How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Date in Seattle’s Summer Season

Are you a Seattle local and planning your upcoming nuptials? If that is you – this week’s read is for you. We’ve been wedding planners in the PNW industry for almost two decades. We’ve coordinated and planned our fair share of weddings and quite often these weddings are in the summer months. Summer wedding seasons are the selected timeframe for many couples. The rain subsides, the sun is out, and the temperatures begin to rise. Many of our venues’ calendars become quickly booked for the summer season, so we’re here to share how to select and ensure you get your wedding date during Seattle’s summer season. 

#01: Location, Location, Location 

Just as if you were shopping for a home in Seattle, location plays a huge factor. Many Seattle or PNW residents drive miles and sometimes up to two hours to commute for their job. There was even a time where I got up three hours before work to commute from the peninsula to Burien. Fact of the matter is we rent or purchase our home due to the location. Much like the selection of your home, your venue is often selected for the location. There are many beautiful and timeless wedding locations across the Puget Sound. As you think about your wedding, selecting your ideal location should be the foundation of your decisions. Brainstorm the location that you envision for your big day! Do you want a wedding right on the sound – if so, hosting an intimate affair at a restaurant patio may be an excellent option. Or if you’re a fan city living, checking out a venue in the SoHo Industrial district may be the way to go! The selection of your location will determine the timeframe in the summer, what time day is best to hold your ceremony and reception, and what to expect for your guests. Before you select a date, choose your location. 

#02: Select Three Venues

As you tour potential venues, scale down your choices to three potential venues. We want you to keep an open mind and to keep your options open. We will be completely honest in saying that many venues are completely booked the year before, especially for weekend dates. You may want to look at any other events going on during that weekend, especially if your venue is downtown. Check out upcoming concerts, Mariners games, or events that may impact costs of hotels and travel. Also, check out the venue's social media and reviews during the timeframe. There may be reviews that will be helpful with selecting your perfect venue. 

#03: Choose a Timeframe 

After you’ve narrowed down your potential venues, select a timeframe. We suggest selecting one to three dates that you’d like to book your wedding. If you’re booking more than a year out, there may be more potential openings. If you’re booking your wedding with a shorter planning timeframe, you may need to be open to weekday or Sunday weddings. Often, venues that are completely booked on Saturdays may have other options available. In addition, you will want to look at the weather patterns during this time frame. If you’re viewing venues that are outdoors and do not offer any shade or indoor facilities, you want to determine what the weather will be like. You don’t want the date selected to not have any amenities for your guests if the weather is scolding hot. 

#04: Get your Quotes

Before you begin this process, our greatest suggestion is to have your venue budget set. You want to know your budget and only view venues that are within your budget. Meet with your three venue coordinators and your planner to discuss the proposal for renting the venue. Discuss and review all the quotes before making your decision. Ensure that you determine whether or not your venue includes your rentals and options for a plan B, such as a tented or indoor ceremony and reception. 

#05: Make your Selection: 

Once you’ve explored your options, determined the best time frame, and discussed your budget, select your option. We recommend before you book your check in with your loved ones and wedding party to make sure that this potential date does not have any big concerns. Then, meet with the venue and read your contract prior to signing. 

Summer weddings are truly magical in Seattle. There is nothing like a sunset ceremony and dancing the night away under the summer stars. We highly suggest if you plan on tying the knot during the summer months to plan far enough in advance. As you explore your options, think about your ideal location for your ceremony and reception. Visit and view as many venues as you’d like, but narrow it down to at least three final options. Then, explore potential dates that will work for you, your fiance, and your guests. Once you select the venue that supports your location and date – be sure you don’t bust the budget by singing on the line! If you need additional support with finding your perfect venue, we’d love to help you find your match. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

How to beat the Heat with these Cool Tricks

In the Pacific Northwest, summer weddings are popular. Days are longer, there tends to be less rain, and temperatures have begun to rise. And of course, who can forget all that the PNW has to offer in terms of outdoor venues and lush landscapes. Our couples flock towards the summer season and these days tend to fill up quickly for us. But, as the temperatures start to rise there is a chance for very warm weather on your big day. With heat, comes safety concerns. We definitely don’t want to see any guests uncomfortable, sweaty, or succumb to dehydration. So, we’ve compiled our favorite tips that we’ve learned along the way from our past experience to help your guests beat the heat and stay cool. 

