Summertime is often the most in-demand season for a wedding. As a result, this can make thing tricky when planning a summer wedding. You might find you need to book very far in advance to get the date of your choice. Consider the other summer elements that can impact a wedding, including the weather, location, outfits, and food served.
You should make sure you’ve thought about all parts of the wedding and how best to ensure that it goes off without a hitch. It can help to ask for advice from other couples who had a summer wedding and can give you advice on things they wish they’d known before the big day.
Date
It is best to be flexible with the day of your summer wedding due to the massive demand around summer weddings. If possible, choosing a day during the week rather than the weekend can make your wedding venue hire cheaper and give you more dates to choose from. If you definitely need a summer weekend wedding, then you should be prepared to book two or more years in advance.
Colors
The color scheme for your summer wedding should be light and airy, as darker colors will hold the heat more. Pastels are a popular choice for summer weddings, as they complement the warm setting and the summer blooms you might use for your wedding flowers.
Refreshments
For a summer wedding, it is vital that you offer your guests plenty to drink throughout the day. Weddings are often full-day events, and you will need to ensure that no one struggles with the heat. This is particularly important once the dancing starts. You could consider finding some mocktail recipes that could be distributed along with the alcoholic drinks throughout the day. A self-serve cold-water station can also be an excellent choice to allow guests to stay hydrated.
Weather
Even at a summer wedding, the weather might still surprise you. You should check the average temperatures and weather conditions around your wedding date to help you prepare. If you’re having an outdoor wedding or outdoor photoshoots, it is best to ensure that you have plenty of cover in the event of rain and to provide shade if the weather is very warm.
Theme
A theme can make your wedding feel even more special and make the organizing for décor and details much easier. There are plenty of excellent summer wedding themes that could inject a little extra magic into your special day and will go beautifully with the summer heat. Options like a tropical paradise, beach themes and rustic chic can be ideal for your summer wedding. Check out Greenvelope’s excellent range of summer wedding themes to give you some inspiration.
Flowers
Getting the flowers right is crucial for a summer wedding. You’ll want to avoid blooms that will wilt easily in the sun and heat. Fortunately, a summer wedding gives you plenty of options for flowers. With many wildflowers and other blooms in season during the warmer months. Look for options that grow naturally in your location to prevent dealing with higher-cost imported flowers.
Outfits
The wedding outfits for the bride, groom and wedding party should be suited to the weather you can expect on the day. For grooms and groomsmen, this means light, breathable suits that won’t get uncomfortable to wear throughout the summer heat. For brides and bridesmaids, consider lighter materials like silk, chiffon and cotton to provide a breathable and comfortable dress. The bridesmaids’ dresses should also be of a lighter color to ensure their comfort throughout the day. But what about the wedding rings for the couple? For the most part, it’s up to you since this is something that doesn’t matter too much for the reason (unlike other accessories).
Menu
A hot meal might not be the best choice for a summer wedding. Instead, consider cold and light dishes like salads, fruit pies and ice creams for dessert. Avoid anything you might eat on a cold winter’s day, such as roasts, casseroles and stews. You should also ensure that the food you serve will be alright in the heat of the day, particularly if you plan to serve food buffet-style.
Location
A destination wedding could be the perfect thing for a summer wedding. However, it is important to do your homework and find out about the weather in your destination. Look out for possible concerns, like areas that experience extreme weather during the summer. Your venue should be one that will be comfortable and enjoyable for a summer wedding, such as a country club with plenty of green space for your guests to enjoy and walk around to cool off.
Conclusion
Summer weddings can be truly magical, and summer is one of the most popular wedding seasons, with good reason. Planning a summer wedding means taking into account the weather and how it will impact the various parts of the day. Take into account the typical temperature highs and lows, and find ways to ensure that your guests will be comfortable and happy throughout the day.
