Food Ideas to Help Your Guests Cool Off
With rising temperatures across the Arab region, some couples have started to worry about the weather on their wedding day, especially if they’re planning to celebrate outdoors. And don’t forget, your guests will be concerned about it too!
But what if you turn the summer heat to your advantage by choosing refreshing and unique food and drink options for your wedding?
Hospitality at weddings is no longer limited to simply serving food and beverages; it has become an essential part of the overall celebration experience, reflecting the couple’s taste and adding a personal, memorable touch. That’s why selecting the right food and drinks for a summer wedding is such an important step. It requires attention to the little details that make a big difference, from refreshing flavors to elegant and practical serving styles.
Check out: Breathtaking Summer Wedding Ideas
Remember, the way you present food and drinks is just as important as their taste. Think colored glassware, ice cubes with edible flowers inside, or clear acrylic plates that show off the bright colors of your dishes and beverages. These details add a sophisticated and refreshing touch to your wedding.
Whether you’re planning a simple garden celebration or a lavish beach affair, here you’ll find ideas to inspire you to design an experience that suits the summer vibe and leaves a lasting impression.
Here are some of our favorite ideas for refreshing wedding catering in hot summer weather:
Welcome Drinks
Start your summer wedding by offering cold welcome drinks as soon as guests arrive. Set up a dedicated table for chilled beverages such as mint lemonade, iced rose water, or even tamarind juice with a modern twist, served with ice and fresh fruits. You can also offer sparkling water infused with natural flavors in elegant, clear bottles.
Bride and groom Charbel and Roberta added a Capri Spritz fountain to their Lebanese destination wedding in Italy. The fountain was one of the most distinctive features of the day, reflecting both Italian traditions and the couple’s love for unique experiences. It was a refreshing and joyful treat for guests amidst the warm summer breeze.
Check out: Treat Your Guests with Summer Wedding Cocktails and Mocktails
Ice Cream Carts and Frozen Treats
Nothing cools you down like ice cream on a hot summer day! Book a classic ice cream cart in colors that match your wedding theme, and serve creative flavors such as saffron pistachio or rose with vanilla. You could also offer vegan ice cream to ensure there’s something for everyone.
We loved this idea from Louay and Lian’s carnival wedding at the Dead Sea, where the couple added an ice cream cart for guests to enjoy, adding to the festive atmosphere of their elegant celebration!
Flavored Water Stations
Set up flavored water stations with natural ingredients to encourage guests to stay hydrated throughout the day. Use combinations like cucumber and mint, orange and thyme, or berries and basil. Serve them in elegant, chilled bottles that add beauty to the space while inviting guests to drink.
Fruit Salads
Alongside desserts, offer light snacks like individual fruit salads in clear cups. They are easy to eat, light, and perfectly suited for summer vibes.
You can serve them in creative ways, such as chilled individual cups or inside hollowed-out fruits like pineapples or coconuts, adding a charming tropical touch to your hospitality tables. The variety of fruit colors also makes them visually appealing, creating a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere for your celebration.
