Summer is without a doubt the best season to get married in! Flowers are in bloom, skies are clear, and most people are in a better mood just because of the season. Planning the perfect wedding in summer is a breeze if you plan well ahead.
Start Planning Early
Summer weddings are the most popular for obvious reasons – themes are much easier to stick to, flowers are more readily available, and it’s most comfortable for your guests as well. For this reason, wedding planners recommend you plan your wedding 16-18 months ahead of the time if possible.
You don’t need to jump in and start planning the day after your engagement, but planning ahead will definitely save you some disappointment down the road. When it comes time to buy decorations and gifts for the wedding, look no further than Personalized by Kate.
Many brides choose this season, so it’s important to be flexible with the dates, although you may wish to host your wedding on a specific date, you might feel too rushed to get everything done in time, so consider another date, or a year later than expected on the same date.
Choose The Perfect Venue
Outdoor venues provide you with a beautiful blank canvas for you to incorporate your theme into, and let you enjoy the beauty of a summer afternoon! If you choose an al fresco venue, ensure your guests are able to take a break from the sun by providing ample shade for them. This can be achieved by choosing a venue with lots of trees, putting up pergolas, drapery, or stretch shades.
The ideal venue has both indoor and outdoor party areas. Should bad weather arise, your day won’t be ruined; or when you need a break from the elements, you are all sorted! Also consider hiring the same venue for the ceremony and reception to save time, money, and stress moving between venues for yourself and your guests.
Go For A Light And Airy Wedding Dress
This one may seem obvious, but don’t get caught in a puffy, heavy dress in the heat of the summer. Not only may it be uncomfortable for you, but you have to think of the medical implications it can hold – fainting or heat stroke are serious risks that you do not want on your wedding day.
The same goes for your bridesmaids. Having a bridesmaid pass out at the altar would be a nightmare come true. Opt for light and airy fabrics such as organza. If you can’t find your bridesmaid’s dresses in a lightweight fabric, perhaps have your bridesmaids wear shorter dresses if your theme allows for it.
The great news is designers have incorporated many different styles, fabrics, and colors into their wedding dress designs over the years. You could even have a beautiful contrast in colors such as emerald green bridesmaid’s dresses in a shorter style, with yourself in a long, light, and airy white dress!
Keep Guests Cool
Again, your guests are there to enjoy themselves, so you have to look after them too! Set up multiple hydration stations with plenty of cold water throughout your venue. Invest in quality fans to keep the air flowing or offer your guest handheld fans to stay cool in the heat of the season.
If your venue doesn’t have many shade options or you and your guests have to travel between buildings where shade is scarce, ensure they have sunscreen to prevent any uncomfortable sunburns.
Invest In A Summery Menu
If you have snacks sitting out on tables, you cannot serve food that will spoil quickly in heat or require consistent refrigeration. Choose food items that can be left out without spoiling in the heat. Choose small finger foods as they usually do better in heat, and avoid large, hot meals in the already hot weather.
You could also opt for fresh fruits, hard cheese platters and small seafood bites (on ice, of course!). Frozen cocktails, iced non-alcoholic beverages, and ample water are always welcome at a summer wedding. If you do have a large multi-layer wedding cake, make sure the venue has enough cold storage for it until the cake slicing ceremony!
Think Ahead For A Breezy Wedding
Summer weddings are most brides’ dreams. You could have a stress-free wedding if you take precautions. Hydration and shade should be your top priority for your guests. You and your bridesmaids should be comfortable too, so don’t allow your gowns to ruin the fun. Planning well in advance will ensure you tick all the boxes to have the perfect summer wedding.
