7 Tips to Keep Guests Comfortable at a Summer Tent Wedding

Summer is one of the most popular times of year to get married in New England, and it’s easy to see why. Long days, beautiful gardens, lush green landscapes, and warm evenings make for an unforgettable celebration.

But summer weddings also come with one challenge: keeping your guests comfortable in the heat.

After installing hundreds of tented weddings over the years, we’ve learned that guest comfort isn’t about spending the most money. It’s about making smart planning decisions that help everyone enjoy the day from start to finish.

TL;DR

• Schedule your ceremony later in the day whenever possible.
• Choose the right tent for the season (think twice before a clear top without AC).
• Keep the tent open for maximum airflow.
• Use fans to keep air moving throughout the space.
• Offer plenty of cold drinks and shade.
• Think about elderly guests and others who may be more sensitive to the heat.
• Let guests know ahead of time that your wedding will be outdoors

1. Schedule Your Ceremony Later in the Day

If I could give one piece of advice for a summer tent wedding, it would be this:

Start later in the day.

Timing is everything! A ceremony at 2:00 PM in July feels very different than one at 5:30 PM. Not only will your guests appreciate the cooler temperatures, but you’ll also avoid the strongest afternoon sun and enjoy much nicer lighting for your photos.

Sometimes the simplest change has the biggest impact!

2. Choose the Right Tent for Summer

Every tent style can work beautifully in the summer—but one deserves a little extra thought. If you’re planning a summer wedding without air conditioning, I’d think twice before choosing a clear top tent.

Clear top tents are stunning, especially in the evening when you can see the stars. During the day, however, they act much like a greenhouse, trapping heat from the sun. If you’re Irish like me, you might even leave with a sunburn!

For most summer weddings, canopy tents, sailcloth tents, and frame tents tend to stay much more comfortable throughout the day.

Read more: The Truth About Clear Top Tents: What to Know Before You Book

3. Maximize Airflow Inside the Tent

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep a tent comfortable is simply allowing air to move through it.

Unless rain is expected, I generally recommend leaving the sidewalls off during the summer. While sidewalls are great for protecting against rain and wind, they also reduce airflow and can make the tent feel noticeably warmer.

Fans are another excellent investment. Most weddings don’t need air conditioning, but strategically placed fans can make a huge difference by keeping the air circulating and guests comfortable.

4. Decide Whether Air Conditioning Is Worth It

Sometimes—but not as often as people think.

Air conditioning is certainly an option, especially for black-tie weddings or luxury events, but it’s also a significant investment. Depending on the size of the tent and cooling requirements, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or more.

It’s also important to understand that air conditioning isn’t as simple as bringing in a few units. The tent must be mostly enclosed with sidewalls to keep the cool air inside, and you’ll need a generator capable of powering the system.

For most summer weddings, fans, good airflow, and thoughtful planning provide plenty of comfort without the added expense.

5. Prioritize Shade Throughout the Day

Your reception isn’t the only place guests spend time.

Think about where they’ll be during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and while they’re arriving.

Providing shaded areas, especially for older guests, can make a tremendous difference on a hot summer day. Whether it’s under trees, umbrellas, or another tented area, giving guests a place to escape the direct sun is one of the easiest ways to improve their experience.

6. Keep Guests Hydrated

Cold drinks go a long way.

Water stations, lemonade, iced tea, and welcome drinks not only help guests cool down but also create a warm first impression when they arrive.

If guests are comfortable and hydrated before the ceremony even begins, they’re much more likely to enjoy the rest of the celebration.

7. Tell Guests What to Expect

One of the best things you can do doesn’t cost anything. If your ceremony and reception will be outdoors, tell your guests ahead of time.

A simple note on your wedding website lets guests dress appropriately, choose breathable fabrics, wear block heels instead of stilettos, and come prepared for the weather.

Comfort often starts long before your guests arrive!

My Biggest Piece of Advice

I’ve seen couples spend thousands of dollars on decorative details while overlooking the things their guests remember most.

They may not talk about the color napkins the next day. But, they will remember whether they were comfortable or not.

If you prioritize shade, airflow, cold drinks, and thoughtful timing, your guests will be able to focus on what really matters – celebrating with you!

Ready to Plan Your Summer Tent Wedding?

Whether you’re planning an intimate backyard celebration or a large tented wedding, our team is happy to help you choose the right tent, recommend ways to keep your guests comfortable, and create a setup that’s perfect for your event.

Contact Baystate Tent & Party today to request a customized quote and start planning your summer wedding.