Tips for an easy, breezy summer wedding in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston in the summer is undeniably beautiful: lush gardens and lawns full of blooms, string lights glowing under live oaks, the smell of salt air drifting off the harbor, golden light bouncing off historic brick. But it's also hot, humid, and unpredictable with afternoon storms. Here's how to plan a June-September summer wedding that leans into the season instead of fighting it.
1. Push your ceremony start time later
A 6 or 6:30 p.m. ceremony start (instead of the traditional 4:30 or 5:00 p.m.) lets the worst of the afternoon heat pass. By early evening, the sun sits lower, shadows lengthen across the venue, and the Lowcountry humidity starts to ease. Your guests (and your makeup) will thank you!
2. Chase the golden hour for photos
Later start times also mean your golden hour photos land during cocktail hour or right before dinner, when the light turns soft and amber over the marsh or historic rooftops. Talk to your photographer about building a "first look" earlier in the day to avoid full midday sun entirely.
3. Source cute umbrellas for guests
Charleston sun is no joke, especially for outdoor ceremonies at places like Middleton Place or The Island House. A basket of aesthetically pleasing paper parasols or clear bubble umbrellas (also double perk for surprise pop-up showers!) at the ceremony entrance is both practical and a sweet photo moment.
4. Cool treats are a must
Swap the coffee-and-cake late night snack for something that fights the heat: a gelato or sorbet cart, an ice cream sandwich station, or even Italian ice in Charleston-summer flavors like peach or watermelon-mint.
5. Choose heat-tolerant blooms
Not every flower holds up to the intense Charleston humidity. A lot of tropical blooms, roses, dahlias, and zinnias are some of our favorites and tend to fare far better in summer heat than delicate blooms like hydrangea or peonies. A good florist can help you get the look you want with stems built for the season. If you are set on hydrangeas, be open to the possibility of using faux, especially in direct sun situations like ceremony and cocktail hour.
6. Have an “Option B” (aka rain plan), always
Summer in Charleston means near-daily odds of a pop-up afternoon thunderstorm. Even if you're set on an outdoor ceremony, consider having a tent on rain reserve or indoor space as backup. Often times, your planner will help you make the call a day prior, but last minute shifts may happen. As a vendor, we are prepared and ready for any shifts that need to happen to make your day perfect, regardless of the forecast!
7. Hydration stations are essential
A beverage station with infused water, sweet tea, and lemonade set out guest’s arrival for the ceremony keeps everyone comfortable without waiting on cocktail hour’s bar service. Keeping it replenished throughout the reception to ensure guests have easy access to hydration options.
8. Time your first look and portraits for shade
Scout venues for covered porches, alleyways, or oak canopies where you can shoot portraits without squinting into direct sun. Charleston's historic district and historic venues have plenty of shaded, atmospheric backdrops. Some of our favorite: Old Wide Awake, Middleton Place, and William Aiken House.
9. Pick fabrics that breathe
For dresses, suits, and bridesmaid or groomsmen attire, look for linen, crepe, or lightweight cotton blends. Charleston humidity is unkind to heavy satin or full synthetic fabrics.
10. Consider an indoor or covered reception space
Venues with air conditioning or well-shaded courtyards (historic churches, converted warehouses, indoor ballrooms) let you enjoy Charleston's architecture without asking guests to sit through 90-degree heat for hours. One of my favorite examples of a great space for an August wedding is Danielle and John’s day at the Dewberry.
11. Provide fans as favors or even ceremony programs
Charleston has a long tradition of paper fans at outdoor weddings — and it's more charming than a purely practical gesture. Printed with your program or a monogram, they double as decor and a guest favor!
12. Schedule hair and makeup for humidity
Ask your artist about long-wear, humidity-proof products, and build extra buffer time into the morning schedule for touch-ups before photos. One of my favorite make-up artists, Ashlyn Cox, is a pro at this!
13. Think about bug season
Marsh-adjacent and garden venues mean mosquitoes, especially at dusk. Citronella candles, subtle bug spray stations, or a professional treatment ahead of the big day go a long way. Inquire with your venue about this, since many offer this with a preferred vendor!
14. Choose a menu that suits the season
Lean into the season with quintessential Lowcountry summer dishes like tomato pie, peach dishes, fresh shrimp, watermelon salads rather than heavy foods that feel overwhelming in the heat.
15. Build in shade for the ceremony seating
If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, look at renting cute umbrellas or embracing natural tree canopy for guest seating.
16. Adjust your timeline for sunset
Charleston summer sunsets happen close to 8:15–8:30 p.m. Build your reception and photo timeline around that if you want sunset portraits.
17. Communicate the dress code clearly
If your wedding is fully outdoors, let guests know in the invitation suite so they can plan for the heat too. Encourage breathable fabrics, lighter colors, and comfortable shoes.
18. Have a plan for melting details
Cake, florals, and even makeup can suffer in the heat. Ask your cake designer about heat-stable buttercream or fondant, and confirm your florist will ensure florals are kept as cool as they can be until the last possible moment before ceremony.
19. Offer a signature frozen cocktail
A frosé, frozen mint julep, or Arnold Palmer slushie as a signature drink feels festive, refreshing, and could be a fun way to bring out your personality.
20. Lean into the golden-hour, string-light aesthetic
Charleston summer evenings are made for it: bistro lights strung across a courtyard or lanterns along a garden path. That beautiful warm glow lasts well into the night since sunset comes late and feels so magical as the evening progresses. It's one of the season's biggest advantages if you build your evening around it!
