Wedding experts are sharing their ultimate tips to keeping the heat from ruining your ceremony and reception.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Amy Kolo
Wedding trends come and go, but one thing is for sure: there's nothing quite like having a summer wedding and taking advantage of Mother Nature as your backdrop. Some months and locales are milder than others, but if a summer wedding is truly a must-have, you'll want to plan for the heat that comes with it.
"It is not uncommon for couples to dream of their wedding ceremony being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature, yet away from any temperature control, which can sometimes result in the guests sitting in the blazing sun as the vows are exchanged. A simple way to help the guests get some relief from the heat is to provide them with a ceremony program that doubles as a fan. Offering program fans will send the message to the guests loud and clear that you want them to be comfortable, so by all means, get the air moving." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"Consider having your ceremony during the cooler parts of the day, either earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. This will help avoid the peak heat of midday and keep your guests cool while you celebrate your love. If you cannot have your ceremony during the cooler portions of the day, allow your guests to use cooling devices. Umbrellas, fans, and plenty of water should be on hand to ensure nobody overheats or gets dehydrated." —Colton Simmons, Colton Simmons Photography
"Get creative with cold treats for your guests. From gelato or fresh-scooped ice cream to snow cones and popsicles — as a frozen dessert or a late-night option to help cool down between songs on the dance floor, guests will appreciate the cooling effects. Frozen cocktails and mocktails are an excellent option for cocktail hour as well. Your signature marg can easily become a frozen marg!" —Lynne Reznick, Lynne Reznick Photography
"Embrace the heat and assemble a lovely basket for each restroom with a variety of ‘heatproof’ goodies that provide a refresh for your guests. Fill the basket with disposable deodorant wipes, hair ties and clips, face wipes, or even a bucket with iced washcloths scented with lavender. Get creative and add anything else that will encourage your guests to dance the night away without second-guessing the heat." —Susan Knittle, Socially Significant Events
"Encourage your guests to dress in light colors and cooler fabrics. You can do this by adding a section to your wedding website under a tab labeled ‘attire.’ This way, the guests can dress comfortably, and even though the weather may be hot, they are prepared." —Katy Padilla, Scarlet Rose Events
"Be mindful of your bouquet flowers. Certain blooms, like hydrangea, are more sensitive to heat and wilting. Work with your wedding designer and florist to choose flower types for bouquets that can handle some heat." —Gina Jokilehto-Schigel, Shi Shi Events
"Book your hairstylist and makeup artist to stay until the start of your dinner reception. Wedding day hair and makeup created by professional artists and stylists typically last all day. But, 95° heat might cause you to sweat and your styled hair to fall flat. So, consider booking these vendors until your reception so that you can look just as fresh during the ceremony and the reception." —Kawania Wooten, Howerton+Wooten Events
"Build in more time for indoor cool-offs and breaks. Being flexible with the timeline is key to keeping cool. There should be time built in for breaks to cool down and rehydrate. Don't try to push through; instead, take the time to hydrate. As wedding photographers/videographers, we have a saying that 'a wedding is a marathon, not a sprint.’ Be sure to grab a swig whenever you can. You will feel better and will look better on camera when you keep hydrated- plus, it will keep you energized for the party later on." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
Building in some safety measures and a backup plan is a non-negotiable. Prioritizing comfort can transform a summer wedding, encouraging your guests to party well into the day instead of heading home early to escape the heat.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
