We know how important your wedding day is for you and you would not want to make it anything less than perfect. There are a thousand things that can go wrong at weddings and if it’s a summer wedding, add a few more! No, we are not trying to upset you here, just making you aware of the facts. Summer weddings need extra effort to plan and we are here with simple tips to help you plan your perfect summer wedding.

 Decide to take vows at a ‘Cool’ venue

If you are planning a destination wedding, hills are where you should head to. Make your wedding a vacation for the guests and choose Mussoorie, Dehradun, Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar as the destination which makes good options and provides a big relief from the city’s hustle-bustle. We would suggest you avoid any property close to the beach as the wedding venue if you don’t want to sweat it out on your special day; keep it only for the evening ceremonies.

Turn your mehendi/haldi into a pool party

The best way to have an outdoor day-function like mehendi or haldi and literally not get fried in the heat is to turn it into a pool party. Arrange some outdoor games and bring a DJ on board and trust us, the guests will love it!

 Go easy on makeup & hairstyle

Summer brides have to struggle with heavy outfits, crazy schedules, dehydration and what not. Getting their makeup and hairstyle done can be a daunting task for the brides in the heat. It’s always a good idea to keep it light and fresh (nobody likes the cakey makeup) by just highlighting the natural features. Braids and buns are a great hairstyle option and use fresh flowers to accessorize.

Opt for comfortable & breezy outfits

Sweat drops trickling down  your back and getting a rash while you fake a smile would be the last thing you would want to remember about your wedding. Don’t make a mistake of buying outfits which only ‘look great’ and not ‘feel great’.

 Have a drink station at day functions

It’s a great idea to have a drink station at different day ceremonies like haldi and mehendi. The scorching heat can lead to dehydration and can be a spoiler for the wedding guests. Keep smoothies, infused-water, fresh juices and mocktails that everyone will love and enjoy at such ceremonies.

 Plan a weather appropriate food menu

This is a tricky part! Gorging on scrumptious food is synonymous to Indian weddings and planning a summer wedding menu will need careful planning. Choose a simple menu with a focus on an array of light appetizers, cold salads, fruits, desserts that make the dishes delectable and summer friendly. For drinks, it’s a good idea to experiment with traditional drinks like thandai, nimbu soda, fruit juices in different flavours.

Beat the heat with refreshing decor

Spring/Summer is the season of fresh blooms and beautiful colours all around and that should make way in your wedding décor too. Flowers like jasmine, hydrangea, tulips and peonies make the most gorgeous décor elements ever. Think of making a flower wall (like Deepika-Ranveer’s reception). You can also ask the decorator to use colorful drapes, makeshift gazebo and cutesy umbrellas to provide covered seating for the guests.

(Madhulika Singh, Content & Community Manager, The Wedding Brigade)