Living in the rainforest that is the Pacific Northwest, we’re used to spending most of the year under rain clouds and slightly damp. That said, the summer can get quite hot, and if you’re having a summer wedding in BC, it’s important to think about ways to keep your guests cool in the heat. 

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five things you can do to mitigate the heat during your summer wedding.

1. THINK COOL WHEN DESIGNING YOUR EVENT SPACE

It may be hard to escape the heat on a hot day, but there are lots of ways you can help guests avoid it. Make sure there’s lots of shade everywhere. If your event space lacks tree cover or other shade mechanisms, make sure to introduce some with awnings or parasols. You can pair one of your shady spots with an icy water station, too.

One thing that’s worked for our Okanagan events is to have misters running during any outdoor portions of the event. This way, people can twirl in the spray and cool off. If possible, you should also have an air-conditioned indoor space that people can retreat to if they’re feeling too uncomfortable.

2. ADD SOME FROZEN TREATS TO YOUR COCKTAIL HOUR

In the last few years, as the summers have gotten warmer, we’ve been finding creative ways to introduce some cooler snacks and drinks into cocktail hour. For instance, we’ve brought in a popsicle stand, and that has proven really popular with guests. Our favourite local option is Johnny’s Pops, and they have a great variety of handmade pops crafted with flavours based on local BC ingredients. 

For a fancy twist, you could also invite your guests to plop their pop into a glass of cool prosecco. Speaking of drinks, we recommend catering your bar list to include more hot-weather drinks such as white wine, rosé, beer, cider, and fruity cocktails.

Another option for a frozen snack is ice cream or gelato bars, which can also be served as dessert or a late-night snack. Earnest Ice Cream recently reintroduced their event offerings, and there are a lot of options to choose from. 

3. GIVE YOUR GUESTS A STAY COOL KIT

Guests love gifts, so why not give them items that can help stave off the heat? A “Stay Cool” kit could include a cap with the wedding date, small water bottle, personal sunscreen, sunglasses, and a little hand-held electric fan. This can also be a fun opportunity to use puns and funny phrases, if that feels representative of you as a couple.

If you don’t want to do a kit for each guest, you could also have an outdoor “Stay Cool” station where people can pick out the items they need when they need them. 

4. CONSIDER YOUR MENU

If you’re having your dinner outdoors, you’re going to want to pick foods that lend themselves to warm weather. Avoid hot soups, stews, and creamy sauces, as they might feel heavy. You should also stay away from ingredients that melt or wilt easily in the sun. Instead, consider the foods that work well in the heat: roasted vegetables, a simple but delicious protein, and a cold soup are all things that could work. 

5. DON’T FORGET TO STAY COOL YOURSELVES

It’s going to be hard for you to enjoy your own wedding if you’re not feeling comfortable — and your guests are going to notice. If you’re wearing a suit, have some ice packs to hand that you can put down your back during the speeches. We also recommend having a change of shirts, particularly if you’re prone to sweating in the heat.

Meanwhile, if you’re planning to start the day in a big gown, you may want to consider having a lighter dress that you can change into for the reception. 

YOUR SUMMER WEDDING WILL BE FANTASTIC

There’s a reason everyone loves an outdoor summer wedding. There’s nothing quite like dancing the night away in the heat of a summer evening as friends and family come together to celebrate a couple’s love. However, it does come with its challenges. As long as you take the time to think about ways you can make your guests comfortable and execute them, then you’ll be one step closer to having the summer wedding of your dreams. 

Need help planning your summer wedding? We’d love to help. Get in touch and let’s chat about your vision.