...buy a cake.

While buttercream fares well (and tastes delicious!) in cooler months, the popular butter/sugar mixture is prone to meltdowns during the summer. Opt instead for a rolled fondant topping (made of water and sugar) that will stay put until the cake cutting. For the filling, keep the flavors light and fresh. Xochitl Gonzalez of Always a Bridesmaid wedding consulting and event design suggests citrus or berry flavors that evoke the airiness of the season. Try to arrange the delivery of your cake as close to the reception start time as possible.

…choose attire.

There’s nothing like a well tuxedoed man -- especially if he’s your future husband -- but suits for the groom and groomsmen have fewer layers (no cummerbund or vest) and are more appropriate in the summertime. For the bridesmaids, avoid heavy fabrics such as silk satins. Gowns made of flowing, breathable fabrics, such as the jersey styles from Amsale or the seersucker dresses from Coren Moore, are more tolerable when the mercury rises.

…choose a menu.

Stationary food items (think seafood carts and cheese tables) are a bad idea for an outdoor cocktail hour, because they could spoil in the heat. Consider doing something fun and summery like gazpacho shooters or gelato stations instead. For dinner, anything goes, says Gonzalez, but starting with a salad is a good choice. Also, keep the main dish light and seasonal.

…pick flowers.

If you have the budget for it, hardly any bloom does as well at a summer wedding as cymbidium or vanda orchids. For short ceremonies, roses are a strong, economical bet. Avoid white hydrangeas, adds Gonzalez. “They’re popular, but the white variety can't stand the heat!”

…book the beach.

A waterfront wedding is gorgeous, but be sure to factor the outdoor elements into your planning. Wind is often overlooked, but it can wreak havoc on a ceremony, especially near the ocean. Remember to have a windshield for a unity candle if you’re participating in that kind of ritual. If the location is outdoors with minimal shade, keep the ceremony short and sweet, and have cold water bottles, fans and umbrellas on hand for guests. Hint: You could even morph these items into personalized favors.

…choose makeup.

To avoid meltdowns and gown smudges, try airbrushed makeup, a technique that disperses a fine mist of foundation to the face for a natural-looking tone and flawless texture. It stands up to humidity and keeps a polished look in high heat far longer than traditional cosmetics.

Photo: Faith West Photography