Ah, summer — the perfect time for an outdoor wedding! With blue skies, warm breezes, and sunshine galore, it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular season for tying the knot. A sunny day does however, present its own challenges in terms of keeping guests comfortable. Let’s face it, the summer heat can be a little intense, and you definitely don’t want your guests melting in the sun.

Heat and humidity can have a major impact on their enjoyment of an event.

You can’t control the weather, but you can certainly control how your guests feel. Balance the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of your guests.

The quickest and easiest way to solve this problem is to choose a wedding venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. This way, you can plan the ceremony and reception in air-conditioned areas, while also providing options for outdoor activities if desired. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes difficult to find many venue options locally with the required availability, unless you book your wedding date way in advance.

Managing a wedding in the summer heat requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the comfort and well-being of both you and your guests. Here are my top 10 suggestions to keep guests cool and to help you manage your wedding in hot weather:

Timing is crucial: Consider scheduling your wedding later in the afternoon when the temperatures are generally cooler. Avoid late morning or early afternoon when the sun is at its peak and the heat is most intense. Ensure you do a site visit at the time of day you plan to get married; that way you will know what areas of the venue have the least direct sunlight.

Provide shade: If you plan to have any outdoor elements, such as a garden ceremony or cocktail hour, ensure there is ample shade available. Renting large umbrellas or tents can provide shade and create a comfortable environment for your guests. Create shaded lounge areas. One of the best ways to provide relief is to give guests both shaded and open areas to mingle in. This offers the best of both worlds.

Blend decorative with functional hydration stations: When finalising your day-of design, consider décor that can also function as a way to creatively keep your guests cool. Keep guests hydrated by providing water stations throughout the venue. Set up self-serve drink stations with chilled water, infused water with fruits or herbs, and other non-alcoholic beverages. Consider offering refreshing options like lemonade, iced tea, or fruit juices. A decorated canoe for example is a fun way to provide cold water stations for guests to help themselves without having to wait at the bar.

Cooling stations: Create cooling stations with fans, misters, or portable air conditioning units in areas where guests can take a break from the heat.

Dress code considerations: Keep in mind the weather when deciding on the dress code. You can also provide hand-held fans or personalised parasols as wedding favors to help guests stay cool.

Plan for sunscreen: Provide sunscreen stations with SPF options for guests to apply throughout the day. This will help protect them from the sun’s harmful rays, especially if you have outdoor activities planned.

Menu choices: Opt for lighter, refreshing foods for your menu. Include a variety of fresh fruits, salads, chilled soups, and lighter proteins. Avoid heavy, greasy, or overly spicy dishes that can make guests feel uncomfortable in the heat.

Communicate with guests: Inform your guests about the weather conditions in advance, especially if the wedding is outdoors. Include a note on your wedding website or invitations with suggestions on what to wear. Have fun and unique station set-up for guests such as hats, sunglasses, or sunscreen to help themselves.

When in doubt, go with a tent: Tents are decorative, functional, and incredibly useful when shading and sheltering guests from the warmer temperatures of summer. Let me be clear and say a white tent, because a clear-top tent will elevate the sun and trap the heat. These offer no shade whatsoever.

Remember, the well-being and comfort of your guests should be a priority. By planning ahead and incorporating these tips, you can ensure a beautiful and enjoyable wedding celebration, even in the summer heat.

Photo Credits: Pinterest, Ryan Ray Photography, Erich Mcvey & Brides.com.