What Summer Weddings Really Need

What Summer Weddings Really Need

Summer weddings have a certain kind of magic. Long golden evenings, fizz in the garden, soft light that makes every photo sing. But alongside the romance comes a very practical reality: heat. Hot weather can quickly turn the calmest couple into flustered hosts, and there are few things more disappointing than watching your dream day slip into discomfort.

Keeping a wedding running smoothly in the height of summer isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation. The kind of quiet behind-the-scenes thoughtfulness that means the drinks are cold when guests arrive, the food still looks beautiful by the time it’s served, and everyone stays comfortable without ever thinking about why.

The biggest challenge often starts with timing. Guests typically come straight from a ceremony that may have been warm, long, and formal. Arriving to a welcome drink that actually refreshes - whether that's iced citrus water, a light spritz or something zero-proof and herbal - immediately signals care. Add a shaded area, a few scattered fans, maybe a quiet spot with chilled towels or SPF on hand, and you’ve already made a thoughtful impression.

Then there’s the question of food. In warm weather, food needs to hold its shape, flavour and freshness for longer - especially if you’re not dining indoors. This doesn’t mean compromising on ambition or impact. It just means choosing dishes that play well with the season. That could be something like cold poached fish with herbed yoghurt and crisp summer vegetables, or slow-roasted meat served at room temperature with salsa verde and pickled shallots. Even desserts can be reimagined: instead of anything too creamy or melt-prone, think elegant fruit tarts, or crisp meringues with berries.

Staff comfort and kitchen logistics are often invisible to couples, but they matter. A team working in 30-degree heat needs plenty of hydration, shade, and clear roles to avoid stress - which in turn keeps service smooth and energy high. And with field kitchens or marquee setups, refrigeration and shade become non-negotiables. The difference shows not in what goes wrong, but in what quietly goes right.

Then there are the details that feel small, but linger in the memory. Extra jugs of chilled drinks brought out just as the dancing begins. Discreet service that keeps the pace just right. Thoughtful timing that ensures no one’s holding a glass or a canapé too long in the sun. Summer weddings are made in the margins - in the small decisions that keep things graceful, generous and enjoyable. None of it flashy. All of it meaningful.

One of the most common compliments we hear isn’t always about the food (although we happily accept those too) - is when couples say, “We didn’t have to worry about a thing.” And in our book, that’s the definition of a successful wedding day. If you're planning your own summer wedding and would like to chat through catering ideas, we’d love to hear from you.