style Trends

The Ultimate Guide: Tips for Summer Weddings in Phoenix


Desert landscape in Phoenix Arizona with saguaro cacti, arid desert plants and mountain vistas

The Ultimate Guide: Tips for Summer Weddings in Phoenix

Planning a summer wedding in Phoenix, Arizona, might seem like a challenge due to the scorching heat, but with the right tips and tricks, you can have a fabulous and unforgettable day! Phoenix offers stunning desert landscapes, brilliant sunsets, and a unique charm that can make your wedding day truly special. Here’s your go-to guide filled with tips for summer weddings in Phoenix, ensuring you and your guests stay cool, comfortable, and full of joy!

 

summer wedding in Phoenix Arizona with luxury tents setup to protect guests from the hot sun

 

Your Summer Wedding in Phoenix Guide!

Choosing the Perfect Venue

  1. Indoor and Outdoor Options: Use our venue finder to select a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of Phoenix’s landscapes while having a cool, air-conditioned retreat.
  2. Shaded Areas: If your heart is set on an outdoor ceremony, ensure there’s plenty of shade. Look for venues with natural shade from trees or built-in structures like gazebos.
  3. Venue Timing: Opt for late afternoon or evening ceremonies. The temperatures are cooler, and you’ll get to capture the magical desert sunset.

Keeping Cool

  1. Hydration Stations: Set up multiple hydration stations with water, iced teas, and lemonades. Consider adding a fun twist with flavored water infused with fruits and herbs.
  2. Cooling Accessories: Provide guests with cooling accessories such as handheld fans, misting stations, or cold towels.
  3. Lightweight Attire: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for your wedding attire. Linen and cotton are great choices for groomsmen, and airy, flowy dresses work well for bridesmaids.
  4. Air Conditioning: If your venue is outdoors, rent portable air conditioners or misting fans to keep the area cool.

 

hydrations station setup at a summer wedding in Phoenix, flavored waters and refreshing juices and lemonades

 

Fun and Festive Décor

  1. Bright Colors: Embrace the vibrant hues of summer with bright and bold color palettes. Think citrus colors, corals, and turquoise to complement the desert scenery.
  2. Floral Arrangements: Use hardy flowers that can withstand the heat, such as succulents, cacti, and native wildflowers. These not only look beautiful but also add a unique touch to your décor.
  3. Creative Signage: Create fun, festive signs directing guests to hydration stations, shaded areas, and photo spots.

Delicious and Refreshing Food

  1. Cool Appetizers: Serve chilled appetizers like gazpacho shots, shrimp cocktail, and fresh fruit skewers to keep guests refreshed.
  2. Icy Treats: Incorporate frozen treats such as ice cream bars, popsicles, or a shaved ice station. These are not only delicious but also help guests stay cool.
  3. Lighter Fare: Offer a menu with light, refreshing options like salads, grilled vegetables, and seafood. Heavy foods can make guests feel sluggish in the heat.

Entertainment and Activities

  1. Live Music: Hire a live band or DJ to keep the energy high and the dance floor lively. Consider a playlist with summery, upbeat tunes.
  2. Photo Booth: Set up a fun photo booth with summer-themed props. Think sunglasses, sun hats, and beach balls.
  3. Games and Activities: Provide lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or bocce ball to entertain guests during the reception.

Weather Preparedness

  1. Weather Check: Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to your wedding day. Summer storms can happen, so have a backup plan ready.
  2. Tents and Canopies: Rent tents or canopies for additional shade and to protect against unexpected rain showers.
  3. Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, first aid items, and umbrellas.

 

white wedding umbrellas ready for guests at a hot outdoor wedding in Phoenix Arizona

 

Tips for Summer Weddings in Phoenix

Checklist for Your Summer Wedding in Phoenix

Here’s a handy checklist to ensure you have everything covered for your big day!

Before the Wedding:

  • [ ] Choose a venue with indoor and outdoor options
  • [ ] Schedule the ceremony for late afternoon or evening
  • [ ] Confirm shade options and rent necessary cooling equipment
  • [ ] Plan a vibrant color scheme
  • [ ] Select hardy flowers for arrangements
  • [ ] Arrange for hydration stations and cooling accessories
  • [ ] Finalize a light, refreshing menu
  • [ ] Book entertainment (live band/DJ, photo booth, lawn games)

Day of the Wedding:

  • [ ] Set up hydration stations with infused water and iced tea
  • [ ] Distribute handheld fans and cold towels to guests
  • [ ] Ensure air conditioning/misting fans are functioning
  • [ ] Display bright, festive décor
  • [ ] Serve chilled appetizers and icy treats
  • [ ] Set up a shaded area for the ceremony and reception

 

Frozen treats being served on ice at a summer wedding in Phoenix Arizona

 

Let’s wrap this up – tips for summer weddings in Phoenix

With these tips for summer weddings in Phoenix, you’ll be well on your way to planning a beautiful, comfortable, and memorable event. Embrace the unique charm of the desert, make thoughtful choices to keep everyone cool, and most importantly, have fun celebrating your love!

So go ahead, start planning, and get ready to say “I do” under the stunning Phoenix sky. Your summer wedding in Phoenix is sure to be a hit!

 

Grab a free copy of our Digital Arizona Wedding Magazine and start planning the wedding of your dreams today!

 

Author:

Ashley Lopez, Publisher

Image of Ashley Lopez, publisher of Arizona’s Finest Wedding Sites and Services magazine

Ashley Lopez is the Publisher and Lead Content Writer of Arizona’s Finest Weddings. She has been in the wedding industry for over 10 years helping engaged couples find their perfect Arizona’s Finest Venues and Vendors. Ashley actively contributes to NACE, National Association of Catering and Events, as well as WIPA, Wedding Industry Professionals Association. She is the main contributor to Arizona’s Finest Wedding Tips and Trends and is the creator of The Planning Guide, a free resource providing couples with expert steps on how to plan their wedding. She lives in Mesa, Arizona. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share This Story:

Recent Blog Posts