If you come from a more traditional or conventional background, you may be accustomed to hearing about classic church weddings only. Nowadays, though, couples and event coordinators are getting more and more creative, taking wedding planning to a whole new level with special themes and concepts.
Many have only dreamed about having a nice and warm summer wedding, like a beach or garden wedding for instance, but outdoor ceremonies and receptions seem to be popular now. With the wonderful clear skies, fun vacation-like atmosphere, and perfect settings for the best wedding photographs, there is no question why!
Before you jump into planning your dream summer wedding—before booking your venue, arranging for catering services, and having backdrops and props designed—there are several elements you must keep in mind.
Heat
The sunlight really does have the ability to make any place seem beautiful and radiant, but there is always the downside that is heat. Having a summer wedding takes a lot of commitment on your end. Before anything, make sure that you are truly willing to withstand the high temperature—and subject your guests to it—for a few hours.
If possible, make provisions for you and your guests to lessen or diffuse strong or direct sunlight. Preparing white tents or having some kind of trellis made can help reduce the heat.
Vacation Season
Summer may be the perfect time for you and your partner to say “Yes” or “I do” but it is also known to be the season for everyone to go on vacation; not everyone may be willing to say “Yes” to you. Prior to committing to a date in the summer, make sure that your family, close friends, and important guests are all available on your special day.
Weather
While summer is known to be the hottest of seasons, there are also days during the season when clouds decide they can’t afford to hold any more water. Always be prepared for possible rain showers. Though the rain may not come right at the moment you’re set to get married, any precipitation prior to your wedding could mean that the ground and grass will be damp or soft.
It would be smart to have rollers or planks to cover the ground with, just in case your venue turns out to be a little bit too muddy for your special day.
Peak Season Rates
Given how summer is always everyone’s favorite season to hold events, rates at hotels, clubs, and other venues may be higher than the rest of the year. This will most probably go the same way for your suppliers (catering services, wedding photographers, etc.) Do be prepared to pay a premium for this wonderful, warm and sunny season.
Meals in Exposed Areas
Not everyone may be comfortable eating outdoors. Whether it’s because of having their food exposed, or the because of outdoor critters (think: bugs, crawlies, and birds,) it will be best to request, through the representative of your catering services, for provisions to keep all food covered, and to keep all critters away.
Attire
For purposes of practicality and comfort, do keep in mind that it would be mean to have your guests wear anything stiff, dark, or wrapped up. Not only will it be difficult for everyone to move around in a warm place, having your guests wear uncomfortable clothes could also mean less fun for them. To ensure that everyone enjoys the nice and sunny day out, stick to light fabrics, light colors, and flowy styles.
Sufficient Seating & a Spread-out Layout
Given how it will most likely be warm out, see to it that there will be enough seats for all your guests. No one will enjoy standing through an outdoor ceremony, under direct heat.
As early as when you come up with a floor plan, make sure that everything is spread out, scattered enough to ensure that there will be enough wind and air for everyone!
Again, having a summer wedding could mean making a huge commitment to all these elements. Take all necessary precautions, and consider all possible nuisances. With proper preparation and enough contingency planning, you will definitely get your dream summer wedding!
Bio: Julieane Hernandez is a Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate turned Wedding designer. She’s an advanced tri-athlete during weekends. She’s been in the Wedding industry for about 5 years now and She’s learned so much from all the experiences she’s been through. Follow her on twitter and google+
Photo courtesy of dexknows.com.
