Planning a Summer Wedding in Texas
“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a constant state of inelegance.”
—Jane Austin
Having a wedding in Texas during the summer comes with its own unique set of challenges. Although there are some venues that offer discounts during the summer months as things tend to slow down because of the extreme heat, there are several factors to consider before booking. Let’s run through some of those factors in a good ol’ pros and cons list:
We’ll start off easy with the pros:
Longer daylight hours: Summers in Texas often have longer daylight hours, providing ample natural light for outdoor ceremonies and extended photo sessions. The sun often doesn’t set until close to 9pm!
Outdoor venue options: Texas offers a wide range of beautiful outdoor venues, such as gardens, ranches, and vineyards where you can host your wedding and take advantage of the pleasant evening weather. (Emphasis on evening!)
Vibrant scenery: During early summer, Texas landscapes are lush and vibrant, with blooming flowers and greenery, creating a picturesque backdrop for your wedding. Mid to late summer? Unless you like the look of dead grass and roasted trees, not so much.
Extended celebration: The warmer weather in early summer allows for more outdoor activities and a longer celebration, including outdoor cocktails, lawn games, and evening festivities under the stars.
Availability of vendors: Summer is a popular wedding season, and Texas has a thriving wedding industry, offering a wide array of vendors and services to choose from. As previously mentioned, some wedding venues offer discounts during the summer months as things tend to slow down. They want to stay busy with weddings so some will offer pricing incentives to keep their doors open.
Okay so that was the good news. Now let’s take a look at some of the more harsh realities of having a Texas wedding in the summer. Seeing as I personally don’t even leave the house if it gets too hot unless I absolutely have to, you may want to give the summer dates a second thought.
Cons:
High temperatures: Texas summers are known for their sweltering heat, with temperatures often exceeding 90-100°F or higher. This can make outdoor ceremonies uncomfortable for guests, particularly if shade and cooling options are not adequately provided. In fact, Texas was recently named as THE hottest place on earth during a summer day in June 2023! (Sidenote: I’ve seen people pass out from heat exhaustion at weddings before. This is a serious concern and should not be taken lightly, especially if some of your family and guests are older. There’s nothing worse than having an ambulance show up at your wedding. Trust me.)
Humidity: Along with high temperatures, Texas summers are extremely humid, leading to discomfort and potential issues with hair, makeup, and overall guest comfort. Consider the groomsmen who have to wear tuxedos in the heat. They’ll be sweaty messes before you can say “I do!” If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, I would recommend you visit the ceremony space around the actual time you’re planning your wedding. This will give you an idea of the shading. You don’t want to be blasted with direct sunlight when it’s 100+°F during your ceremony. Your guests shouldn’t have to suffer through that as well.
Increased costs: While summer isn’t peak wedding season in Texas, some popular vendors may actually have higher rates during this time due to the challenges of working in the heat. Additionally, the demand for accommodations might be higher, resulting in increased costs for out-of-town guests.
Thunderstorms and rain: Texas summers can also bring intense thunderstorms, sporadic rainfall and sometimes more. This can disrupt outdoor plans and cause logistical challenges, particularly if you're planning an open-air ceremony or reception. It’s always a sound strategy to have a backup plan in the event of inclement weather, particularly in the summer.
Limited availability: One thing to always remember is that Texas (particularly the DFW area) is still one of the wedding capitals of the United States. As we discussed in a previous post, popular venues and vendors may be booked well in advance, limiting your options or requiring you to make arrangements early. Even though you may be planning a summer wedding, don’t wait to the last minute to book your vendors!
When planning a summer wedding in Texas, it's important to consider these pros and cons and make appropriate arrangements to ensure the comfort and safety of your guests and the success of your special day. Providing shade, cooling options, and backup plans for inclement weather can help mitigate some of the challenges associated with a summer wedding. Above all, think of the safety of your friends, family and guests! The last thing you want is the day you’ve been planning for months (or longer) to end up being a disaster due to underestimating the Texas summer heat.