Warm Weather Wedding Dos and Don'ts

Creating the Summer Wedding of Your Dreams

Can you believe that summer weddings are in full swing?

Warm-weather weddings are some of my absolute favorites. There’s nothing like the fun, festive emotions that come with celebrations between May and August.  If you’ve been to an outdoor wedding during the summer months, you know exactly what I mean!

While there’s a long list of benefits to holding your big day during the summer, there are still ways your wedding day can be uncomfortable. Through the many warm-weather weddings I’ve worked on, I’ve learned a few things you should and shouldn’t do to have the best possible wedding experience.

Things to remember during your summer wedding:

Create a backup plan. Summer weddings typically have more weather-related advantages than winter weddings, but there is always a chance your big day will have rain, wind, or extreme heat. It’s always a good idea to come up with an alternate plan in case the forecast isn’t favorable.

Keep everyone hydrated. On a busy wedding day, it can be easy to forget simple things like drinking enough water. Be sure to provide water for all attendees, including guests, members of the wedding party, and the bride and groom.

Plan a morning or evening ceremony. As you’re organizing your wedding timeline, it’s important to keep the predicted temperature in mind. If you can, set your ceremony start time for the morning and evening, avoiding being outside in the sun during the hottest parts of the day. This is also helpful for better quality photos when the sun isn’t directly in everyone’s eyes.

Make sure there are enough shaded areas. Even when you plan around the weather, you may still encounter high heat during the evening. Look for venues that offer indoor/outdoor reception layouts, or have lots of shaded areas for guests to cool off.

Provide transportation if needed. The last thing you want your guests to do is walk a long distance in their nice clothes to get to your wedding venue. If there’s a considerable amount of space between the parking and your location, consider renting a golf cart or something similar to help guests to and from the venue.

Opt for lightweight fabrics. During an outdoor wedding, loose, flowy fabrics are typically the better choice for keeping cool. For members of the wedding party (and the bride!) choose dresses made from materials like chiffon, organza, or satin. 

Things to avoid during your summer wedding:

Serving a hearty menu. Summer weddings are the perfect time for foods that reflect the festive atmosphere of the warm months. Heavy foods can make the weather feel much hotter than it is. Instead, serve light dishes that are made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

Uncomfortable footwear. Searching for the perfect wedding shoe can be tricky, but when your big day arrives, you’ll be grateful to be wearing something comfortable. Sandals and open shoes are great options for warm-weather weddings, and there are endless color and style options out there!

Flowers that will easily wilt. Hot summer weather can quickly seep the life out of beautiful floral arrangements. If you’re not able to keep your arrangements and bouquets in a fridge, opt for more sturdy flowers that will be less likely to wilt in the heat and put them in water whenever you aren’t taking photos with them!

Lightweight decorations. Even with the best possible weather, outdoor weddings are likely to face breezy conditions. If you have lightweight decor that could easily be knocked over with a bit of wind, look for a more hardy option or find a way to secure it better.

Overloading your schedule. On a warm day, having your guests move around from place to place multiple times might leave them feeling tired and groggy. Keep your wedding timeline simple and stick to the basics. We encourage doing all of the elements of your day as close as possible to avoid travel time and too many gaps in between the celebrations as well.

I hope these ideas help you know what to expect when planning your wedding. If you’ve planned a summer celebration, we’d love to hear how it went!

♥ The Everson Events Team