Planning a summer wedding is a dream come true for many couples. The warm weather, long days, and vibrant colors make for a picturesque setting. However, the summer season also brings its own set of challenges. As an experienced off-site catering company in Columbus, we’ve seen it all and are here to share some essential dos and don’ts, along with the latest trends and best tips to ensure your summer wedding is nothing short of spectacular.
Summers in Columbus can get quite hot and steamy. Make sure your guests stay comfortable by mapping out your venue spaces for plenty of shaded areas, providing fans as your ceremony programs, or even renting patio umbrellas for the outdoor space. Consider offering a refreshing welcome drink or setting up hydration stations with water and lemonade as a pre-ceremony beverage that also stays accessible throughout the day.
🌟 Pro tips:
1. If your venue doesn’t have air conditioning – build the cost for renting portable air conditioning units into your budget – trust us!
2. You’ll also want to plan for any cocktail hour food service to be under a covered porch space so the items stay fresh longer and not under baking or melting under direct sunlight!
Embrace the season by incorporating fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients into your menu. Our new Strawberry Balsamic Crostini, made with whipped ricotta, diced strawberries, balsamic drizzle, and fresh micro basil herbs, is a perfect summer appetizer that your guests will love!
For a summer wedding, it's best to choose foods that are light, refreshing, and seasonal. Here are some favorites:
Choosing a menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients will not only delight your guests but also enhance the overall summer wedding experience.
We know this can be the 'Debbie downer' of Summer weddings, but it is an absolute MUST!
Summer weather can be unpredictable with sudden rain showers, especially when Ohio likes to get nice, sticky and humid. If you’re planning for outdoor nuptials, you’ll definitely want to think through a backup plan, such as a tent or an indoor space, to move your ceremony indoors.
To prepare for the worst, the question should always be: And what happens if it rains? For an outdoor reception, a tent is always a must (Honestly, Ohio weather is just too unpredictable!). Nothing dampens a party like a sudden rain shower with everyone stuck outside and nowhere to go!
🌟 Pro tip: Make sure your venue can hold the same number of guests for an outdoor ceremony that it can for an indoor ceremony. For example, if a venue advertises 300 guest capacity for an outdoor ceremony, but only can accommodate 225 guests for an indoor reception… what happens to those ~ 75 guests if it rains? The venue should have an answer for you… you just have to be okay with their solution.
Use the vibrant colors of summer to your advantage. Incorporate bright florals, lush greenery, and playful accents into your décor. Personalized touches like custom signage, monogrammed napkins, or unique centerpieces can make your wedding feel special and unique.
Summer evenings can attract unwelcome guests like mosquitoes. Consider providing insect repellent for your guests or incorporating citronella candles and bug-repellent plants into your décor.
Favorite summer wedding feature – a nice fire pit ambiance for the evening! Plus, it will naturally repel bugs – so, add a s’mores bar and enjoy the summer night!
Plan your ceremony and main events for the cooler parts of the day, such as late afternoon or early evening. This not only ensures comfort but also provides better lighting for photographs.
Sample Timeline:
4:00 PM: Guest Arrival
4:30 PM: Ceremony
5:00 PM: Cocktail Hour
6:00 PM: Introductions / Welcome
6:15 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM: Party
~ 8:00 PM: Sneak away for sunset photos!
This avoids having the early afternoon sun beating down and also allows for a nice cruise through the evening’s events!
Keep drinks cool and refreshing by ensuring you have plenty of ice. This is especially important for outdoor weddings where ice can melt quickly. ← Keep this in mind if you’ve booked a venue that allows you to bring in all alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages and bar supplies! Ask the venue if they have an ice machine you can use or stock up and plan to bring plenty!
Inform your guests about the outdoor setting and suggest appropriate attire. Light fabrics and breathable materials will keep everyone comfortable throughout the event.
🌟 Pro tip: Guests will be eternally grateful if you let them know ahead of time that your ceremony and/or reception is going to be outdoors. That way, they can dress for the weather and bring layers for the later hours, wear appropriate shoes (not accidentally aerate your venues grounds with their heels) and be much more comfortable to stay and party the night away with you!
1. Sustainable Weddings:
2. Bold Colors and Patterns:
3. Intimate Gatherings:
4. Interactive Food Stations:
1. Stay Cool and Comfortable:
2. Keep Hydration Top of Mind:
3. Think About Lighting:
4. Communicate with Your Vendors:
Planning a summer wedding can be an incredible experience with the right preparation and attention to detail. By following these dos and don’ts, staying on top of the latest trends, and utilizing our best tips and tricks, you can create a memorable and joyous celebration for you and your guests.
Happy planning!
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Featuring: Valerie & Anthony Wedding and Becca & Jarrett Wedding
Venue: Magnolia Hill Farm
Photographer: Annie Trammel Photography
Caterer: Hudson’s Edge Catering & Events
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In support of our local community, Hudson’s Edge proudly offers a unique and satisfying dining experience in the comfort of your home with a carry-out menu of take & bake and fresh items that we open up for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays.
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