#01: Say NO to Clear Tents!
Clear tents have made their way into the wedding industry and trends for the 2024 wedding season. While we love a clear tent in the cooler temps, clear tents do the exact opposite for keeping your guests cool during the summer months. Clear tents do not block any of the UV rays which can lead to dehydration and sunburns galore. Stick with the traditional white tented reception or ceremony and save a clear tent for a rainy day. 

#02: Protect your Skin 
It may be the last thought on your guests minds to sunscreen up prior to attending your wedding day. They may be too concerned with their attire, transportation, or not realize how hot the direct sun can be. Providing mini sunscreen, or sunscreen sticks in your welcome bags, or prior to the ceremony is a great way to remind your guests to stay safe with the sun. 

#03: Keep your Guests Hydrated
The best rule of thumb is to offer water prior to serving any alcohol. Many couples opt to serve alcohol at their ceremony, which is a great idea to stay cool – but opt for serving water to keep your guests hydrated. Alcohol can cause dehydration and it’s better to hydrate before dancing the night away with a few cocktails. It’s best to skip the alcohol at the ceremony and stick to a water station or infused water station to keep your guests hydrated for the wedding events. 

#04: Create a “Cool” Station 
Especially if you have older guests, or guests with little ones, think about providing some sort of space to relieve them of the heat. Whether you have an area with cool misting fans, or a designated indoor area for guests to cool off, we recommend you set up a station or location with tools to stay cool. You can have cooling towels, mini spray bottles, and/or fans to provide some relief from the summer heat. 

#05: Skip the Hot Food at Cocktail Hour 
We don’t know about you, but when it is hotter than hades outside, hot food or appetizers is the last thing on our minds. We suggest that you save the hot dishes for the reception, when the temperatures start to cool down. If you’re serving appetizers, think of cool food that will keep your guests feeling good. Talk to your caterers about a grazing table with fruit and cheeses, opt for a salad bar, or mini popsicles to beat the heat. If you want to keep the cool theme going through dinner, opt for fresh summer elevated sandwiches, or even sushi! 

#06: Give your Guests a Heads Up
It is more than okay to give your guests a heads up of the temperatures on your wedding day. If you’re planning to have your wedding in peak temps outside, it is best to let your guests know ahead of time. You can add these details in a small card with your invitation suite or you could add it on your wedding website. Many of your guests may be traveling from out of town and may not know what to expect. We recommend you give your personal recommendations on attire as well as preparing your guests for the hot temperatures. 

#07: Find or Create your Own Shade
Many outdoor venues have shaded areas. We recommend you explore your venue at the time of your ceremony and reception to determine the layout of your wedding day. If you’re able to find some shade, that is ideal! But, some locations don’t offer shade. If this is the case, do not hesitate to make your own shade! You can create shaded areas using decorations that are not only functional but tasteful. You can order beautiful tents or canopies to create shade. You can even rental parasoles or umbrellas to provide shade for your guests. Don’t be afraid to create your own shade. 

#08: Be Thoughtful about your Timeline
If you’re a summer bride or groom, creating a timeline that works with the temperatures is ideal. This doesn’t mean that a midday ceremony is off limits – it just means that if you’re planning your ceremony during the highest temps of the day, you may want to keep your ceremony on the shorter side if it's outdoors. As you create your timeline, be thoughtful about the summer heat and the events that you have planned. 

Summer is one of our favorite times to coordinate and plan weddings. There is nothing like the fresh sunshine and beautiful summer landscape. We also  know with this beauty comes the heat and there is nothing quite like the hot summer heat in the Pacific Northwest. We recommend as you plan your wedding to be thoughtful about your guests, timeline, and what you are offering to keep your guests cool. Create your little oasis of shade and offer a bit of cool for your guests throughout the day and if you need help creating a plan to beat the heat on your wedding day, reach out to us today! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

Are you planning a wedding thousands of miles away from home? If this is you, chances are you are planning a destination wedding. But, before you and your fiance back your bags and head to your favorite international vacation spot, there are many vital details that you need to account for. So, whether you're planning a destination wedding around the world or just on the sandy beaches across the United States, you must understand that the planning may require a different perspective.

We’ve planned and coordinated destination weddings from the white sandy beaches of Maui, to the eclectic shores of Mexico. We know that you’ll need more than just your bags packed and a few phone calls made prior. So, let’s dive into the world of destination weddings and talk about some of the big factors that need to be considered while planning your destination wedding. 

