Top Summer Wedding Tips: Indoor Vs. Outdoor Options — The Double Knot | Certified Planners | Weddings and Events

AM Studios Photography; Occasions Laguna Beach

Getting married during the summer months in Southern California? Why not! Yes, the sun shines a lot and there are beautiful beaches to enjoy! The weather is likely to be beautiful but there are still considerations to be made even here in sunny SoCal. No matter what time of year, having options is always better for peace of mind. Here are some summer wedding venue tips for you!

Lucero Photography; Los Coyotes Country Club

Tips for Outdoor Summer Weddings

Summertime is the best time to book if you are looking for the perfect outdoor venue. The views of the green hills, and the sunshine at the beaches are the perfect setting for celebrating your new chapter. However, keep in mind, if it is hot and you don’t provide your guests with shade, they will be scouring the venue for a shady spot to hang out. If it isn’t windy, we highly suggest nestling some umbrellas in the guest ceremony seating for the perfect adjustable shady spot for your guests during the ceremony like the beautiful Laguna Beach Occasions does in the photo below. The guests will be so grateful! Or provide them with fans (which is a great place to print your programs). Always consider adding a tent for shelter because sometimes tents are for more than just rain! They can keep your guests cozy and protected from dew, chill, or wind as well as keeping them dry.

Another solution for summer heat is to push your ceremony to later in the afternoon when the sun is setting. While the heat is dissipating, the sunset will be a gorgeous backdrop to your ceremony, and then there will be a natural transition into the evening as it gets dark. Dancing under the stars will make a magical end to your celebration. But don’t forget to keep the bug spray handy for those unanticipated party crashers like ants, mosquitoes, and other visitors!

Tips for Indoor Summer Weddings

For those who are less adventurous, true peace of mind comes when you can control the weather of your reception with an indoor setting. Air conditioning is a requirement for some later summer months in Southern California. The temperatures in July and August can reach the triple digits and guests will not feel comfortable without an indoor air-conditioned space. There will still be sweat but let that be because the dance party is non-stop, and your DJ is killing it! You can still lower the lights as the evening transitions, and you won’t have a worry about weather, rain, or bugs!

Finding the Best of Both Worlds

Do you really want to have an outdoor setting but also have control of the space? Then, find a space that has both outdoor AND indoor options! Country Clubs, golf courses, community centers, museums, and even restaurants can have wonderful options for an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception. That way, you can keep the outdoor portion to a minimum and still have an indoor space to retreat into afterwards. This can be the more expensive option because you need to reserve two locations, but the peach of mind is worth it! Plus, it will keep the guests entertained as they move from location to location.

In conclusion, you want to choose what feels right for you, your family, and your budget. If being in nature is a priority for your vision, then you should go all outdoors! If you are prone to anxiety about the weather, then keep it safe indoors. No matter where it is located, remember that your guests are there to see you, and celebrate with you. Indoors or outdoors it will be a memorable event for all.