Summer Weddings: NorCal’s Best-Kept Secret

1. More Vendor Availability

Fall is the ultimate wedding rush in Northern California, meaning venues, photographers, caterers, and florists are often booked solid months in advance. But summer? It’s your golden ticket to flexibility. With fewer weddings happening, you’ll have your pick of the vendor dream team—no compromise necessary.
 
One of our absolute favorite vendors? A local company with delicious ice cream sandwiches kept cold in their cart that’s guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. Picture it: handcrafted ice cream sandwiches on a sunny day. Need we say more? Plus, summer’s slower pace means your vendors will have more time and energy to focus on making your wedding unforgettable.
 

2. Potential Cost Savings

Let’s face it: weddings are a big investment. But summer weddings often come with perks for your wallet. Many venues and vendors offer discounts to encourage bookings during the season.
 
And don’t forget the food! Summer is perfect for laid-back vibes, so think barbeque catering with fresh, cool salads. It’s delicious, crowd-pleasing, and totally fits the chill, summery aesthetic.
 

3. Stunning Outdoor Settings

Northern California in summer is basically a Pinterest board in real life. From sun-drenched vineyards to golden hills and brilliant blue skies, the backdrops practically photograph themselves.
 
At Rough and Ready Vineyards, our summer weddings shine. Imagine saying “I do” under the shade of oak trees and dancing the night away under the bistro lights. Bonus: longer daylight hours mean more time for golden-hour selfies and magical moments.
 
And let’s talk about your wedding style. Summer calls for breezy, chic attire. Flowing dresses, linen suits, and wide-brimmed hats are not just practical but also Instagram gold. Encourage your guests to bring their stylish hats, and you’ll have a crowd that looks straight out of a summer wedding editorial.
 

Smart Photo Planning

Getting your wedding photos taken can be a little stressful as they will be the reminder of your special day for the rest of your life. Go to your wedding venue ahead of time to make sure the location you’re having your photos taken isn’t in the blazing sun. If it is, plan for some kind of shade or shelter. You’ll be so much more comfortable getting your photos taken in a cooler shaded area, and it’ll show in your wedding photos! Another idea is to choose a place to retreat to in between shots.
 

4. Fun and Creative Ways to Keep Cool

Worried about the potential for heat? No sweat! With a little creativity, you can keep everyone cool and happy while adding some personality to your celebration. Here are a few ideas we love:
 

• Ice Cream Cart:
  Remember that adorable ice cream sandwich cart we mentioned? It’s a perfect way to refresh your guests and add a playful vibe.
• Hydration Stations:
  Offer chilled water, lemonade, or iced tea infused with fruit and herbs for a refreshing, stylish touch.
• Hand Fans:
  Stylish hand fans are a fun favor that doubles as a practical way to beat the heat.
• Misting Fans:
  Rent misting fans for outdoor areas to create a cooling breeze.
• Shade Options:
  At Rough and Ready Vineyards, our heritage oaks provide plenty of natural shade!
• Ice Cold Drinks:
  Our kegerator holds up to four kegs of beer, wine, seltzer, mead, whatever you’d like! Best of all, it keeps it perfectly chilled!

Pair these cooling hacks with light, seasonal menus—think fresh summer salads, grilled veggies, and ice cold drinks—and you’ve got a wedding that’s as cool as it is unforgettable.

Flowers That Last

Cut flowers for the tables are beautiful, but if you’re holding your reception outdoors in the heat, you may find that they won’t last through the heat of the day. You may want to consider faux flowers or hearty, live sun-loving flowers for each table. You can either offer them to specific guests when it’s over or plant them in your garden.

The Cake and Desserts

If you’re opting for a wedding cake over cupcakes in the hot weather, make sure that you’re choosing a recipe that will withstand the heat of the day and not melt before you have a chance to cut it! You can also provide a dessert bar to your guests that offers ice cream, frozen slushies, smoothies, and shaved ice (you can add a little alcohol to the shaved ice for your adult guests).

