5 Tips for Keeping Guests Cool at a Summer Wedding

There are so many amazing things about a summer wedding in the Texas Hill Country. The hillsides come alive with greenery and wildflowers, and there’s nothing like dancing under those big and bright stars at night. But with average temperatures in the mid-90s through June, July, and August around Austin, the heat can be a challenge for keeping guests comfortable. We’ve been keeping summer weddings cool for years, so we put together some great ideas your guests will definitely thank you for.

Popsicle Cocktails

It’s not uncommon for cocktail hours to take place outdoors. And while a nice, iced beverage can bring some relief from the heat, a cocktail-turned-popsicle is even better! Any of our signature summer cocktails would be delicious with this transformation, from our Whiskey Peach Smash to our Watermelon Mojito.

Add Summer Wedding Shade

Be sure to consider the timing of when guests will circulate in each area of your venue so you can plan accordingly. If some areas aren’t very shady during warmer hours, you can keep guests comfortable with thoughtful touches that blend with your theme like parasols during the ceremony or straw fedoras offered upon arrival. For any outdoor lounge or seating areas, an awning or a tent is a great addition to add much-needed shade. If your ceremony location is particularly sunny, consider arranging programs and any shade-helpers on seats to keep them from becoming too warm before guests are seated.

Create a Breeze

In addition to shade, a breeze can be a lifesaver. Ideas for incorporating paper fans into your wedding abound. From wedding programs to favors, handheld fans are an easy go-to. You may also consider renting fans and misters to create cooling stations. However you should consider placement carefully because fans can be noisy and not every guest will want to get wet.

Summery Drink Stations

Hydration is a key theme in this list of ideas for obvious reasons, and it should be a key theme at your summer wedding. As guests perspire and alcohol flows, having enticing, non-alcoholic drinks, like Strawberry Ginger Lemonade, will keep everyone happy and hydrated. We offer a variety of lemonades, iced teas, and agua fresca enhanced with seasonal flavors like lavender, strawberries, mint, peaches, and more.

Heirloom Tomato Carving Station

Choosing a fresh, seasonal food station for guests to enjoy can create a delicious and cooling distraction from the heat. At our Heirloom Tomato Carving Station, for example, guests can sink their teeth into a variety of juicy seasonal tomatoes, mozzarella, burrata, house pestos, olive oils, vinegars, salts, seasonings, fresh basil, caper berries, focaccia crackers, and flatbreads.

Lighter Menus

Heat and heavy foods may not be the best option for every summer wedding. Planning a lighter menu can be a great way to keep guests more comfortable. A lighter wedding menu doesn’t mean that you’ll have to sacrifice on flavor, though — in fact, many of our local, seasonal ingredients will make lighter options sing. From citrus and peaches to radishes and cucumbers, summer fruits and veggies abound here in Texas.

Any and every comfort you offer at your summer wedding can make a big difference for guests. If you would like to learn more about serving our mouthwatering options at your wedding, please reach out to us today!