Tips for a Summer Wedding in Georgia

We know that Summer weddings in the South can be absolutely stunning (bright florals, green grass, fresh fruit spritzers and farm-to-table appetizers — hello! dreamy!), but they also come with their own set of challenges. From the heat and humidity to the potential for rain, there are several factors engaged brides shouldn’t ignore when planning their big day. If you’re looking to beat the Summer heat and create an enjoyable experience for your wedding guests, listen up! We’ve got a few helpful tips to have the perfect Summer wedding.

1. Choose the Right Venue

Whether in Georgia or a surrounding state, it’s important to choose a venue that offers your guests a reprieve from the Summer heat. Look for venues that have air conditioning or outdoor spaces with shade. You may also want to consider having your ceremony and reception in the same location to minimize the amount of time your guests spend outside.

2. Dress for the Weather

Keep the heat and humidity in mind when choosing your wedding dress. Look for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or organza and consider a shorter hemline. You’ll also want to choose shoes that are comfortable to wear in the heat and won’t sink into the grass if you’re having an outdoor ceremony.

Here in Georgia, we know that record breaking temps stick around for more like 6 months of the year. (We’re sweating just thinking about it!).

Pro-tip: We recommend that our couples pack an extra formal shirt (or two) for the groom on wedding day. That way, if he gets sweaty and sticky during outdoor photos, he can quickly change shirts for the rest of the evening. 

3. Provide Shade and Water

Make sure your guests are comfortable by providing shade and water. For outdoor ceremonies, purchase parasols or hand fans for guests. There are lots of opportunities to match the decor or personalize the designs on these items. It’s also a great idea to have a drink station with plenty of water for arriving guests. We love incorporating a fun signature beverage or non-alcoholic drink too. Also, adding standing umbrellas is not only functional but lovely for a ceremony or cocktail hour setup.

4. Plan for Rain

Summer in the South also means the potential for rain. Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. This might mean having a tent on standby or having an indoor location available. Don’t wait too late to have a Plan B in place, because you won’t be the only bride looking for an emergency tent come wedding week. It’s worth having that insurance plan in place in advance, even if there’s a financial commitment. You’ll also want to make sure your vendors are aware of the backup plan if last-minute changes are needed.

5. Serve Refreshing Food and Drinks

The menu options for food and beverages during the Summer are endless! This may be our favorite part of hosting events this time of year. Incorporate light, refreshing seasonal flavors on the menu for your summer wedding. For food, think about serving salads, fresh fruit, and other light dishes. I love cold hors d’oeuvres on a Summer menu, because who wants to stand in the heat and eat hot, rich foods. 

6. Take advantage of the longer days

We’ll have you singing “ooooh, those Sum-mer nigh-ights!” in no time!
Utilizing Daylight Savings during Summer months is key to making your Summer wedding enjoyable. Host your ceremony as late as possible in order to avoid the unbearable afternoon heat for guests. Since the days are long, you’ll still have plenty of sunlight for incredible photos after the ceremony. 

By following these tips, you can have a beautiful and comfortable summer wedding in the South. Remember to keep your guests’ comfort in mind and plan accordingly. Congratulations on your engagement and best wishes for your big day!

Photography: Jessica Gold Photography