Planning a summer wedding in Washington, DC? While the idea of warm, sunny skies sounds perfect, the reality of keeping your guests cool can be a bit daunting.
But don’t sweat it! With a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, you can make sure everyone stays comfortable and has a blast celebrating your big day.
In this post, we’ll share practical tips and creative ideas on ways to keep guests cool at an outdoor summer wedding.
The Heat is On
Summer weddings are beautiful, but the heat can quickly turn an enjoyable event into an uncomfortable one.
If proper precautions aren’t taken, guests might feel overheated, dehydrated, or just plain miserable. And the last thing you want is for your guests to be melting away during your special day!
Let’s explore some effective strategies to keep everyone cool and comfortable during your big day.
1. Hydration Stations
Hydration is the first step in keeping everyone cool, hydrated, and happy at an outdoor summer wedding. Set up hydration stations with plenty of cold water and other refreshing beverages.
Consider offering personalized water bottles as wedding favors – they’re practical and add a personal touch. You could also incorporate a fun element, like a self-serve lemonade or iced tea bar, which not only keeps guests hydrated but also adds to the summer vibe.
Pro Tip: We love setting up intentionally designed areas that include drinks like chilled, infused water with lemon, cucumber, and mint, or a light and refreshing signature cocktail like a summer sangria
2. Provide Plenty of Shade
One of the simplest ways to keep your guests comfortable is by providing ample shade. Consider renting tents, canopies, or umbrellas to create shaded areas where guests can escape the sun.
Think about setting up shaded lounge areas with comfy seating for guests to relax. It’s been shown that shade can reduce the heat index by up to 15 degrees, making a significant difference on a hot day!
Pro Tip: If some sun exposure is unavoidable, consider providing sunscreen for guests who forgot it.
Interested in more tips on planning the perfect wedding day? Read our blog post on Top 10 Wedding Planning Mistakes to Avoid.
3. Cool Treats and Refreshing Eats
Nothing says summer like cool, refreshing treats. Consider serving ice cream, popsicles, or even a frozen yogurt bar during the reception.
For the cocktail hour, you can include chilled appetizers like gazpacho shooters or fruit skewers. These cool eats will not only satisfy your guests’ taste buds but also help them stay cool.
Check out our Signature Support Package if you need more help with the details and logistics of planning your summer wedding.
Handing out cooling accessories is a quick and effective way to keep your guests cool at a summer wedding.
4. Offer Light and Airy Attire Suggestions
Encourage your guests to dress comfortably by suggesting a summer-friendly dress code. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for keeping cool.
Remember, the happier and more comfortable your guests are, the more they’ll enjoy your big day!
Need advice on managing potential mishaps on your big day? Check out our blog post on 5 Tips For Avoiding Wedding Day Disasters.
5. Timing and Location
Timing is everything when it comes to outdoor summer weddings. Schedule the ceremony and main events for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
If your venue allows, consider a shaded or indoor location for parts of the celebration.
Research shows that temperatures can drop by several degrees in the late afternoon, providing a more comfortable environment for everyone involved.
For a recent outdoor wedding at Riverside on the Potomac, we scheduled the ceremony for the late afternoon when we knew the sun would be lower, providing more shade and a cooler atmosphere for guests.
6. Distribute Cooling Accessories
Handing out cooling accessories is a quick and effective way to keep your guests cool at a summer wedding.
Provide handheld or battery-operated mini fans, which can be personalized with your wedding details as keepsakes, or offer cooling towels that guests can use to freshen up; these can be pre-moistened and kept in a cooler.
Another option is to set up stations with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for guests who may have forgotten their own. These small gestures show that you care about your guests’ well-being and comfort.
7. Keep Guests Informed
Let your guests know in advance that your wedding will be outdoors and provide them with tips on how to stay cool.
Include information about the weather forecast, suggested attire, and any cooling amenities you’ll be providing. This ensures that your guests come prepared and can fully enjoy your special day.
Pro Tip: Add information to your wedding website about the weather and provide suggestions on how to stay cool. This way, everyone knows what to expect and can dress accordingly.
Still debating whether to hire a wedding planner? Check out our blog post Do I Need a Wedding Planner? (Our Answer and More), to help you decide!
Conclusion
By incorporating these tips into your wedding planning, you can make sure your guests stay cool, comfortable, and happy throughout your wedding day.
It’s important to decide whether your priority is having a summer wedding or simply an outdoor wedding. If you desire an outdoor setting, consider planning your wedding in a different season when the weather is more temperate.
However, if an outdoor, summer wedding is what you truly want, you MUST incorporate at least some of the tips above to ensure a successful and comfortable celebration for your guests.
Remember, a comfortable guest is a happy guest, and a happy guest will make your special day even more memorable!
If you find these tips overwhelming, why not consider our Signature Support Package? It’s perfect for couples who know they can plan their own wedding but need help with the details and logistics.
Ready to start planning your perfect summer wedding? Contact us today!
