The grass is green; the flowers are blooming; the birds are singing; gardens are starting to give us a glimpse of some of the things to come; a butterfly even just flew by my window! Gone are the cool rain showers that somehow chill right to your bones. We’re well into July, so summer is here and we are getting ready for the hot part of another beautiful wedding season!!

Summers in Vermont tend to be warm, with the months of July, August, and sometimes early September having their fair share of 90+ hot days. If you are planning your summer wedding, what are somethings you can do in anticipation to try and mitigate the heat?

Pick A Venue with AC

This might not be practical for all, but if you want a summer wedding and have the option of a venue space with AC, it can be a game changer for your guests. The sun sets late in July and August - anywhere from 7:30-8:30pm. Once the sun goes down, things definitely start to cool, but until then, you and your guests may be quite toasty. Having the option to escape into some AC can be very refreshing.

There are some really amazing venues in Vermont that also provide AC, but two of our favorites are The Mansfield Barn, Jericho, VT and The Inn at Manchester, Manchester, VT.

The Inn at Manchester — Colette Kulig Photography

Provide Shade

If you want an outdoor wedding, a tent is a must. It provides a rain plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate, but it also can provide shade and some respite from the sun.

Get Fans

Provide paper fans to your guest for your ceremony - especially if it is out in the sun - as well as some larger industrial fans for the reception space to keep the air moving and things cooler.

Provide Lots of Liquid Refreshments

This doesn’t have to be all alcohol. In fact, we strongly recommend planning for extra water for your guests, as you will be surprised how quickly they go through it when it’s so warm. You don’t want to run out of water, and you definitely don’t want your guests to be parched.

Consider Your Dress Code

If you are having an outdoor summer wedding, at the height of the summer, consider going for a less formal dress code for your guests. Allow them to dress for comfort, so they can plan to wear something a little more breathable and comfortable.

This goes for your bridal party, too. Bridesmaids’ dresses are often warm-weather friendly, but consider the attire for your Groomsmen and any Bridesmaids wearing non-dress options. Can they wear lighter weight fabrics, like lightweight cotton, cotton blends, linen, or seersucker? Can they go without a suit coat? If they are wearing jackets, can they wear a short sleeved dress shirt underneath?

Bring in Ice Cream

An ice cream truck or cart is a wonderful way to give your guests a cold and refreshing treat after dinner. Plus - who doesn’t like ice cream?? Whenever our clients have had an ice cream truck visit, there is always a line of happy guests getting a cone or dish of their favorite(s)! We love Vermont Maple Creemee Company, Palmer Lane Maple, Sisters of Anarchy, and the Ben + Jerry’s Cart!