Arizona summers are gorgeous. Yes, you heard me. I love summer in Arizona. The warm breeze in the evenings. The smell of dusty rain at the start of our monsoon season. The sunsets. There is just something about Arizona summers that are magical. So, I can totally see why someone would want to brave the heat and get married during summer here in the sunshine state!
But if you are going to brave the heat for the summer magic, you are going to need to make special preparations for the 100 plus degree weather on your wedding day. Just to clarify, this heat can range from May – September in the valley. If you are still with me, I am still with you! Without further ado, here are some tips to make your summer wedding the wedding of your dreams!
Consider a Brunch or Sunset Wedding
Brunch weddings are seriously the cutest things ever! I feel like they are a throw back to weddings 50 years ago when couples would get married a the chapel or courthouse and go back to their parent’s house for cake and punch. These dreamy weddings are perfect for morning people. Why not get married at your favorite time of day?! Things to consider with a brunch wedding is that you will either have a very early start time or a longer cocktail hour to ensure your day is fully captured by your photographer. But the weather will be absolutely superb!
A more traditional wedding time would be a sunset wedding. And if you are planning a wedding during our monsoon season, as long as it doesn’t rain, can you imaging the dreamy sky to backdrop your ceremony?! The sunset time is usually between 7 – 8 (and between 6 – 7 in September) and you will schedule your sunset ceremony about 1 – 1 1/2 hours before sunset. This will provide the dreamy sunset lighting for your ceremony and leave enough time for family portraits. I would highly suggest doing a First Look, which may take place during the hottest part of the day. But more tips on that below.
Shelter Your Guests From The Summer Sun
Guests will typically start to arrive 30 – 60 minutes before a ceremony starts. Have an indoor or shaded area where they can wait for the ceremony, so they are not sitting in the hot sun while waiting. You can also supply water and other refreshments while they are waiting. Just have your DJ or Minister make an announcement 5 – 10 minutes before the ceremony for everyone to take their seats.
Keep Your Guests Cool
Think about ways to keep your guests cool that go well with your wedding. That could be as simple as a cooler of ice cold water bottles or a fan program for them to use during the wedding. Or fun umbrellas in your wedding colors to be used during the ceremony. Or if you have having a more laid-back wedding, maybe those handheld mister fans!
Extra Time For Pictures
Put in extra cushion time for your pictures (you will thank me later). Seriously. Wedding dresses and suits are hot! Even if you have a short dress or pants and a dress shirt instead of a full suit, you will be hot! Your photographer will try and keep you in the shade as much as possible, but having 5 extra minutes here and there where you can take a break and run into some cool air conditioning will make all the difference. Nobody wants to look red and sweaty in their wedding pictures.
Prepare for Make-Up Touch Ups
On that note, you may need extra make-up touches throughout your portraits. Talk to your make-up artist and they will be able to give you the best advise on how to keep your face looking fresh and beautiful through the sweat you will inevitably experience. They may suggest a simple blotting cloth or they may stick around to do a touch up just before the ceremony. This is not my area of expertise, so please, talk to your make-up artist! For guys, I suggest a simple handkerchief. 🙂
There you have it, my tips to take advantage of the summer magic of Arizona for your wedding! Did you get married in the summer in the valley? Comment with your tips below!
Want more tips for creating an amazing wedding day? Click here for more Wedding Tips!
