If you’re one of our southern brides, we know that the summer heat has hit and brought it’s friend, humidity, with them! If you’re a northern bride, you’re still soaking in the last reminisce of spring and hoping that the weather starts to dry and warm up. Most of our couples that choose summer weddings, prefer the summer weather. Now, depending on your location and climate, summer temps may range from the 60s to 100+ degrees. As you plan, you’ll want to keep the weather, sun, and those UV rays in mind. Grab your favorite summer beverage and let’s talk about ways to help your guests say refreshed and enjoy the sparks of your wedding day.
01: Say hello to the tropics!
One of our favorite ways to tie in the summer theme or your climate is to create a tropical or summer theme. As you design your theme, think about your location. You can say a quick nod to summer with a coastal or tropical theme. The best part about these themes are they fit a variety of brides. Tropical or coastal can be fun, elegant, sophisticated, modern, or even boho.
You can keep it simple and utilize color palettes that fit the theme, or you can dive into adding patterns such as monstera or coastal stripes.
02: Beat the Heat at the Ceremony
We cannot tell you how many weddings we’ve sat at where we had to wipe the sweat away. A not so glamorous portion of holding your wedding in the summer heat, is that your guests and vendors may glisten a little bit… with sweat. The last thing we want your guests to feel is sweaty and uncomfortable. And often, the ceremony is the time where your guests do the majority of waiting. Guests may need to travel to the venue, they may plan to get there early, or want to ensure they find the venue. Due to many factors, your guests may be sitting in the heat, sun, and UV rays for 30 or more minutes. We love it when our couples opt to have items for their guests to beat the heat. We love, love, love the idea of sun hats, paper fans, program fans, cool misters (yes – you can rent these), cooling fans, parasoles, and iced water while your guests wait for you to make your debut. Ensure that your guests are comfortable and find a way for them to get relief if they need to.
03: Get Creative with Cuisine!
If you’re from the south, you may love a good crawfish bowl. Or, if you’re from the eastern states, you may enjoy a good clam bake. Whether you choose to have your favorite summer dish at your reception dinner, or have a laid back dining experience at your rehearsal dinner, tying in your favorite summer recipes is sure to make a splash.
04: Make Splash with a Water Station!
Let’s face it, summer weddings can be hot. The sun is shining and your guests may be overheating. Adding a simple, but effective, infused water station to your ceremony and reception is a great way to keep your guests cool and hydrated. Your water station is a great cost effective, non-alcoholic, addition to your wedding day. You can add a twist to your water with some fun simple recipes with some of our favs like: strawberries, lemon and basil; blackberries, lemon and rosemary; or pineapple, coconut and lime!
05: Create a Summer Grazing Table
One of your favorite trends this upcoming summer is grazing tables! A grazing table is fun and colorful way to incorporate your appetizers during your cocktail hour. Guests can simply pick and choose food at their leisure and graze. Grazing tables can offer a variety of appetizers that will fill up your guests without overindulging. And, when it is hot outside, offering light and bright choices for your guests’ palette is the way to go. Fill our table with delicious cheese, fruit, and veggies
06: Incorporate Summer Garlands and Fresh Blooms
Summer garlands and fresh seasonal blooms are a fun way to tie in summer. If you’re having your wedding outside, chances are that your location and outdoor scenery will speak for itself. We love the idea of neutral linens and flowers, with pops of color incorporated throughout. Don’t be scared to be a little daring and incorporate summer garlands. These garlands can be incorporated about tables, your ceremony space, or adorn the reception dance floor. A few of our couples have used hanging garlands and blooms and trust us, they are STUNNING.
07: Simplicity is Key with your Dessert
Dessert hits differently when it is summer. Bring in or ask your caterer for a dessert station such as cold ice cream or gelato. If you’re opting for a traditional cake, talk to your baker about what will work best in the heat (especially if your wedding is outdoors). We’ve seen a few cakes melt and slide in our days, so if you’re opting for buttercream, ensure that you have the facilities to keep it cool and keep it indoors until it’s time for the cake cut. Naked cakes, or cakes with simple designs will keep your cake light and cool and ensure that it lasts through the cake cut.
08: Welcome Bags
If you’re hosting a destination wedding or even a local event, gifting welcome bags prior to your wedding day is a fun way to greet your guests. You can create guest bags that prep your guests for the big day! Adding some of your favorite essentials, such as your favorite sparkling water, savory protein snack, bug repellent, a fan, etc., is a great way to help your guests prepare for your wedding day.
Summer weddings are memorable. From the gorgeous scenery, hot summer days, and dancing the night away, there is nothing quite like a summer wedding. Summer weddings also bring the heat, but follow our simple tips to help your guests dance the night away. If you’re looking for more fun ways to incorporate into your wedding planning and budget, but don’t know how to get started, a member of our team would love to help you create and execute a summer fun idea.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.