Planning a wedding in Alabama this summer? It's going to get HOT. Which you already know, and which you're clearly working on handling, since you're on this blog post! From a wedding photographer who has been to quite a few summer weddings (and got head stroke for the first time last year!!) here are my favorite ideas for how you can keep your guests — and yourselves — cool and comfortable throughout your wedding ceremony and reception.

Choose the Right Venue!

Choosing the right wedding venue for your summer wedding will go a LONG way towards helping keep your guests (and yourselves!) cool on wedding day.

Here are some features to look for as you start your search:

Air Conditioned Spaces

• Look for venues that offer fully air-conditioned indoor spaces. This provides reliable cooling regardless of the outdoor temperature, which is especially important in places like Alabama, where some summer days can be dangerously hot. Consider the capacity of the air conditioning system and make sure it can adequately cool the venue, even with a full crowd during the heat of summer. A lukewarm venue is better than a blazing hot one, but it's so much nicer to have a genuinely cool space to retreat to when it gets too hot outside!

Getting Ready Suites

• If you're getting ready at the venue, make sure there are air conditioned, well ventilated spaces that will fit you and your wedding party — without making you feel cramped and hot!
• Double check that there are spaces available for both you and your partner — and if there aren't, opt for an airbnb that has a great AC unit instead.

Ceiling Fans

• If you're considering an indoor wedding venue or an outdoor venue with partially covered spaces, try to choose one that's equipped with ceiling fans. They can help circulate air and create a more comfortable environment for you and your guests.

Water Features

• Venues with water features like ponds, fountains, waterfalls, or even nearby lakes can help cool the surroundings through evaporative cooling. The sight and sound of water can also add a serene ambiance to your wedding. Plus, there's nothing better than ending a hot wedding day by jumping in the pool!

Shaded Areas

• Regardless of whether you choose an indoor or outdoor venue, prioritize locations with shaded areas. Trees, pergolas, or awnings can provide relief from direct sunlight and help keep guests cool during outdoor ceremonies or receptions. Check with your venue to find out when certain areas are shaded as well — and plan to be there then!
• If there isn't natural shade at your venue, make sure to work with your wedding planner to create some for your guests!

Indoor-Outdoor Flow

• Consider a wedding venue with seamless indoor-outdoor flow, allowing guests to move between air-conditioned indoor spaces and shaded outdoor areas easily. This provides flexibility for guests to stay cool while still enjoying the outdoor ambiance.
• Make sure to design flexible seating arrangements that allow guests to choose shaded or indoor seating options based on their comfort preferences. Provide a mix of seating styles, such as lounge areas with couches and chairs, to accommodate different guest needs.

Promote Hydration

Hot summer wedding days can quickly lead to dehydration — make sure you have a plan to keep your guests (and yourselves!) hydrated throughout the day. Don't forget to make sure there's water available and easily accessible throughout the day. Here are some ideas to get you started!

while you and your wedding party get ready

• Gift your wedding party with personalized tumblers or reusable water bottles to use throughout the day
• Set up a pretty, fruit-infused water station in the space where you're getting ready
• Make sure the groom and his side of the wedding party have access to water! If fruit-infused water and customized water bottles aren't their thing, put some cans of "Liquid Death" (it's a brand of water marketed to men, and they've got multiple flavors lol) on ice in a cooler for them and make sure they know they're for them!

during morning photos

• If you went with the personalized water bottles idea, make sure to remind your wedding party to bring them for during photos!
• Set up a hydration station near the location where morning photos are being taken. This can be a water jug and paper cups on a golf cart, a cooler of water bottles, or a table with pitchers and pretty glass cups — just make sure there's water accessible so no one gets dehydrated!

before the ceremony

• Have a designated area where guests can grab a bottle or glass of water before they take their seats for the ceremony.
• Make sure you have a sign letting guests know that they can and should get drinks before the wedding ceremony! Sometimes people will be worried about whether or not they're "allowed" to get started on things like that and clear signage will reduce confusion (and dehydration)
• Consider placing a water cooler or dispenser near the entrance to the ceremony space with a variety of beverages, including still and sparkling water, juice, and lemonade.
• For a pretty touch to your hydration stations, consider infused water dispensers with cucumber, mint, or fruit slices in them, or having your florist make your water stations a statement piece.
• Order personalized water bottle labels with encouraging messages or quotes to keep guests hydrated and uplifted before the ceremony.
• Place water bottles on or under each chair or pew for guests to easily access during the ceremony.

