Your wedding day will definitely spark some feelings that could cause your body temperature to rise…it’s normal. Add in the steamy summer weather, and sweating is as foolproof as saying “I do”.  Summer is a popular time for tying the knot, but there are a lot of things to consider when planning your wedding day…especially when it comes to style.

If you have dreamed of a summer wedding, there is no need to forgo your vision just because of the summer heat. Hot temperatures can melt makeup, devastate updos and soak beautiful gowns with sweat, but a little bit of planning can keep you cool. Preparing ahead of time and understanding what you need to stay “chill” and look fantastic is easy when you are armed with some hot weather styling tips.

Makeup Tips

When it comes to summer wedding makeup, if you are doing your own, combat those warm weather conditions with a setting spray.  This will help to keep your makeup in place for photos and tears of happiness throughout the day. 

Hiring a professional is a great way to ensure your makeup will stay put through sweat, tears and smiles for a 12 hour day. They will know all the tricks to keep you looking fresh throughout your wedding. For some added reassurance, hire your makeup artist to stay to give you a refresh, ideally right before and after the ceremony and right before the reception.

Attire

Your wedding attire is an extremely thoughtful and important choice when it comes to your big day. When you are dealing with the hot weather, smart attire choices can make or break your comfort level throughout your celebration. Long sleeves are beautiful…for winter. Lightweight and simple is a better option for the warmer months. Consider your colors and fabrics when choosing attire for the groom and any men in your wedding party.  A “vineyard chic” look is a great option using lighter linens and more breathable fabrics. 

Another option to consider is having a second dress.  A longer, classical dress for the ceremony and a shorter, more breathable and moveable style for the reception.

Consider Location

When planning out your outdoor wedding ceremony, consider which areas of the venue grounds offer the most shade. Not only will this keep you looking fresh on your wedding day, but your guests will appreciate not having to sit in the blazing sun for an hour. Designing your ceremony space with the idea of the direction of the sun in mind will hopefully alleviate any moments where the sun is beating directly on you. 

We also suggest considering the idea of indoor photographs…afterall you chose this location for a reason.  Embracing the idea of indoor portraits does not mean you have to abandon outdoor photos altogether, it just gives you the opportunity to get out of the sun during the hottest part of the day while still allowing for many photo opportunities.  Going outside for golden hour photos instead of directly before or after the ceremony can really help you and your wedding party remain cool!

Stay Hydrated

This goes without saying, but it is often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of your busy wedding day.  Making sure you stay hydrated during the day is so very important. Easier said than done, you say…then make sure to designate a VIP or someone on your planning team to make sure you are hydrating. We understand the craziness associated with a wedding day, but we also know how important it is for you and your wedding party to stay hydrated throughout all of the comings and goings of this glorious experience. Water while prepping, water on the shuttles and water at the venue are a must! Staying hydrated not only keeps you going all day, but it also keeps you glowing.

Hosting your wedding in the summer months can be magical, ethereal, perhaps even tropical, but one obstacle that you will likely have to overcome is the undeniable heat.  But ditching your summer soiree vision is not the answer!  Prevent some of the summer catastrophes that may arise by implementing our hot weather style tips. We can’t stop the heat from making an appearance on your day but we can certainly arm you with some pointers to help you combat those extreme weather conditions. Check out some of our past summer weddings, to see how some of our beautiful couples kept cool on their special (but hot) day.

If you are looking for a few ways to keep your guests chill for your summer soiree, read our blog How to Keep Your Guests Cool During Summer Weddings. We can guarantee some trendy tips on how to help your guests beat the heat.