Stay Cool & Celebrate: How to Keep Guests Comfortable During a Hot Wedding
Summer weddings in San Antonio and across Central Texas bring bold sunshine, blooming landscapes, and unforgettable photo opportunities. However, with Texas' scorching heat, couples need to plan thoughtful ways to help guests stay comfortable - especially during outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours. We've gathered the most effective strategies that ensure your photo and video team can shine while your guests stay cool.
1. Offer Shade & Start Timing
Scheduling your ceremony for late afternoon or early evening not only guarantees softer, golden-hour light, but also helps dodge the peak sun hours between 12–4 PM. If you plan an outdoor wedding, position seats under trees, tents, or shade sails to keep everyone out of direct sunlight. Bonus: your guests will be more present and engaged when they’re not battling the sun.
2. Water, Hydration, and Cooling Treats
Hydration stations are a must. Set up tables with ice water, lemonade, or fruit-infused drinks to keep everyone refreshed. Add in signature cocktails served chilled or frozen rosé (“frosé”) for a festive touch. Want something extra fun? Include popsicles, a gelato cart, or an ice cream truck. Not only do these provide relief, but they make for joyful, candid wedding photos too.
3. Personal Cooling Accessories
Fans and parasols are both cute and practical. Offer paper fans with your wedding program printed on them, or provide pretty parasols that double as photo props. For an extra treat, hand out handheld misting fans or cooling towels to your bridal party and guests. These small touches show guests you care (and they photograph beautifully!).
4. Misting Stations & Air Circulation
Install small misting fans or portable cooling stations in lounge or bar areas. These keep the air moving and help guests avoid overheating, especially in full sun or on the dance floor. Your photo and video team will thank you, too! Cooler environments mean more comfortable filming and better moments captured.
5. Dress Code & Guest Prep
Encourage breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or chiffon for both your bridal party and guests. Mention the warm weather on your wedding website or invitation inserts, and remind guests to bring sunglasses or apply sunscreen. Little reminders go a long way in setting expectations and ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
6. Create Shaded Comfort Zones
Design cozy lounge areas with soft seating and umbrellas or canopy coverage. Add in chilled towels or a stylish “refresh station” offering sunscreen, bug spray, and blotting wipes. These guest-focused areas keep the party going while giving everyone a chance to cool down and relax between dancing and celebrating.
7. Choose a Venue with Indoor/Outdoor Flow
Look for venues with both shaded outdoor ceremony spots and air-conditioned reception spaces. A location that allows guests to move indoors when needed gives everyone flexibility and relief from the heat - especially older guests, children, and anyone in formal attire.
Keep It Cool, Keep It Memorable
When guests are comfortable, they’re happier, more relaxed, and ready to celebrate - exactly what you want on your big day. And with a thoughtful plan, we’ll have the perfect setting to capture natural smiles, vibrant group shots, and heartfelt moments without overheating anyone in the process.
At our studio, we work with couples year-round to create stunning wedding memories, no matter the season. With a little prep and a lot of love, your Texas summer wedding can be as cool as it is unforgettable.
Check us out on Instagram!
January 1st, 2026