Summer is one of the most popular seasons for weddings, and for good reason. The sun is shining, you likely won’t have to worry about rain, and lots of popular honeymoon destinations are in their prime during the Summer season.
There are plenty of perks that come with having a summer or warm-weather wedding. However, we can’t ignore the drawbacks — namely, the fact that North Carolina Summers get pretty toasty!
If you’re planning your Summer wedding, this guide is for you. Read on for some helpful tips that can keep you and your guests cool, ensuring your vision unfolds perfectly!
1. Set a Great Date
One of the first things couples have to decide after getting engaged is when they’ll get married. You may know you want to have a summer wedding, but you might still be on the fence about the specific date.
Here in NC, June ~typically~ is a bit cooler than July or August. If you want to get married in the summer but don’t want to get married during the hottest part of the season, schedule a wedding for early June or even consider late May.
2. Schedule Your Wedding at the Right Time of Day
Now that you have your date, think about the time of day you’ll get married. During the summer, temperatures tend to peak around 3 pm. If you’re getting married outside, avoid scheduling your ceremony at this time. On the plus side, the sunset is much later as well allowing for a later ceremony time. Take advantage of the long days and wait until a bit later in the day so the sun is less intense for you and your guests.
Plus, at Amazing Graze Barn, you will not want to miss the opportunity for photos with the gorgeous sunsets we get!
3. Set an Appropriate Dress Code
If you’re going to set a dress code for your wedding, make sure it fits the season. You might not want to require black-tie apparel for a late-afternoon wedding in the middle of August. Think carefully about how you’re going to ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen to dress, too.
If you are choosing the dresses for your bridesmaids to wear, look for lightweight and not form fitting. You may also want to consider letting the groomsmen get away with dress shirts and ties instead of suits or tuxedos (or at least encourage them to take off their jackets at the reception).
4. Say “Yes” to a Lightweight Dress
While we’re on the subject of attire, let’s talk about what you will wear! While nothing should stand in the way of your dream dress, consider finding a gown that is made of breathable material. Just mention this to your bridal stylist when you go shopping, she’s sure to have recommendations!
Let’s face it, when you’re comfortable, you’re happier. And that’s what your wedding day is all about!
5. Look for a Lightweight Suit
We didn’t forget about the groom! Try to find a suit or tuxedo made of lightweight material for your warm-weather wedding. Opt for a lighter-colored suit, too. This will keep him more comfortable than a black or navy blue ensemble, both of which will attract more heat than a light grey or tan suit. Guaranteed, if your groom is uncomfortable on the day, the pictures will show it!
6. Pick a Summer-Friendly Hairdo
For you and your girls, it’s best to choose a hairdo that will keep the hair off your neck and shoulders. This saves you from having to deal with sweaty hair sticking to your skin while you’re trying to pose for pictures or enjoy your first dance. It’s one less place for you to look “sweaty” in your final photos.
7. Pack Blotting Papers and Powder
It doesn’t matter how strong your makeup setting spray is. You may still find yourself looking shiny or oily at some point during your Summer wedding.
To prevent these issues from getting out of hand, ask your MOH to pack some blotting papers or translucent powder in her makeup bag for you. This makes it easy for you to get rid of shininess and stay fresh-faced throughout the entire wedding.
At Amazing Graze Barn, our Bridal Suite is conveniently close to all the action. You can sneak away to refresh from the side entrance behind the barn doors without anyone noticing.
8. Offer Lots of Shade
If you’re going to have some or all of your warm-weather wedding outside, be sure to give yourself and your guests frequent breaks from the sun.
Utilize the covered side porch on the barn, or keep the reception indoors (either upstairs or downstairs in the Amazing Graze Barn).
9. Choose a Light Menu
A menu full of heavy, rich, cream-based foods probably isn’t the best pick for a warm-weather wedding. Your guests will probably prefer foods that are light and refreshing.
For example, you could offer lighter protein choices like chicken or fish, as well as grilled vegetables and fresh fruit. As for sweets, you may want to select cold desserts like frozen yogurt or frozen cocktails.
10. Help Everyone Stay Hydrated
Provide plenty of ice water throughout the entire wedding. This helps you and your guests avoid getting dehydrated. Ask your caterer to set up “hydration stations” throughout the barn. Upstairs, downstairs, on the side porch, and outside by the outdoor games. Want to spruce up your water? Ask your caterer to add sliced fruit like strawberries, oranges, or lemons. This is an easy way to make your beverages feel a bit fancier, while not costing you a ton more.
11. Offer Sunscreen and Insect Repellant
Definitely communicate to your guests ahead of time that you will be having an outdoor Summer wedding. Remind them to wear sunblock and insect repellant. A great place to do this is on your wedding website if you have one!
Surely though, someone is going to forget these items. If you want to save your guests from getting burned to a crisp and bitten up (we are on a farm) supply spray sunblock and bug spray. Simply put a few bottles in a cute basket near the entrance so guests can apply before they sit. Let guests know it’s for them with a cute chalkboard sign from the Inventory Closet and write something like “Be smitten, not bitten”.
12. Pass Out Personal Fans
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception, consider providing your guests with personal fans. These could be small, battery-powered fans with you and your soon-to-be spouse’s names on them (bonus tip: this could double as your wedding favor)!
Paper fans with the day’s schedule or bridal party features are cute too!
13. Be Prepared for Summer Showers
Here in NC, rain showers and thunderstorms happen regularly throughout the Summer. Sometimes they are predicted and other times the just pop up out of the blue. Regardless though, when planning your wedding day months in advance, there is no way to know!
Go ahead and make your first choice plan, but do not be too disappointed if on your day it rains. We recommend having a solid backup plan to take away any last minute stress that may come with a sudden rain storm. Just be sure to also communicate all backup plan details us (Amazing Graze Barn), your wedding planner, caterer, and other vendors ahead of time.
Thanks to the numerous locations for both your ceremony and reception to take place on our farm, you are “covered” either way! Utilize the upstairs, downstairs, and covered patio areas as needed.
14. Select Summer Flowers
For a warm-weather wedding, you need hardy flowers that can stand up to the heat. Make sure you have plenty of water accessible so you can store your flowers and keep them looking fresh throughout the day. You may also want to store flowers in the refrigerator — especially before the ceremony.
There are plenty of flowers that fit the bill, including these:
Gardenias
Freesias
Orchids
Irises
Dahlias
Hydrangeas
Roses
Carnations
Chrysanthemums
Lilies
Sunflowers
15. Store Your Cake in the Refrigerator
In addition to storing your flowers in the refrigerator, you’ll also want to keep your cake there until it’s time to cut it.
The Amazing Graze Barn is air-conditioned, but it’s likely vendors will be in and out of the kitchen area and your guests will be roaming around the property. This extra heat coming in could cause your cake to begin melting.
You can avoid this issue and make sure your cake doesn’t get damaged before you cut it by simply storing it in the fridge right from the start.