Hosting a wedding in heat wave season? Read on for top tips to beat the heat and keep your guests nice and chilled. Most couples dream of a sunny wedding - blue skies, outdoor ceremonies and drinks on the lawn… but when temperatures creep into the high twenties (or beyond), a hot weather wedding can quickly become uncomfortable for you and your guests.
1. Print Your Order of the Day on Paper Fans
My clients like to have Order of the Day signs printed, with key timings throughout the day so their guests don’t miss a moment. Instead, you can print your order of the day on the back of a paper fan. The design can incorporate your colour palette and chosen florals, and they make great photography props for portraits or detail shots on your wedding day. Your guests will love them too as they make extra special keepsakes, personalised with you names and wedding date.
2. Create a Hydration Station
Everyone knows staying hydrated is essential in hot weather, so why not create a self-serve hydration station? Get creative with iced and flavoured water to make it part of the experience:
- Cucumber and mint water
- Lemon water
- Strawberry and basil water
- Orange and rosemary water
- Lime and cucumber water
- You can also have large glass dispensers filled with fresh fruit and herbs to style the display.
3. Complimentary Bottles of Water for Guests
If you’re having a hot weather wedding, don't underestimate the value of a simple bottle of water. Placing chilled bottles on guests' seats before the ceremony begins can make a huge difference, particularly for elderly guests, children and those who may be sitting in direct sunlight.
For an extra special touch, I can have custom labels printed to match your other day stationery, please contact me for a quote on this. Guests don’t always remember the material things you provide, but they remember how they felt at points throughout the day. They may not remember every canapé they ate, but they'll certainly remember being looked after when the sun was beating down on them.
4. Choose a Refreshing Signature Cocktail
Signature cocktails are a great way to personalise your drinks reception or cocktail hour. For hot weather weddings, think crisp citrus flavours, fresh herbs and plenty of ice rather than heavier drinks that can feel overwhelming in the heat:
- Aperol Spritz
- Hugo Spritz
- Mojitos
- Palomas
- Pimms
- Elderflower Collins
- Limoncello Spritz
- French 75
And don't forget the illustrated signature cocktail sign! I can include an illustration of your chosen cocktails, garnishes and a list of ingredients so guests know exactly what’s in them.
5. Add a Gelato or Ice Cream Cart
Is there anything better on a hot, sunny day than a gelato cart? An ice cream cart is always a crowd-pleaser, offering a fun alternative to traditional desserts, and providing guests with something to do outdoors in between timings. Some vendors let you creative with flavours too, so don’t forget your illustrated ice cream menu. This can be printed as a sign to stand on the cart and is the perfect way to share ice cream options with your guests.
Plus, an ice cream cart looks super cute and often becomes a fantastic focal point for photographs.
6. Make Sure There Are Plenty of Shaded Areas
This may sound obvious, but it's one of the most important considerations for a hot weather wedding. Guests (and especially children) need somewhere to escape the sun, particularly during drinks receptions and outdoor dining.
Depending on your venue, this could include:
• Parasols
• Sailcloth canopies
• Stretch tents
• Garden umbrellas
• Covered terraces
• Marquees with open sides
When guests have somewhere cool to retreat to, they're far more likely to stay comfortable and enjoy themselves throughout the day.
7. Rethink Your Ceremony Timing
If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, avoid the hottest part of the day, as a ceremony scheduled for midday can leave guests sitting in direct sunlight when temperatures are at their highest. Instead, consider a slightly later ceremony time if your venue allows - temperatures will be more comfortable, and the light may be more flattering for photographs.
8. Provide a Cooling Basket
A thoughtful cooling station can be a lifesaver during a heatwave.
Fill baskets with useful items such as:
• Sunscreen
• Cooling facial mist
• Tissues
• Sunglasses
• Hand fans
• Blotting papers
Position them near the ceremony entrance or drinks reception so guests can help themselves. It's a simple gesture that demonstrates excellent hospitality.
9. Think Carefully About Your Menu
Heavy meals can feel overwhelming in hot weather.
Lighter seasonal menus often work better for summer weddings and help guests feel comfortable throughout the day. Think fresh salads, seafood, seasonal vegetables and lighter desserts rather than rich, heavy dishes.
The same principle applies to your evening food. Fresh wood-fired pizzas or grazing stations can feel far more appealing than heavier alternatives when temperatures remain high into the evening.
10. Keep Your Bridal Party Comfortable
Finally, don't forget yourselves.
Choose breathable fabrics where possible and consider providing cooling towels, water and shaded areas for your bridal party throughout the day. It's easy to become caught up in photographs and wedding excitement, but staying hydrated and taking short breaks from the heat can make a huge difference.
It’s popular for the bride to change outfits for the evening do, and bridesmaids can do this too. It is becoming a popular trend to let the bridal party switch from formal, floor-length gowns into shorter, more comfortable outfits so they can stay cool and dance more easily into the evening.
A Hot Weather Wedding Can Still Be Perfect
A warm summer wedding creates a wonderful atmosphere, but it does require some extra planning. By thinking ahead and prioritising guest comfort, you can turn a potentially challenging day into one that's relaxed, enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons. From hydration stations and paper fans to ice cream carts and signature cocktails, the best hot weather weddings combine practical solutions with thoughtful details.
You can browse my wedding signs here, or contact me for more information on custom wedding signs for your special day.