The world's weather is expected to be hotter than ever in 2025, with global temperatures on the rise. Whilst warm summer sunshine can provide a welcome backdrop to a wedding day, it can also create some additional planning for the couple. So, what do you do if you’re planning a wedding in rising heat?
Here, Jade Longden, Senior Events Co-ordinator at the leading wedding venue in Sheffield, the Best Western Plus Mosborough Hall Hotel, shares the best solutions to stop wedding guests from sweltering on the big day. Read on for her top five cool wedding tips to beat the heat and keep guests cool, and content.
EARLY RISERS & LATE ROMANTICS
The weather heats up when the sun is at its highest in the sky, right around the time a wedding is likely to occur. So why not shift the timeline?
So, the first of our five cool wedding tips to beat the heat is about timing. If an early start is possible, avoid the day's hottest part for the ceremony and bring a whole new perspective to the wedding breakfast. Start just after sunrise with an al-fresco ceremony, treating guests to a bottomless brunch-style catering experience, featuring dishes such as eggs Florentine, steak and eggs, waffles, pancakes, or a traditional full English breakfast, alongside free-flowing prosecco and refreshing mimosas.
If you have one venue for the ceremony and reception, you could take a break or ‘siesta’ during the hottest part of the day, then welcome guests back for late afternoon iced cocktails or mocktails, and refreshing canapés.
Alternatively, an early evening wedding takes advantage of the golden hour while keeping things cool. How hopelessly romantic to say your vows against a stunning sunset backdrop. Twilight sets the stage for a sea of twinkling candles and pea lights to light up your reception space. Our dedicated Twilight Wedding Packages are perfect here, and as a leading outdoor wedding venue in Sheffield, we can deliver on superb views for those photos!
DRESS FOR SUMMER STYLE
A suit and tie could lead guests to the melting point if hot weather is on the cards. It’s worth letting your guests know that the wedding dress code can be more relaxed. Tailored shorts, sandals, and short-sleeved shirts should all be permitted—your guests will thank you for it.
When selecting your wedding outfits, consider the upcoming season. Natural or breathable fabrics, such as linen, silk, chiffon, cotton, crepe, Georgette, organza, and lighter-weight lace, will keep you and your wedding party comfortable in any temperature. Choose loose, floatier styles over those that feel constrained and have many heat-inducing layers.
A vintage parasol can make the perfect wedding accessory for summer weddings.
COOL AS A CUCUMBER
For the warm weather, think lighter options with cold starters and desserts. Avoid stodgy carbohydrates or risk your guests dozing off in the sunshine. Salmon, kebabs, or a good old British BBQ define summer catering.
One of our five cool wedding tips to beat the heat is also a yummy one! Try a grazing table filled with salads, cold cuts, and cheeses, or opt for vegan and vegetarian options like pita with dips, falafel, and hummus.
Fruit platters make a healthy dessert course that hydrates your guests (and is cost-effective). Or why not hire an ice cream van to appeal to both your young and old guests?
A word of caution: If your menu has gone light and summery, a mid-evening top-up is essential to maintain those energy levels. Our outdoor pizza oven is a firm favourite, offering a range of customisable toppings for guests to create their personal flavour combinations.
CLASSIC COCKTAILS & MAGICAL MOCKTAILS
Impress your guests with a custom cocktail bar offering refreshing drinks like mojitos or margaritas. Garnish them with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch.
Serve gin or prosecco lollies for a boozy twist on a cool classic.
It’s important to stay hydrated, so temper the amount of alcohol with a cold, refreshing welcome mocktail on arrival. An iced tea or pressed lemonade stall would be a great alternative.
Iced drinks such as a bespoke slushie bar – where guests and kids can choose from exotic fruit syrups to infuse their beverage, with or without a kick.
We have a selection of non-alcoholic spirits which can be made into a variety of mocktails!
SHADY STYLE
Don't just provide shade, make it a statement piece! Rent a luxury cabana or tent with plush furnishings and elegant drapery to keep your guests cool and comfortable. You'll feel like royalty, lounging in a tented paradise.
With the hotel's outdoor space on offer, how about a wedding picnic? Low-level tables and lots of scatter cushions can be a fun and informal way to dine. Erect sails for shade (or shelter) and add some giant garden games for entertainment.
Lastly, if you’re getting married outside, use coloured drapes to frame and shade your ceremony space. This helps create a fabulous indoor/outdoor area while keeping guests protected from the sun. Plus, it’s another vehicle to bring in your wedding colour palette.
AND LASTLY….
Ok, so I’ve already shared our top five cool wedding tips to beat the heat, so this one is a bonus. Many wedding couples like to offer a wedding favour or memento of the day. This is the time to provide something practical in the heat, and useful later too.
Mini fans branded with the date of the wedding and the couple’s name on, to face spritzers and sun cream (if any of your wedding is outdoors), give favours an opportunity to keep guests cool and protect them from the weather. Or why not hand out hats, sunglasses, or pretty parasols to shade guests from the sun’s rays? Guests love these thoughtful touches.
CREATE YOUR WEDDING DAY
Our team of wedding planners are on hand to guide you through planning your wedding at Best Western Plus Mosborough Hall Hotel. A magical and memorable wedding venue in Sheffield, which is backed by an experienced team to help make your day special, whatever the weather!
Contact us today on 0114 248 4353, email weddings@mosboroughhall.co.uk, or visit https://www.mosboroughhall.co.uk/wedding-venues-sheffield for more details about our wedding packages and upcoming wedding fayres.
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