Choosing a date is one of the most important things you’ll do during the planning process for your Tampa Bay wedding. While summer is often an ideal time to get married in more northern parts of the country, the same considerations don’t apply to Florida weddings.
“Florida is hot in the summer, like chill out in the a/c and in the pool hot! So we really urge couples considering a Florida wedding in the summer to look at an indoor wedding venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and great views. Your family and friends will thank you later,” wedding planner Tammy Waterman of Special Moments Event Planning advises.
“When doing a summer wedding, flexibility is key with the ever-changing weather and radar. A lot of the time, when choosing the venue, the gorgeous outdoor views/waterfront and photo opportunities are a big reason why you choose it. With that being said, when you are doing a summer wedding you might have to power through the heat and also prep your wedding party that they are going to have to power through to get the shots you want. We always want to make sure to get the best locations for our couples in their photos and, at the same time keeping it quick, especially when hot, so prepping your wedding party helps that all go smoother and faster so they can get back in the a/c.” -Carrie Wildes, owner of Carrie Wildes Photography adds.
To help you make your summer wedding as comfortable as possible, we asked our Marry Me Tampa Bay preferred wedding pros to share their best advice for couples considering a summer wedding.
How Does the Heat Affect Your Ceremony?
“There are a number of ways the heat can affect your wedding ceremony. You should stick with early morning or late evening but don’t forget about afternoon showers. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, it is essential to have a Plan B. The heat may affect your wedding dress options, your bridesmaid dresses, and the selection of men’s formalwear. You need to choose hardier flowers that can stand up to the heat and not wilt, and you should think about the comfort of your guests by making cold drinks, fans, umbrellas, and shade available. I’ve had a bride pass out on me from being overheated during the wedding portraits. You don’t want that happening!” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
“The summer is hurricane season and very hot. I highly advise having everything indoors at this time of year to avoid the rain and extreme heat. If you do plan to have an outdoor portion, make sure you have a backup plan in place and shade for your guests. You can bring out umbrellas, tents, etc to keep the direct sun off the guests. I would also have a water station provided and personal fans so that you can keep your guests as comfortable as possible!” -Delaney Driver, Wilder Mind Events
“Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make for your big day. Every detail, every room, and every corner of the venue will be part of the memories you’ll cherish forever. If you don’t love every aspect of your venue, it can significantly impact your overall happiness and satisfaction with your wedding day, including the photos that will capture those precious moments. Make sure that your vision is transparent with the backup space on-site. You have to love both options because, in the summer months in Florida, there is a high percentage that you could have to use the space. Yes, your planner will try to hold off as long as possible on making the rain call, but depending on the extensive setup and the venue, that decision may require time to make sure things are executed to the degree that you want. Make sure when touring venues you are asking the venue coordinator what all options are and what the day could look like if rain does play a role in it. Imagine walking into a reception hall that doesn’t quite match your expectations. The colors might clash with your theme, the space could feel awkward, and the overall atmosphere may not evoke the emotions you hoped for. This discomfort can be reflected in your mood, affecting your ability to fully enjoy the day. Your wedding photos, which are timeless keepsakes, might also suffer as a result. The background scenery won’t evoke the same warm feelings if you aren’t truly happy with the venue. You may not use the backup space, but think about how it will make you feel! You want to feel warm and fuzzy about the entire space when booking and planning your wedding!” -Kelci Ziconi, Kelci Leigh Events
“If you are having your wedding in the summer, know that some décor and floral options will not be available to you. Summer weather can bring about limitations with décor and flowers that most aren’t aware of. A completely white floral arch becomes less practical in the heat since the construction limits what a florist can use as a water source and how much water will get to the flower once constructed. White flowers easily brown in heat, and there’s no hiding those flaws with their lack of coloring. Either save the white for cooler weather or for the indoors or take the opportunity to bring in a bright and colorful palette that holds up better in warmth. As professionals in the field, trust your vendors when they forewarn you about possible implications. They’re only looking out for you and want to be upfront and honest. If they tell you something isn’t viable because of the weather, trust their opinion and ask what they recommend. That or be prepared when what they warned about comes to fruition.” -Melanie Eubanks, Lemon Drops Weddings & Events
“If your wedding ceremony is outside, your wedding guests could be sitting in the sun for 15-20 minutes before you arrive. By the end of your ceremony, they will be super uncomfortable and ready to be inside, cooling off. Think about a water station, fans, and sunscreen, and keep the wedding ceremony really short.” -Tammy Waterman, Special Moments Event Planning
“Timing is everything. If you can, plan your ceremony for the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon. Encourage lighter, breathable fabrics for your dress code. Trust us, your groomsmen will thank you for not making them wear three-piece suits in July. Think linen, cotton, and anything that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a sauna.” -Kaf Nelson and Chris Grainger, Graingertainment
“Sunset is the latest in the summer; from the end of June to the beginning of July, it’s at 8:30 p.m. Typically, that hour before sunset is the prettiest and coolest part of the day for photos. If you are doing a first look before the ceremony, sometimes it’s better to just do the first look and still do the wedding party and bride and groom photos after the ceremony to break it up and also keep the heat to a minimum. Fun fact, even if it is really hot, you generally can’t tell in photos!” -Carrie Wildes, Carrie Wildes Photography
How Does the Heat Affect Your Decor?
