By Kate Cohen
Orlando is a wonderful place for a romantic wedding that can bring your wildest dreams to life.
But when it comes to the time of year, not all seasons are created equally.
Fall, winter, and spring are ideal for an outdoor wedding in Orlando, but summer’s extreme heat and frequent rainstorms can be a challenge for couples and their guests.
The good news is Orlando summer weddings are absolutely doable with a few things to keep in mind.
Our biggest tip for hosting a summer wedding in Orlando?
Have it indoors. With air conditioning.
We understand the allure of an outdoor wedding in Florida, surrounded by lush wildlife and swaying palm trees.
But the risks of potentially problematic and uncomfortable weather may outweigh the appeal.
Plus, your perfect wedding venue could have windows overlooking scenic landscapes and letting in natural light, bringing the beauty of the outdoors into a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.
Everyone will be able to focus on celebrating you and your partner rather than worrying about staying cool and out of the sun on a hot summer day.
If your heart is still set on spending some time outdoors, here are a few tips for a successful summer wedding in Orlando.
Provide Plenty of Refreshments
Keeping your wedding party and your guests hydrated is critical if you’re having an outdoor wedding.
From the moment guests arrive, offer them cool water as they head to their seats for the ceremony.
Consider playful, boozy popsicles during cocktail hour to keep everyone refreshed.
Prioritize refilling water glasses throughout your celebration and reminding everyone to stay hydrated as they take to the dance floor.
Have a Really Solid Rain Plan
In addition to the intense heat and humidity, summer also happens to be Orlando’s rainiest season.
Summer storms, while often fleeting, are almost daily occurrences from May through September.
If your heart is set on an outdoor summer wedding, be sure you have a solid (indoor) backup plan in case the clouds come closing in.
When Outside, Provide as Much Shade as Possible
An outdoor ceremony may be scenic, but no one wants to sit and swelter in the sun.
If your guests are seated in the sun, offer plenty of shade using either umbrellas or overhead drapery.
Many wedding venues won’t allow tents in the summer due to the likelihood of the aforementioned storms.
When possible, try to seat your guests in a nice patch of shade. They’ll appreciate being out of the path of direct sunlight.
Placing handheld fans on every chair is always a welcome gesture, too.
Another way to work around the heat is to plan a sunset ceremony, when the temperatures begin to drop slightly.
If you choose a sunset ceremony, you may want to schedule bridal, couple, and wedding party photos for prior to saying “I do” to take advantage of natural light.
Set Realistic Expectations of your Florals
Many couples love the aesthetic of lush floral designs and arrangements on their wedding day.
Most flowers, however, don’t do well in the unrelenting Florida summer heat.
White flowers in particular tend to brown and wilt quickly, leaving ornate arches and displays looking tired.
Your florals will thank you for an indoor, air-conditioned space almost as much as your guests!
You’ll also be able to repurpose your ceremony flowers for your reception if they’re kept in cooler conditions indoors.
Have Extra Hairspray and Makeup on Hand
Florida summers aren’t just known for the heat. They’re also extremely humid.
Unfortunately, humidity can be the demise of a great hair style and can induce makeup-dripping sweat.
If you’re spending any part of your wedding day outdoors or even taking photos outside, you’ll want to plan for hair and makeup touch ups as needed.
Provide your wedding parties with gentle facewipes or handkerchiefs for the ceremony and photos.
It may even be worth hiring your hair and makeup artists to hang around, so you look fresh and picture perfect from the moment you walk down the aisle until your grand exit.
Pick Lightweight Attire
A heavy bridal gown laden with lace and a long train may look beautiful but can be miserable in the heat.
Similarly, formal tuxedos are not a great match for temps in the 90s and high humidity.
Instead, choose light fabrics and limited layers so you and your bridal parties can be as comfortable as possible.
Let a Planner Make the Tough Decisions
Every well-organized wedding needs a backup plan, especially summer weddings.
On your wedding day, you don’t want to be making big decisions about shifting plans and accommodating the unexpected.
Hire an experienced wedding planner or coordinator that you trust to make key decisions as issues arise.
The right person can ease your concerns while you rest easy knowing they’re advocating for the wedding you’ve worked so hard to plan.
Consider a Hotel Summer Wedding
While summer may be the slow season for weddings, it’s the busiest time of year for Orlando’s booming tourism industry.
Hosting your wedding at a hotel has a variety of perks, including the opportunity to offer your guests onsite rooms at discounted rates.
Our four beautiful Rosen Weddings hotel venues offer multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, in-house catering, and a skilled team of wedding specialists to help bring your dreams to life.
