Your venue is paid for, you’ve had your dress fittings, and you’ve found the perfect hair and make-up artist. Now it’s time to find the perfect accessories to make you shine during your summer wedding, and to beat the hot, summer heat! For our summer brides, there are a few additional essentials or must haves that are necessary to feel comfortable and stay picture perfect on your wedding day! Let’s dive into our favorite must-have summer essentials perfect for every bride. 

#01: Start with your Face! 

If you’re towards the end of your wedding planning, your make-up trial is booked and set. We highly suggest you talk to your make-up artist or your nearest beauty store for some tips to keep your face looking cool throughout your wedding day. Find or use your favorite facial sunscreen to keep your face safe throughout your wedding day. One trend that we are loving are bronzing drops to leave your face bronzed and dewy. We also recommend finding a setting powder or spray that will keep your beautiful make-up looking fresh throughout the day. Now, if you’re prone to some summer sweat (we know we are) ask your bridesmaid to keep some setting powder handy or blotting sheets to keep your face looking fresh and free of shine. 

#02: Say YES, to Block Heels!

We are so thankful that block heels are still trending this season. Block heels are a to-go choice for many reasons. They come in a variety of colors, styles, and can work with any wedding dress or attire. It’s classic, you won’t have to worry about your heel getting stuck walking down the aisle and you’ll save money on buying the anti sink heel blockers. They are perfect for any wedding dress style or silhouette and are just down right classy. 

#03: Find the Right Undergarments! 

Selecting the right undergarments is so important and often forgotten. This is especially important for our summer brides. You want to find the right supports that will keep your body cool, allow you to breath easily, and maintain shape throughout the night. You don’t want to have to tug or pull at your undergarments throughout the night, and you definitely don’t want to have heat exhaustion from the wrong fabrics. Keep the season in mind and find something that will work under your wedding dress. 

#04: Keep it Cool! 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to be overheated. Even being on the other side of weddings, I like to be prepared when it comes to staying cool. One trend and accessory that we are so thankful for making a comeback are paper fans. Paper fans are a great and trendy way to keep yourself cool throughout your summer wedding. They come in many designs and styles and are compact enough to keep in your bridal clutch. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it or find yourself overheated, get one just in case. They are affordable, easy to find, and come in clutch when needed. 

#05: Tame the Hair!

Depending on your choice of location for your nuptials, humidity may play a factor in your hair success on the big day. Humidity can cause frizz and locks that don’t want to cooperate. As you plan and book your hair trial, or even if you plan on doing your hair yourself, find yourself a good hair spray that will tame your gorgeous locks. Summer heat and air can do some serious frizz on your hair and if you’re holding an outdoor wedding we highly suggest finding a spray to keep your hair looking perfect throughout the day.

#06: Our Favorite Accessory is… 

WATER! Water is our top accessory for this summer list. We have to remind a lot of our couples to stay hydrated and drink water on their wedding day. You may be thinking, noo - that’s not me.. I always drink water. But, let’s be honest – your wedding day is going to be busy. You will be pulled in several directions and are running on a motor throughout the day. Many times, our clients say they don’t even know where the time went on their big day. With the heat, all the movement and the occasional frenzy, you need to be drinking water. Whether this is in a bedazzled bride cup, or in your favorite stanley cup, stay hydrated. Because a hydrated bride is a safe bride. 

Summer is a unique season for our brides. The heat plays a large role in the must haves on your big day. You’ll need to plan ahead and ensure that you are prepared to keep your face looking fresh throughout your wedding day. Work with your hair stylist to create a plan to keep frizz to a minimum and your hair to stay in place throughout the day. Stick with a block heel to keep your feet feeling fine and steady while you walk down the aisle and dance the night away. And stay cool with the proper undergarments and fan. Don’t forget to fill up your water bottle before you leave home and pack a liquid IV if you need one. We love these essentials and we honestly use these for ourselves too… I mean – accessories help make the outfit right?! 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle 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.