Looking for tips for summer wedding planning in Northern Virginia? As a Virginia wedding venue, we know the amazing and challenging parts about hosting a successful summer wedding. To help you avoid common pitfalls and take full advantage of summer weather, we’ve put together a list of our top tips to plan the perfect summer wedding!
1. KEEP YOUR GUESTS COOL
When the weather gets hot, you’ll need to get creative to keep your guests cool. For their summer wedding, Brittany and Ian provided a cold drink to guests as they arrived. And to keep them cool during the ceremony, they offered fans at the ceremony entrance. Small gestures like this will help keep your guests comfortable and happy all day long.
2. HAVE AN EVENING WEDDING
Summer days can be steamy in Northern Virginia. Thankfully, the long hours of daylight also mean you can be more flexible with your start time. If you want to get married outdoors, we recommend starting your wedding in the evening. Waiting until after the heat of the day has passed will keep you and your guests more comfortable so you can enjoy yourselves all evening long!
3. ENJOY THE OUTDOOR SPACES
48 Fields has many outdoor spaces to enjoy! We have multiple location options for outdoor ceremonies, and many of our couples choose to have their cocktail hour outside. We encourage couples to use our collection of lawn games as a fun activity for guests. Some couples also encourage their guests to use the outdoor space by situating their bar, or even their buffet, on the deck outside the dairy barn.
4. BE PREPARED FOR STORMS
Summer weather in Northern Virginia is unpredictable, and that sometimes means a surprise thunderstorm! Make sure you have a rain plan that keeps your guests fully protected from the elements. 48 Fields has beautiful indoor options for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. We can also accommodate tents for covered outdoor festivities. After all, we never want you to sacrifice your vision of a beautiful wedding day because of a rainy forecast. For more ideas on preparing for a rainy wedding day, read our tips here.
5. CONSIDER AN OUTDOOR RECEPTION
If the forecast is clear, consider moving even more parts of your day outside! Katy and Erik chose to have their reception dinner al fresco and under the stars.
We hope these tips and ideas help make your summer wedding planning easier! Can you picture yourself getting married here? Check out our couples’ favorite photo locations around the property.
Photos by Julia Summers Photography, Adela Antal Photography, Ameigh Photography, Hoffer Photography, Maddy Williams Photography
48 Fields Farm is a Leesburg VA barn wedding venue for celebrations of all sizes.
Our countryside barn and vast fields are peacefully set in the heart of Northern Virginia wine country.