Keeping Your Guests Cool at a Summer Wedding Ceremony

Discover creative ways to keep your guests cool at your summer outdoor wedding ceremony with tips on shade, hydration, fans, and more.

Despite our very cold winters, Calgary and the Rockies offer some very hot summer days! While mountain locations like Canmore and Banff tend to stay around mid 20s (degrees Celsius) at its highest, Calgary often hits 30°C and more. No matter what the expected average is, always have a plan in place for the exceptional hot days to keep your wedding guests (and yourselves!) comfortable and cool at your summer outdoor wedding ceremony.

Although I am focusing on tips for outdoor ceremony in this post, many of these are true for indoor ceremonies at venues that don’t offer AC, which is not uncommon for Calgary’s historical buildings.

Choose the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to outdoor summer weddings. To avoid the peak heat of the day, plan your ceremony for early morning or late afternoon. Not only will this help keep your guests comfortable, but it will also provide softer, more flattering lighting for your photos. As the sun begins to set, the temperature will drop, creating a more pleasant environment for both the ceremony and any post-ceremony activities.

Wondering how to determine the best time? My number one suggestion is to chat with your photographer and planner! Your photographer will be able to help you determine the best timing to take advantage of the perfect light for photos, while your planner will have the experience to help you incorporate it into your timeline for a smooth flow. Remember, the bigger the wedding party, the more time is needed for getting ready (makeup and hair) in the morning!

And if you are looking for more information, check out SunCalc for details on the position of Sun on your wedding day at your location.

Dress Code Considerations

Encourage your guests to dress comfortably for the weather by suggesting a summer-friendly dress code. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal for staying cool. For a more relaxed vibe, you might consider a casual dress code, allowing guests to wear sundresses, short sleeves, or even sandals. This not only helps keep everyone cool but also adds to the laid-back, summery atmosphere of your wedding.

Provide Ample Shade

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your guests cool is by providing plenty of shade. Before you start looking into how to bring more shade in, see if there is already any natural shade your venue provides. Consider shade a nearby building structure casts, are there any trees in close proximity, does the venue provide outdoor umbrellas or tents? And remember the position of the sun at the time of your ceremony!

If natural shade is not an option, you may want to look into renting a large tent to cover your ceremony space – add draping or florals to the tent for extra elegance and whimsy. If large tent would ruin the views or vibe you are hoping for, you can incorporate a small tented area with a few cocktail tables and a water station for early arriving guests waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Set Up Hydration Stations

Keeping your guests hydrated is essential during a summer outdoor ceremony. Set up hydration stations with a variety of refreshing beverages, such as infused water with slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint, to add a touch of flavor. Consider offering iced tea or lemonade for guests who prefer something sweet. To make it more inviting, present the drinks in large, clear dispensers with glasses or eco-friendly cups. This not only keeps your guests cool but also adds a charming element to your wedding decor.

Pro Tip: Have somebody do a check of the ceremony space for any empty cups before the start to ensure they don’t ruin your photos! This can be as easy as asking your venue to have a staff do a run or check with your planner that this will be done. If you don’t have a vendor on your team that can do this, consider adding it to your ushers’ tasks – once everybody is seated, they can do a check or even asks guests to leave cups by the drink station before sitting down.

Add unique and personal touches

Looking for personalized and unique ways to help guests beat the heat?

• Fans: Offer baskets of fans (or set them up on each seat) for guests to use during the ceremony to offer some relief. Look into colours and styles that complement your wedding style – they become a part of your decor. You can personalize them with your names and wedding date – now they double as a guest favour! Check out SincereSunnyVibes for a Canadian business option.
• Cold treats: Consider setting up a popsicle or ice cream cart for guests to enjoy a sweet, cold treat. Calgary based ice cream shop Made by Marcus has you covered!
• Cool towel stations: Made from special materials that stay cool when wet, these towels can provide immediate relief. Set up a small station where guests can pick up a pre-moistened towel or offer a dry towel with a nearby water source for guests to wet themselves. Consider adding a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus, for a refreshing scent that enhances the cooling effect. Remember to provide a clear space for guests to discard of them to keep your ceremony space clean.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can keep your guests cool at your summer wedding ceremony! Not only you can keep them comfortable, but take is as a chance to provide them with keep sakes and fun moments to remember!

Need some help planning your Calgary or Alberta Rocky Mountain wedding? Let’s chat!

Photo Credits: Nadine McKenney Photography, Magnifik Photography, LCR Photography