There’s something undeniably magical about summer weddings in Orlando! The gardens are in full bloom, the days are long and golden, and the evening air hums with that laidback, celebratory energy that only summer can bring. As dreamy as it sounds though, Florida summers also come with a few quirks, like intense heat and afternoon storms.
Planning a summer wedding outdoors means finding that sweet spot between enjoying nature and still being comfortable. With a little planning (and the right venue!), you can have the summer wedding of your dreams without the stress. From selecting the ideal ceremony time to creative ways to keep your guests cool, we’re sharing our top do’s and don’ts of planning a summer wedding here in Orlando. These tips will help you pull off an easy, breezy, and beautiful celebration.
Let’s make your wedding shine!
Do: Choose the Right Time of Day
With any wedding, choosing the right ceremony time is crucial in planning the logistics and overall flow of the day. Your ceremony time will determine how much getting ready time you have, how long the vendor team has to set up, and what the vibe is for the main celebration. After all, a brunch wedding is much different than an evening one!
For an outdoor, summer wedding in Orlando, late afternoon into evening is your best friend! Orlando summer temperatures often soar into the 90s by midday followed by regular thunderstorms in the afternoon. While the storms cool everything off for a while, it also brings humidity with it as well. That’s why we recommend scheduling ceremonies for summer weddings to start around 5 or 6?pm. You’ll dodge peak heat, beat afternoon storms, and capture that coveted golden hour glow.
Plus, a late-day ceremony means an evening reception, which is pure magic here at Celebration Gardens! Our Grand Pavilion comes equipped with open-air siding and market lighting, so your guests can enjoy sunset views while you dine. Then, you can dance the night away under the stars or the warm glow of the Edison lights.
Do: Plan to Beat the Heat
It’s no secret that Orlando in the summer is hot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors at this time of year! There are just certain measures to take to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. Our team is here to help you plan these precautions! The Grand Pavilion comes with fans and all of our getting ready spaces have air conditioning. If you need a break from the heat at any point in the wedding, you can duck into the ready room house for a little refresh! We also provide ice water stations throughout the property, so your guests can stay hydrated and cool.
Other ways to beat the famed Florida heat for your summer wedding include:
- Placing personalized hand fans on each ceremony seat
- Provide parasols for guests to use during cocktail hour
- Work with our team to plan refreshing signature drinks at the bar!
Do: Consider a Summer Wedding Menu
Your summer wedding food and beverage can greatly impact your guests’ overall experience! With our in-house catering partner, John Michael Events, delicious food is a given, but it’s wise to select a menu that can also help everyone stay cool and comfortable. We asked the John Michael team for their best tips on planning a summer wedding menu and this is what they advised:
- Don’t Forget Dessert! There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than a cool dessert. Our signature ice cream bar is perfect for a summer wedding. This can either complement your wedding cake or serve as a late night snack on the dance floor.
- Go with lighter fare. No one wants to feel heavy and lethargic after a meal in the heat! We recommend selecting lighter menu options that will still leave guests feeling full and satisfied, like our Rosemary Lemon Chicken or Cilantro Curry Seared Mahi Mahi. You also can’t go wrong with a classic summertime salad, like the Roquefort Pear Salad or Watermelon Salad!
- Skip the Food Displays. While we normally love a good grazing table for cocktail hour, this isn’t ideal in the Orlando summer sun. Instead, go with butler passed hors d’oeuvres paired with your bar’s signature drinks. Some of our most popular passed apps include Feta & Sundried Tomato Crisps, Balsamic Watermelon Bites, and Spanakopita.
Don’t: Ignore Orlando’s Summer Storms
As much as no one wants it to rain on their wedding day, pretending it won’t rain for your summer wedding is risky. Summer showers in Orlando are a real thing and you can almost count on them like clockwork, even if they pass quickly. Always have a solid backup plan in place, whether that’s pulling down the optional siding at the Grand Pavilion or having a stash of umbrellas at the ready.
Our team understands the importance of a rain plan for any celebration, especially at an outdoor venue, and we never want our guests to worry about that! That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive rain plan, so not even the summer rain can put a damper on your day. Check out all the details below:
The Rain Plan at Celebration Gardens
Don’t: Forget to Weather-Proof Your Look
You may not usually factor in the weather when choosing your wedding day look, but in the heat and humidity of an Orlando summer, comfort is just as important as looking radiant. Consider lighter, more breathable fabrics, like chiffon, cotton, linen, or silk blends for your wedding gown or suit. Minimizing the number of layers in your attire and your wedding party’s outfits is another simple way to stay cool. Even the color of the attire can make a difference! Darker colors tend to absorb more heat, so going with lighter colored dresses and suits can help you and your wedding party be more comfortable.
Don’t forget how heat can affect hair and makeup as well! Work with your beauty vendor to make sure your hair and makeup have maximum staying power throughout your summer wedding day. You might select lighter, powder-based products instead of liquids, use more setting spray in between makeup layers, and opt for an updo for your hair.
Pro tip: Prep a newlywed emergency kit for the day-of! This could include makeup touchups, blotting paper, powder, hair pins, face mist and the like. This could make all the difference in keeping you photo-ready from your first look to your grand exit!
Let’s Plan Your Summer Wedding!
Celebration Gardens is Orlando’s premier botanical garden wedding and event venue, located in Winter Park, FL. Our Wedding Gazebo, Intimate Pavilion, Grand Pavilion, and lush gardens provide a seamless flow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. We also offer all-inclusive wedding packages to make wedding planning as simple and stress-free as possible!
Are you interested in having your event at our beautiful outdoor venue? Contact us today! Our friendly team members would love to chat with you and provide you with a customized quote.