Summer Wedding Planning: Everything You Actually Need to Know

Everyone wants to get married in summer.

You’re competing with other brides, family reunions, graduation parties, and every person who owns a garden.

Venues and vendors book fast.

If you’re reading this and it’s already April—girl, get on the phone.

Here’s a hard truth: romantic as it sounds, not every outdoor wedding vibe is practical.

If your venue doesn’t offer shade, airflow, or some kind of cooling option, you’re going to watch your guests slowly melt like wax figurines.

Make sure your space has:

• A shaded ceremony area (or can be covered)

• Indoor backup for bad weather or intense heat

• Ventilation or fans if it’s a tent setup

• Places for people to sit and chill—literally

This one choice will affect every part of the day, from how photogenic your photos are to whether your grandma can make it through the vows.

I get it. You want a dramatic cathedral-length lace gown with layers upon layers of tulle.

But here’s the thing—your sweat will also be wearing those layers.

Look for breathable, lightweight fabrics like chiffon, organza, tulle, and crepe.

Same goes for the groom and bridal party.

Tell your guys to skip the wool-blend suits and go for linen or light cotton.

And please—for the love of hydration—no black tuxes at noon.

Bonus: short dresses, slit gowns, and backless styles don’t just look amazing—they breathe.

Let the breeze in.

This is not the day for full-glam, baking-in-the-sun, 10-layers-of-matte foundation.

Think soft, fresh, dewy (not sweaty) glam.

Use a setting spray with superpowers.

And consider a makeup artist who knows how to work with summer conditions (yes, that’s a thing).

Hair-wise, the humidity doesn’t care about your curling wand.

Updos, braids, sleek buns—they’re your friends.

They’ll last longer and feel cooler. Plus, less hair stuck to your neck by hour two.

Let’s talk about ceremony time. Noon? A crime.

1 PM? Slightly less criminal, but still bad.

Aim for a late afternoon or early evening ceremony.

The lighting is better, the temperature has dropped a bit, and your guests aren’t silently cursing you from their folding chairs.

This small shift also gives you:

• Golden hour photos

• A more relaxed pre-wedding morning

• Less vendor stress (they're not setting up in the hottest part of the day)

You know what doesn’t slap in July? A three-course roast dinner.

You’re not feeding medieval knights.

Summer weddings need light, fresh, easy-to-eat food.

Think:

• Grilled proteins (chicken skewers, seafood)

• Fresh salads with fruits and herbs

• Lemonades, cocktails, mocktails—cold and refreshing

• A popsicle bar, gelato stand, or mini ice cream cups (IYKYK)

Keep it seasonal, colorful, and not too heavy.

Bonus: lighter food is often cheaper.

This one’s so underrated.

Somewhere for guests to step away, cool off, and vibe.

Add:

• A shaded lounge area with comfy chairs

• Portable fans or misters

• Cold towels in a pretty basket (Pinterest-worthy and practical)

• Parasols or fans as favors

You don’t need to spend a lot—just create an intentional space that says, “I see you sweating. I got you.”

Here’s what you actually need in your bridal bag:

• Blotting sheets

• Mini deodorant

• Face mist

• Extra setting powder

• Travel-size perfume

• Bug spray (yes, even the cute one)

• Cooling spray (your makeup artist will thank you)

And if you have a planner, delegate this kit to them.

You don’t need one more thing in your hands.

No matter how sunny it looks right now, you need a Plan B.

For heatwaves.

For thunderstorms.

For unexpected wind that tosses your veil like a kite.

Ask every vendor what their contingency plan is.

Don’t assume they’ll “figure it out.” Build it into your day-of timeline.

And practice being okay with it.

If Plan B still looks gorgeous, you’ve done it right.

Summer = mosquitoes, flies, and that one mystery insect that’s always hovering near the charcuterie.

Be proactive.

Ideas:

• Spray the area in advance (safely and legally!)

• Use citronella candles or tiki torches as part of the decor

• Add herbs like lavender, basil, and mint to centerpieces

• Offer bug spray in cute baskets (no shame—it’s love)

Trust me, nothing kills a vibe like a mosquito in your bra.

Walk through the whole day in your head—as if you were a guest.

-Would you know where to sit?

-Would you overheat during the ceremony?

-Would the food feel too heavy? ------Would you have somewhere to rest between events?

Design your day with guest comfort in mind and you’ll automatically create a better experience for yourself, too.

(No one likes managing cranky people on their wedding day.)

You’re not just fighting the heat—you’re using it.

Use bold colors.

Use fresh, seasonal florals.

Use fruit in your tablescapes.

Add lawn games.

Lean into the summer energy and give people the kind of experience that screams yes, this is a summer wedding and I’m obsessed.

Summer means longer days.

Use that to your advantage.

• Golden hour = magic photo time

• Sunset = perfect ceremony backdrop

• Evening reception = cooler, comfier dancing

Work with your photographer to map out the timeline.

Let nature be your filter.