Everyone loves a summer wedding - me especially. I got married in August and while it wasn’t originally what we had planned, I wouldn’t ever change that date cloudless, hot, colorful day. We didn’t wonder what the temperature would be or if it would rain. With mid-August in Pennsylvania you basically have two options, hot or hotter. So, naturally I filled this post with photos from my favorite summer wedding… OURS!

Yes, we had a few snags. Our venue promised that they had portable AC units, which they did but they just blew warm air. Our ceremony was super short. Like, so short that our guests looked around and asked, “that’s it??” but they did still have to sit out in the blaring sunshine waiting for it to start. We provided a big, iced grain cart full of water for guests upon arriving and it’s little things like that can help you have a beautiful and comfortable summer wedding.

Photography by Melania Marta Photography

Here are some of my personal favorite tips for you June - September couples:

Prepare your own personal cooling tools

Have you ever been at a theme park on a sweltering day and felt the relief of a misting tent? Yeah. That’s what this is inspired by. I had a few of these personal misting fans for my own wedding in case my grandmother’s got really uncomfortable or I reached my it’s 98 degrees and I’m wearing silk limit. This non-misting version is great too and would be perfect for the VIPs: the couple, the parents and the wedding party.

Consider your ceremony location

If your ceremony will be outdoors and you have multiple options for the positioning or location, consider where the shade will be at the time of your ceremony. For overall comfort and for better photographs, it’s best that at least the couple and the first few rows are in the shade! I think it goes without saying, make sure you also have a smart rain plan.

Set a fun, weather-appropriate dress code

This will forever be one of my favorite personal wedding planning decisions. We wanted to convey a few things to our guests: our ceremony is outside, our venue is mostly one large outdoor space, we want you to wear bright colors and light clothing, we’d prefer if you were comfortable however, it’s important to us that everyone is dressed very nicely. So, we set a “Kentucky Derby” dress code! Find a way to convey to your guests that they’re free to dress in light colors and summer fabrics. Garden Party, Summer Cocktail and Daytime Summer Formal are also great wording options!

Provide plenty of hydration options

It’s important that your guests have access to beverages from the time they arrive at a summer wedding. Keeping them comfortable should be paramount. Providing bottled water or a chic hydration station with infused waters is a wonderful option for the ceremony site. Be sure the cocktail hour and reception bars are also stocked with refreshing non-alcoholic options like lemonade, iced tea and water.

Seriously consider an updo

As the wedded couple, you will spend the most time outside on your wedding day because of portraits. The bride, bridesmaids and moms should all truly and seriously consider wearing their hair up. Having your hair out of your face and off of your neck will help with sweating and feeling sticky. It will also ensure that your hair style lasts throughout the day.

Serve lighter, non-creamy fair with a cold food option

I think summer weddings are the perfect time to get creative with your food menu. If you’re serving a hot, plated dinner, you may want to start with a refreshing summer salad. Another great option is to add a cold side to your buffet. Ask your caterer what they can provide that is light, summer fare. You don’t want your guests to have only hot, rich, heavy foods.

Make smart shoe choices

When we’re hot, our feet get sweaty. When it’s super hot outside, your feet can get sweaty and swollen. Basically, wearing strappy heels during summer weddings can really be uncomfortable and not a smart idea. Chances are, not many people will see your shoes anyway. I wore these cute and very comfortable sandals that I now get to wear again and again! I think sandals are the smartest summer wedding choice and now lots of bridal shoe designers are incorporating them into their lines!