Planning the Perfect Summer Wedding

Jul 25

We’re in the thick of summer wedding season, arguably the most popular season to get married in. One of the reasons it’s a popular season in California is because of the stunning backdrops for weddings that are available, such as the picturesque wineries, beaches, and private estates with gorgeous gardens, as well as outdoor and indoor event spaces.

Plus there are many fun elements you can include so that your wedding exudes that incredible summer feeling! Planning for a summer wedding requires a lot of thorough planning. Today, we’re sharing all the deets about planning your summer wedding to a tee!

1. Scout Your Venue

This is where planning well in advance comes in very handy! A year prior your wedding date, visit your venue around the same time to get a look and feel of the space, more specifically the lighting, shade availability, and airflow. A quick visit to your wedding venue can help you determine what rental items you will need for your wedding to be as comfortable as can be for everyone attending. Your wedding venue and Wedding Planner can also help you locate rental companies for proper cooling systems and tents for optimum comfort.

2. Guest Comfort is Key

Summer weddings can be SO beautiful, but hot! Make sure to provide your guests with comfortable means and protection from direct sunlight. You may consider opting for either an indoor venue or a tented wedding, you could rent AC units or misters, you could also consider providing umbrellas or fans.

Try to provide cold refreshments during the ceremony as well. Cold drinks such as infused water, lemonade, iced tea or even cold water bottles will go a looooong way for your guests. They will immensely appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Pro Tip: When distributing umbrellas or parasols, try to use the same color and style for all the guests. Your photographer will thank you!

3. Discuss Floral Arrangements

Picking the right florals that can handle the summer weather is a big consideration. Talk to your floral designer about your options for floral arrangements that can withstand the heat and direct sunlight. Some florals like gardenias, hydrangeas, and tulips do not do well in the heat. Talking to your floral designer will help provide some guidance on floral options and availability.

4. Optimize Your Timeline

Summer has some sweet perks, such as the glorious sunsets! These sunsets don’t happen until much later in the day, so you may want to keep this in mind when crafting your timeline. Generally, for summer weddings, it is always a good idea to keep the outdoor Ceremonies short & sweet. Your guests will not enjoy having to stand or sit in the scorching heat for about 45 minutes, no matter how gorgeous the venue or views are.

If you prefer a timeline that starts later, opt for a Ceremony that starts at 6 pm, that way, your guests are not sitting during the hottest time of the day. Your guests will be appreciative plus, your sunset photos will come out stunning!

5. Light & Airy Dress Code

Your wedding look is a key element on your special day. So ensure that you consider your wedding attire as a couple, as well as your wedding party’s! When you’re choosing “The Dress”, you will want to take into consideration the styles and fabrics of your wedding gown to be comfortable in it during the hot weather. Summer weddings are a great opportunity for light and breathable fabrics in gorgeous pale colors.

The women should avoid tight-fitting dresses as it isn’t very comfortable on hot days. For your wedding gown, it would be a good idea to avoid heavy fabrics, a long train and heavy veil as this adds weight and can be extremely uncomfortable.

For the men, steer away from wearing black tuxedos and three piece suits. Go for light linen suits or any other lighter material that is comfortable.

6. Opt for a Lighter Menu

It’s a well-known fact that certain foods have their seasons. Generally, serving heavy foods is not a good idea when the weather is hot. Discuss with your caterer about providing dishes that they’re sure can endure the heat. Consider light and refreshing dishes and seasonal items such as tropical fruits, crisp refreshing veggies, and opting for salads instead of soups. Your guests will not only enjoy the food, but they’ll also feel good after eating it!

7. Incorporate Inviting Spaces

Having lounges, chairs, and coffee tables for your wedding is not only a great idea aesthetically, it also has a few more benefits. Working with your Wedding Planner & Designer, they can create a stunning, inviting, and relaxing vignette for your guests. The stylish rentals not only look great on your wedding photos, they also provide your guests with comfortable seating areas during Cocktail Hour while they wait and mingle instead of standing around. Ask your Wedding Planner & Designer which rental companies they recommend to provide you with rentals to fit your personal style.

8. Your Hair and Makeup

Consult with your hair and makeup artists for tips on products that withstand heat and humidity. Your wedding makeup artist can easily provide you with long lasting makeup options for those long, hot summer days. Plan to set up a makeup trial to see how long lasting the makeup is and how it can hold up in the heat.

Your wedding hairstylist may advice you that maybe a sophisticated and elegant updo is generally a good idea. Wearing your hair down is a good option too, but if your hairstylist hasn’t mentioned it yet, you may consider asking for anti-frizz products.

We strongly recommend to ask your hair & make up artists to stay for touchups and to check on your hair after the ceremony as it may not hold up in the heat.

Pro Tip: When scheduling your hair & makeup trials, align them with when you take your engagement photos to see what you may be looking like in photos on your wedding day!

9. Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Getting sun-burned and then eventually getting that gorgeous tan may be ideal for your honeymoon, but not for your wedding day!! So, please consider incorporating SPF into your wedding makeup, on top of the SPF 100 sunscreen that you will apply on your body before the Ceremony.

Pro Tip: If possible, provide travel-sized sunscreen for guests to stay protected or advise them on your wedding website to wear/ bring sunscreen.

10. Enjoy Your Beautiful Wedding Day!

Regardless of the season, at the end of the day, it is all about you & your love. So, no matter the weather, trust in your planning and preparations to ensure everything runs smoothly.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to create a perfect summer wedding!

Are You Planning Your Summer Wedding?

Now that you have a better idea on how to plan and prepare for your beautiful summer wedding, click the link below to inquire about how Ayanda Whiting Events can give you the peace of mind knowing you will be prepared like a pro to have a memorable, and heartfelt wedding experience you are looking for!

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Ayanda Whiting

Hi, my name is Ayanda Whiting. A wife to Spencer, a Mom to Maya and Alana. I am the founder of Ayanda Whiting Events, a Wedding Planning and Designing company based in Provo, UT. I’ve been in the wedding industry for more than 10 years and I love it more now than ever! I offer several services including planning, designing, and styling intentional, customized weddings. I also offer wedding coordinating services. I have helped a lot of excited but stressed-out brides and grooms feel calm, understood, and taken care of through our easy workflow and our services. We bring to life their dream weddings with our unique style and design.

https://awe@ayandawhitingevents.com