There’s something undeniably magical about a summer wedding in Wisconsin - rolling green hills, sparkling lake views, long golden evenings, and that unmistakable sense of celebration that comes with the season. But all that beauty often arrives hand-in-hand with heat, humidity, and the challenge of keeping everyone cool, comfortable, and camera-ready.
Whether you’re hosting a rustic barn celebration, a waterfront ceremony, or an al fresco dinner downtown, these expert-backed tips from seasoned Wisconsin wedding pros will help you beat the summer sun and design a day that’s as effortless as it is unforgettable.
Plan Smart From the Start
Cass Stone of C.Mae Photography reminds couples that planning ahead is everything when it comes to summer weddings. “Key things to consider include offering shaded seating for outdoor ceremonies, offer access to A/C, and embrace flexibility so the day feels joyful and effortless.” These simple yet thoughtful steps can make a big difference in keeping everyone comfortable and happy throughout your celebration.
Invest in Heat-Proof Glam
Hot and humid summer days call for strategic styling. Maggie Kerr of Wide Eyed Beauty shares her go-to advice for keeping hair and makeup locked in from first look to final dance:
“Our best advice to keeping your makeup & hair from falling during the hot, humid summer months is to stay in air conditioning as long as possible. While that's not always possible, we recommend prepping the skin with a makeup primer before foundation to keep your makeup from falling and/or settling into pores such as by Laura Mercier; we also love the makeup setting spray by Supergoop with spf 40. A pressed powder for touching up shine on the skin, such as by Charlotte Tilburry, will keep skin matte in photos & videos but not cake-y looking.
For hair, she adds, “Keratin treatments help keep your hair sleek and frizz free, such as the shampoo & conditioner system by Keratin Complex; Living Proof also makes an anti-humidity aerosol spray to be used while styling the hair. And if it is really hot & sticky that day, consider a sleek bun as your wedding hairstyle to keep the hair off the face, and in control.”
Choose a Dress That Breathes
When it comes to summer bridal fashion, comfort and beauty go hand in hand. Abby Kettinger of Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique encourages brides to think seasonally when shopping for their dream dress:
“We often guide our summer brides toward gowns with less structure and lighter materials. Trust us, you can still achieve a stunning, dramatic bridal look without the weight of a heavily structured fabric! Summer in the Midwest, especially here in Milwaukee, can be unpredictable-hot, humid, and straight up steamy some days. That’s why we typically guide our brides toward breathable, airy fabrics like chiffon, tulle, organza, and even a softer, less structured crepe. These materials not only have beautiful movement but also help to keep you cool from first look to your last dance.
While traditional satins and heavy lace may have that lux look, they can feel suffocating in warm outdoor settings. Unless your entire wedding day is spent in a beautifully air-conditioned venue, we recommend avoiding fabrics that trap heat and restrict movement. Our goal is to help you feel just as good as you look and that starts with choosing a wedding dress that works with the season, not against it. When searching for your summer wedding dress, keep words like light, breathable, and flowy top of mind. This will help keep you on track and focused so finding your dream dress feels like a breeze!”
Pack an Extra Dress Shirt (and Stay Fresh All Day)
When the temperatures rise, staying comfortable is key - even for the guys. As Mitch Buenger of Mitch and Jenna Weddings advises, “Bring an extra dress shirt to change into or wear a vest instead of a full jacket. Actually, bring an extra dress shirt no matter what.” Having a fresh shirt on hand can make all the difference in staying cool and feeling confident throughout the day, especially during outdoor ceremonies or energetic receptions. Changing into a clean, dry shirt helps combat sweat and heat, keeping everyone looking sharp and comfortable. Choosing lighter fabrics and opting for vests instead of jackets can also improve breathability and ease movement, helping groomsmen and grooms beat the heat without sacrificing style.
Embrace Golden Hour
Stacy Erickson and Joanna Conrath of The Cargill Room at The Waterfront in La Crosse stress the importance of thoughtful scheduling for summer weddings. “Consider scheduling your ceremony for later in the afternoon or early evening. This helps you avoid the peak heat of the day and lets you take full advantage of the golden hour, when the sun sets over the river, casting a warm, romantic glow that’s perfect for photos.”
Adding to this, Renee Tantillo of Renee Breanne Design & Co highlights the benefits of extended daylight: “The longer daylight hours also give you the chance to stretch your celebration - think a long, golden-hour cocktail hour or a dreamy al fresco dinner under the stars.”
