Photo: Bren Pintelos
It's almost here! The sun is shining, your nearest and dearest bridesmaids have arrived, and the anticipation for your wedding day is bubbling. You've meticulously planned every detail, from the flowers to the seating chart, and everyone involved is perfectly organized. In fact, there's just one final, crucial task remaining: packing your bags.
Packing for a summer wedding, especially when you're the bride, is a unique art. You need to be completely prepared for anything the weather might throw your way. If you're tying the knot in the Northern Hemisphere during July or August, you already know to expect notoriously high temperatures.
But beyond the heat, there's the excitement, the long hours, and the desire to simply be comfortable and enjoy every single moment. From essential SPF to keep your skin protected, to clever tricks like blotting paper for touch-ups, we've got you covered. Get ready to discover everything you need to pack for a summer wedding so you can truly relish your special day without a single hitch. You've earned it!
Weather Ready Essentials
In summer, staying weather-ready is all about keeping cool – and not just in the figurative sense. Brides will be spending hours in potentially stuffy rooms, so portable fans and breathable layers are an absolute must. Preventative suncream is another must; nobody wants to be bright red and burned while exchanging vows. Similarly, emergency hydration is key.
For those remaining in the UK, a little bit of caution is important. It might be summer, but the UK's weather is unpredictable, so packing light rainwear is a smart move.
Photo: Jonathan Borba
Beauty & Emergency Kit
For many brides, their make-up is an exciting part of the process. The glamour, the expert make-up artists, and the photos – it’s all part of the beauty-fuelled whirlwind of your big day. Yet summer brides face a unique problem: sweat.
Forget the threat of tears or rain-ruined mascara; the real villain here is the perspiration on your forehead. If you’ve not started researching long-wear make-up that won’t budge in the heat, now is the time to start. Waterproof mascara is a must, as are blotting papers and stain removers. Every bride should have a miniature survival kit. There might be a few beauty-related fires to douse before you walk the aisle.
Undergarments & Bridal Lingerie
The general rule for bridal lingerie is to pack a practical set (and maybe a garter) for the day and a romantic set for the evening. As a summer bride, you’ve got to go beyond this simple rule, though.
Your daytime fabric choice matters. Choose materials suitable for summer heat, such as lightweight cotton or silk. Some dresses might require invisible undergarments, too, so always include lingerie in try-on sessions.
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Let's dive into the sartorial side of your summer-ready essentials! When it comes to clothing, shoes, and accessories, the key is to strike that perfect balance between looking utterly fabulous and feeling blissfully comfortable, even when the mercury rises. For your gown, think lightweight fabrics like flowing chiffon, ethereal organza, delicate lace (the kind that breathes, not the heavy stuff!), or even a chic crepe that drapes beautifully without feeling stifling.
Consider silhouettes that allow for movement and airflow – think A-line, a gentle trumpet, or even a sophisticated tea-length or midi dress if your vibe is a bit more playful. Sleeveless or off-the-shoulder styles are a dream for keeping cool, and a subtle open back can add a touch of romance while also being practical.
Now, let's talk about the shoes. While the dress might steal the show, your footwear is the unsung hero of the entire day. You’ll be on your feet for hours, from walking down the aisle to dancing the night away, so comfort is just as important as style. Think about the venue: grassy lawns might call for wedges or block heels, while a ballroom allows for elegant stilettos. And don't forget a backup pair! A cute, comfortable pair of flats or even stylish sneakers can be a lifesaver when your feet start to protest after hours of celebrating.
Photo: Leticia Curvelo
Summer Wedding: 5 Things That Can Go Wrong
Here are 5 things that can, unfortunately, go wrong at a summer wedding, and how to keep your cool (literally and figuratively!):
- 1. The Warm is Scorching!
We all dream of a warm, sunny wedding day, but sometimes "warm" quickly escalates to "scorching." High temperatures can lead to uncomfortable guests, wilting flowers, melting makeup, and even heat exhaustion. Imagine your beautiful cake starting to sag, or your guests fanning themselves with their programs instead of dancing!
How to combat it: Prioritize shade, offer plenty of water and cooling stations (think infused water, lemonade, and even misters!), provide paper fans or parasols, and consider hosting your ceremony during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or later in the evening.
- 2. Uninvited Guests (of the Six-Legged Kind)
Outdoor summer weddings are idyllic, but they also come with a guest list that includes mosquitos, gnats, and other flying nuisances. Nothing quite dampens the mood like guests swatting at bugs during your heartfelt vows or a fly dive-bombing the wedding cake.
How to combat it: Talk to your venue about pest control measures beforehand. Incorporate natural repellents like citronella candles, lavender, or rosemary plants into your decor.
- 3. The Sudden Summer Shower
Just when you thought the forecast was clear, a rogue summer storm decides to make an appearance. While a little rain on your wedding day is supposedly good luck, a downpour without a backup plan can quickly turn charming into chaotic.
How to combat it: Always, always have a solid Plan B for an outdoor wedding. This might mean renting a tent with proper sides, or having an indoor alternative at your venue. Discuss rain plans with all your vendors, especially your photographer and caterer, so everyone is on the same page.
- 4. Meltdown Makeup & Hair Humidity Woes
Between the heat, humidity, and happy tears, keeping your hair and makeup looking fresh can be a challenge. Frizzy hair and streaky foundation are the last things any bride or her bridal party wants on such a photo-heavy day.
How to combat it: Invest in waterproof and long-lasting makeup, and work with a professional hair and makeup artist who specializes in summer looks and has strategies for humidity. Provide blotting papers and setting spray in your emergency kit.
- 5. Vendor Availability & Higher Costs
Summer is peak wedding season, which means demand for venues, photographers, florists, and caterers is at an all-time high. This can lead to limited availability for your top choices and, often, higher prices. Booking too late might mean compromising on your dream team.
How to combat it: Start your planning early! As soon as you have your wedding date set, begin reaching out to your must-have vendors. Be prepared for potential price increases due to the season's popularity, and factor that into your budget from the very beginning.
Let's Wrap Up...
There you have it! With these packing tips in your back pocket, you're not just ready for a summer wedding; you're ready to absolutely shine. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love story, not stressing over a forgotten item or a weather-related mishap. So, go ahead and double-check your list, zip up that suitcase, and get ready to say "I do" feeling completely prepared, confident, and utterly beautiful. What's the one item you absolutely couldn't imagine your summer wedding day without? Let us know in the comments below
