Summer Wedding Must-Haves: Keeping Guests Cool and Comfortable
Summer weddings in the Hudson Valley are pure magic rolling hills, historic barns, charming vineyards, and golden sunsets that seem to last forever. But with all that sunshine comes one important detail: keeping your guests cool, hydrated, and happy.
At Shale Hill Catering, we’re more than just a wedding catering company we’re a full-service Hudson Valley catering team dedicated to making sure your event feels effortless for you and unforgettable for your guests. Whether you’re planning a lakeside celebration in New Paltz, a vineyard wedding in Millbrook, or a grand estate affair near New York City, these ideas will help you keep the summer heat from stealing the spotlight.
Elegant Hand Fans That Double as Wedding Favors
There’s nothing like greeting guests with a beautiful hand fan waiting at their seat. It’s a thoughtful touch that also makes for a charming keepsake.
How to use them:
Place fans in a vintage basket at the ceremony entrance with a sign that says, “For your comfort.”
Attach small tags with your wedding date or favorite quote.
Incorporate fans into ceremony programs for a dual-purpose favor.
Perfect for Hudson Valley barn weddings, garden ceremonies, and vineyard venues, fans keep guests cool while adding elegance to your décor.
Where to buy:
Wedding Favorites – Custom Folding Fans
Abbey & Izzie Designs – Personalized Paper Fans
Forever Wedding Favors – Elegant Hand Fans
These are particularly great for barn weddings, garden ceremonies, and vineyard venues throughout the Hudson Valley.
Parasols & Umbrellas That Look as Good as They Work
From lace parasols for a romantic garden look to clear dome umbrellas that double as rain insurance and a photo prop, shaded accessories are a summer wedding essential.
Why we love them:
Lace parasols add vintage elegance to a garden or orchard setting.
Clear dome umbrellas create magical photo opportunities and protect hair/makeup.
Offering umbrellas makes guests feel extra cared for, especially older family members.
Display ideas:
Lean parasols in buckets with signs like “Shade yourself with love.”
Provide umbrellas during cocktail hour near open patios or tents.
Top sources:
Amazon – Clear Bubble Umbrellas (Bulk)
Decor Maniacs – Wedding Umbrella Guide
Emmaline Bride – Best Wedding Umbrellas
Refreshing Bites & Drinks That Beat the Heat
Pairing your summer wedding with cooling, seasonal bites is one of the best ways to keep guests energized and ready to celebrate.
Popular summer catering ideas from Shale Hill Catering:
Appetizers: Cucumber rounds with whipped feta, chilled gazpacho shooters, summer bruschetta with tomato and peach.
Drinks: Frozen rosé (frosé), sparkling mint lemonade, cucumber spritzers, and signature mocktails.
Desserts: Mini ice cream sandwiches, lemon sorbet cups, fruit tarts, or even a popsicle cart for an unexpected treat.
We also create hydration stations with fruit-infused water (think strawberry-basil or citrus-cucumber), reusable cups, and shaded serving areas to keep drinks perfectly chilled perfect for Hudson Valley outdoor receptions.
Extras Guest Comfort IDEAS that your guests will love
Small touches can make a huge difference in guest comfort something we always consider as a full-service catering team.
Our couples love:
Lavender-scented cooling towels served before dinner.
Mini misting fans for warm outdoor ceremonies.
A “dancing shoes” station with flip-flops and sunglasses.
Shaded lounge areas with plush seating and throw pillows.
These details not only keep everyone happy they make your wedding Pinterest-worthy.
Infuse Local Hudson Valley Charm
Your wedding is a celebration of your love story and your location. We help couples weave Hudson Valley touches into their menus and décor for a celebration that’s both personal and regional.
Ideas we recommend:
Favors: Mini jars of Hudson Valley honey, local lavender sachets, or artisanal jam from nearby farms.
Herbal accents: Incorporate fresh mint, basil, or rosemary from local growers into cocktails or centerpieces.
Décor: Feature native wildflowers and reclaimed barnwood signage for a true Hudson Valley aesthetic.
Plan Your Perfect Hudson Valley Summer Wedding with Shale Hill Catering
From seasonal wedding menus to full-service event coordination, Shale Hill Catering works across the Hudson Valley and up to New York City to bring your dream wedding to life. We handle everything from food and beverage service to guest comfort so you can focus on celebrating.
📍 Serving: Hudson Valley, Kingston, Beacon, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, Cold Spring, and surrounding areas up to New York City.
Ready to plan your wedding?
Contact us today to book a tasting and let’s create a menu and experience your guests will rave about for years.
Let’s plan something fresh, beautiful, and totally cool, together.