How to Plan for Summer Heat at Your Portland Wedding

We love a Pacific Northwest summer wedding, but let’s be real—Portland heat can sneak up on you. One day it’s 72 and perfect, and the next it’s 102 with no warning. If you’re planning a summer wedding in Oregon, here are a few tips we use as day-of coordinators to help keep everyone cool, happy, and not melting in their formalwear.

Water Everywhere

You can’t have too much water at a summer wedding. Set out water stations early and refresh them often. Add lemon, cucumber, or mint if you want it to feel extra pretty. If you're doing an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, we always recommend coolers of bottled water tucked near the guest seating and in the getting ready areas. Your wedding party will thank you, and so will your grandma.

Handheld Fans Are a Win

Whether you go for classic folding fans, cute paper ones, or branded fans that double as a favor, handheld fans are a game changer. Place them on ceremony chairs or hand them out at the welcome table. People will actually use them, and they look great in photos. We've even seen personalized fans that match the color palette, which makes them both useful and adorable.

Timing Is Everything

Check where shade will be on your wedding day - people will want it! If it is very hot, we often wait to tell people to take their seats until just before the ceremony begins so they aren’t sitting in the full sun for too long.

Dress for the Weather

Encourage your guests to wear something light and breathable, and if you’re going with formalwear, consider linen or lighter suits. If you're the couple, give yourself permission to change into something cooler for the reception. We've seen brides swap into party dresses and grooms switch to short sleeves, and it always makes the dance floor more fun.

Work With a Day-Of Coordinator

With a summer wedding, you want someone who’s watching the forecast, stocking the water coolers, making backup shade plans, and checking in with vendors. Day-of coordination means you don’t have to worry about logistics or surprises, even when it’s 95 degrees and your cake is trying to slide sideways.