How to Keep Cool at Your Summer Wedding

by KristenJune 15, 2011 0

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Photo via One Charming Party

Saying your vows in the summer sunshine can make for a beautiful ceremony, but hot weather can take its toll on your guests, flowers and food. With some careful planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors while preventing your wedding party and guests from wilting in the heat.

Choose your wedding date wisely
When setting a date and reserving locations for your reception and ceremony, be sure to check average temperatures and humidity levels. Will there be air conditioning at the venue? Will you be outside all day? You may dream of saying ‘I do’ at high noon in August, but take everyone’s comfort into consideration.

Dress the part
If you’re getting married outdoors in one of the hottest summer months, it may be best for the groomsmen to skip the three-piece suits. Brides may want to choose a summery wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses in a lightweight material, or even a short wedding dress to keep cool and comfortable. And of course, choose a hairstyle and makeup that can stand up to the heat.

Photo via Breezin Entertainment

Cake placement & careful catering
Talk with your caterer about keeping cool menu items fresh if they’re going to be served outdoors. Consider chilled appetizers like shrimp cocktail or gazpacho rather than heartier fare. Hand guests a nice, refreshing cocktail upon arrival, and display big, beautiful carafes of water, lemonade or iced tea.

And of course, keep the cake out of the sun! Ask your baker if the cake can be iced at the last minute on-site or chilled in a freezer beforehand. Choose a sturdy icing and flowers that will hold up to the heat. Or, you could always skip the cake in favor of a hot-weather treat, such as an ice cream or sorbet, artisanal ice pops, or strawberry shortcake.

Photo via Wedding Favour Shop

Do your guests a favor
To keep guests from wilting, offer paper fans or colorful sunglasses as wedding favors. Keep a basket of flip-flops next to the dance floor for guests who want to kick off their heels (a good idea no matter what the weather). If both the ceremony and the reception will be outdoors, ask your venue if they have large tents to provide shade or electric fans to circulate air. If there will be elderly guests or babies present, check to see if the venue will have an air conditioned area where they can go for a quick respite from the sun’s rays.

Photo via Bridesmaid Trade

Soak up the sun!
Make the summer sunshine your theme! Sunny yellow is a happy wedding color – pair it with smoky gray, or striking cobalt blue for some contrast. Go for a tropical theme with umbrella drinks and leis for your guests! Grill out! The (cloudless) sky’s the limit!