Are Destination Weddings for You? 

If you’re on the fence about taking the jump into a destination wedding, there are a few things to consider. Destination weddings are not for everyone. The couples that fit this style of wedding the best may have friends and family that are spread out across the country or world. If your guests are already having to travel to your residing location, it may be a fun idea to have everyone meet in neutral territory. If you’re wanting to have all your loved ones and guests present, a destination wedding may not be for you. When you decide upon a destination wedding, there has to be a mutual understanding that not everyone will be able to attend. 

Location is Everything 

If you’ve decided that you are ready to start planning a destination wedding, you must select your location first. As you think about your choices for a location, you’ll want to choose somewhere that has all the resources you’ll need. Locations for your destination wedding need to have the following: 

• Accommodations for guests and wedding party 

• Vendors 

• No recent travel warnings or bans 

• Safe areas to travel, including no health issues

• Ensure travel is suitable for all ages and health needs of your guests

You want your location to be accommodating to your guests and be a place that your guests feel safe to travel to. As you select your location, do your extensive research, especially if it is an international location. 

Hire a Wedding Planner

This is a must. If you’re planning a destination wedding, you need a line in the budget to hire a wedding planner or coordinator. We recommend if you are searching locally, to find a planner that has destination wedding packages. If you’re planning on hiring an international planner, ensure that language is not a barrier and set up face to face interviews (whether in person, or on zoom) before hiring. A planner will not only help you with all the behind the scene coordinating prior to the event, but you’ll want your planner to be at the location a few days prior to your wedding day. You will need someone on location to ensure all the details are set for your wedding day. 

Keep your Guests in Mind 

Unless you’re planning a destination wedding with just the two of you, every decision you make must involve your guests. It is not common for the couple to pay their way for each of their guests, as we can imagine it would be costly, you’ll want to consider how to make accommodations and travel fit into your guests’ budgets. You will want to offer a variety of accommodations to stay, including accommodations that don’t require extensive travel to the venue. Check with each hotel or resort and see if you can set up a room block to lower costs. Try to plan ahead and give suggestions for transportation from the airport to the hotel, or from the hotel to the venue. Create options for all budgets. This will help lower the stress of the unknown for your wedding guests. 

Use Local Vendors

Local vendors will be your best option when planning a wedding. Once your location is selected, work with your wedding planner to determine what is in season. This can cut costs, especially for weddings that are around the world. Common research will need to include food, such as fish, vegetables, and fruit, that are in season and of course what seasonal blooms are available. We highly suggest you use and embrace what surrounds your location. After your vendors are selected, work to either meet in person or virtually. It’s always good to meet your vendors face to face, or as close to face to face as possible. Ensure that your vendors have references and reviews or ask your location for referrals. 

Visit your Location 

We highly suggest that you and your fiance visit your location prior to the big event. We will be honest when we say, sometimes pictures do not speak all of the truth. Of course we always suggest extensive research prior to booking the location, but sometimes you need boots on the ground to figure out all the details needed. Now, if you can’t visit in advance, plan your arrival a few days prior to your wedding day. This will allow you to fully get a good sense of your wedding venue and the location that surrounds it. You definitely don’t want any surprises on the big day. 

Create Experiences 

The best part of a destination wedding is it is an all inclusive experience. Many of our couples who chose a destination wedding, turn it into a trip for all. Look into excursions or create some events for your guests to attend. This will allow you to interact and enjoy time with your guests and explore what the local area has to offer. Create wedding guests bags and arrange delivery to each accommodation to ensure guests feel welcome and know all the details about the wedding. We love a destination couple that gives their guests all the information up front. Keep in mind that your guests have traveled far and wide to attend your wedding, so if you can enhance their experience and show your appreciation for their attendance, we encourage you to do so. But, don’t bust the bank or your budget. Find ways to make it work with your budget and wants or needs for your wedding day. 

Destination weddings are a modern way to celebrate the love and bond between two people. Now, we know that they are not for everyone and you may have to be an adventurous soul to even consider planning one, but when done with care– they are a beautiful affair. If you are leaning towards planning a destination wedding, we highly encourage you to hire a planner locally or at your destination before planning anything. They are professionals and can help guide you through the process. Remember to keep your guests in mind, use your location to the maximum, and create an experience of a lifetime. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.