during family photos

• Keep hydration stations nearby during the family photo session to ensure that everyone stays refreshed and comfortable while waiting for their turn.
• Make sure your wedding photographer knows which family members will need to finish with photos first! Typically young children and older grandparents will be done quickly so they can get out of the heat and rehydrated.
• Assign someone the task of getting water for the bride and groom right after the ceremony! While most of the rest of the family will have opportunities to take a break and grab water on their own, the couple will be there the whole time without an opportunity to run and get water for themselves.

at cocktail hour

• Create a signature mocktail infused with hydrating ingredients like watermelon, cucumber, and mint, or even tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi to feature at the bar
• Ice-cold pitchers of flavored water, such as strawberry basil or pineapple coconut, displayed as a statement piece
• Hydration stations with mini water bottles and electrolyte-enhanced sports drinks for guests to grab before mingling and socializing.
• If the ceremony space needs to be flipped for the reception, ensure that hydration stations are available in the transition area. Guests can grab a drink while they wait for the space to be prepared.
• Plan a designated hydration lounge area with comfortable seating and refreshing beverages for guests to relax and recharge during the transition.

near the dance floor

• Keep water stations near the dance floor to encourage guests to stay hydrated while they dance the night away. Consider providing fun and colorful cups or personalized water bottles to make it easy for guests to keep track of their drinks.

**Don't forget: you're make sure people are staying hydrated — make sure they have access to bathrooms too!**

Stay out of the Sun

They're making the time and effort to come and support you on your wedding day — make sure you take care of them and help keep them comfortable! It's really important that you have a plan to keep your wedding guests protected from the sun. (it's okay to have your planner handle the details though!) Here are some suggestions:

Earlier (or Later!) Ceremony Time

• If your wedding dream includes an outdoor summer wedding, schedule your ceremony and key photos for one of the cooler parts of the day — early morning, before it gets hot, or early evening, when the mid-day heat has lost some of its intensity. Sunrise and sunset are some of the prettiest times of the day anyway! If you really want to make a statement (and stay out of the sun altogether) you can even consider doing your wedding ceremony after dark, under the stars.

Provide Shade

• There's nothing worse than having to stand outside in the sun for hours in the summer. If you're planning an outdoor summer wedding, make sure that your ceremony and wedding reception both have plenty of shade for your guests — and that it's available to them during the times they'll be at your wedding. Work with your wedding planner to strategically take advantage of natural shade around your venue, or consider renting large umbrellas, canopy tents, or sail shades to make sure that everyone is covered. (literally!)
• Choose shaded areas for family and group photos – covered walkways, under large trees, or an indoor space with lots of natural light.

Consider Staying Indoors

• As pretty as all those outdoor weddings on Pinterest look... Most of them weren't in Alabama in the summer. AC was invented for a reason, that's all I'm saying! Even if you're planning an outdoor ceremony and reception, spend some time thinking about when you might want to be indoors. Check with your wedding venue and see if they have air conditioned spaces for you to use. I mentioned this above as well: ask about the getting ready spaces too — you'll be surprised how many venues don't have air conditioned getting ready spaces, and your wedding morning is not the time to figure that out.

Don't Get Burned!

• Encourage your guests to come prepared to be in the sun, but also consider providing sunscreen, sun hats, and/or sunglasses as part of your wedding favors or welcome bags. If you aren't sure they'll actually use them, consider the option of having you, your partner, and your wedding party wear the same sun hats/sunglasses for at least part of the night, to help motivate your guests to join in.

Dress for the Weather

For the Guests

• Choose a more relaxed, summer-y dress code. Some ideas for that could include a garden party, beach, or all white theme, semi-casual attire, or other options that won't force your guests to wear heavy, hot clothing all day.
• Encourage your guests to choose comfortable and weather-appropriate shoes and clothing — make sure to outline this on your wedding website
• Recommend breathable fabrics for wedding attire – linen, cotton, or light silk.

Grooms + Groomsmen

• Choose suits made from breathable fabrics like linen, lightweight cotton, or seersucker. These materials allow for better airflow and can help prevent overheating.
• Consider suits with a higher thread count, as they tend to be lighter and more breathable. Tropical weight wool is also a good option for a lightweight yet polished look.
• Opt for light-colored suits or separates in shades of beige, light gray, soft blue, or even light khaki. Lighter colors absorb less heat and help reflect sunlight, keeping you cooler under the summer sun. Pastel hues can add a touch of summer-y charm to your ensemble.
• Choose a suit jacket with a lightweight construction and minimal lining to allow for better ventilation. Consider unstructured or half-lined jackets for a more relaxed and breathable fit.
• Select dress shirts made from lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Look for shirts with moisture-wicking properties to help keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
• Choose shoes that are comfortable and breathable, such as leather loafers, suede brogues, or dressy sandals. Avoid heavy or restrictive footwear that can cause discomfort, especially in hot weather.
• Make sure to break in your shoes before the wedding day to prevent blisters and ensure maximum comfort.
• Keep accessories minimal and lightweight. Opt for a lightweight tie or bow tie made from linen or cotton, or consider going tie-less for a more laid-back look.
• Keep your hair neatly styled and off your face to stay cool and polished throughout the day. Consider getting a fresh haircut a few days before the wedding for a clean and sharp look.



