SantaCruz Media.
Are you planning a summer wedding? Although we are towards the end of July you will be surprised that sadly it is not the end of summer for us in Arizona. We have two months left of summer and if you are finalizing your summer wedding plans you’ll want to keep reading.
Today on the blog we are sharing our thoughts on how to make sure you’ve got all of your summer wedding essentials covered. Keep the AC blowing as you read the top 4 things you need for a summer wedding. I also want to mention all of the photos showcased on the blog today are shot in September (Arizona Summer) at The Wright House by SantaCruz Media.
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KEEP IT COOL
Although the wedding mostly focuses on you & your soon to be hubby, be sure to keep your guests in mind! They're most likely going to be sitting outside for about 45 minutes for your ceremony – yikes! We suggest providing guests with items that keep them cool, while adding to your wedding aesthetic: parasols to block the shade, paper fans to create some breeze, personalized sunglasses, etc. Check out Bella Umbrella for a wide selection of adorable parasols – that you can even rent & return!
Another Arizona summer wedding saver is having a drink station prior to the ceremony. You can serve refreshing water, tea or lemonade or provide personalized water bottles so that your guests stay hydrated during the ceremony.
SantaCruz Media
SantaCruz Media
SantaCruz Media
NO MELTING
After spending a pretty penny on your wedding makeup, you'll want to ensure that your makeup can withstand the heat, tears & hugs! We highly suggest talking to your makeup artist about makeup that will last while sweating. Also, oil blotting papers are a must for an Arizona summer wedding order a stack on Amazon today. Don’t forget to give a small stack to your maid of honor to keep on hand at all times for everyone in the bridal party.
Another Arizona summer wedding risk is a melting cake! I've heard SO many stories about beautiful buttercream cakes that melt to a mush even before the ceremony has started. You don't want to this happen to you, so try to do a foundant cake that will hold up will in the heat as it travels from the bakery to the venue. Also if possible cut the cake earlier to avoid any leaning towers.
Lastly, you'll want to make sure your bouquet holds up in the heat! Delicate flowers like hydrangeas and roses may easily melt during the high summer temps. Try to choose bouquets that utilize lots of greenery tend to be heartier and withstand the heat better than more delicate flowers. A few of our favorite florals that can withstand the heat are eucalyptus, succulents, poppy and petunias!
SantaCruz Media
SantaCruz Media
Chill EATS
Some of my favorite weddings are when the bride and groom have chosen out of the box food & drinks! Give your guests an unexpected treat to cool them down. We recommend summer treats like soft serve ice cream or even a cookie sandwich ice cream bar. We have seen many companies like The Gelato cart, Paletas Betty and Sub Zero IceCream catering to weddings through the summer. A few more fun ideas to incorporate into the menu is mini shrimp cocktails over dry ice or a light foods like a salad or fruit bar for your guest to enjoy all evening.
SantaCruz Media
SantaCruz Media
FRESH AIR
You want to make sure everyone is comfortable as much as possible. We suggest obviously choosing a venue that has a indoor space. However, we understand that you’ll still want to take pictures outside (better lighting and backdrops) and your guest will be going from outside to inside and keeping them cool is a high priority. Make sure your venue has misting system and outdoor fans. You will be surprise how much both of those items together make a huge difference when keeping cool. On top of the fans and misty you must need great shaded areas. At The Wright House we have tons of mature trees that provide lots of shade plus our gardens keep cool with so many plants.
SantaCruz Media
SantaCruz Media
Summer weddings in Arizona are not the most popular time but you’d be surprise on how many couples still choose the summer to get married. Remember to stay cool, drink plenty of water and smile, it’s your wedding day!
Enjoy,
XOXO