A summer wedding in Provence… What a dream! The golden light, the cicadas, the long balmy evenings, the olive trees and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see… The summer season is ideal for celebrating love outdoors, and many couples choose this time of year to say ‘I do’.

But with the beauty of summer comes an unavoidable guest: the heat. Rest assured, with a few good choices and some careful planning, you can enjoy a magical day without suffering from the heatwave. Here are all our tips for making the most of your summer wedding at Château la Beaumetane.

1- Adjust the timing of the day

The key to avoiding heatstroke: good timing.

• Avoid the hottest hours of the day (12 noon to 4 p.m.) for important moments such as the ceremony or photos.
• Opt for a late afternoon ceremony, around 5 or 6 p.m. The light is softer, temperatures begin to drop, and the atmosphere becomes more romantic.
• The cocktail reception can then take place in the shade, under the century-old trees in the castle grounds, before moving on to dinner at sunset.

Consider planning a brunch or light lunch the following day to extend the celebration without having to endure the midday heat.

2- Focus on the right spaces

Château la Beaumetane offers several shaded areas, both indoors and outdoors. Use them wisely for the comfort of your guests:

• A ceremony under the plane trees or in the park, in the cool shade.
• A cocktail reception in the park, with misters and refreshments.
• Dinner in the air-conditioned dining room or outside if the evening temperature permits.

When considering the weather, it is also important to consider alternative plans: in the event of high temperatures or strong winds, it is advisable to have several options available.

3- Provide refreshments throughout the day

Remember to offer your guests something to drink as soon as they arrive!

• An infused water fountain (lemon, mint, red berries) at the start of the ceremony.
• Light, alcohol-free cocktails during the reception.
• Personalised fans, straw hats or parasols available.
• Refreshing towels at the entrance to the toilets or in the dressing rooms.

These are small details, but they make all the difference

4- Rethink the timing of photos

To avoid shiny faces and squinting eyes, it is best to schedule couple photos at the end of the day, between 6 and 8 p.m.
This is when the golden light of Provence is at its most magical for photographs.

If you want a ‘first look’, you can organise one in the shade, before the ceremony, in a cool corner of the park.

5- Create a light-hearted and festive atmosphere

Summer is also an invitation to celebrate, relax and share. Take advantage of this atmosphere to offer:

• An ice cream or slushie bar after the meal
• An outdoor evening with fairy lights and a dance floor under the stars
• A cheerful but not overwhelming musical atmosphere during the day

Château la Beaumetane is perfectly suited to these convivial and elegant atmospheres.

Getting married in Provence in summer means choosing beauty, light and joy. With a few adjustments and a good dose of foresight, the heat becomes a mere detail, almost an asset that contributes to the sunny atmosphere of your day.