Hot Weather, Cool Plans: How to Make Your Summer Wedding a Breeze in France
There’s a reason summer is the most popular season for weddings in France. The light is golden, the gardens are in bloom, and the sunsets seem endless. But between June and September, the sun can also be intense, and hot days are becoming more and more common across the country.
At Paris, I do, we specialize in planning elegant and welcoming destination weddings in Paris and the Loire Valley. For every summer wedding in France, we always plan a rainy day backup plan. However, it’s just as essential to have a clear and well-thought-out strategy for extreme heat.
Here’s how we ensure your destination wedding runs smoothly and comfortably, even during the French summer heatwave.
Hunting for shady spaces
During our on-site technical visit, whether in a château in the Loire Valley or on a rooftop terrace in Paris, we observe the natural light at different times of the day. We identify areas of shade, monitor the sun’s position, and study alternative layouts for each key moment of your wedding.
If a heatwave is confirmed a few days before the event, we work with you to finalize new locations for the ceremony, cocktail reception, or dinner. These changes are anticipated and approved in advance, with a focus on comfort and optimal execution on the big day.
Establish the right schedule for a hot-weather wedding
In hot weather, comfort trumps tradition. If you don’t have natural shade for your outdoor ceremony or cocktail reception, we recommend scheduling these moments later in the day, ideally between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., when the light is softer and more flattering.
Hydration and Refreshment Stations That Set the Tone
For any destination wedding in France in the summer, hydration is essential. We design elegant hydration stations with still and sparkling water, iced herbal teas, and fresh lemonades. These stations are available upon guest arrival and blend seamlessly into your decor while remaining easily accessible throughout the day.
©Milo photographie / ©Agneta Jonele / ©Jeremy Froeliger
Elegant Ideas for Refreshing at Your Wedding
When planning a summer wedding in Paris or the Loire Valley, every detail counts. Comfort included. We offer fans, parasols, and umbrellas that also serve as elegant accessories. Misters, cooling towels, and portable fans are discreetly placed to help everyone, including vendors, stay cool.
For multi-day events, we also offer a poolside welcome dinner or a relaxed post-wedding brunch when your venue has a swimming pool. These are perfect moments to celebrate summer in a more relaxed and joyful way, especially after a formal wedding.
Choose Breathable Outfits and Plan Beauty Breaks
Hot temperatures require thoughtful clothing choices. We help our couples choose breathable materials like linen, silk, or lightweight cotton, and often suggest a second outfit for the evening reception, one that’s comfortable and ideal for dancing.
We also schedule short breaks for makeup touch-ups, shoe changes, or freshening up. We always ensure you have a private, quiet space, stocked with beauty and refreshment products, so you feel your best from start to finish.
Communicating with your guests before your summer wedding in France
The week before your destination wedding in France, we recommend sending a short email to your guests with the weather forecast, practical dress code, and an overview of the comfort measures we have implemented. This message reassures them and demonstrates our commitment to your guests.
A light and festive seasonal menu
French cuisine shines in summer, as long as you prioritize freshness. We work closely with your caterer to avoid heavy or creamy dishes that could be too overwhelming in the heat. Seasonal ingredients, colorful vinaigrettes, and delicate textures create a refined and satisfying experience, ideal for a balmy summer evening.
Vendor Coordination: The Secret to a Cool and Seamless Day
Heat impacts every part of your wedding, including behind the scenes. That is why we brief each vendor on how to adapt to high temperatures. We make sure the caterer has plenty of water and ice on hand, that the florist protects delicate blooms, and that the photographer has identified shaded areas for portraits.
This careful coordination ensures no one, neither you, your guests, nor your team, is caught off guard.
From Us to You
Planning a summer wedding in France is not just about beauty. It is about intention. When we anticipate the heat and embrace the season with care and creativity, we create moments of joy, comfort, and connection.
If you are dreaming of a wedding in Paris or the Loire Valley that flows effortlessly, feels amazing, and reflects your story, we would love to hear from you. Let’s imagine your perfect celebration together.
About the Author
Marie-Svetlana Kadjo is the founder of a wedding planning agency dedicated to curating emotionally rich, detail-driven, and culturally mindful celebrations in Paris and the Loire Valley.
With over 13 years of experience leading teams and organizing complex projects — and a wedding planner since 2016 — she guides couples through every stage of their destination wedding journey with grace, precision, and intention.
