Summer is the most popular time of the year for weddings for so many reasons: more hours of daylight, warmer weather, variety of available flowers and the list continues. Yet, you would be surprised at how many couple's don't realize that, though summer is a lovely time of year, there are many factors to consider when planning. Here are a few pointers to ensure that your summertime nuptials go off without a hitch.
Don't forgo save-the-dates. Summer is a busy time of year. It is the prime time for vacations, especially for those families with children who take off after school is out. Be sure to send out an announcement in advance to alert people to your upcoming nuptials.
Do provide heat relief. If you are having a daytime wedding, make sure your outdoor venue offers some type of shade or air-conditioning. During the ceremony, offer pretty parasols or hand fans to guests—umbrellas are key and can be a nice accent for your look. The bar should be stocked with plenty of ice and water. If the weather gods are with you and you have a warm evening, consider offering cold hand towels to guests during the dancing portion of the evening as a nice, elegant way to help them beat the heat.
Do serve lighter fare. Choose a seasonal menu that includes local, fresh produce with grilled entrees that are light on sauces. Frozen cocktails can be a nice touch. And maybe in lieu of cake offer a gelato station and fresh berry tartlets (or in addition to cake for a cool treat).
Don't forget about time of day. When planning your outdoor wedding, late afternoon or early evening is best versus a midday affair when the sun is at its strongest. The last thing you want is overheated guests or guests that leave early because they are baking in the sun.
Do consider attire. A bride should choose a lightweight fabric that breathes for her wedding dress. Maybe opt for a shorter skirt on your dress or change into something lighter for the reception. Grooms can wear a crisp linen suit in a light color.
Do make sure to wear sunblock. A sunburn can definitely put a damper on the festivities. Consider wearing a moisturizer that contains SPF or put sunblock on before moisturizing. A nice touch for guests would be to have sunscreen in the amenity baskets in the restrooms in case they forgot to apply sunscreen before arriving.
Don't forget about bug protection. Bugs are at an all time high during the summer months, especially in humid climates. Make sure to have bug protection spray and a plan of attack should they encroach on your meal during the reception. For some areas, you may consider treating the grass before your wedding.
Don’t leave the cake in the sun. A cake decorated with fondant cannot stand in direct sunlight so be sure to either bring it to the dessert table just prior to dessert or place the cake in a shaded or preferably, air conditioned space. Nothing would be worse than watching your beautiful 5-tiered cake melt off the cake table before you have a chance to cut in to it.
Summer is a lovely time to get married! We are looking forward to our summer weddings!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 11:53AM 
