A summer wedding can be dreamy, with golden sunsets, fresh florals, and al fresco dining under the stars. But for your guests, the heat and outdoor elements can quickly turn that dream into a bit of a struggle if not planned thoughtfully. From clever shade solutions to wedding favors for guests they’ll actually appreciate, comfort is key to ensuring everyone enjoys your big day.
At White Wave Events, we believe your guests deserve as much thought as your décor. As a go-to for couples planning weddings across the U.S. (and beyond!), we know a thing or two about making summer weddings unforgettable—for all the right reasons.
Let’s dive into three must-do strategies to keep your guests cool, smiling, and photo-ready.
1. Tent Options That Keep the Heat Out and the Style In
If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, tenting is a summer essential. Not only does it provide shade and shelter, but it also adds a beautiful structure to your wedding design.
Popular Tent Styles for Summer Weddings:
- Sailcloth Tents: Known for their elegant, semi-translucent canopies that glow beautifully at dusk.
- Clear Top Tents: Great for stargazing, but only recommended in cooler climates. They can trap heat, so add fans or portable ACs.
- Pole Tents with Sidewalls: Offers excellent ventilation while giving flexibility to adjust coverage based on weather.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re managing your own wedding planning list, ask your vendor about airflow solutions like ceiling fans or cooling mist stations inside the tent.
Tent rentals can be found through your event management companies, or you can ask your destination wedding venues if they provide custom shade structures.
2. Unique Summer Wedding Favors That Guests Will Love
Let’s be real: no one needs another jar of jam. But when guests receive thoughtful, seasonally-relevant wedding favors for guests, they feel considered and cared for.

Unique wedding favor ideas NJ and beyond:
- Mini Sunscreen Bottles – Personalized with your initials and wedding date.
- Custom Fans – Pretty and practical, especially during an outdoor ceremony.
- Cooling Towelettes – Wrapped in chic packaging for a refreshing wipe-down.
- Flavored Lemonade Mixes or Iced Tea Sachets – Packaged with love and totally Insta-worthy.
If you’re organizing a destination of wedding in a sunny locale, your guests will especially thank you for these small but mighty gifts. Don’t forget to include them in your welcome bags or at the ceremony seating area.
3. Cute Bug Spray & Cooling Stations for Outdoor Weddings
You might have a perfect wedding reception timeline, but if guests are swatting bugs all night, their attention will be on itching—not your first dance.
Easy Ways to Protect Guests Outdoors:
- Bug Spray Bar – Set up a rustic station with labeled spray bottles (opt for DEET-free and naturally scented options).
- Citronella Candles & Torches – Functional and mood-setting.
- Cooling Spray Station – Think hydrating mists with aloe and lavender. A total luxury moment!
Pair these setups with signs that blend seamlessly into your décor—your event coordinator responsibilities list should include signage with cute wording like “Buzz Off Bar” or “Mist Me, Please!”
For couples working with dj services pre mix wedding music, ensure speakers aren’t placed near citronella torches (which can irritate electronics), and keep power sources covered for sudden summer showers.
Conclusion: Comfort Is the New Luxury
While summer weddings offer unbeatable beauty, they come with their own set of planning challenges. Prioritizing your guests’ comfort with smart tenting, thoughtful wedding ceremony favors, and fun outdoor stations turns a good wedding into a great one.
At White Wave Events, we understand how to bring elegance, ease, and experience into every event. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding from NJ, need help finding affordable catering packages for weddings NJ, or looking for timeline support, we’ve got your back from “yes” to “I do.”
✨For the latest summer wedding ideas, real-time tips, and style guides, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Blinq.me. Or visit our site at whitewavevents.com to start planning a wedding your guests will rave about—even in the summer heat.