If you’re getting married in the summertime, you’re probably dreaming of blue skies and bright sunshine. Many couples fear that it’ll rain on their big day, but what if it’s too hot? When temperatures drift towards triple digits, the event can become less idyllic for you and your guests and instead leave your guests struggling to cope with the heat. No matter how beautiful it is outside, you don’t want to sweat in your wedding dress or have a panic attack when the cake starts melting! So, in case your big day is a scorcher, here’s how to plan for a wedding in a heatwave. The following ideas will show you how to beat the heat, keep your guests cool, and ensure that the temperature isn’t only what everyone talks about in the years to come.
Sunscreen Up
No doubt some guests will forget to include sunscreen in their morning routine.! So keep everyone safe from the sun by putting bottles of high factor sunscreen in a place guests can easily find it. Many couples are now including such items in a basket in the bathroom, and you can include other warm weather essentials like deodorant, facial mist spray, hair bobbles, wipes, and blotting paper inside these too. Your overheated guests will thank you!
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to get carried away in the day’s excitement and forget to drink anything but your favorite wine or champagne! Alcohol will dehydrate you quicker than the heat. So, the key is to stay hydrated during the long summer nights. Make sure there is plenty of water and ice around for you and your guests. Cucumber, mint, and fruit-infused water looks incredibly refreshing and beautiful!
Dress Cool
When shopping for a summer wedding dress, consider light materials such as cotton, chiffon, or silk. Flowy or Grecian styles will also be more comfortable than tight corsets or heavy beading. Heels can also become even more uncomfortable in the heat, so pack a pair of flats or flip-flops to slip on later in the day! For suits, cotton and linen are the best choices to keep the groomsmen from passing out during the vows.
Heatproof Hair & Make-Up
If your hair tends to frizz or fall flat in hot weather, ask your stylist to try an up-do or loose curls rather than a straight blow-dry. For make-up, invest in a good primer to ensure it all stays put, and carry powder in a clutch for touch-ups. Most importantly, remember your own sunscreen! It’s worth seeking out brands that don’t glare white in photographs.
Accessorize For Summer
If you’re outside, why not hand out accessories like sunglasses, floppy hats, and light scarves to wrap around bare shoulders? Pop them in baskets for guests to grab, and they can even double up as props for the photo booth!
Avoid a Cake Meltdown
When planning your cake, know that rolled fondant tends to hold up better in the heat than buttercream, fresh cream, or anything chocolate! On the day, it’s tempting to show off a masterpiece of a cake, but try to keep it refrigerated until the last possible moment. When it is unveiled, place it away from any windows or direct sunlight. If possible, the cake cutting ceremony should be done inside to keep it tasting and looking sweet.
Be Flexible
Your guests will suffer sitting through a long ceremony in direct sunshine, so keep it short and romantic. Consider moving items of the program to later, or push back the ceremony to avoid the heat of the day. Finally, relax any strict dress code of jackets, ties, and long dresses in favor of button-downs and sundresses. Your guests will appreciate it!
Ventilate Your Venue
A summer wedding reception can get stifling, especially when the drinks start flowing and the guests start dancing the night away. So open the windows of your venue or roll up the sides of a marquee, and consider renting fans – it’s an extra cost but you won’t regret it. If you can’t afford fans, then another option is to turn your programs into hand fans! If you’re outside, create areas of shade with parasols or pop-up gazebos, and cover any hot metal chairs with outdoor pillows.
Beware the Wilt
Some flowers are more resilient than others and fare better in the heat, whilst others are quicker to droop. Sturdier choices include garden roses, berries, lisianthus, and carnations. On the day of the wedding, leave your bouquet in water until you need it, and do any floral arrangements at the last minute to keep them fresh. It’s also a good idea to have a spare bouquet in case yours wilts! Talk all of this through with your florist to have a bouquet that will withstand the heat!
Serve Something Light
Heavy food and heat don’t mix so we advise that you keep the menu light and refreshing. Rather than a rich roast, opt for grilled chicken, fish, and a fruit salad as opposed to traditional vegetable salad that could wilt. Quench your guests’ thirst with cool cocktails in mason jars, and keep plenty of bottles on ice or in coolers. For dessert, try fresh fruit pies or tarts, or try something cooler by hiring a retro ice cream van!
Time Your Photographs
If you can, plan your photoshoot for the ‘golden hour,’ which is the one-and-a-half hour window before sunset. This is a cooler time of the day, so you won’t be sweating and the light will be beautiful and flattering. Before you head out for photographs, touch up any shine with translucent powder and blotting paper!
Whether you’re having a garden soirée, a ceremony by the lake, or a seaside celebration, we hope these hot summer wedding ideas help you beat the heat! Even if temperatures don’t soar as high as expected, it’s better to be prepared. If you’ve got any more suggestions or ideas to help other couples planning a summer wedding, please leave a comment below this post!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Lucy is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork, Ireland. Originally from America, she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and Corgi-mix puppy Dug (yes, like from Disney’s UP!). It’s the simple things in life that matter, so give her a bag of M&M’s and she’s happy. She loves to relax with a good book, cozy up on the couch for a movie, or go to the park for a stroll with the family.
