Weddings/Events

Top Tips for a Planning a Summer Wedding

A Joshua Tree wedding at Tumbleweed Sanctuary, modern welcome table umbrellas

Four things to consider when planning a summer wedding

The summer season is officially here! And while this time of year can offer some of the most breathtakingly beautiful weddings, it can also bring its fair share of challenges. If you’re planning a summer wedding, you have to read these four tips to keep your big day a breeze.   

Plan For The Heat

A Joshua Tree wedding at Tumbleweed Sanctuary, modern welcome table umbrellas

I recently heard advice on a podcast, “Asking For A Friend”, that the number one thing guests will remember from your wedding day is whether they were too hot or too cold. During the summer, heat and humidity can be difficult culprits to beat. Providing fans or parasols to help keep your guests cool is a great idea, for both indoor and outdoor weddings. If you don’t have an indoor space, you can even rent a tent with air conditioning to give guests an extra boost of cool during the warmest parts of the day. While this can be a costly option, it’s worth keeping yourself and guests safe from the sun.  Just remember if your ceremony is directly in the sun, not only will you and your fiance be sweating but so will all your guests.

Keep Guests Hydrated

Fall Wedding at Triunfo Creek Vineyards, rustic welcome table

No matter the season, one thing I always tell my couples is to drink a lot of water the day of their wedding. Between nerves and the busy schedule, it’s easy to forget to take a sip. This is the same for your guests. Especially while planning a summer wedding, I always recommend having a welcome beverage station with water and another non-alcoholic drink to keep guests cool and hydrated. Additionally, make sure the bar and reception tables all have water available. You don’t want the only thing a guest to drink is alcohol, which is incredibly dehydrating.

Build Your Timeline Around Summer Hours

Fall Wedding at Triunfo Creek Vineyards, bride and groom sunset portrait shot

I wrote more about this on my post on tips to planning an outdoor wedding, but while planning a summer wedding, make sure to note the time of sunset and hottest parts of the day. Talk to your planner and photographer to ensure that you build in photos during sunset (which is later in the summer) and avoid keeping guests out in the sun during the hottest parts of the day. For example, push your ceremony to a bit later so so that it’s a bit cooler when all the celebrations begin.

Don’t Forget Your Wedding Party

A chic rustic wedding at Calamigos Ranch, wedding party portrait shots

Your wedding party will be with you and your spouse all day, getting ready, taking photos and standing by your side, so you’ll want to take care of them as well. Ensure you and your wedding party all have access to sunscreen for any outdoor photos and plenty of water. For your bridesmaids, ask your glam team to provide blotting papers and touch up kits in case of perspiration. And for your groomsmen, I’d recommend taking a few photos without suit jackets so they can breath a little easier. 

I hope these tips helped! If you’re ready to plan your big summer soiree, click the contact button on my homepage here and let’s set up some time to chat!

Feathered Arrow Signature Kari Dirksen

LATTE OBSESSED, OVERACHIEVER, Outdoor Lover, Sucker for Live Music, Donut fanatic, Life Long Grey's Anatomy Fan, DOG MOM + now mom to my girl Rye. 

Hi, I'm Kari.
Wedding Planner, Podcaster, & Creative Entrepreneur.

The founder and lead planner behind Feathered Arrow Studio. Over the past 11 years, I’ve designed and executed more than 175 weddings throughout Southern California, helping couples create celebrations that feel deeply personal and beautiful.

My approach blends thoughtful design with genuine hospitality. I care deeply about how a wedding feels not just how it looks. I want every detail to be intentional and every guest to feel taken care of. Together we take your inspiration, your story, and your priorities and turn them into a celebration that feels effortless, welcoming, and unmistakably yours.

Not every couple needs full-service planning, which is why I also offer wedding consults and planning guides for those navigating the process on their own. I’m also the co-host of Just Another Biz Podcast, where we have honest conversations about the wedding industry with fellow creatives behind the scenes.

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