*Photo via Wedding Bee
Everyone loves a summer wedding. Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating with friends and family with warm weather and clear skies? If you are planning a summer wedding, follow these tips to make the most out of your celebration.
Give Ample Time for Save the Dates
For many people, the summer months fill up quickly with vacation plans and visits to family members across the country. Be sure to send out your save the dates on the earlier side so that guests can create their summer plans accordingly. Aim for more than six months prior to the wedding date.
Choose the Right Dress Code
If you’ll be outdoors while the sun is still out during your ceremony or reception, it is best to stay away from a formal dress code. Formal attire is typically a bit stuffier, and guests will be incredibly uncomfortable if they are sitting in the heat in their thick tuxes or layered gowns. Opt for a semi-formal or casual dress code so that everyone will stay comfortable throughout the day.
Provide Relief from the Heat
The summer heat can really take a toll on you and your guests, especially if you’ll be spending any time outdoors and in an unshaded area. Make sure you are doing what you can to keep everyone protected from the sun. The most important thing to provide is water. Consider setting up tables with water dispensers and glasses around the venue. You may also want to provide parasols for guests to use when needed or set up some tents for much-needed shade. To really keep guests comfort in mind, consider setting up a sunscreen station so that they can avoid painful sunburns. You will also want to provide these amenities to vendors as well so that they can stay comfortable as they are working throughout the celebration.
Have a Plan B for Unexpected Weather
Sure, you probably picked a summer wedding date so that you could enjoy beautiful, sunny weather during your celebration. However, this doesn’t mean you should completely count on clear skies. Make sure you have a plan B available in case you encounter rain or any other unexpected weather. This might mean having a tent, umbrellas for guests, or a back-up indoor space.
Pick Flowers that can Handle the Heat
Some flowers won’t hold up too well in the heat, so work with your florist to pick options that will last the entire day. This is particularly true of the flowers in bouquets and boutonnieres, since they won’t have a water source and will likely be exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. Heat friendly options include succulents, orchids, sunflowers, calla lilies, and roses.
Keep the Food and Drinks Light
This isn’t the time for super heavy, rich food. You’ll want to take a cue from the season and provide light and refreshing foods and drinks. Think fresh fruits, summer vegetables, cold pasta salads, and grilled entrees. Work with your bartender to choose signature drinks that work well with the heat. You can take a tropical approach, or turn to more crisp drinks with cucumber or watermelon.
Offer Frozen Desserts
Frozen desserts can serve two purposes: they add a fun and festive element to your celebration, and they’ll help keep guests cool and comfortable. Think ice cream, popsicles, or even a slushie machine.
Create a Heat and Humidity Appropriate Hair and Makeup Look
Hot and humid weather can pose a challenge for beauty looks, but with the right steps and strategies, you can keep your look intact all day long. As far as hair goes, it is best to do something up and out of your face – you don’t want your hair to be acting as a blanket on a hot day. For makeup, keep things light, and be sure to use a good primer that can hold up against the heat. It is also important to layer sunscreen underneath your makeup. For sunscreen reapplication, you can find a spray primer or setting powder that has SPF in it. These products will keep your makeup in place while still giving you much needed sun protection.
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with wedding professionals from Georgia and the Southeast who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.