Summer Wedding Planning: 7 Things To Think About

Planning a summer wedding? Summer is the most popular time in England to get married, and although the weather is pretty unpredictable and we frequently remind you to plan for bad weather, you do still need to prepare for sunshine too!

Sun is great and it means you can have the outdoor wedding you have dreamed of, but you also want to be comfortable, so we have 7 things for you to consider during your planning.

Looking for summer decor inspiration? Look no further: Summer Wedding Inspiration You Must See!

 

 

 

 

Chocolate at your wedding!

If you are thinking of having chocolate favours, gifts for your bridal party or a sweet confectionary table, you need to take the heat into consideration if you are having a venue which doesn’t have an air conditioning system or is a structure which is likely to get warm, ie. A marquee, an orangery, tipi.

We would advise to avoid using anything which can melt and needs to be set out early in the day, such as favours, or having these set up last minute. For something such as a chocolate buffet or sweet table, we would advise to have this set up early evening if possible to avoid your sweets being ruined by the heat. This is something to think about during your summer wedding planning.

Storing your wedding cake

Make sure you are aware during your summer wedding planning, what time your wedding cake will be delivered and whether the cake maker needs to set the cake up, or if this can be stored in a cool area. Can it be set up just before your guests arrive by your wedding planner? Can the cake maker arrive later in the day to set up?

You may also want to rethink having another chocolate or sugar fondant flowers or décor on your cake. We have seen many issues with cakes which are displayed beautifully in windows etc, but are then taken down by the sun beaming onto them!

Summer wedding floral arrangements and bouquets

For your flowers for the bridal party, make sure you have somewhere cool for the bouquets to be stored, and for décor, speak with your florist to ensure they set up later in the day to avoid wilting, or avoid floral arrangements altogether.

Speak to your florist to request a potential second visit if a refresh of flowers is required mid-afternoon to remove any wilted flowers and top up water to keep the flowers fresh.

Suits/dresses appropriate for a summer wedding

Think about the material and colours you are using for your outfits; so nobody is uncomfortable! Speak with your dress maker about how you can make your dress suited to the weather, for instance, should you keep your shoulders covered if they are prone to burning? Will suncream stain the particular fabric? Silk bridesmaid’s dresses became very popular in 2019, but people soon realised that these were not heat resistant and were very warm for the bridal party!

For men, it is a difficult one, as of course they will want to wear a suit, but think about options for them once the ceremony and photos are over, could they potentially remove their jacket and have shirt and waistcoat for dinner? Also decide if you are happy for wedding guests who are male to wear smart shorts/short sleeve shirts.

Air conditioning at your wedding venue

If your venue doesn’t have an air conditioning system, look into hiring units and have these on from early in the morning to keep the space cool. Also look at hiring fans around the space to keep the air flowing. If you are hiring a marquee or other structure, these can easily be hired via the company you have hired your structure from.

Also check if the sides from the marquee are removable and at what point the company will need to know this information by, for example, with a tipi, if you are having it completely closed, they need to know this before installation. For other kinds of venues, such as hotels, stately homes, check if they have a system in place, how hot it usually gets, and hire air conditioning units for your summer wedding locally during your planning if you feel they will be needed.

Time of summer wedding ceremony

Think about the time of your ceremony, many couples opt for 12pm, 1pm which can be the hottest point of the day, so you may want to consider a late morning or afternoon ceremony. Check where the sun will be in relation to where you are getting married, so the sun isn’t beaming down on you or in your eyes. Point your ceremony away from the sun, whether your ceremony is indoors or outdoors.

You also don’t want the sun affecting your photos! Try and view your venue within the same month you are getting married and at the time of your ceremony if possible before booking, or just ask.

Nature and your summer wedding!

Many couples are quick to order fairy lights for the outside areas, but take into consideration that these can attract bugs and mossies and these are not the guests you want partying with you! This doesn’t mean you can’t have the lights to create a low lit ambience, but think about also using citronella candles and supplying guests with insect repellant.

If you suffer from hayfever, make sure you keep in a routine of taking an antihistamine daily on the lead up to your day and on the day, nobody wants puffy eyes and a watery nose! Think about also using essential oils and local honey – whatever works best for you!

Drinks and refreshments for a hot day

Make sure you have plenty of cold, bottled water for guests. Many couples now create ‘hydration stations’ for guests, with glass kilner jars filled with different flavoured waters, to encourage guests to keep hydrated with water and not just alcohol! Also check your your planning with the caterer that they are happy to continuously top up water and if there is drinking water at the venue or if you will need to supply bottled water.

There are many to things to think about when it comes to planning a summer wedding, especially if you are starting from scratch with a field style wedding. Feeling overwhelmed with all the little things you need to think about? Get in touch, we are here to help! www.hannahroseweddings.co.uk/contact