A summer wedding in the heat?

There are few things that can beat a summer wedding in the warm weather. Long, light evenings, flower-filled surroundings and dinners under the open sky create a magical setting for the big day.

But along with the charms of summer comes the heat, and this can affect everything from hairstyles and make-up to attire, flowers and the guests’ experience. With a few well-thought-out choices, you can enjoy all the best that summer has to offer, without compromising on either style or comfort. It’s not hard to see why, year after year, summer tops the list as the most popular wedding season.

Nature is in full bloom, the evenings feel endless, and there are more opportunities to celebrate outdoors than at any other time of year. Whether you’re dreaming of a garden wedding, a ceremony by the sea or a dinner at a vineyard, summer creates an atmosphere that hardly needs any extra decoration. But when the temperature approaches thirty degrees, planning requires a completely different approach. It’s not about avoiding the heat, but about planning smartly, so that both you and your guests can enjoy the day.

Many people choose to get married in the middle of the day, but in the height of summer, that’s also when the sun is at its strongest and the heat is at its most intense. Let the day’s schedule follow the sun.

If possible, it might be worth holding the ceremony later in the afternoon or early evening. The light becomes softer, the temperature more pleasant, and the photography captures that warm, golden light that photographers love. What’s more, the dinner and reception provide a natural transition into the bright summer evening. Sometimes, the best decoration is quite simply a beautiful sunset.

Style and comfort need never be at odds. Choose clothes that let your body breathe.

For the bride, a dress made from lighter fabrics or with fewer layers can make a big difference on a hot day. Silk chiffon, crepe and thinner satin drape beautifully whilst feeling cooler against the skin.

For the groom, there are now many modern suits made from linen blends, highly breathable wool or unstructured styles that feel considerably lighter than the classic three-piece suit. Feeling comfortable shows. Not just for yourselves, but also in the photographs.

Summer heat, humidity and tears of joy are a combination that places high demands on both hair and make-up.

The secret isn’t using more products, but using the right ones. A professional hair stylist and make-up artist adapts both techniques and products to the season, skin type and weather forecast. Well-moisturised skin gives make-up better hold, whilst the right styling products help curls and volume last much longer.

Soft updos, low buns and half-up styles are not only timeless, they often withstand heat and wind better than hair worn completely loose.

TIP: Keep a small touch-up kit close at hand throughout the day, containing powder, lipstick, blotting paper and perhaps a small hairbrush and hairspray. A few quick minutes in front of the mirror between the ceremony and dinner make a big difference to both your appearance and how long your look lasts.

The most appreciated details are rarely the most expensive ones. Think just as much about your guests as you do about yourselves.

Cold water or lemonade when guests arrive, parasols for an outdoor ceremony, sunshades on the tables or pretty hand fans for guests to take home are small gestures that quickly become big favourites.

If you have older guests or young children, shaded seating and the chance to cool off can make all the difference to how comfortable the day feels. When guests are comfortable, the atmosphere automatically improves.

Summer is fantastic, but also unpredictable. Plan for the unexpected.

A clear blue sky can quickly give way to a brief summer shower, and a cool morning can turn into a really hot afternoon. So make sure you always have a Plan B. A marquee, a shaded spot or a nearby indoor venue provides peace of mind without taking away the feel of an outdoor wedding. When you know you’re prepared, it’s also easier to relax.

Five clever touches to enhance a summer wedding.

1. Offer your guests a ‘refreshment station’. Set out a pretty basket or a small table with sun cream, mosquito repellent, mint sweets, tissues and hand fans. It’s a much-appreciated touch that also feels thoughtfully planned.
2. Plan a cool break for yourselves. The schedule is often packed, but try to set aside ten minutes where you can step away, have a glass of water and catch your breath together before the party continues. It often turns out to be one of the day’s most memorable moments.
3. Serve something unexpected straight after the wedding ceremony. Swap the traditional toast for ice cream, sorbet, ice lollies or a non-alcoholic signature drink. It’ll be both refreshing and a fun surprise for your guests.
4. Let the evening air become part of the party. As the temperature drops, blankets, fairy lights and candles can transform the party into a cosy summer evening outdoors. Many guests appreciate the chance to switch between the dance floor and a quiet lounge area under the open sky.
5. Remember to enjoy the things you can’t plan. The perfect sunset, a spontaneous laugh or the wind lifting a veil can be the moments you remember most of all. Try not to chase perfection; instead, let summer do what it does best and create an atmosphere that cannot be recreated at any other time of year.