5. A Laid-Back Atmosphere

Summer weddings just hit differently. The season sets the tone for a relaxed, carefree vibe that invites everyone to let loose and enjoy the moment. Think sundresses, linen pants, and sandals—effortlessly chic and comfy. Encourage your guests to dress light and bring their best wide-brimmed hats, and you’ll have a wedding that’s stylish and fun.

Summer also opens the door to playful additions like lawn games, acoustic music, or a late-night bonfire with s’mores. With warm evenings and starry skies, your celebration will feel like a magical summer night.

Attire That Breathes

When you choose a wedding dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, and groomsmen’s suits, you want to be sure to choose styles that are cool and made of fabric that breathes. You don’t want your wedding party to be sweaty and hot as that will affect their experience of your special day (not to mention the photos!)

The hue of your bridesmaids’ dresses should complement the rest of your wedding colors. Many brides let their bridesmaids decide upon the color of their dress. You might review wedding color schemes for summertime and then allow them the option of two or three shades within the palette.

Wedding dresses come in all shapes and sizes. So you can find just the right one that will have you looking your best without making you so hot that you want to pass out! With the suits, they can also be found in breathable fabrics in various styles that can be formal without too many layers.

Hair and Makeup for the Heat

When the day is hot, there is no better, more lasting hairstyle than an up-do. You can work with your hairstylist to find just the right solution for you, taking into account whether you’re wearing flowers or a veil. But when it’s hot, having your hair up off your neck will help keep you cool all day. Your bridesmaids will thank you too!

For makeup, the trend these days is to wear less makeup than ever before, and that will undoubtedly work to your advantage when it comes to taking photos on a hot wedding day. Makeup tends to run down your face on hot days, and you can end up looking like you feel – hot, drawn, and done! There are brands of makeup designed to withstand sweat and heat. Book a makeup consultation at a department store, Sephora, or Ulta to get tips for a sweat-proof look. Plus, you might hire a makeup artist to create your melt-free summer wedding day look for you. You might also consider investing in high-quality makeup primer and setting spray.

Keep Things Moving

One of your greatest tools on a hot day will be your schedule. If you have a well-thought-out and designed timeline of events at your wedding and the necessary help to pull it off, you will be in good shape. Weddings with little structure can be tough on a hot day as people will need things to keep them distracted and cool enough to enjoy the festivities. Keeping things moving along will help this greatly.
Summer also opens the door to playful additions like lawn games, acoustic music, or a late-night bonfire with s’mores. With warm evenings and starry skies, your celebration will feel like a magical summer night.

Bonus: Flexibility for Honeymoon Plans

Planning your honeymoon is a breeze when your wedding’s in summer. Whether you dream of sun-soaked beaches, exploring iconic cities, or hiking in the mountains, summer offers perfect weather for any adventure. Plus, traveling right after your wedding is more doable when it’s aligned with peak vacation season.

Why Rough and Ready Vineyards Is Your Perfect Summer Venue

At Rough and Ready Vineyards, we know how to make summer weddings shine. From our open-air ceremony areas to our shaded reception sites, every corner of our venue is designed to embrace the beauty of the season. Add in perks like our $500 summer wedding discount, and you’ve got the ultimate backdrop for your big day.

Whether you’re planning a cozy celebration or a big bash, our team is here to help bring your vision to life. From barbeque feasts to ice cream sandwiches and everything in between, we’ll help you create a wedding that’s uniquely you.

Ready to Make Your Summer Wedding Dreams a Reality?

Summer weddings are where it’s at. With abundant vendor options, cost-saving perks, stunning outdoor settings, and a laid-back vibe, there’s no better time to tie the knot.

We’d love to show you everything Rough and Ready Vineyards has to offer. Schedule a tour today to see why summer is the perfect season for your big day. Let’s make it unforgettable—together!

Rough and Ready Vineyards is proud to be a locally owned and operated business. We aim to inspire couples to recognize the significance of supporting local businesses when selecting their wedding venue and vendors. Choosing local often means experiencing exceptional hospitality, stronger communication, and a dedicated effort to make your wedding unforgettable. We’re also excited to celebrate venue owners nationwide by featuring them in our weekly blog shout-out.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 30, 2025, and has since been updated.