“It’s a known fact that flowers need water to survive, even in ideal conditions. This is even more true in the heat. If you’re getting married outdoors, flowers and decor won’t be able to endure the Florida sunshine as well as they would during the rest of the year. Flowers are prone to wilting quicker than usual and may not last as long as they normally would, which means repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception will not be a viable option. Hydrangeas, lilies, and stock need a lot of water and easily wilt if they’re not kept cool; we would recommend you stay away from those if you’re set on having an outdoor summer wedding. Things melt: glue, frosting, wax, etc. If you have anything susceptible to the heat and are set on your date being in the summer, try going indoors where the a/c will help your decor and your guests beat the heat!” -Melanie Eubanks, Lemon Drops Weddings & Events
“The Florida heat can be brutal. If you are having an outdoor summer wedding, keep that in mind when making your decor decisions. When it comes to flowers, don’t choose delicate flowers that might wilt in the heat, choose tough, luscious greens that can withstand the weather. For your centerpieces and guest gifts, don’t pick something that could potentially soften or melt; choose something that can survive in warm, humid conditions.” -Amber McWhorter, Amber McWhorter Photography
“Most desserts need to be kept at room temperature, so plan to keep everything indoors. If you have your heart set on outdoor treats, keep them indoors until right before serving!” -Brandi Becker-Matiyak, Sweetly Dipped Confections
“Choosing the right florals can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your wedding. It’s important to choose florals that are in season in Florida during the summer months. This will not only ensure that the florals are readily available but they will also be more affordable. Talk to your florist about which florals are in season and which ones will work best for your wedding theme.” -Claire Augello, Beneva
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How Can the Heat Affect Your Hair/Makeup and Attire Choices?
“Forget the heat; it’s our lovely Florida humidity that has a huge impact on hair and makeup. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, so when we have high humidity, it’s like standing in a steamy bathroom. The best way to ensure your hair and makeup will last all night is to find a hair and makeup company that uses water-resistant makeup and anti-humectant hair products. Anti-humectant hair products are essentially products with moisture blockers that prevent the hair from trying to absorb the moisture in the air. This will minimize frizzing. If you are getting married in some of our hotter months (June-September), it is best to opt for a hairstyle that is up and off your neck. All the hair products in the world will not hold up if you are drenched in sweat. If you sweat easily, a boho crown braid or glam-up style is a great choice to keep you cool, feel comfortable, and look flawless. For makeup, we use a secret weapon skin prep product on our brides that prevents their faces from sweating. I know sounds too good to be true, but it works wonders! The best pro tip is to make sure the products are up to par to combat the humidity.” -Kelcey Yaeger, Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup
“Your hair and makeup artist is one of the most important vendors when it comes to summer weddings! Keep in mind that while you may dream of wearing your hair down for your big day, the heat and humidity can zap the life out of straight hair or cause naturally curly hair to frizz up. Be sure to keep hairstyles in mind when considering this! It’s not uncommon for hair that is down to stick to your body due to sweat and get matted underneath throughout the day. If possible, we’d recommend booking extra time for later in the day with your hair and makeup artists and speaking with your photo/video team to see if extra time is needed to have touch-ups throughout. If you’re someone who doesn’t want a hair out of place, it is critical that you communicate this expectation to your hair/makeup team so that they can lead you to styles that will stay or recommend additional onsite services. Remember that your photo/video team are NOT professional hairstylists and only your hair/makeup team will be able to really make sure your goals are met! For makeup, make sure to have a family member, friend, or bridesmaid be on the lookout for shininess or if something isn’t looking quite right. Communicate with your babes on how you want to look in your photos so that they can be ready with a touchup kit or hairspray to ensure you look the way you want!” -Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt for Love Photography
