Many engaged couples dream of a Summer wedding, golden sunlight, outdoor venues, and long evenings. But over the past few years we’ve hit a few heatwaves. These can turn your wedding day and your wedding ceremony into a sweaty, stressful experience if you’re not prepared.

So it’s time to beat the heat with breathable wedding attire, summer-friendly menus, and clever cooling hacks.

3. Hydration is Key

Make sure your wedding venue has water stations where guests can help themselves. Also have plenty of water-based drinks available that are served alongside the preferred drinks you have chosen. You could even have the wedding ushers handing out bottles of water as guests arrive to be seated at your wedding ceremony.

4. Dress for the Weather

Choosing a wedding dress always needs some prior thought, so here are some top wedding dress tips for hot weather Where possible consider lightweight, breathable fabrics. Short sleeves or sleeveless wedding dresses may help but remember to consider the sun burn factor.

Brides: Consider chiffon, or linen-based gowns.
Grooms: A three-piece suit might look the part but something lighter might be more appropriate such as a linen suit.

Before your big day let your wedding party know comfort is a priority in terms of your wedding dress code.

5. ​How to keep guests cool at a Summer wedding.

Cool Down Kits for your guests.
Offer guests mini cooling kits with items like handheld fans, sunscreen, blotting papers, cooling towels, and parasols. Buy these in bulk ahead of time and possibly make them wedding favours.

6. Planning a summer wedding doesn’t have to mean melting in the sun – plan ahead for Makeup and Hair Survival.

Work with bridal hair and makeup artists who specialize in long-wear, sweat-resistant techniques. Talk to your wedding hairdresser about styles which favour hot conditions such an up do to reduce neck heat. Use heat proof products for your bridal styling and share your bridal make up tips with your bridesmaids.

7. Think About the Menu – Light and Refreshing Choices

Avoid heavy, hot meals. Serve cold canapés, fresh salads, and chilled desserts like sorbet, frozen yoghurt or ice cream to keep your wedding guests cool. Bonus: an ice cream cart or frozen cocktail stand can be fun and photogenic! A sure-fire way to make your wedding Instagramable!

8. Keep your wedding guests Informed – Communication is key.

Let guests know ahead of time that it will be hot. Include heat-friendly dress suggestions and tips in your wedding invitations or wedding website. Make sure you suggest Summer hydration tips, especially if you’re expecting children to attend. Don’t forget if you’re incorporating pets in your wedding ceremony you need to consider their well-being too.

9. Protect the Wedding Flowers – Choose Hardy Blooms

Some wedding flowers will wilt in heat. Consult your bridal florist and opt for heat-resistant varieties like orchids, or zinnias. Keep wedding bouquets in water until the last minute. Alternatively choose UV resistant artificial wedding flowers.

10. Have a Wedding Backup Plan – Flexibility is Everything

Weather is unpredictable. Always have an indoor or shaded alternative ready, especially for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Talk to your wedding celebrant about flexibility in your ceremony location and adapting the ceremony script. Couples often ask me at the last minute or even mid ceremony to shorten their wedding ceremony if the heat is intense. It’s really not a problem, I anticipate this happening and have my script marked up just in case there’s ever any last-minute reasons to shorten the wedding ceremony, rain or shine!

Final Thoughts

Don’t let high temperatures ruin your big day—this heatwave wedding checklist has you covered. With a little planning, you can still have a beautiful wedding that’s comfortable for everyone involved. Think cool, stay hydrated, and most of all—enjoy the moment.