With all this sunny weather the Summer vibe is in full flow and dreams of an outdoor wedding on a beautiful sunny day are beginning to take shape. But with the sunshine also comes the heat, and surviving a wedding in these conditions, whether you’re the bride or a guest, can be a challenge.
Here are some of my top tips for getting through a wedding on the hottest of days:
Stay hydrated – Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Cucumber has been proven to reduce your body temperature by at least 3 degrees, so try sipping on some cucumber water infused with mint leaves to cool off and stay refreshed while you get ready.
Keep the summer vibe going by offering seasonal drinks to your guests – lemonade in a variety of flavours or sparkling elderflower are always a winner.
Decorative ice buckets or baskets filled with bottles of water near the ceremony site will help your guests keep cool, and don’t forget to add water on the tables close to the action near the dance floor. Remember your suppliers too, make sure they have access to cold refreshments as well.
Pick the right dress – Whether you’re the bride or the guest, most of us do tend to get a little hot and bothered in the heat so definitely opt for something light and airy rather than something heavily structured
Go for an updo – Pick a hairstyle that takes your hair off your neck and forehead, it not only helps to keep you cool but also helps to avoid a wind-swept look in your photos
Be sure to eat – This may be an obvious one but not eating anything, mixed with the emotions of the day, nerves and being out the sun is a bad combination for becoming faint or dizzy. Be sure to have a snack or something to nibble on before saying I Do to tide you over and keep you upright!
Indulge in a frozen treat – Offer ice lollies during your drinks reception, and if you have a signature cocktail, choose flavours that complement the flavours of the cocktail.
Provide an escape from the heat – No matter how many sun lovers you have at your wedding, your guests will appreciate some shade to escape the heat. A shady tree or canopy is the perfect way for guests to get out of the sun for a little bit, however, if there is limited shade at your venue, have a basket full of pretty parasols to make sure your guests can have shelter from the sun if needed. Go bright and bold or choose different colours or prints to match your wedding décor. They also look fabulous in your wedding photos!
Serve lighter, seasonal dishes – Heavy food and the heat are not a good mix! Instead, think about choosing a seasonal menu that includes lots of fresh ingredients. For dessert, opt for an ice cream station or van, or frozen cocktails to keep a festive summer vibe.
Be safe in the sun – A wedding is a special occasion but that doesn’t mean you should forgo the sunscreen if you’re going to be outdoors for a long period of time. Be sure to apply sunscreen before spending time in the sun and don’t forget to repeat the application throughout the course of the day when you can. A basket in the ladies room filled with sunscreen wipes, insect repellant, spray deodorant and cooling spray is always a nice touch.
Keep your guests safe – If your ceremony is outdoors, be mindful of the seating you choose. Certain kinds of metal or wooden chairs may get extra hot in the sun, so if you have your heart set on a certain chair, splurge on fabric cushions to place on them so your guest don’t burn their bottoms or legs when they take their seat!
Interested in how you can make your outdoor wedding an unforgettable experience? Discover my services to find out how I can help you bring all the elements of your day together.
Image credit: The Springs Events