5 Must-Dos for Seated Events in Summer

There’s something so refreshing about summer event season. Not only will theweather put your guests in a better mood, but you can make use of venues with outdoor space as well.

Of course, all of the normal rules for planning a seated dinner apply, but you can have some fun with your summer events, too. Here are five things to think about when you plan that summer soirée.

1.Look for venues with outdoor space.

The best summer venues have a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor space. You can host the cocktail hour while guests are arriving on a patio or terrace, then move inside to an adjacent dining area. Or you can host your entire event outdoors. Finding a space to accommodate your full guest count and seating arrangement might be easier than you think. Just make sure the venue is well-equipped for any inclement weather since the weather is increasingly unpredictable and summer rainshowers can appear out of nowhere.

2.Make use of summer flavors.

When planning your event menu with your caterer or venue, take advantage of the fact that there are so many fresh foods in season. Avoid a menu that is too heavy, and instead go for refreshing vegetable-based dishes with simple meat dishes to accompany it. Or depending on how formal your event is, you can also think about light barbecue. Just keep in mind how messy barbecue can be, and plan the rest of your event accordingly.

3.Have fun with summer cocktails.

Let’s be honest, cocktail planning is one of the best parts. And summer cocktails are some of the best out there. Make use of lighter spirits, champagne cocktails and fresh produce to make your dinner feel distinctly summery. We love spiked lemonades, a summer shandy, Aperol Spritzes, the French 75, and of course a mojito as options for a summer cocktail. And don’t forget to choose the right wine options. Adding a rosé to your wine list, along with a lighter red, like a barbera or grenache, and a crisp white will provide plenty of options for all your guests.

4.Be smart about floral arrangements.

Early summer provides a bounty of beautiful flowers to use in centerpieces and on tables around your event. But before you load up on hydrangeas, lilacs, and peonies, keep in mind that for many of your guests these might be serious allergy triggers. Instead of causing your guests to sneeze all night, consider using flowering plants only on ancillary, check in tables, and keep dining table arrangements simple with succulents or other low-pollen plants.

5.Take the extra step.

Just like you plan for coat racks in the summer and umbrella bags or stands in the spring and fall, you should have a stash of summer essentials that will ensure your guests’ comfort. If your event is during the day or even early evening consider having sunblock and bug spray available. For especially hot evenings you can also work simple, stylish fans is as part of your place settings. It’s those extra touches that will impress your guests and make your clients repeat customers.Don’t get so caught up in all the fun aspects of summer event planning that you forget the basics of planning a seated dinner, including solidifying your guest list early, and planning your seating arrangement. Using a dynamic seating chart to make your planning easier will enable you to get back to the fun stuff faster.