Are you planning a summer wedding in Arizona? You’ll def need to consider how hot it gets during the May – September months. Not only do you want to keep your guests cool at an outdoor wedding, you also want to protect them (and yourself!) from heatstroke!! If you’re from out of town, just know… it’s way hotter than you think my dude. Here are ten tips from an Arizona local to protect yourself & your guests from the intense heat!!

Planning a Summer Wedding: Ten Tips!

1. Drink TONS of water

Even if you’re planning a late summer wedding, it’s still super hot in Arizona. You need to drink water & provide water for your guests!! I even suggest having some water available when they show up at the venue. Ask the venue staff or your wedding planner to keep it full throughout the day! If you wanna add a little twist, make your water fun with mint or fruit-infused water!!

2. Choose an indoor venue

I recommend choosing an indoor venue, or only have the ceremony outside, like Hannah & Georgia did here! If your ceremony is outside, don’t use metal or black chairs that will absorb too much heat. No burnt butts here!

3. Pass out fans to your guests

As wedding favors or little gifts for your guests, order a bunch of paper fans in bulk! This is a super easy, fairly cheap way to keep guests cool at an outdoor wedding. You can print your engagement pictures or the wedding day timeline on them as well so they’re more personalized!

4. Wear flip flops

If you’re wondering how to stay cool under your wedding dress, why not wear flip-flops or cute sandals? This could be a cute way to nod to your summer theme, plus they’ll be easy to kick off when the dance floor opens up.

5. Plan an evening summer wedding

To manage the heat of a hot summer wedding, plan an evening wedding. Nights in the desert are a lot cooler so you and your guests will feel more comfortable. Plus we can maximize golden hour beforehand to get super dreamy couples portraits. 

6. Consider your hair & makeup

If you’re planning a summer outdoor wedding, plan ahead with your hair & makeup. Make sure your hair and makeup artists know how to keep your hair from wilting or your makeup from sweating off!! Research summer wedding makeup tips, like using a quality setting powder or setting spray. Also, look for hairstyles that keep your hair off your face & up off your neck. Plan time into your schedule to touch up your makeup or hair throughout the day!!

7. Use fake flowers

Think about your florals – we don’t want them to wilt in the summer heat!! In general, I recommended fake flowers anyway. They’re cheaper & last longer!! But if you have any real flowers, make sure your venue has a big enough fridge for them to stay in until it’s time to use them.

8. Minimize your layers 

For the love of all that’s good, please minimize your layers. You probably don’t need to wear a three-piece suit, my friend. If you do, more power to ya – but good luck staying cool! For all my dress-wearing friends, look for lighter fabrics like silk or lace. 

9. Schedule in breaks

When you’re planning your summer wedding timeline, schedule breaks for yourself to cool off. In general, it helps to slow down on your wedding day, especially if you’re trying to avoid getting overheated. Take a moment to fan off, drink some water, & soak in the day. 

10. Serve lighter food

Instead of a super heavy, creamy pasta meal consider something more light and summary that sits well with the heat. Think salads, ice cream, fruit trays, charcuterie boards, fish, chicken, seasonal veggies, or popsicles!! Offer mocktails in your bar – alcohol is dehydrating, so give them nonalcoholic options. 

PLANNING  A SUMMER WEDDING, BONUS TIPS:

• Remember to make it fun!
• Get your wedding party matching sunglasses
• Choose shorter bridesmaids’ dresses
• Pick a bright summery color palette
• Enjoy the sunshine
• Rent a snowcone truck for your guests
• Buy cute umbrellas for added shade
  

  

These pics are from Hannah + and Georgia’s June wedding in Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ!!! I’m actually obsessed with these two – not only are they just so much fun to hang with, their family was a BLAST. Congrats again, you two!!!

Planning your Arizona wedding? Get some outdoor wedding inspo from this beautiful Villa Siena wedding venue!

Arizona Wedding Vendors

Venue: The Greenhouse on Woodland

Catering: BBQDaddy

Day-of coordinator & Bartender: Eventfully Yours 

DJ: DJ Suave

Cake: Persnikkitys