“Pay special attention to your attire and your hair and makeup. A long lace-embellished wedding gown with a sweeping train is heavy and hot. Carrying a train across the beach anytime is hot, so consider something lightweight and maybe a little shorter. Your hair will struggle to hold its curl, and makeup will need a touch-up. Think about very light natural makeup and wearing your hair down or pulled to one side. Think about the guys too! Dark suits or suits of any kind will be hot. So instead, think of light, breathable fabrics such as khaki slacks, linen shirts, and maybe skip the tie.” -Tammy Waterman, Special Moments Event Planning
“If you are planning on a first look or bridal portraits before your actual ceremony and these moments are going to be photographed in an outdoor area, plan for shorter periods of time outdoors in the heat followed by a little time for makeup touchups and cool down moments as needed. Florida heat is no joke, so building in times to freshen up from the heat between photo opportunities can help.” -Amber McWhorter, Amber McWhorter Photography
“If you are having a summer wedding in Florida, you need to choose a lightweight wedding dress, preferably strapless or thin-strapped. Stay away from long sleeves and heavy fabrics. The same holds true for your bridesmaids. Your groom and the groomsmen may want to consider a lighter-weight suit, such as linen, over a traditional suit or tuxedo. The summer heat is more friendly to casual or beach festive attire for your guests than formal clothing. I definitely suggest brides and bridesmaids wear their hair up for comfort as the curls don’t hold well in the summer humidity.” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
How Can the Heat Affect Your Reception?
“As a lifelong Tampa Bay resident and twenty-year wedding veteran, consider an early morning wedding if you are brave enough for an outdoor wedding or start around sunset when it cools down a little. Our Florida summer weather is very unpredictable! It can go from sunny and hot to thunderstorms and pouring rain in no time. Rule #1 is that an outdoor tented wedding is NEVER a good idea for a summer wedding, regardless of what anyone may tell you. Hurricane season begins in June, and August is one of the most active months. Anything can happen! If you are set on an outdoor wedding, you absolutely want to have a Plan B indoors with air conditioning.” -Tammy Waterman, Special Moments Event Planning
“Receptions in the summer heat should be indoors if at all possible. Florida is known for afternoon showers, which only makes it hotter and muggier. If you are outside, choose florals that can stand up to the heat and last all night without wilting. Choose a lighter menu for your guests. Be prepared to sweat a lot on the dance floor, and watch out that the cake doesn’t melt! Also, have a Plan B because it could very possibly rain.” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
“If your schedules require a summer wedding in Florida, there are a few key important factors you need to assess. First, we have hurricane season, which starts in June and doesn’t end until fall, so any summer wedding will fall into this season. That means we may be dealing with very last-minute change of plans, which could include heavy rains, flooding, high winds, flight cancellations, and at the worst, which we’ve experienced, tragic damage to your venue. Ideally, we have backup plans for indoor spaces to use and have acquired proper event insurance for these unfortunate scenarios. The heat in Florida during summer is not the fun-in-the-sun spring break that many people think of when they think of Florida. It’s intense, unbearable, and sometimes even dangerous. So, if you MUST be outside, provide hand fans (or industrial fans in tents or in a number of spaces) for your guests to cool down. Have plenty of water available for your guests, and keep in mind what you’re serving for your food. No one likes a cheese and fruit display that’s been in the sun for an hour or an ice sculpture raw bar that is melting by the minute.” Amber Schryver, Oh My Occasions
“Florida can be windy during the summer months, so it’s important to take this into consideration when planning your wedding. Anywhere near the coast will be very windy. Consider using heavy decor items that won’t blow away. Also, consider using heavier linens on tables and securing them in place to prevent them from blowing away.” -Claire Augello, Beneva
“If you are having your wedding outdoors, keep in mind most venues do not do tented weddings in the summer, so always have a rain backup plan. As a planner, I also keep a little bottle of water that I can spray on the fresh flowers that are sitting in the heat! This keeps them open and fresh!” -Katy Martin, owner of Coastal Coordinating
What Do You Need to Know about Summer Rain?
