Planning A Summer Wedding: Tips For A Perfect Day

Planning the perfect summer wedding can be a challenging task. It is important to start planning early, as summer is a popular time for weddings and venues and vendors can get booked up. It is also important to consider the comfort of your guests – providing shade, fans, and plenty of water can help keep your guests cool, and choosing light and breathable fabrics for your wedding attire can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable. Getting creative with your desserts and incorporating summer fruits and frozen treats can also be a fun way to beat the heat. By planning ahead and considering the unique challenges of a summer wedding, you can create a memorable and comfortable experience for you and your guests.

Planning and timing

Planning a summer wedding requires plenty of organisation and preparation. It is one of the most popular times of the year for weddings, so it's important to start planning early. It is recommended that couples begin their venue search 16 to 18 months prior to the wedding date. This will ensure you have a wide range of venues and vendors to choose from.

The first step is to decide on a guest list. This is important as it will impact the choice of venue and other details. You should send out save the dates at least six months in advance, especially if you are planning a summer wedding, as guests are likely to be planning and booking holidays during this period.

The next step is to choose a venue. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, which is a popular choice for summer, you should consider a venue with natural shade, such as trees, or ensure the venue can provide shade, such as parasols or marquees. You should also check if the venue has air conditioning and fans to keep guests comfortable. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, you could also provide guests with items such as sunglasses, parasols, fans, and bug spray to protect them from the sun and heat.

When planning the food for a summer wedding, it is best to opt for light, fresh, and crisp dishes. Grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, and salads are ideal, as heavy meals can slow people down and even make them unwell in warm temperatures. It is also important to choose floral arrangements that can withstand the heat. Heartier blossoms, such as calla lilies, regular lilies, and orchids, are a good option.

Venue and attire

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for weddings, so it's important to start planning and booking your venue early. Begin your venue search around 16 to 18 months before the wedding to ensure you have the first pick.

When choosing a venue, opt for a location with plenty of natural shade, such as a garden or a beach, to keep your guests comfortable. If you're getting married on the beach, consider a nautical theme with seashells and other seaside details. Alternatively, a romantic garden-themed wedding is a classic choice. If you're planning to have any events outside, make sure there is ample shade, and consider providing items like sunglasses, parasols, and bug spray for your guests.

For the happy couple, it's important to choose attire that is comfortable and breathable. Look for lightweight and gauzy fabrics in light, pale colours. For the bride, avoid heavy fabrics, long trains, and thick veils, as these can be uncomfortable in the heat. Instead, go for light and airy styles made from fabrics like chiffon, silk, or cotton. For the groom, avoid black tuxedos or three-piece suits. Light linen suits or polos in light colours will help keep them cool.

Similarly, the wedding party should also dress for the weather. Bridesmaids will appreciate light and airy clothing, while groomsmen might need more creative options to stay cool, such as light linen suits or even polos and trousers.

Food and drink

When it comes to food and drink, there are a few things to consider for a summer wedding. Firstly, the weather will likely be warm, so it's best to avoid serving heavy, hot meals. Opt instead for light, refreshing, and crisp dishes that are in season. Think grilled vegetables, fresh fruits, and salads. If you want to include cheese, be mindful that some varieties may melt in the heat and become messy. Ask your caterer to provide dishes that can endure the heat, and be sure to keep desserts like cupcakes or buttercream cakes indoors until they are served to prevent melting and to keep bugs at bay.

Get creative with desserts by offering guests frozen treats such as fresh fruit, popsicles, shaved ice, or even an ice cream truck. If you're serving drinks, ice-cold water is a must, and you can add slices of lemon, lime, or orange for a stylish and refreshing touch. For a more informal wedding, stock the bar or buffet with ice-filled coolers of water bottles.

To make your guests feel extra comfortable, provide cooling gadgets such as handheld, battery-run fans, or pretty paper fans, especially if they will be spending a lot of time outside. You could also provide spray bottles of high-SPF sunscreen at each table. If your wedding is outdoors, be mindful that metal chairs can heat up in the sun, so consider providing chair cushions or fabric slip covers for guest comfort.

Guest comfort

Summer is a popular time for weddings, but the heat can be uncomfortable for guests. To ensure your guests are comfortable, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, inform your guests in advance about the potential for hot weather, so they can prepare. It is also a good idea to advise them on appropriate clothing—suggest light, breathable fabrics such as chiffon, silk, linen, or cotton.

Providing shade is essential. If your venue has ample natural shade, make use of it by arranging tables and chairs under trees or large umbrellas. If not, you can rent a tent or pavilion to ensure your guests are not sitting in direct sunlight. You could also provide parasols and fans to help keep your guests cool. For an evening wedding, especially at the beginning or end of the season, consider renting outdoor heat sources such as patio heaters.

It is also important to consider the food and drink you will be serving. Opt for light, refreshing dishes such as salads, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit. Avoid heavy, hot meals that may make your guests feel sluggish or unwell in the heat. Serve ice-cold water, and consider providing flavoured water with slices of lemon, lime, or orange. You could also set up a bubble tea and wine bar, and offer frozen treats such as popsicles, shaved ice, or an ice cream truck for dessert.

Finally, there are a few extra touches you can add to ensure your guests are comfortable. If your venue will be providing metal chairs, be aware that these can heat up in the sun, so arrange for chair cushions or fabric slip covers. Provide spray bottles of sunscreen and bug spray at each table, and consider supplying sunglasses for your guests.

Photography

Capturing the perfect photographs of your special day is an important part of wedding planning. Summer is a great time to get creative and experiment with bright, bold colours and statement details, like a stunning wedding arch, which can serve as a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos.

If you're lucky enough to have a gorgeous sunset, a beach wedding can provide a romantic setting for your photos. Alternatively, a classic, romantic garden-themed wedding can also be a great choice for a summer wedding, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery providing a colourful backdrop.

When it comes to your wedding attire, light and airy clothing is recommended for both the wedding party and the guests. This can include light and gauzy fabrics in pale colours for the bridesmaids and light linen suits or polos for the groomsmen. The bride should also consider the weight of her gown, veil and train, as these can add extra discomfort in the heat.

To make the most of the summer season, you may want to consider an outdoor ceremony, which can result in gorgeous photographs. However, keep in mind that the summer heat can be a challenge, so ensure there is ample shade available for your guests and wedding party to retreat to. You may also want to provide cooling gadgets like handheld fans and ice-cold water to keep your guests comfortable.

Finally, don't forget to book your photographer well in advance, as summer is a busy time for photographers and you don't want to be left disappointed.

Frequently asked questions