Franklin Dean
Planning a summer church wedding and reception can be a challenging task. There are many factors to consider, from the time of day to the weather, the food and drink, the number of guests, and the availability of the church. It's also important to be mindful of the rules and regulations of the church, which may impact your plans for flowers, candles, and music. Choosing the right fabrics and styles for your wedding attire is another key consideration, as you'll want to select breathable materials that will keep you and your wedding party comfortable throughout the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of day | Plan food and beverages according to the time of day. For example, if the ceremony is at 11 am, serve brunch at noon. |
| Church staff | Work with the church staff member responsible for weddings to understand the rules that must be abided by. |
| Wedding attire | Choose breathable fabrics that won't feel too hot or stuffy outdoors, such as chiffon, silk, linen, and cotton. |
| Wedding hairstyle and makeup | Take the weather forecast into account when planning your hairstyle and makeup. |
| Wedding flowers | Use durable summer wedding flowers and tropical plants, like succulents, anthurium, orchids, proteas, or palm leaves. |
| Food and desserts | Consider the warm weather when planning food and desserts to avoid melted buttercream cake or ice cream. |
| Wedding date | Don't plan on just one set day for the wedding and be prepared for other events to be taking place at the church. |
| Number of guests | Having the reception at the church reduces costs as the reception hall tends to be smaller, meaning the number of guests may have to be limited. |
What You'll Learn
Choosing a date and venue
When choosing a date and venue for your summer church wedding and reception, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, don't plan on just one set day for the wedding, and don't expect to be the only event going on at the church, especially if it's a large city church. The most desired date may not be available, and there may be another life ceremony taking place at the church on the day, including another wedding or even a funeral. If you have your heart set on a particular date, it's a good idea to plan well in advance and be flexible with your time.
When it comes to the venue, having the reception at the church can reduce costs. The reception hall of a church is usually smaller than a hotel or country club ballroom, which means the number of guests may have to be limited, so plan for this at the outset and let all involved in the guest list know.
Another thing to consider when choosing a date is the time of day for the ceremony. If the ceremony is in the morning, then brunch selections for the reception are a great choice. If it's in the afternoon or evening, you might want to opt for a more substantial meal. Keep in mind that the weather will be warmer in the summer, so choose a menu that won't spoil or melt in the heat.
Finally, when choosing your wedding attire, look for breathable fabrics that won't feel too hot or stuffy outdoors, such as chiffon, silk, linen, and cotton. You can also use this as an opportunity to change into a comfortable reception dress or second look after the ceremony.
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Food and drink
When it comes to food and drink, the time of day of your ceremony will play a big part in what you choose to serve. If your ceremony is at 11 am, for example, you might want to serve brunch at noon. If you're having a summer wedding, you'll also need to consider the weather when planning your menu. You don't want a melted buttercream cake or ice cream bar causing a mess at your outdoor reception!
If you're having a church wedding, it's worth bearing in mind that the reception hall might be smaller than other venues, so you may need to limit your guest list. This will have an impact on the amount of food and drink you need to provide. It's also worth noting that you might not be the only event going on at the church, so be prepared to share the space and work with the other bride if there is one.
When it comes to drinks, consider providing a selection of summer-inspired cocktails or mocktails to fit the season. You could also offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to cater to different tastes and preferences. If you're having a church wedding, check with the staff to see if there are any restrictions on alcohol service.
For food, opt for dishes that are light and refreshing, such as salads, fruit platters, and cold meats. If you're having a sit-down meal, consider offering a choice of two or three main courses to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. You could also provide a buffet-style meal, which can be more cost-effective and give guests more options. Don't forget to include some vegetarian and vegan options!
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Flowers and decorations
When it comes to flowers and decorations for a summer church wedding and reception, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to be mindful of any rules or restrictions the church may have regarding flowers and decorations. Some churches may have specific guidelines on the types of flowers, candles, or music that are allowed. Working with a wedding florist can help identify blooms that fit your theme and vision while also adhering to any church guidelines.
For a summer wedding, consider using durable flowers and tropical plants that can withstand the warmer temperatures. Succulents, anthurium, orchids, proteas, and palm leaves are all great options that can add a touch of summer flair to your wedding. To keep your flowers looking fresh, ask a bridesmaid to hold your bouquet in a shady spot or place it in a vase of cool water when it's not being used for photos. If your flowers will be exposed to the sun for an extended period, keep a spray water bottle on hand to give them a light mist every hour or so.
In terms of decorations, consider the size and layout of the church and reception hall. As the reception hall in a church is usually smaller than other venues, the number of guests may need to be limited. This can impact the amount of space available for decorations. Opt for decorations that complement the church's architecture and create a cohesive look between the ceremony and reception spaces.
When planning a summer wedding, it's also important to consider the comfort of your guests. Choose breathable fabrics for your wedding attire, such as chiffon, silk, linen, or cotton, to stay cool and comfortable outdoors. You may also want to provide fans or parasols for your guests to help them beat the heat.
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Attire and comfort
When planning a summer church wedding and reception, it's important to consider the comfort of your guests as well as your wedding party. The weather will play a big part in this, so be sure to take the forecast into account when planning your wedding hairstyle and makeup, and consider the comfort of your guests when it comes to food and drink. For example, you might want to avoid a buttercream cake or ice cream bar if it's going to be very hot.
For the wedding party, breathable fabrics such as chiffon, silk, linen and cotton will ensure everyone feels comfortable during the ceremony and reception. It's also a good idea to consider a change of outfit for the reception, especially if it's going to be held outdoors. This could be a more comfortable dress or a second look.
For guests, it's important to strike a balance between comfort and modesty. Summer wedding guest dresses for church should be knee-length or longer in a classic silhouette, avoiding anything too revealing or flashy. Lightweight, cool fabrics are best, and it's a good idea to bring a shawl, cardigan or blazer to cover up during the ceremony if you're wearing something sleeveless. Layers are your best friend, no matter the season.
When it comes to footwear, nice but comfortable high heels are a good option, and closed-toe shoes are generally preferred in churches. Don't forget to bring a clutch bag or small handbag to complete your look, and keep accessories simple and understated.
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Guests and activities
When planning a summer church wedding and reception, it's important to consider the comfort of your guests. The summer heat can be oppressive, so it's a good idea to choose breathable fabrics like chiffon, silk, linen, and cotton for your wedding attire and that of your wedding party. You may also want to consider having a second, more comfortable dress or outfit for the reception.
The number of guests may be limited by the size of the church reception hall, so it's important to plan for this in advance and communicate this to those involved in the guest list. A church wedding reception can also offer more activities for children and keep guests of all ages together in one place.
When it comes to food and beverages, the time of day will play a significant role in your choices. For example, if the ceremony is at 11 am, brunch selections at noon would be a great option for the reception, which typically starts about an hour after the ceremony. It's also crucial to consider the warm weather when planning your menu to avoid melted buttercream cakes or messy ice cream bars.
Lastly, it's important to be flexible with your desired date, as churches serve a community and there may be other events or ceremonies taking place on the same day.
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Frequently asked questions
Opt for breathable fabrics that won't feel too hot or stuffy outdoors, like chiffon, silk, linen and cotton.
Plan your food and drink around the time of day. If the ceremony is at 11 a.m., then brunch selections at noon are a great choice. If you're planning an outdoor reception, avoid foods that will melt in the heat, like buttercream cake or an ice cream bar.
The wedding guests don’t need driving directions to another event location, everybody stays together, there tends to be more activities for any little ones involved, and the reception hall of a church is usually smaller, so you can limit the number of guests.
