Warmer weather means two things: spring/summer is here and wedding season is in full swing! While warmer weather, tropical locations, and later sunsets may make for great wedding photos and receptions, it can also lead to guests being a little TOO warm in the sun.

Nobody wants their guests to be uncomfortable, and no wedding party wants to sweat in their suit or gown! Whether your event is black tie optional, or beachy casual, there are numerous ways to keep your guests cool and your wedding party refreshed while they stand next to you on your big day.

If you are opting for an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, you can talk with your venue about options to tent the space.

A full tent will provide respite from the heat, while a partial tent can cover your dinner and seating area while still keeping your dance floor under the stars. Pipe and drape, or partial draping above your ceremony or reception space can help provide shade to your guests as well as an added element of elegance.

It is always appreciated when guests see that the couple has thought ahead about providing a fun, comfortable, and enjoyable event for their friends and family.

There are many small touches you can add to a spring/summer wedding to help keep guests feeling (and in some cases, looking) cool, such as:

• Ice cold water bottles with personalized labels. You can purchase these pre-made, or purchase the labels and wrap your own bottles of water.
• Hand-held fans for your ceremony. For an added bonus, print your program on them to make them functional AND an added design element.
• Specialty beverage station: sparkling water, juices, champagne/mimosa station, fruit infused water or lemonade as guests arrive
• As a favor, you can print your names and wedding date on sunglasses and have them available for your guests. These make great photo ops of your guests sporting their new shades!
• Personalized sunscreen with your name, wedding date, and a cute saying on the bottle. Guests who didn’t remember to bring their own will appreciate it.
• Sun umbrellas over the seating area. Ask your venue if they provide them or if they can help you rent them.
• An interactive beverage station for guests like liquid nitrogen frozen lemonade or cocktails, made and frozen to order in front of their eyes!

Now it’s time to grab a frozen cocktail, or mocktail, and enjoy the spring/summer wedding season!

- Meredith Anderson is the Sr. Private Event Sales Manager at MountainGate Country Club