Wedding Planning Tips, Your Event Career
Pros and Cons of Planning a Summer Wedding
Ahhh, summer. Warm sunshine, days spent outdoors, and of course…wedding season! The majority of weddings take place during the summer, but they are not for the faint of heart. Couples and their guests are at the mercy of the weather (which can change on a dime), insects, and the heat – all which can wreak havoc on décor and food.
As the wedding planner, be mindful of the pros and cons that come with choosing a summer wedding date. We’ve got you covered with a complete list of what to prepare for, so read on and be at-the-ready!
The Pros
More guests will be able to attend
Generally speaking, the summer is a slower time for most people at work and at school. So many weddings take place during the warmer months for the very reason that guests are in a much more relaxed state of mind and will have the time to travel to the wedding. At the very least, guests will be able make arrangements on a summer weekend to attend the event.
This is also why the fall and winter are less popular for nuptials – people simply don’t have as much time, giving you a lower turnout at weddings.
Flowers and bright colors abound
Nothing says romance like fresh flowers, especially when they’re in full bloom and arranged in a beautiful display. What better season for roses, lilacs, and lilies than summertime?
If you’re planning a summer wedding, you’ll have your pick of both flowers and bright, cheerful colors to mix and match for a gorgeous celebration. While spring and fall also boast colorful flowers and hues, the summer sunshine will ensure that flowers are at their most glorious, and that brightly colored table linens, ribbons, and accents dazzle.
Helping your clients choose the best flowers for their wedding is a great way to show off the skills you gained in event decorator classes!
Long summer days and nights
As the wedding planner, it can be tricky to schedule a ceremony time. You have to contend with the couple’s plans for the rest of the day, which will likely include photos, cocktails, and other events. The summer sunshine can last until about 8:30pm, depending on the month, which will give your couple (and you!) a great deal of flexibility – you won’t be trying to beat the clock. Summer evenings are also not pitch black, so an outdoor reception has the potential to be softly lit and romantic for the newlyweds, while remaining comfortable for the guests.
Easy, breezy summer wardrobe
There’s just something about the warm breeze and hot sunshine that makes everyone look and feel their best. As the planner, you’ll help the bride choose the most important dress of her life, and you’ll also lend a hand to the bridal party as they dress up (and suit up!) for the big day. This is the season for short dresses, sweetheart necklines, and light material. You want to ensure the wedding party is happy and comfortable in their respective outfits.
The Cons
Food meltdowns
You’ve spent a considerable amount of time helping your clients choose the most magnificent wedding cake possible, so be sure to protect it by keeping it out of direct sunlight! Keeping the cake in a shaded area at all times is vital. Go one step further to prevent a meltdown by actually choosing the right kind of cake for an outdoor summer wedding – rolled fondant and marzipan icing can withstand the heat, while buttercream and fruit-filled cakes will end in disaster.
But you’re not out of the woods yet! You need to be seriously careful when it comes to serving perishable foods on a hot summer’s day. We recommend placing serving dishes in bowls of ice, taking care to prevent foodborne illness by not reusing platters that held uncooked food, and washing your hands as much as you can throughout the process.
Don’t let perishable food such as potato salad and deviled eggs sit out for more than two hours at the very most. The last thing you need is a group of guests who are sick to their stomachs!
Rainy days
Everyone hopes for a sunny wedding day, but Mother Nature is in charge, and often a beautiful day can quickly turn wet and gloomy. Help your clients plan their summer nuptials with the chance of rain in mind, and you’ll be able to not only salvage the event, but everyone will have a blast no matter what.
For an outdoor event, be sure to choose a location that has an indoor, or at least covered, Plan B. Also remember to have some supplies on hand (think lovely, colorful umbrellas, ponchos and towels) to keep everyone dry and happy. A small tented area can also be a godsend!
Remember to keep a positive attitude no matter what – after all, rain on your wedding day is considered lucky!
Hot sunshine
In contrast, another major concern for summer weddings is the high heat and hot sun. Spending hours at an outdoor ceremony on a hot day can take a toll on even the biggest fans of summer – heat stroke, sunburn, and heat exhaustion are just a few issues to watch out for. When you put hundreds of people together, the amount of fresh air available is even more limited, and this can result in a sweaty, claustrophobic situation.
As the wedding planner, put your expertise to use by ensuring that guests are in the shade as much as possible, or at least give them the option to escape the hot sun for a few moments. Set up seating under large trees to give your guests some shade to cool down in!
