There’s something undeniably magical about a summer wedding in Minnesota ... lush green backdrops, long golden evenings, and the energy of the season in full swing. But with all that sunshine comes its challenges, including high temperatures, sticky humidity, and the potential for overheated guests (or melting desserts). Fortunately, local wedding experts know exactly how to keep the celebration stylish, joyful, and refreshingly cool.
Whether you’re planning a lakeside soirée, a barn bash, or a downtown rooftop affair, these smart strategies from seasoned Minnesota professionals will help you create a summer celebration that’s as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
Offer Cool, Creative Cocktails
To keep guests feeling refreshed, never underestimate the impact of a thoughtfully crafted summer cocktail. Moe Beyer of Grand View Lodge explains, “We love hosting cocktail hour with inventive, seasonal beverages made by our expert mixologists. These light, flavorful drinks are designed to quench thirst and cool down the summer heat. Our summer wedding menus often feature signature margaritas and refreshing spritzes, perfectly suited to help guests beat the heat in style.”
Chill Out with Ice Cream or Wine Slushies
Why wait for dessert? David Boyer of Jupiter Moon Ice Cream suggests offering a charming ice cream cart to treat guests throughout the day. “A station serving cool scoops provides an instant cooldown and a fun and memorable treat. It's an authentic way to connect with your guests, transforming a potentially sweltering experience into a wonderfully chilly celebration,” he says. It's especially great for outdoor weddings, where a surprise ice cream break delights guests of all ages.
Krystal Houseman of Parley Lake Winery adds another frozen favorite: wine slushies. “Parley Lake Winery is ready to beat the heat at summer weddings with wine slushies! Raspberry Lemonade or Pina Colada - which one do you think is more refreshing? Sweet, refreshing, and crowd pleasing these wine slushies will cool you off and keep the party going! We highly recommend it for all the summer weddings!
Keep it Under One Roof
Simplifying the flow of your day can also help combat the heat. Brynn Smithson of Radisson Blu Mall of America explains how their couples avoid weather worries by hosting every part of the celebration indoors. “One of the simplest ways to beat the summer heat is by choosing a venue that keeps everything under one roof. At Radisson Blu Mall of America, couples can host their ceremony, reception, and pre/post-wedding events without ever stepping outside. With direct indoor access to Mall of America, guests can explore world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment between events, all while staying cool and comfortable. No shuttles, no weather worries, and no sweat (literally) - just seamless celebration from start to finish."
Lean Into Floral & Scenic Vibes
If you’re going to be outside, let nature do the decorating. “We encourage couples to take advantage of the natural beauty of our meticulously landscaped property serving as a stunning backdrop for all to embrace,” says Beyer of Grand View Lodge. Bold blooms and lush greenery not only create stunning photo backdrops, they eliminate the need for excessive floral installations that may wilt in the heat. It’s a great way to elevate your event while staying rooted in the season’s vibrant energy.
Hydrate and Delight with Refreshing Bites
Keeping guests hydrated is non-negotiable - but why not make it tasty, too? Dani Leonard of Lake Elmo Inn Catering recommends offering a surplus of hydrating beverages stored on ice, alongside cool appetizers that double as heat relief. "Some of our most successful appetizers include caprese kabobs, shrimp cocktail platter, ceviche, pear & brie crostini, and bacon-wrapped water chestnuts,” she says. These light, flavorful bites are easy to eat while mingling and help guests stay energized for the dance floor later.
Keep Guests Cool with Thoughtful Touches
Keeping guests cool during cocktail hour requires a combination of smart venue selection and intentional amenities. Heidi Ott of Milford Hills Hunt Club recommends selecting a venue with air conditioning or ample air circulation and offering plenty of shaded areas outdoors. “Providing sunscreen, and keeping cold beverages readily available can make a significant difference,” she says. “For an extra thoughtful touch, for those very hot days, consider offering chilled towels - it’s a simple yet memorable way to help guests stay refreshed.”
Add a Splash of Fun with a Waterfront Venue
If you’re lucky enough to tie the knot near one of Minnesota’s lakes, use that natural cooling power to your advantage. Alyssa Trout of Lafayette Club encourages couples to lean into the breeze: “You and your guests can stay cool with the shore’s breeze while enjoying stunning views.” A lakeside location not only makes for a picturesque setting, it also gives guests a built-in way to stay refreshed and relaxed during the celebration.
Dress for the Weather Without Sacrificing Style
When it comes to summer weddings, guest comfort starts with what everyone’s wearing. Cyndi Secrest of Hewing Hotel shares, “We specialize in making warm-weather weddings as comfortable and beautiful as they are unforgettable.” One key detail? “Breathable fabrics and comfortable attire for all.” Lightweight linens, breezy silhouettes, and sun-friendly accessories ensure everyone from the couple to the guests can enjoy the day without overheating, all while looking effortlessly chic. In addition, stocking thoughtful extras like sunscreen, bug spray, blotting papers, and sunglasses ensures guests stay refreshed and protected, all while adding a polished touch to the overall experience.
Schedule Smart to Avoid Peak Heat
Timing is everything when planning an outdoor summer ceremony. Samantha Hoffer of Mintahoe Catering & Events advises, “Consider hosting your ceremony in the late afternoon or early evening to avoid the peak heat of the day.” This not only helps keep guests more comfortable, but also provides softer, more flattering light for photos, and sets the perfect tone for a relaxed, elegant evening celebration.
Make Your Fans Functional (and Fun!)
At Glass House, Lauren Wolden loves turning everyday essentials into charming, purposeful details. “Turn your ceremony programs into handheld fans,” she says—a simple yet creative way to keep guests cool while giving them something useful to hold onto. It’s especially effective for outdoor ceremonies where shade is limited, and it doubles as a keepsake they’ll actually want to take home. For added flair, consider customizing the fans with your wedding colors, monogram, or a timeline of the day’s events.
Time Your First Dance Just Right
One of the most overlooked moments that can be optimized for temperature is the first dance. Nela Menéndez of Nela Dance LLC recommends scheduling it just after sunset. “Not only does this help beat the heat, but the lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for photos and makes the moment feel extra special. Plus, the dance floor tends to stay cooler, so couples can focus on enjoying their choreography without distraction."
Step Out of Planning Mode and Into the Moment
With all the moving parts of a summer wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the logistics—but don’t forget to be present. Natalia Drummond of Belle Âme Vineyard offers this heartfelt reminder: “Soak it all in! Something will go off-plan (because, hey—it’s humans planning a big event), but that doesn’t mean it won’t be magical. You’re marrying the love of your life. Be gracious with your vendors and guests, and remember to step out of planning mode and into the moment. That’s where the real magic happens.”
Photo by Tiffany Sass courtesy of Jupiter Moon Ice Cream