“Any Floridian knows that we are known for our summer showers. They come in quickly, sometimes without warning, are intense, and are gone before you know it. Then, the sun comes out and heats up all that water on the ground, creating a humidity that will melt any makeup application! Having a solid rain backup plan and being willing to pull the trigger even if that means that it doesn’t actually rain at your ceremony start time. Sometimes, that means reverting to that rain backup plan if it rains or the threat is too high.” -Staci Mandikas, UNIQUE Weddings + Events
“Ohhh yes, it’s possible and probable that a summer wedding will have rain. The number one thing you want to consider in the summer is what the indoor options are. If you don’t like the indoor spaces available at your venue, or you dream of light and airy photos, but the inside of a venue you’re considering is dark and dreary, we recommend reconsidering and finding a location that has beautiful shooting locations inside as well! Larger venues like hotels are perfect for this! And while some larger venues may be attractive and have indoor spaces, make sure to check to see if you are allowed to take photos inside. Some locations like Armature Works do not allow any photos inside due to other patrons and their privacy, so make sure to check all of the indoor-related policies and be sure you’re okay with them before booking! While your wedding day only happens once, a redo of photos/video together can happen any time. If it rains on your wedding day and you don’t get to have the outdoor natural light newlywed photos you dreamt of, consider booking photo/hair/makeup for a later date to redo them in better weather! We recommend considering doing this within a few months…the longer you wait, the more likely you are not to do it! An additional booking like this could even mean you get much more time and variety of images since you’d have more time vs. on the wedding day! Just be sure to check with your venue that you would be able to get access after the day as well, and make sure to coordinate dates and times with them so that you don’t risk getting kicked out!” -Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt for Love Photography
“Summer rain is not predictable. The forecast might say that it will rain, and it never rains, and on the other hand, it might say there is a zero chance of rain and pour. Not only that, but if it is a small storm, the rain typically moves fast. Keeping up with an actual rain radar is what has saved me from making calls as the photographer. Flexibility is key here. If your photos are planned for 5 p.m., and it is supposed to rain, bump up the time to get photos done. Know that your schedule and timing might change. One other important part when planning an outdoor summer wedding is to have a backup plan just in case it does rain.” -Amber McWhorter, Amber McWhorter Photography
“Be educated on the weather, sunset time, and locations here in Florida, but most important is attitude and expectations. It could rain all day and be the best wedding ever because of how the couple’s attitude going into the situation is.” -Carrie Wildes, Carrie Wildes Photography
“The rain in summer is very unpredictable. Good planning is very necessary. A backup indoor or tent location for your ceremony, umbrellas for guests, or even a little extra room in your timeline to shift things around is extremely helpful. You also have to trust your vendors and find vendors you trust. Many of us have worked in every scenario of bad weather, and we have ways to work around it. I tell my couples that they’re still going to get beautiful photos, just a different kind of feel. Sometimes the misty couple portraits have a romantic vibe you just can’t get on a sunny day.” -Joy Hmielewski, Joyelan Photography
“We are sort of mini-meteorologists and constantly monitoring the weather in anticipation of your wedding day. By using the most advanced radar possible, the same resources pilots use to navigate weather, we are able to calculate down to the hour the percentage chance of rain and directional movement of the storm (cell, band, etc.). This is depicted on our weather page for all the locations we service. It’s always a great idea to have some sort of ‘Plan B’ in the case of inclement weather; this could be a covered courtyard, pavilion, or some type of overhang if worst comes to worst. In Florida, the 10-day forecast is more of a guesstimate and is highly inaccurate. We will not have a predictable forecast until 12-30 hours in advance, so save yourself the hassle of worrying a week out. Stick to the game plan, and if you are working with professionals, they will assist in this regard. Besides, it’s good luck if it does rain on your wedding day! The most incredible pictures ever taken on the beach come shortly following an armageddon-like rain shower. Then, make way for some Rainbows!” -Brandon Wheeler, Gulf Beach Weddings
“It is okay to get your dress dirty if it means getting photos outside!! Let the expectations go! While we totally understand spending a small fortune on your dream dress and wanting to keep it pristine, the more willing you are to not care about that, the better the images! Especially if you dream of candid shots or have video (video needs motion), caring too much about your dress means you have to essentially be completely still if you do get a chance for outside shots after it rains. And if it’s sprinkling just a bit and your photo/video team are down for it (equipment-wise)…do it! You will never have this day again, and as much as you hate it, the rain sometimes is part of it. Embrace it! Frolick in the rain! Have a blast and accept that sometimes the least perfect moments are also the most fun and the most real.”
-Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt for Love Photography
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What Are the Best Ways to Keep Your Guests Cool?
“When planning a summer wedding in Florida, remember it is also considered our rainy season! Summertime comes with gorgeous sunsets and warm nights but also humidity and unpredictable storms. I recommend having your summer wedding indoors in air conditioning; however, if you are having an outdoor ceremony, there are lots of ways to keep your guests cool. Umbrellas and sailcloth covering are very popular, as well as a ceremony program that has a dual purpose as a fan! Sailcloths can be hung over your ceremony; just remember the sun will move, so not all guests will get shade. Make sure to include on your wedding website or invitation that the event will be taking place outside and to dress accordingly. Before the ceremony, offer your guests a cool place to stay and maybe even a glass of something cold or an alcoholic freeze pop! Most importantly, make sure you as the couple, your bridal party, and your family who are taking part in the ceremony have somewhere with air that is separate from the guests to be able to hide before you walk down the aisle!” -Lauren Gertz, MDP Events
“If you’re going to have a summer wedding, choose either early morning or, better yet, late afternoon for your event. If you’re adamant about being outside for your Florida summer wedding, try to adjust the times of your event so guests aren’t stuck in the sun during the hottest points of the day. If you and your guests are early risers, why not have a sunrise wedding on the beach followed by a brunch reception inside a hotel ballroom? If being up before dawn isn’t your cup of tea, try to aim for a late afternoon/evening wedding when the sun will be starting to set. This will make for perfect lighting for photos and will help keep you and your guests out of the blazing sun. There are ways of getting around the summer heat, but you have to be open-minded to the possibilities.” -Melanie Eubanks, Lemon Drops Weddings & Events
“The best ways to keep your guests cool are to choose the coolest part of the day to hold the wedding, hold your festivities indoors in the air conditioning, and if outdoors, have a more casual dress code. Be sure to have access to water, offer ‘boozie’ popsicles during cocktail hour, and ice cream for dessert. If you are having the reception in a tent, be sure to have a/c units and/or misters to help keep the space cool.” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
“Accept that it is going to be HOT! And we aren’t talking about a two-minute walk to the car to crank that a/c type-of-hot! Make sure you have rags/paper towels for the boys set aside for wiping excess sweat, blotting papers for the guys and gals, and extra powder or touch-up items for the brides and bridesmaids. Mini fans are a great idea for bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts too!” -Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt for Love Photography
“There are several fun and trendy options couples can incorporate in their decor to keep their guests cool during their wedding day! We love including umbrellas as an added decor element since these are also helpful when it comes to shading your guests during your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. Umbrellas enhance the setting by also keeping everyone comfortable! Another trend we see couples utilize is ceremony fans for each attendee. Sometimes these are branded with the couples’ names or even include the program on the fan.” -Jessica Ralph, Parties A’La Carte
“Any choices you can make to combat the heat…do it! Having a water or lemonade station at the ceremony, incorporating cold hors d’oeuvres into cocktail hour, and having a/c for your reception are all ways to help your guests not melt in the Florida sun!” -Staci Mandikas, UNIQUE Weddings + Events
“We’re so lucky in Florida to have beautiful weather all year long, but that’s not to say each season won’t come with its considerations, especially if you include your pet in your celebration. In the heat of the summer, it is particularly important to think of your pet’s well-being and limitations. When planning our “Dog of Honor’s” special days in the summer months, we first determine the venue’s pet policies and whether or not they will be allowed indoors. If they are not, it is very important to take into account the amount of shade available and the ground we’ll be walking the pup on (pavement is a serious concern in the Florida heat), and how long we’ll be on-site. We manage the pet’s energy levels to ensure they won’t overdo it and plan the day with plenty of water and a/c breaks. This advice is crucial for couples and their pets when traveling to Florida for a summer wedding as they may not be used to the intensity of the heat and powerful sunshine.” -Kelly Maronpot, FairyTail Pet Care
“If you’re planning your wedding for summer, odds are you’re thinking about how to keep your guests comfortable but you should also think about your vendors as well. While guests will spend a good amount of their time in the heat, odds are your vendors will spend double that while doing set-up, flip, and teardown. Keep in mind the people working your event and try to have someplace cool they can work or retreat to so they can continue to help make your big day a success.” -Melanie Eubanks, Lemon Drops Weddings & Events
Are There Any Benefits to Hosting a Summer Wedding?
