Arizona Summer Weddings: How to Keep Guests Cool and Safe

Summer is Arizona’s off-season for weddings, and that brings real advantages: lower venue prices, more open dates and better availability from top vendors. But daytime temperatures in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma and Lake Havasu often pass 105°F and can top 110°F, and heat illness is a serious risk for guests, vendors and the wedding party. With smart planning, a summer wedding can be comfortable and safe.

Option 1: Go up in elevation

The simplest fix is to marry where it is cooler. Flagstaff, the White Mountains around Show Low, and Prescott are often 15 to 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Pine forests, meadows and mountain lodges make great summer settings. Book early, since these towns have their own peak season in summer.

Option 2: Plan around the heat in the desert

• Start late. Schedule the ceremony after sunset or close to it, around 7:00 to 7:30 pm in June and July. Even then, temperatures can still be above 100°F, so keep outdoor time short.
• Move the reception indoors. Choose a venue with strong air conditioning that can handle a full room, and confirm it will be running well before guests arrive.
• Consider a morning wedding. A brunch ceremony starting by 8:00 or 9:00 am can be pleasant and memorable.
• Keep the ceremony short. Twenty minutes or less is kind to guests in the heat.

Cooling for guests

• Offer chilled water, infused water or lemonade as guests arrive, and keep it flowing all evening.
• Provide shade: umbrellas, tents, shade sails or a ceremony site under trees.
• Use misting systems and large fans for any outdoor areas.
• Hand out paper fans, parasols or cold towels. They double as favors.
• Have seating in shade for older guests, pregnant guests and anyone with health conditions.
• Tell guests in advance about the dress code and the heat, so they can plan.

Heat safety basics

Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness and cool, clammy skin. Move the person somewhere cool, give them water and loosen clothing. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, a very high body temperature, hot skin, fainting or seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so call 911 right away. Ask your coordinator to keep an eye on guests and vendors, and make sure everyone knows where the cool rest areas are.

Food, flowers and cake

• Avoid buffets of mayonnaise-based or dairy-heavy dishes sitting outside. Talk to your caterer about food safety in heat.
• Buttercream and chocolate melt quickly. Fondant and cakes kept indoors until cutting hold up better.
• Choose heat-tolerant flowers and ask your florist to deliver as late as possible and keep arrangements cool.
• Candles can droop in extreme heat, so consider LED candles for outdoor tables.

Attire for the heat

• Lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen and cotton breathe better than heavy satin.
• Light-colored suits, or skipping jackets and ties, keep the wedding party comfortable.
• Have a cool place for the couple and wedding party to rest between photos.
• Ask your hair and makeup artist about sweat-resistant products and touch-up kits.

Plan for monsoon storms

From about mid-June through September, monsoon storms can bring sudden wind, dust, heavy rain and lightning, usually in the afternoon or evening. Have an indoor backup, secure decorations against wind, and agree with your venue on when and how a weather call will be made. Lightning means moving everyone indoors right away.

The upside: savings

Many low-desert venues offer their lowest prices from June through September, and some vendors discount summer dates as well. For more on costs, see how much a wedding costs in Arizona or try the budget calculator.