Want to ensure your guests leave your summer wedding happy? Prioritize guest comfort. From soaring temperatures to sun-soaked ceremonies and standing-room-only cocktail hours, it’s easy to overlook how the season’s elements can impact the guest experience. We turned to our Pro Members for their smartest, most stylish ways to beat the heat, while keeping the vibe effortlessly elevated.
Meredith Coe Photography
01
Provide Shade
Offer shade to keep your guests—and you two—cool. Hands off, sun! (Think umbrellas, trees, or shade structures.) Bonus points if you throw in a pool.
Meredith Coe
Founder, Meredith Coe Photography
EMÈS Weddings
02
Delay Your Start
Schedule ceremonies later in the day and out of direct sunlight. Keep them short and sweet.
Melanie Thomas
Lead Photographer, EMÈS Weddings
Brittney Welch Photography
03
Ditch the Veil
Consider skipping the traditional veil—especially on breezy spring days when wind can make it more hassle than help. For a chic alternative, try a vintage-inspired headband with a birdcage veil or an elegant bridal cape. Both options offer a stylish nod to tradition while staying practical and fashion-forward.
Brittney Welch
Founder, Brittney Welch Photography
The Snells
04
Choose Heat-Friendly Florals
Opt for seasonal, heat-tolerant flowers such as dahlias, garden roses, succulents, or tropical blooms. These flowers hold up better in warm temperatures, ensuring your arrangements look fresh and vibrant all day.
Ashlea Snell
Co-Founder, The Snells
LGM
05
Keep Bites Light
Summer calls for desserts that are as refreshing as they are eye-catching. A pavlova topped with fresh berries is a stunning alternative to a traditional tiered cake—it’s delicate, full of flavor, and perfect for warm-weather celebrations. Your guests will thank you for a sweet treat that’s as light as the summer breeze.
Ludovic Grau-Mingot
Founder, LGM
Eric Kelley
06
Cover Up to Cool Down
Tarp clear-top tents and uncover them just before guests arrive to keep things cooler.
Renny Pedersen
Founder, Bliss Events Chicago
Rachel Elaine Photography
07
Freeze the Moment
Offer signature drinks with a twist—think popsicles in prosecco or frozen cocktails. At one wedding, we even added an Icee station in place of a groom’s cake (he wasn’t a fan of cake!). Guests could choose to enjoy theirs with or without alcohol, and it was a huge hit. I’m seeing more couples lean into creative frozen drink ideas, and I think that trend will only grow.
Shannon Ducker
Owner & Creative Director, Shannon Rose Events
Rachael Kazmier Photography
08
Make a Splash
Keep your guests cool with a pre-wedding pool party. Incorporate heat-friendly touches like cold drinks and gift totes filled with fans and sunscreen. Shaded lounge areas and custom pool floats can add summery flair while doubling as décor.
Rachael Kazmier
Founder, Rachael Kazmier Photography
Cristina G Photography
09
Take a Seat
Keep guests cool at cocktail hour with an open-air lounge styled with rattan chairs & tables, and oversized parasols. It’s equal parts comfort and Riviera-inspired elegance.
Cristina Giurgea
Founder, Cristina G Photography
Chelsey Barhorst Photography
10
Go Self-Serve
Whether it’s a freezer cart or an old-school bar setup, guests love cooling off with a nostalgic treat.
Chelsey Barhorst
Founder, Chelsey Barhorst Photography