“Surprisingly, there is a benefit to hosting a wedding in the summer! I know, crazy right? Venues are used to being slower in the summer, so they are more willing to offer incentives and discounts to weddings hosted in June, July, and August. This may also apply to other vendors, as long as they aren’t temporarily closed for the off-season or are on skeleton hours due to the off-season.” -Staci Mandikas, UNIQUE Weddings + Events
“Florida is typically the off-season for weddings. With venues specifically, there are a lot of places that will offer off-season discounts instead of their regular rates. This could be a great way to get your dream venue and stay within budget by booking in their non-peak months.” -Delaney Driver, Wilder Mind Events
“There are some perks to hosting a summer wedding in Florida. Summer means vacation time and if you’re planning on having kids at your wedding, a summer date means not having to settle for a weekend date with a higher price tag since you won’t be fighting school schedules. Also, this could be a good opportunity for families to make the most out of the event and plan a longer stay in the area.” -Melanie Eubanks, Lemon Drops Weddings & Events
“One benefit to hosting a summer wedding is that more of your guests would be available to attend. Kids are out of school, and the summertime is considered to be a slower season in various fields of work! This can be really helpful if you have essential family members who you want to attend. ” -Heather Lorenz, The Birchwood
What Would Couples Be Surprised to Know About Summer Weddings in Florida?
“Florida is a summer vacation destination. People are traveling here from all over the globe. Those beautiful beach photos you had in mind might be filled with beach chairs, umbrellas, and people in swimsuits.” -Tammy Waterman, owner of Special Moments Event Planning
“Couples from northern states may be surprised to discover that Florida doesn’t necessarily ‘cool off’ once the sun sets in the summertime. It certainly takes the edge off, but the humidity remains constant throughout the evening. If you are planning a summer wedding in Florida, I would definitely recommend having it fully indoors!” -Heather Lorenz, The Birchwood
“The Tampa Bay area is an amazing destination hot spot for summer weddings! A beach vacation paired with your wedding day is a win-win! Our advice is not to underestimate the power of the Florida sun. In the weeks leading up to the big day, wear high SPF, find shade, and be mindful of bathing suits that will not leave unsightly tan lines or, gasp…a red and painful sunburn! Not only will it dehydrate your skin which can cause blisters, peeling, and flakey skin, but it also affects your makeup application. Trust us; you will still get that summer glow with SPF! Lastly, once your hair and makeup are complete on your wedding day, stay inside until the last possible moment. This will preserve your hair and makeup from the heat and humidity.” -Kelcey Yeager, Adore Bridal Services
“Summer is the busy season for tourism, so prices for hotels, transportation, etc., may be more expensive depending on the area. While your vendors and venue may be offering discounts and special rates, that doesn’t mean the rest of the world is on that same schedule. Summer is prime time for tourism in Florida with families visiting during summer break to take advantage of kids being out of school. What you’re saving with off-season pricing for your venue might be used to cover your hotel stay or rental car. If you’re getting married on the beach, be prepared for there to be people everywhere, and it might be smart to book your wedding at a hotel with a private sector of the beach where they can use security to clear out the space ahead of time. Research the area you’re looking into and be prepared. Also, while a venue/vendor’s summer minimum may be lower, if you’re having 200 guests at $100 a person, that doesn’t change the fact that you’ll be paying quite a bit. Make sure you understand when an offer is beneficial to you and when an offer doesn’t actually affect what you’re spending. Just because a minimum is lower doesn’t mean you’ll be getting a discount or saving money. It only means that you don’t need to spend as much to book their services for your day.” -Melanie Eubanks, Lemon Drops Weddings & Events
“If you do choose to have your wedding at a large hotel or a venue with multiple spaces, make sure to ask what the potential cost would be for renting out additional space in case the weather means you’ll have to do formal family photos or wedding party photos indoors! For example, if your venue is Hyde House and you’re utilizing ALL of their spaces except the public studio on the first floor, consider asking them about renting out that space for those photos for an hour or two! Remember that it’s not JUST about the space inside…but what is NOT being used for your event at the time you need it. For example, your reception space will usually be the largest space you will use, but there will be workers setting up and moving things in and out all day. The other space used needs to be a space free of other vendors and set-up. If you’re planning for a large wedding party or have large family photo groups (bigger than 10 people) but your venue doesn’t have a very large available indoor space, you could be looking at some very tricky photos and maybe even a photographic result you wouldn’t be happy with.” -Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt for Love Photography
