Hot Tips for Cool Brides: Surviving the Summer Wedding Melt

As far as seasonal weddings go, it’s safe to say that they each come with their own quirks. While June has been an utter yo-yo in terms of temperatures on the upper east coast, Summer weddings take the cake (and melt it too). Whether you're diving into wedding planning outdoors in Texas or setting your sights on a breezy NYC rooftop, hot-weather weddings demand a few extra tricks. Having dealt with my fair share of summer brides and warm-weather shenanigans, here are my top tips on how to prep for your summertime soiree as a bride. 

Summer Wedding Paradise, Courtesy of Nataliya Vaitkevich

Think Twice About Your Signature Scent

With an absurd amount of deodorant, oils, perfumes, and body sprays on the market, it’s become increasingly easy to cover up that stench of sweat in the heat—but maybe it’s too much? In humidity, perfumes can run the risk of dulling. Likewise, when additional moisture is introduced and hits above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, fragrances change compositions, intensify, or even attract bugs depending on the ingredient profile. Some brides love their bees, and more power to them. If you’re not among them, opt for a lighter, citrus or green-based scent with staying power—or better yet, test it outside during a warm afternoon before committing.

Keep Your (Blooms) Cool

Fresh flowers + heat = wilted greens. A quick florist trick to have the best bouquet possible: have your bouquet misted, chilled, and delivered in a mini cooler with frozen gel packs—not in water. There are even neat gel packs that double as plant food when defrosted, a smart and sustainable twist. Water can actually shorten bloom life during transport when temps rise due to steam and evaporation. Ask your florist to deliver your bouquet last, and keep it cool until the moment you walk down the aisle. 

Plan Your Photos: Around the Light And the Sweat

Golden hour is, well, golden—but not always if you’ve been melting like a grilled cheese since dawn. Instead of chasing sunset, talk to your photographer about early morning portraits when temps are cooler and your makeup is fresh. Whether it’s your first look, family portraits, or just you getting ready, you can still get gauzy, natural lighting and fresh makeup. Likewise, avoid the harsh midday sun and any frizzy hair that can occur!

Cake (Not) By The Ocean

Before I came to work with Jessica and the amazing team over at Virtuous Endeavors, I had many careers. Among them: a pastry school dropout, so trust me when I say, buttercream and 95° sun? A great slip and slide with no modeling prospects. KEEP YOUR CAKE CHILLED. While many summer weddings are prone to fake cakes with the “real” cake being kept chilled and served directly from the kitchen, this may not be your vibe! That’s fine—just ensure there is chilling space (and potentially freezing space) at your venue and that there can be a delivery system to ensure it’s thawed and at the right temperature for serving. A fake cake with a sheet cake being served from the kitchen is always there if you come into the situation of hosting a 100-degree Texas outdoor wedding.  

The Meltdown Kit: Summer Wedding Approved

Not to be stereotypical, but your mother or mother-in-law may not be the only people prone to meltdowns on the day of. As a winter girly, I have helped plan many a European wedding and will adamantly argue that people don’t need AC. That said, I have had several guests show up to an outdoor ceremony where it was 94 degrees in Austria, a rather heated exchange if you will. For brides, it’s easy to cry and drink tequila, but consider your guests. Some will provide heel stops, flip flops, and water bottles as favors, but the best received are always the meltdown kits. Consider having a small station with mini fans, cooling wipes, gel packs, sunscreen packets, and electrolyte drink mix for guests—especially if you're hosting an outdoor ceremony. A little hospitality goes a long way in making sure everyone is smiling in those group shots.

Anti-Chafe: An Artistic Moment

Thighs. Heels. Even underarms. Friction is real in summer heat, and your dream dress might not be sweat-proof. Invest in anti-chafe balm (yes, the same stuff Usain Bolt uses), break in your shoes well in advance, and have wardrobe tape or liners handy to avoid sweat marks on silk or satin. Likewise, wear sweat-wicking shorts or shapewear under your gown—not just for smoothing, but for cooling and comfort.

Schedule a “Face Blotting Break”

This is a selfish desire—as a planner who hopes every bride loves themselves and is able to have time for themselves. Shiny foreheads happen, foundation melts, mascara runs, and racoons make a guest appearance. Mitigate this by assigning a bridesmaid or planner to remind you to blot your face, powder your T-zone, and reapply lip color every couple of hours—especially before key photos like sunset portraits or cake cutting. This can be combined with a drink of water or a sip of champagne to ensure you’re either hydrated or having fun. This quick check keeps you looking flawless without relying on your own memory in the middle of the whirlwind and likewise having a moment just for you. 

Whether you're planning an outdoor ceremony in Dallas, a beachside soirée in Cali, or a luxe ceremony in one of New York’s parks, these summer wedding tips will help you feel confident and beat the heat. For more expert advice and curated planning tools for summer brides, stay tuned to our blog, and follow us for insider-level wedding planning tips you won’t find anywhere else.