CAN YOU TAKE THE HEAT?
Summertime is known as a peak wedding season—and with good reason! Considering the warmer weather, lots of sunshine, and blooming flowers, we understand the hype.
But because of its popularity, it’s important to start planning early so you can lock in the best date and all of those important vendors, including the venue. However, there’s so much more to planning a summer wedding… like a theme, a dress code, and more!
So are you planning or attending a summer wedding? Then you might want to listen up! We’ve carefully curated a list of things to consider for those sunny “I dos.”
1. Consider The Time of Day
Everyone knows it’s hotter in the summer, and when you’re in the South, it can almost be too hot. So if you’re tying the knot indoors or out, consider an early morning ceremony or an evening event to avoid the middle of the day when temperatures reach their highest!
If you settle for the morning, you could have a sweet intimate ceremony with a brunch afterwards. Besides, it’s your wedding day so you should be eating cake for breakfast.
Evening weddings in the summer are always a classic. A sunset backdrop while you say your vows and a dance party under the stars couldn’t get any dreamier if you ask us.
Photo by Tricia Michael
2. Make it Fruity
Most fruit is in peak season during warmer weather, so we would definitely recommend incorporating it into your wedding day, whether it’s brought into an overall theme with decor or just for your tastebuds
Starting with cocktail hour, there’s almost nothing better than a fruity, herby drink in hand during the summer. Some of our favorite fun cocktails include a classic Aperol Spritz, red sangria, Tequila Sunrise, watermelon martini, and the list could probably go on— but you get the point!
And let’s not forget about the dessert. Mini fruit tarts, chocolate covered strawberries, or cakes dressed in blueberries and greenery sprigs are all perfect treats for that summer taste.
And if you want to incorporate it into your decor, try incorporating lemons or peaches into your centerpieces, adding lemon trees for a touch of greenery, or decorating with tangerine garlands for a bright pop of citrus.
3. Add Some Color
Can you really have a summer wedding without some color? We don’t think so!
One of our favorite summer wedding trends is incorporating lots of bright and bold colors! Vibrant florals can take your arrangements to the next level, while colorful paper goods and accented linens add that extra pop of fun to your reception table settings.
Not to mention, a wedding party dressed in floral prints or pastels always makes for a trendy yet chic look.
Photos by Taylor Lord, John Myers, + Sara Bill Photography
4. Think About Your Guests Attire
As for your guests, there’s a lot to take into consideration! If your entire wedding will be indoors, then fancier attire like black tie is more than acceptable. But if any part of your wedding is outside, consider cocktail attire or something more casual to make sure your guests are comfortable. This allows them to forgo the long dresses and heavy suit fabrics for something more breathable to have all the fun!
If you’re attending a summer wedding, don’t forget to consider your do! A subtle loose braid or pinned updo would be an elegant way to get your hair off your neck and avoid feeling too hot.
Photo by Frozen Exposure
5. Keep it Cool
If your ceremony and or reception will be outside, use nature to your advantage! Look for extra shaded spots to set up your altar or to cover the dance floor. Guests will appreciate that extra block of the sun while you’re still captured in the light. And don’t forget, even if you have a tented wedding you can’t air condition the outdoors! Consider including fans in your wedding plan to keep a breeze going.
Another trick to keeping it cool is to provide personalized hand fans that could double as a program or wedding favor. And let’s not forget a drink station! Whether you have customized water bottles to keep guests hydrated or a cocktail bar to kick off the night, we promise this will make all the difference when it comes to that summer heat.
Photos by Taylor N. Photography Whitney Cadavid