Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! But first, roll up your sleeves and get your pen and paper out. Wedding preparations, regardless of destination, take a village. Arizona wedding planning is no different.
As one of Phoenix’s most charming, year-round wedding venues, Modern Moments knows the ins and outs of Arizona weddings. So, whether you’re local or from out of state, we’re here to take some stress off your shoulders with expert planning tips. Consider it your insider’s guide to Arizona weddings:
Plan around the seasons
Capture photographs before sunset
Be mindful of hydration
Choose sturdy flowers
Consider your makeup and freshening up moments
Leave your cake in a cool area
For even more tips, download our FREE guide to planning the perfect wedding!
NEED AN AFFORDABLE ARIZONA WEDDING VENUE?
Modern Moments is one of Arizona's most ideal wedding venues, with affordable rates and year-round availability. We’re less than 30 minutes away from Phoenix Sky Harbor and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airports, which makes us convenient for local Phoenix residents and their out-of-out town guests.
To come see us in person, click below and schedule a free tour of the property today. We’ll be happy to show you around, discuss your date(s), guest list, and vision, and then review pricing and add-on options. Unlike other venues, we don’t charge fees for outside vendors. Our space is your canvas to paint the perfect wedding!
Feeling overwhelmed by the planning process? Our professional wedding planners are here to help. We’ll bring your dream wedding to life whether you want to be somewhat involved or completely hands off. That way, you can simply show up and focus on enjoying your special day!
Plan Around the Seasons
As a desert climate, it’s no secret that Arizona experiences some extremely hot weather. Temperatures average about 105 degrees Fahrenheit during summer, with lows dipping down only to the mid-90s. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor summer wedding, you may want to opt for very early in the season or host most of it indoors.
That said, Arizona enjoys the perfect wedding weather during spring and fall. In fact, it’s our official wedding season when we book the majority of weddings, and when you can photograph those unforgettable desert sunsets!
Keep in mind, however, that venues will book up fast. We recommend booking a year in advance to lock down your desired wedding date.
Capture Photos Before Sunset
We recommend scheduling your ceremony and/or reception when the sun is out but not in its full glory. In general, 1-2 hours before sunset will allow you to escape the glaring sun but still get those perfect “golden hour” photos with the heavenly pink, golden, and purple skies that Arizona is known for.
You can then opt for an indoor reception to avoid chilly evening temperatures, or set up outdoor space heaters to keep guests comfortable.
Unsure how to plan your timelines? Not to worry. At Modern Moments, our knowledgeable event staff will help you schedule the right ceremony and/or reception times— no matter what time of year. We also know some amazing photographers who take breathtaking engagement and wedding photos!
Be Mindful of Hydration
As we mentioned above, Arizona can get pretty hot. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding between late spring and early fall, the extremely high temperatures coupled with standing, dancing, and moving can cause dehydration. This is especially true for out-of-town guests who aren’t used to such a dry climate.
Make sure to include plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages or plain or flavored water for hydration before and after the ceremony and throughout the reception party. You can make water stations part of your decor with elegant glass dispensers filled with accouterments like cucumber, orange slices, and mint. Or, set up a beautiful cart with glass water bottles and other takeaway beverages.
Choose Sturdy Flowers
The desert climate isn’t suitable for certain plants and flowers, simply due to the lack of moisture in the air. The last thing you need is to have wilting flowers at your wedding, so we recommend choosing sturdy flowers for your bouquets and centerpieces.
Some durable florals for Arizona weddings include:
Succulents
Birds of paradise
Peruvian lilies
Sunflowers
Lavender
Chrysanthemums
Pampas grass
Thistle
and so much more!
You can work with one of our trusted florists to compile a flower theme that thrives in an arid climate and blends with your wedding's color scheme. But you’re welcome to set up your own florals!
Consider Your Makeup and Freshening Up Moments
Not sure if we’ve said it enough, but Arizona’s heat can be unrelenting– even in the winter. The last thing you want is for your makeup to melt off your face during the most important day of your life!
For this reason, air-brushed makeup is the norm in Arizona. You might also want to keep setting powder and dry shampoo on hand to keep your hair from accumulating sweat. That way, you’re always ready for photos and won’t have to worry about how they’ll turn out.
Lastly, we recommend including a time to cool down in your wedding itinerary. Schedule at least a 20-minute break after your ceremony to do some much-needed makeup touch-ups. A makeup refresh is a good idea if you have a longer-than-normal ceremony or you’re hosting it at a church and will be traveling to the reception afterward.
Leave Your Cake in a Cool Area
If you plan to have an outdoor wedding, avoid storing your cake outside (especially in direct sunlight) until you’re ready to cut it. The cake may melt or dry if left too long in high heat and sun.
For best results, store the cake in a cool and moist area, such as a fridge, if your venue offers one. You should also inquire with the bakery that made your cake. Ask how you should store the cake, how to cut it, and if they offer cake-cutting services. If they do, it’s worth paying extra, as you don’t want to miss an important wedding photo opp!
Planning an Arizona Wedding? Reserve Modern Moments Venue Today!
Modern Moments gives you the best of both worlds for a memorable Arizona wedding. Our charming half-acre outdoor space can accommodate up to 300 people, and our bright and airy indoor venue can comfortably seat 60. We also have a modern garage-style door that you can open up for breezy continuity between both spaces. Whether you’re planning a large or micro wedding, our versatile spaces let you work around Arizona weather without worry!
Book a free tour of the property today and find out why we’re the East Valley’s best-kept secret for affordable, custom Arizona weddings. You can also speak with our professional wedding planners, who will be happy to devise a tailored plan just for you and your wedding day. When you partner with us, you’ll enjoy a stress-free wedding experience!