A summer wedding can be a dream come true with bright sunshine and clear skies. However, extreme heat is something that we always plan for in the summer months. We've seen temperatures as high as 114 on wedding day, so we know how important it is to have a plan to keep the couple, guests, and vendors safe in extreme heat!
1. Choose the Right Time and Venue
Consider scheduling your ceremony and reception for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. This can help avoid the peak heat hours typically between 12 PM and 3 PM.
Select a venue that offers plenty of shade. Large trees, canopies, or tents can provide relief from the sun. Indoor venues with strong air conditioning can also be a good option. Try to plan a site visit to the venue during the time of your ceremony so you can see where the shade falls. If the ceremony site is in full sun with no shade, consider moving the ceremony timing to a time where there is ample shade for guests.
2. Provide Refreshments
Set up water stations with plenty of water, lemonade, iced tea, and other refreshing beverages. Encourage guests to stay hydrated by placing water bottles at their seats or tray passing water before (and sometimes during) the ceremony.
Offer cold treats such as ice cream, popsicles, or chilled fruit. These can be a fun and refreshing way to help guests cool down.
3. Dress Appropriately
If it looks like your wedding is going to be in the midst of extreme heat, email your guests ahead of time to encourage them to dress accordingly. Advise them to choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and chiffon.
For brides, consider choosing a second look to change into after the ceremony. Opt for something that is breathable and comfortable with shoes that allow your feet to breathe!
For grooms, consider a linen suit or another breathable fabric. While second looks are typically seen with brides, I think it is so fun when the groom comes out in a second outfit! If you're tied to the black tuxedo look for the ceremony, think about changing into a more casual, fun (breathable) outfit for the reception!
4. Protect Against the Sun
Make sure to add market umbrellas or pergolas to your rental order to provide ample shade when trees are not present. You will want to protect your guests from the sun, especially when they're expected to be in one spot for an extended period of time (ceremony and dinner). You also want to provide umbrellas for your vendors that will likely be stationary (DJs, live musicians, oyster shuckers, bartenders, etc.).
Parasols and fans are a stylish way to keep your guests comfortable during the ceremony. These are a mainstay in our inventory during summer months!
5. Keep Cool with Ice Packs + Fans
During our hot (HOT!) weddings, we make sure to have a variety of flexible ice packs in a cooler ready to go. These are great to tuck behind your neck, stomach, or anywhere else that feels good. At a recent wedding, the groom rotated cool ice packs tucked behind his collar during family formals after the ceremony. It likely saved him from heat stroke and made photos a lot more enjoyable!
Battery operated personal fans are a life saver during the heat! Invest in a few for the wedding party and older guests. We've also provided a fan at every dinner table, so that guests can pass it around throughout dinner!
6. Comfortable Seating and Rest Areas
Ensure there are plenty of shaded seating areas where guests can take a break from the sun. If there are not a ton of trees or naturally shaded areas, consider renting pergola structures to create shaded areas for your guests to relax under.
Create comfortable rest areas with seating, fans, and cold drinks. This can be a lifesaver for older guests or those who may be more affected by the heat. If there is an indoor air conditioned area (even if it isn't a part of the main wedding), consider setting up a sitting area with a floral arrangement to make it feel more intentional.
7. Plan for Cooling Breaks
Keep your ceremony short and sweet. Long ceremonies in the heat can be uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Plan for breaks during photos where the wedding party and family can retreat to a cooler area, enjoy a cold drink, and refresh themselves.
8. Weather-Appropriate Design
Design with warm temperatures in mind and incorporate items that can withstand high temperatures. Avoid items that can melt (taper candles!), wilt, or become damaged in the heat. Work closely with your florist to edit the floral design as needed-- ask for suggestions for heartier flowers and stems that will withstand heat and not wither too noticeably. Consider using LED candles so that the wax doesn't melt or omit heat!
Use light-colored linens and decor to reflect the heat rather than absorb it. This can help keep the overall temperature down.
9. Hair and Makeup Considerations
Opt for long-lasting, heat-resistant makeup products. Your makeup artist can recommend the best products to ensure your look stays fresh all day. Make sure to apply a high quality mineral based sunscreen to your face, neck, and shoulders before makeup application. Make sure to get a touch up kit from your makeup artist so you can reapply makeup throughout the day as needed.
Have a hydrating face spray on hand to give your face a refreshing spritz and also make your skin look glowing and hydrated all day long!
Choose hairstyles that can hold up in the heat. Updos or braided styles can be more comfortable and less likely to frizz or wilt. Keeping your hair off your neck will keep you cooler throughout the day!
10. Communicate with Vendors
Ensure all your vendors are prepared for the heat. This includes the catering team, photographer, DJ/band, and florist. We plan to take care of our vendors and have frozen water bottles, refreshing snacks, electrolytes, and ice packs on hand for our vendors as well!
Pre-wedding, communicate a backup plan in case of extreme heat. This could include moving parts of the celebration indoors or providing additional cooling resources for guests and vendors.
11. Plan for Potential Health Issues
While we always plan to be proactive to avoid any emergency situations, it is helpful to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Have a plan to get medical help quickly if needed. Some signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion:
High body temperature (103°F or higher)
Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
Fast, strong pulse
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Losing consciousness (passing out)
If a someone is experiencing signs of heat stroke or even mild heat exhaustion move them to a cool place, loosen their clothes, put cool, wet cloths on the body, and have them sip water.
Outdoor weddings are the most beautiful, but can come with inherent risks with the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Our number one goal is to keep you and your guests safe, comfortable, and happy so that you can be present with one another and celebrate your wedding day. Being prepared for extreme weather is a huge part of our job as your planner and you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to make adjustments as needed!
For more wedding tips (including advice for a windy wedding day) please check out the posts below!
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