During these long, cold winter months, I’m dreaming of warmer weather and looking forward to shooting some gorgeous summer weddings. Summer already has such an exciting, playful quality to it, so weddings during this time feel even more special to me. A classic New England summer wedding is one of my all-time favorite things. There are so many fun options to choose from: garden weddings, tented receptions, beach ceremonies, etc.
Here’s my guide to a magical summer wedding in New England…
Plan ahead for New England’s summer humidity
The biggest thing to plan for is New England’s infamous summer humidity, especially if your wedding will be outdoors.
Have your hair and makeup done in humidity-proof styles
If you haven’t decided to do this already, consider allocating a portion of your budget to having your bridal hair and makeup professionally done. These hair and makeup experts will know just what to do to help make sure you look and feel amazing on your wedding day, no matter how hot and humid it is.
Typically, a more natural look is the way to go. Wispy updos, beachy waves, soft and glowy makeup,and loose florals tend to work really well with our humid New England summers. Make sure you keep your bridesmaids in the loop about these hair and makeup tips, too!
Keep your guests cool
When sending your wedding invitations, you may want to remind your guests to dress for warm, humid weather. On your wedding day, you can provide cute raffia hand fans for your guests to help keep them cool. This is a great way to combat the humidity and stick to a more organic, boho look.
Incorporate summer-y, vibrant colors and prints to your New England summer wedding
While the natural, organic look does work well for New England summer weddings, your whole wedding does not need to be completely neutral looking if you don’t want it to.
Summer is the perfect time for vibrant colors and prints. Think summer fruits and bright florals for centerpieces, floral patterned ties for the groom and groomsmen, tropical or beachy themes, etc. If any of these things are your style, don’t be afraid to incorporate them into your wedding. Weddings held on the New England coast have such a laid-back and intimate quality about them. In my experience, it’s the perfect setting to play around with fun themes and personalizations to your wedding day!
Plan ahead for traffic when heading to the New England coast
If you are having a summer wedding at the beach in New England, plan ahead for traffic and warn your guests ahead of time, too. Weekend traffic in New England can be intense as everyone heads to the coast. Quaint towns like Newport, Rhode Island are the dreamiest summer wedding destinations, but can take much longer to get to from May-September because of all the extra traffic.
Take your summer wedding photos during “Golden Hour”
During the summer months, by far the best time of day for wedding photos is during what us photographers like to call “Golden Hour.” This occurs about two hours before sunset. The lighting during this time truly is golden; it’s especially ideal for romantic wedding photos. I recommend to all my clients that they plan the schedule of their wedding day around this time, so that we can do most of their photos during Golden Hour.
What to consider about overcast summer weather in New England
Keep in mind that summer weather in New England can be a bit temperamental. There is a slight chance your wedding day could be overcast or slightly rainy, especially on the coast. If the weather does end up being overcast, don’t worry, all is not lost! Overcast lighting for photos is actually incredibly beautiful and ethereal. If your wedding is outdoors, consider providing space heaters and throw blankets or shawls to help your guests stay warm.
Related: How To Prepare for a Rainy Wedding Day in New England
Are you planning a summer wedding in New England? I would love to know where you are in your planning process and what advice you’ve found helpful so far. Drop a comment and let me know!
Xoxo, Marcela
