Lauren and Jordan Wedding - Ceremony Fans - Blue Hill at Stone Barns NY - Photography by Craig Paulson Studio

Planning & Inspiration

Keep Guests Cool at Your Outdoor Summer Wedding

Sara & Mitch Wedding - Van Leeuwans Ice Cream Truck - The-Foundry - Craig Paulson Studio

Sara & Mitch Wedding – Van Leeuwans Ice Cream Truck – The-Foundry – Craig Paulson Studio

 

There are many upsides to having an outdoor summer wedding – beautiful backdrop, vibrant seasonal flowers, and blue, sun-filled skies just to name a few. But this is also a time when the temps soar, and the mere thought of being away from air conditioning makes some faint. As a couple, you’ve done everything to make sure you both are fresh as can be during the big day. But what about your guests? Many are traveling from far and wide to share this exciting experience with you. The last thing you want is for them to only remember how uncomfortably hot they were when you exchanged vows. Here are fifteen amazing ideas to keep guests cool at your outdoor summer wedding.

Personalized Folding Fans
We immediately bookmarked this idea when we saw it at Lauren and Jordan’s nuptials at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Married in early July, the couple provided guests with personalized folding fans.

 

Lauren and Jordan Wedding - Ceremony Fans - Blue Hill at Stone Barns NY - Photography by Craig Paulson Studio

Lauren and Jordan Wedding – Ceremony Fans – Blue Hill at Stone Barns NY – Photography by Craig Paulson Studio

 

Wedding Program Fans
Another variation on that first thought is to have your wedding program turned into a hand-held fan that incorporates a motif inspired by your florals and décor.

 

wedding program fan - via Creative Union Design on Etsy

wedding program fan – via Creative Union Design on Etsy

 

Sunglasses
Just because your future’s so bright together doesn’t mean everyone else needs to suffer. Pass out shades so guests aren’t blinded by the light during your ceremony.

 

Wedding Sunglasses - via ruffleblog.com

Wedding Sunglasses – via ruffleblog.com

 

Straw Hat Wedding Favors
Keep the chill, laidback vibe at your beach wedding going by setting up a station where guests can pick up a stylish straw hat.

 

straw hat wedding favor - via ruffleblog.com

straw hat wedding favor – via ruffleblog.com

 

Parasols
Throw guests some shade – in a good way! Parasols shield the sun’s harsh rays, but we also see them becoming a chic prop in candid wedding photos later in the night!

 

wedding parasol - via stylemepretty.com

wedding parasol – via stylemepretty.com

 

Bug Spray
On a practical note – bugs are at their absolute worst now. Offering complimentary bug spray means those buzzing pests won’t ruin the wedding fun.

 

Bug Spray - via chicwedd.com

Bug Spray – via chicwedd.com

 

Shaded Wedding Lounge Area
Guest will appreciate that you set up a shaded spot for them to relax, kick up their feet, and enjoy a drink.

 

Shaded Wedding Lounge Area - via marthastewartweddings.com

Shaded Wedding Lounge Area – via marthastewartweddings.com

 

Refreshing appetizers
Celebrate the summer with light, seasonal fare starting with your appetizers. How refreshingly delicious do these watermelon feta mint skewers look?

 

Watermelon Feta Mint Skewer - via bitesofbri.com

Watermelon Feta Mint Skewer – via bitesofbri.com

 

Beer Bath
A constant flow of cold alcoholic beverages is a surefire way to keep guests happy all day long. A beer bath with an assortment of ice-cold brews is perfect for a casual, outdoor celebration. Substitute a bath tub with a canoe, wheel barrel, or wagon.

 

Beer Bath - via weddingsonline.ie

Beer Bath – via weddingsonline.ie

 

Beer Koozie Favor
Spare your loved ones from the unpleasantness of drinking warm beer with koozie wedding favors. Set the drink accessories by the beer bath so they are put to immediate good use.

 

Beer Koozie Wedding Favor - via bellestilo.com

Beer Koozie Wedding Favor – via bellestilo.com

 

Cocktail Popsicles
Give your favorite summertime treat a sophisticated makeover by serving wedding popsicle cocktails. Infuse with fruit and herbs for added flavor and prettiness.

 

wedding cocktail popsicle - via bellemagazine.com

wedding cocktail popsicle – via bellemagazine.com

 

Ice Cream
Put a summery twist on your wedding dessert and serve ice cream instead cake (or with!). Real BB Wedding couple Christina and Derek satisfied their sweet tooth with an ice cream bar. Sara and Mitch had a Van Leeuwan’s truck roll up to their reception. See the newlyweds getting their much deserved scoops at the beginning of our post.

 

Christina & Derek Wedding - Ice Cream Dessert Bar - The Foundry LIC - Kevin Markland Photography

Christina & Derek Wedding – Ice Cream Dessert Bar – The Foundry LIC – Kevin Markland Photography

 

Flip Flops
Invite guests to kick off their shoes and dance comfortably into the night wearing complimentary flip flops.

 

Wedding Flip Flops - via stylemepretty.com

Wedding Flip Flops – via stylemepretty.com

 

Fruit Stand
Thank everyone for coming with a bag of farm fresh produce. Set a farmer’s market style stand where they can choose juicy seasonal treats to take home with them.

 

Wedding Flip Flops - via crazyforus.com

Wedding Flip Flops – via crazyforus.com

 

Hot Sauce Wedding Favor
Ok, hot sauce is not going to keep anyone cool. But the condiment will come in handy with all those backyard barbecues coming up.

 

Hot Sauce Wedding Favor - via oconeeevents.com

Hot Sauce Wedding Favor – via oconeeevents.com

 

Whether you are looking for creative, easy, fancy, or budget-friendly, there’s a “keep cool” idea to help every couple getting ready to say “I Do” in the hot months. Above all, guests will appreciate the efforts you made to ensure your summer lovin’ was a breeze for them too!