Tips for a Summer Wedding
If you’ve landed here, it’s probably because you’re planning a summer wedding and you’re after a few tips to keep things classy and cool – you’re in the right place!
It comes as no surprise that the summer months are the most popular for weddings in this country. It’s the one time of year when we’re (supposedly) spared from the constant downpours and 10 degrees Celsius conditions, making for the perfect time to gather friends and family for a great big wedding.
But like any wedding, summer weddings bring specific challenges for planners to overcome, and that’s exactly what I’m going to break down for you. So whether you’re thinking about Cornwall or Crete, here are some tips to keep in mind for your summer wedding.
Selecting the perfect venue
It goes without saying but don’t hold your wedding in a greenhouse. Those things get pretty hot, and the same is true for lots of other venues if you’re not careful.
Buildings with poor ventilation or loads of big windows tend to get rather toasty, especially when there’s lots of people in there.
So if you are planning on hosting most of the day indoors, make sure you’ve got a way of keeping people cool, like with a proper air-conditioning system. I know we don’t reach Dubai’s temperatures in the UK, but it’s better to be over-prepared than for the dance floor to be wet with sweat.
Anyone for a spot of croquet?
If the outdoors is on your agenda, lawn games like croquet and ring toss can be fun, but make sure there’s a few areas with lots of shade (but that don’t get too hot). Parasols will be your best friend.
Want to go full hog with some Disney-inspired cooling stations? Misting systems do a great job at providing a few seconds of blissful relief from the heat, and though they may again be slight overkill, you don’t want anyone fainting.
Check out this blog if you want a bit more guidance on indoor versus outdoor weddings.
You may also want to go with a lighter colour theme for the flowers and décor – not only does this match the summer vibe, but it’ll encourage people to wear colours that don’t attract the heat as much, helping keep everyone cool (while looking pretty cool!).
Crafting the perfect menu
When you think of the summer, certain foods spring to mind, with the number one for me being a barbecue.
And though burgers, hot dogs, chicken drumsticks, and everything else might not seem like typical wedding food, it can be the perfect option in the summer.
Instead of dealing with the hassle of one big sit-down meal, a barbecue provides the opportunity for food to be staggered throughout the afternoon. This provides a steady stream of food and means any catering problems won’t affect the whole guest list.
It also allows people to control how much food they eat, without the pressure of being presented with three meals all in one go.
Barbecue food is just one of the many options we provide here at The Old Wheat Barn – click here to see what else we offer with our weddings.
Keep it seasonal
Seasonal fruit and vegetables are another good way to create that summer feel, while generally being cheaper than importing loads of produce that’s not in-season.
This has the added benefit of being better for the environment – if creating a wedding that’s sustainable is a goal of yours, check out this blog I wrote on the topic.
And for dessert, is there a better combination on earth than warm weather and ice cream? If there is, I certainly haven’t found it yet!
Getting your catering right is a pretty big thing, which is why I created a whole blog on the topic – click here to read it.
Another drink, anyone?
Nobody’s glass should ever be empty at a wedding, and beautiful 30-degree weather gives you the perfect excuse to order in more drinks.
Beer, wine, gin, sparkling water, fancy soft drinks… put it all in the basket.
In all seriousness, running out of drinks is one of the few things that can really annoy people at a wedding. It’s not just about staying boozy, it’s about keeping people hydrated and preventing headaches and the like.
So make sure there’ll always plenty of water available to you and your guests. Doing this could come in handy if it turns out to be a cooler day too – just in case great auntie Ann goes a bit hard on the margs.
And however much you think is the correct amount of booze to order, buy a bit more. We all know those people who can drink like a fish, and if it turns out to be super sunny, you might find more people are after more soft drinks too.
And worst comes to worst and you end up over-ordering, you’ve just set up your alcohol supply for your first few months of marriage.
Ice bucket challenge
So the sun’s shining, you’ve bought loads of alcohol, and it’s arrived at the venue, but now what? You need a way to keep it cool all day because warm beer is nobody’s beverage of choice.
If your venue has a bar, they’ll keep your drinks nice and chill for you. But if you’re outdoors and the drink-regulation-duties are all on you, ice buckets are the way to go.
Just remember to keep replenishing the ice once it’s melted.
Warm weather is a great reason to get creative with drinks. Think frozen cocktails and mocktails for example, but whatever it is: keep it cold!
Planning your day around the sun
If you’re opting for a summer wedding, it’s presumably because you want a gorgeous day in the sun, but that doesn’t mean every minute has to be spent outside. Try to plan your wedding around the hottest part of the day, so you’re not stood outside melting for hours on end.
Maybe save that 20-a-side game of football for the evening.
It’s also worth forking out on an experienced photographer who’s used to dealing with sunny conditions, so you’re not left with hundreds of over-exposed snaps from the big day. Alternatively, you could wait until night time and get some beautiful twilight snaps.
And regarding attire, you’d be forgiven for wincing a little at the idea of spending a whole 30 degrees Celsius day in a wedding dress or specially tailored suit.
It’s pretty common now for couples to bring a change of clothes with them to the venue – after the ceremony, slip into something like a breathable dress, some linen trousers, a pair of trainers, and you’re good to go.
Could even tell your guests to do the same as well!
Those little extras
Weddings aren’t just about the big things, they’re also about the little extras that make the day even more enjoyable.
Bug spray and sun cream are a must – I’m not sure rubbing after sun all over your partner’s back is the romantic start to married life you have in mind, so grab that factor 30 and keep it handy.
Regularly re-applying deodorant is probably a good idea too, particularly if you’re one of those naturally sweaty people.
And if you wear makeup, consider keeping a few essentials with you throughout the day, to give yourself a little touch-up when the heat has done its thing.
And we all know what the weather in this country is like – one minute it’s perfect blue skies, the next it’s chucking it down. Regardless of what the forecast for the day says, it’s worth having an emergency plan if things take a soggy turn.
And that’s it!
Everything you need to consider for a summer wedding, neatly summarised with a bow. Hopefully there’s a few things you can take from it if you’re planning on getting married under the occasionally beautiful British sun (or abroad).
And if you’re after a venue that looks especially wonderful in the summer months, The Old Wheat Barn could be the perfect place for you. Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to book a show-around by emailing me at sally@pinkpigfarm.co.uk.
Hogs and kisses!
