video.
Summer-Friendly Dress Code
Choosing a summer weather-friendly dress code will positively impact your guests’ comfort levels throughout the day.
“Fans, shade, and AC can only do so much if you enact a black-tie dress code. Instead, consider suggesting a resort-style or ‘garden party’ theme on your wedding website with examples — this will give guests permission to wear lighter fabrics, shorter sleeves, and shorter dresses if they choose,” remarks Kevin Dennis, wedding expert and owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services. “Provide as much detail as possible for the locale so that everyone can keep an eye on the weather leading up to your big day.”
Be Mindful of the Food Displays
When crafting your food menu, think about how the heat will affect the food and its presentation. Moreover, it’s imperative that perishable food dishes not be left exposed for extended periods, particularly in extreme heat, to prevent spoilage and ensure guest safety.
Cool Appetizers and Frozen Delights
Serve refreshing, summer weather-appropriate culinary and beverage options to help guests cool down and enjoy the wedding festivities.
“When the temperature rises, think light, frozen desserts or popsicle-inspired cocktails. Skip the traditional cake and serve guests your favorite cold treat. You could even stock your bar with a frosé or slushy station!” concludes Tracy Autem, owner of Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography. “From arrival, you can delight your guests with a popsicle or champagne cart and go for maximum refreshment, with bright, citrus-infused drinks and cool appetizers throughout the day.”
Written by Pallavi Mehra | Cover photo by River & Root Photography from Lacey and Molly's Summer Backyard Wedding
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