Let's get real – a summer wedding in Arizona may seem impossible to pull off, especially with skyrocketing temps in the 100s. However, if your wedding date falls between the months of May – September in Arizona, do not fret! We've teamed up with Arizona's finest wedding professionals to bring you expert tips on how to rock an Arizona summer wedding! ☀️
Summer Seasons Savings
Since the summer is considered the off-peak season in Arizona, many wedding vendors will provide savings to fill up their summer dates. Shannon Johnson of Noah's Event Center says, "Vendors are not going to advertise discounts during the summer months, but you should always ask! It's especially a slow time of year for venues, hotels, and caterers; you could definitely get some deep discounts simply by asking.” She is totally right! It never hurts to ask.
Another smart savings tip by Shannon Johnson of Noah's Event Center is to host a morning ceremony. "Hosting a wedding ceremony followed by brunch is a perfect solution to an Arizona summer wedding. For one, it's not as hot in the mornings! Venues can usually accommodate 2 events in one day that way and may pass some savings along to you. I absolutely love morning weddings. Brunch, waffles, bacon, mimosas & bloody marys – need I say more?!”
Keep it Cool
Although the wedding mostly focuses on you & your soon to be hubby, be sure to keep your guests in mind! They're most likely going to be sitting outside for about 45 minutes for your ceremony – yikes! We suggest providing guests with items that keep them cool while adding to your wedding aesthetic: parasols to block the shade, paper fans to create some breeze, personalized sunglasses, etc. Check out Bella Umbrella for a wide selection of adorable parasols – that you can even rent & return! ⛱
Another Arizona summer wedding saver is having a drink station prior to the ceremony. You can serve refreshing water, tea, lemonade or even provide personalized water bottles! You can purchase your own personalized water bottle labels on The Knot. As the bride or groom, make sure that you are staying hydrated too! Try to always have water nearby, you won't want to pass out during the ceremony! 🍹
No melting, please!
After spending a pretty penny on your wedding makeup, you'll want to ensure that your makeup can withstand the heat, tears & hugs! We highly suggest hiring a makeup artist that uses the airbrush technique. Amanda with Makeup Manda says, "Using waterproof airbrushed foundation will keep your makeup from melting. Also, oil blotting papers are a must for an Arizona summer wedding. Give a small stack to your maid of honor to keep on hand at all times!" 💋
Another thing you'll want to make sure holds up is your bouquet. 🌸 Delicate flowers like hydrangeas and roses may easily melt during the high summer temps. Sabrina with The Petal Theory suggests that "selecting bouquets and florals that utilize lots of greenery tend to be heartier and withstand the heat better than more delicate flowers". A few of our favorite florals that can manage the heat are eucalyptus, succulents, poppies, and petunias! 🌿
Head Up North!
The beautiful thing about Arizona is that is it so diverse! Beat the summer heat and head up north for a beautiful destination wedding in Arizona's high country. 🗻 Imagine your wedding in the mountains of Prescott or Flagstaff, or at the stunning red rocks of Sedona – talk about the views! A few of our favorite venues up north are Tlaquepaque Village, Amara Resort, L'Auberge de Sedona, Foxboro Ranch Estates, and Thornager's on Kiltie Lane. 🧡
Select an Indoor Wedding Venue
Although most brides opt for an outdoor wedding, there are a few venues in the Valley that can host your entire wedding indoors! A great resource to search for the perfect venue is Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites. With your indoor wedding ceremony + reception, the heat won't even phase you! You can step outside during cocktail hour to get those prime Arizona sunset shots and then party the night away in a cool, air-conditioned venue! A few of our favorite indoor wedding venues are SoHo63, Tre Bella, Warehouse 215 & The Showcase Room. 😍
Chill Drinks + Eats
Give your guests an unexpected treat to cool them down on your wedding day. 🍉Lin from Tom and Lin Catering recommends their couples to "incorporate fun summer trends like boozy snow cones and infused ice cream sundaes!" A few more fun ideas are champagne popsicles, spiked iced tea, mini shrimp cocktails over dry ice, like YUM!
Wedding Insurance is a Must
If you're getting married in the valley during the summer months, be ready for monsoon season. As you know, Arizona weather is completely unpredictable! Don't let a summer monsoon storm ruin your wedding. Leah Theodosis with Tremaine Ranch says, "We always push our couples to purchase wedding insurance, especially if your wedding is held during an Arizona summer". Markel or Wedsafe are two great wedding insurance options that will protect the investment that you've made for your special day. Wedding Insurance reimburses you for lost deposits and non-refundable amounts if you have to cancel or postpone your event due to unforeseen circumstances. Wedding cancellation protection also covers additional expenses you may incur to avoid canceling your event and pays for other losses or damages, such as lost wedding rings, vendor no-shows, lost or damaged wedding gifts, damage to special event attire, etc. Being prepared is a must! 🙌
With these expert tips, you'll be able to pull off the perfect Arizona summer wedding! ☀️