Lock In a Long-Lasting Look
Beauty Unveiled by Tia advises starting with skincare tailored for warm weather: use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer paired with a mattifying primer to create a smooth, non-greasy base. For foundation, she recommends oil-free, long-wear, or waterproof formulas, often opting for airbrush foundation for its extra staying power and weightless finish. When applying concealer and setting powder, Tia suggests using waterproof concealer and strategically setting with a finely milled, translucent powder, focusing on areas prone to shine like the nose, under the eyes, and forehead.
Her pro tips? “Pack blotting papers and a travel-size setting powder for quick touch-ups throughout the day, and finish with a long-wear setting spray to lock everything in place. I typically mist in layers - before and after foundation, and once more at the end - to ensure lasting wear.”
Lock In a Long-Lasting Makeup Base
Beauty Unveiled by Tia focuses on skincare and foundation that lasts all day in warm weather. She advises, “Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer paired with a mattifying primer to create a smooth, non-greasy base.” For foundation, Tia recommends “oil-free, long-wear, or waterproof formulas, often opting for airbrush foundation for its extra staying power and weightless finish.” She suggests using “waterproof concealer and strategically setting with a finely milled, translucent powder, focusing on areas prone to shine like the nose, under the eyes, and forehead.” Her pro tips include, “Pack blotting papers and a travel-size setting powder for quick touch-ups throughout the day, and finish with a long-wear setting spray to lock everything in place. I typically mist in layers before and after foundation, and once more at the end to ensure lasting wear.”
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
It sounds simple, but during the whirlwind of a summer wedding day, staying hydrated is one of the easiest things to overlook. As Bobbi Petersen of Bobbi Petersen Photography | Guilded Grey LLC reminds us, “Between nerves, tight schedules, and being pulled in multiple directions, many couples forget to eat or drink until dinner. I always recommend keeping water nearby throughout the day, especially during outdoor photos or sunny ceremonies.” She also suggests packing easy snacks like fruit, crackers, or protein bars to keep your energy up. Staying well-hydrated and nourished makes a big difference in how you feel, and how fully present you can be to enjoy every moment of your special day.
Keep Hair and Makeup Photo-Ready
Jennifer Janssen, CEO & Founder of Jennifer Janssen Bridal Artistry, highlights makeup and hair choices that maintain a fresh, camera-ready look despite summer heat. “Go for lighter, softer shades and a bronzy glow for that sun-kissed look. Skip applying SPF yourself and let your makeup artist handle it. SPF can cause flashback in photos and mess with how your makeup shows up on camera. If you are worried about sweating, ask your artist to use anti-sweat or mattifying products, especially on the forehead and T-zone. These products help keep shine and sweat under control.”
When it comes to hair, humidity can be especially challenging, requiring a different approach to keep styles looking fresh and polished all day. Jennifer explains: “Humidity is not your friend when it comes to curls. Use more hairspray to lock in your style. I recommend updos to keep your neck cool and your style in place. Down styles tend to fall flat faster in the heat.”
Serve Refreshing Treats
To help guests stay cool and refreshed during a summer wedding, consider offering chilled treats like gelato or popsicles during cocktail hour. As Katie Berglin, owner and photographer at Blu Photography and Design, suggests, “To keep things cool during a summer wedding, couples can incorporate a refreshment of gelato ice cream, or popsicles during cocktail hour.” These tasty, cooling options not only beat the heat but also add a playful and elegant touch to your celebration. Pair them with a shaded lounge area or outdoor seating to create a relaxing vibe where guests can mingle and recharge. Plus, offering a variety of flavors or options, including dairy-free or vegan choices, ensures everyone can indulge comfortably.
Prepare for Windy Conditions
Summer outdoor weddings offer stunning settings but can also bring unexpected challenges. As Drew Hawley of Flowers for Dreams points out, “Weather is the most obvious one! We always need a rain plan, and sometimes even a 'too-hot' plan. But the twist we most often get from Mother Nature? Wind. Many waterside venues boast beautiful views and a generous breeze, which can quickly turn into a full-on gust that wreaks havoc on floral designs. From veils flying away to ceremony arches toppling over, wind is the one element you always need to be ready for - rain or shine.”
To protect your floral arrangements, Hawley recommends weighing down ceremony arches with hidden sandbags or, when necessary, having a groomsman steady the structure during the ceremony. Testing setups ahead of time using fans or leaf blowers can help ensure everything stays secure on the big day. With careful preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy every breezy, beautiful moment without worry.
Main photo by Savannah Steiger Photography, courtesy of The Cargill Room at the Waterfront La Crosse
