Summertime in the Garden State is an unpredictable season; it can be spectacularly sunny at best or quite humid at worst. Don’t let a little heat be a dealbreaker! Summer weddings can be vibrant, colorful, breezy, beachy, rustic – your options are endless. Here are our top tips you’ll need for successful summer nuptials.

Have a back-up plan! Even if your heart is set on an outdoor wedding, be sure to consider your wedding venue’s indoor options. Never say “never.” Ask to see how the venue sets up a ceremony indoors, or look around for covered outdoor options. Chances are, a little rain isn’t going to ruin a breathtaking outdoor ceremony – we love this setup outside of the Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson in Freehold, NJ.

On that note, don’t let a few raindrops put a damper on the day. Invest in black and white umbrellas and step outside for some cheeky wedding photos you and your spouse will never forget.

Keep your guests cool and comfy. If you plan to take advantage of nice weather and hold part of your wedding, like cocktail hour, outside, make sure it’s in a space that affords comfortable seating and shaded areas.

Nothing beats the ultra-cool outdoor patio at the Crystal Ballroom – it’s a perfect space for outdoor mingling. Guests don’t have to worry about the summer heat – there’s comfortable seating, access to the bar, and plenty of hors d’oeuvres to keep them refreshed and happy.

Have fun with fabrics. Whether it’s the tuxes, bridesmaids’ dresses, or the gown, think about how your garment of choice will hold up on a hot summer day. Summertime weddings can mean relaxed fabrics. Try variations on linen, chiffon, cotton, or satin. Don your favorite pair of sunglasses. Don’t be afraid to play around with different dress lengths. Or, maybe slip on a fancy pair of flip-flops instead of strappy heels or loafers. The possibilities are endless. Here are some bridal party styles, lengths, and colors we dig for summertime:

Seek out summer-friendly decorations and accessories. Be mindful of flower bouquets that may wilt in high heat or any outdoor floral displays that may not fare well on a blindingly sunny day. One trendy solution we’ve seen is brooch bouquets, which are not only weather-proof, but also absolutely gorgeous. Consider how to incorporate weatherproof fabrics into centerpieces as well (like the adorable paper pinwheels below).

While these tips will definitely keep you cool and collected, don’t get too hung up on right and wrong. Heat or no heat, rain or shine, it’s your day. We can appreciate this piece from The Knot that debunks some common myths about summer weddings, from color schemes to formalwear to location.

Sure, summertime can bring the heat. But don’t let any naysayers bring you down. There are plenty of New Jersey venues, including the Crystal Ballroom in Monmouth County, that can help you plan a stunning summer wedding with all the elegance and none of the nonsense.

– Jessica M.