A summer wedding can mean clear skies and a warm breeze. However, summer weddings can also mean hot days and sweaty guests!.  We love the summer, but when Mother Nature decides to kick up the heat, it can take the “oomph” out of a festive wedding day in a matter of seconds, leaving you and your guests hot and sticky and, well, downright gloomy.  But this is not a public service announcement to stop summer weddings, in fact, we love summer!  And while we would never want to call a cease fire on summer nuptials…we do want to stress the importance of giving your guests what they need to stay “chill” throughout the night!

When the summer arrives, wedding celebrations take a natural shift to the outdoors, soaking in all the summer has to offer.  There is no better way to complement the heat than a sweet refreshing surprise…think ice cream bars and frozen treats. Take a look at our blog for some ideas on how to make your dessert experience memorable and “cool” for everyone. We got you covered…from nostalgic charm to gourmet flavors all with a frosty twist.

Popsicles

A childhood favorite with a mature twist;  combine sweet and sour flavors with fresh fruit and herbs to help “chill” your guests out!  An unexpected gourmet twist to this pool side front-runner is sure to make your VIPs swoon. These bright, fruity treats will be a yummy and cool addition to your wedding day desserts as well as a crowd-pleaser if you are hosting children.  If you want to up the ante, you can take this playtime favorite and infuse them with champagne for a refreshing toast or add flavorful popsicles to your cocktails before or after the ceremony for a tantalizing way to keep your guests comfortable in the heat. 

Ice Cream Floats

Another nostalgic throwback, the ice cream float is a darling, non-alcoholic addition to your cocktail hour.  Add scoops of ice cream to fun soda flavors for a refreshing treat.  Guests will be delighted with the array of flavors including bourbon vanilla and espresso swirl. Give your guests a delicious experience by making it interactive where guests can pick and choose what they want while mingling with other guests. 

Ice Cream Sandwiches

A delicious, bite sized and hand-held treat to keep your guests cool will be the perfect change of pace. Guests can indulge in something sweet without having to leave the dance floor! Consider serving ice cream sandwiches between a variety of cookies wrapped in custom monogram papers. Or elevate your wedding palette with bright colors by serving sweet macaron ice cream sandwiches.

Milkshakes

As a sweet treat for the end of the night, offer your guests a milkshake as a sugary send off.  Whether spiked with liquor or purely sweet, milkshakes can be one of your signature drinks. A milkshake is a wonderful way to keep your guests “chill” while also satisfying their sweet tooth.

Frozen Cocktails

Frozen cocktails are a fun and memorable addition to your summer wedding reception.  Whether you opt for a classic frozen drink like a margarita or a pina colada or care to design a unique concoction that represents you and your beloved, these are the perfect way to keep your guests cool and comfortable. In addition, these yummy cocktails can add a layer of festivity to your event with their vibrant colors and playful presentation. 

Make Your Own Sundae Bar

If you are looking for crowd pleasing, slightly unexpected and completely interactive, an ice cream bar is a guaranteed hit.  Guests of all ages will love the idea of customizing their own ice cream sundaes.  You can include all of the sundae staples but also kick it up a notch with some artisanal flavors like lavender honey and salted caramel.  Let guests choose their own toppings  and watch them go to town and create something they’ll actually enjoy eating. Many couples also love pairing their ice cream treats with other refreshing summer desserts, creating a colorful display that is attractive to more than just the belly!

Summer weddings…the idea is sun drenched, not sweat drenched. Incorporating some cool treats into your wedding menu is a surefire way to “chill” your guests out.  From keeping guests cool to leaving them “wowed” by your sweet treats menu, desserts can be both yummy and aesthetically pleasing. During the warmer months, ice cream and other frozen treats are definitely a major contender when it comes to your dessert menu.  We promise your guests will be thanking you for all the cool treats!

Summer food goes beyond sweet treats…if you are looking for some fun foodie ideas to enhance your summer wedding, take a look at our blog “Fan-tastic Summer Wedding Menu Ideas”.