**Invite the groom and groomsmen to bring an extra dress shirt for an after ceremony refresh, for if they're hot and sweaty**

Brides + Bridesmaids

• Choose a lightweight and breathable fabric for your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses: charmeuse, crepe, chiffon, organza, or a dress with illusion sections are all great options
• Opt for wedding and bridesmaid dresses with minimal layers and embellishments to prevent overheating. Excessive layers and heavy embellishments can trap heat and feel cumbersome, especially in warm temperatures.
• Go for shoes that are comfortable and breathable, and make sure they're properly worn in before wedding day!
• If possible, schedule hair and makeup appointments closer to the ceremony time to minimize the amount of time spent with hot styling tools or makeup on.
• Consider a reception dress: choose something short, light, and breathable for your second look!

Wedding Hair

• Opt for lightweight and heat-resistant hair styles that can withstand hot weather and humidity, and won't leave you looking ruffled at the end of the day.
• Choose hairstyles that keep hair off the neck and face, such as buns, updos or braids, to prevent overheating.
• As you decide on your wedding hairstyle, make sure to consider what your hair likes to do naturally in heat and humidity: it will be harder to keep straight hair curled, or curly hair straight all day long in warm weather!
• Avoid using heavy styling products like gels or thick hairspray that can weigh down hair and make it feel hotter. Opt for lightweight mousses, creams, or hairsprays that offer hold without feeling greasy.
• Consider hiring your hairstylist to stay for an additional hour or two after the ceremony for a quick touch-up. This is especially helpful in hot weather or for brides with elaborate updos that might need adjustments after greetings and photos. Your hairstylist can address any looseness, frizz, or flyaways caused by sweating or humidity. They can also transform your hairstyle slightly to create a more relaxed and comfortable look for the reception, such as taking down all or part of an updo or adding loose curls.

**Schedule a hair and makeup trial run on a hot day to test how the products and styles will hold up in the heat. This allows you to make adjustments and ensure you feel confident and comfortable on your wedding day.**

Makeup

• Remember that you don't have to wear makeup for your wedding day. Hot weather is a good reason not to!
• If you do, choose makeup products labeled as "long-wearing" or "waterproof" to ensure your look stays put despite sweating or humidity.
• Opt for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer that provides coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. Look for formulas with oil-control properties to minimize shine.
• Cream blush and bronzer tend to blend more seamlessly than powder formulas in hot weather. They also offer a more natural, dewy finish.
• Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil and shine throughout the day. Finish your makeup with a setting spray specifically formulated for hot and humid weather to lock everything in place.

Plan Thoughtful Touches

Spend some time thinking about special touches you could incorporate to help keep your guests cool on wedding day! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cool Snacks

• Choose a summer-y dinner menu with light, refreshing dishes
• Serve frozen treats or light refreshments – this can be as guests arrive for the wedding ceremony, during cocktail hour, or even as a late night snack. Some fun ideas might include popsicles, chilled fruit skewers, snow cones, Italian sodas, summer-y drinks, or an ice cream bar!

Themed Welcome Gifts

• Plan a welcome gift that's on theme with keeping your guests cool and protected: consider including fun sunglasses, sunscreen, electrolyte drinks, hats, or even personal misting fans for guests to use during the ceremony.

Go the Extra Mile

• Set up a misting system or misting tent
• Rent large fans or portable air conditioners for the getting ready suite or dance floor

Plan Water Fun

• Plan a pool party, sprinkler run, or slip and slide for the end of the night!
• Consider a bubble exit, rather than anything that requires fire (and more heat)
• You could also organize themed water games or competitions for guests to participate in, such as a water balloon toss, sponge relay race, or water gun battle. (Any of these could also be a unique wedding exit!)
• Make sure your guests know in advance if they'll be getting wet — include info about it on your wedding website!
• Provide towels and changing areas for guests to dry off afterward and consider offering prizes for winners to add to the fun.

I hope these ideas give you a great place to start! They should help you ensure that your summer wedding in Alabama is not only memorable, but also comfortable for you and your guests. From selecting the perfect venue with ample shade and indoor-outdoor flow to promoting hydration with refreshing beverages and cool snacks, every detail counts. The choices you make to look out for your guests will help you create an environment where everyone can relax and enjoy the celebration, and will bring an extra touch of joy and refreshment to your wedding day.