Considering nature's bevy of lush settings, it comes as absolutely no surprise whatsoever that many besotted (and some…well…not-so-besotted) couples elect to hold their wedding outside. However, Gaia doesn't always make for the most reliable hostess, as she can unleash a fury of rain, snow, sleet, hail and pretty much anything else that comes to mind. Probably the most common natural issue those holding an outdoor event will face is the heat. Nasty, sticky, sometimes nigh-unbearable heat. Fortunately, this problem, at least, comes packaged with a goodly portion of solutions!
1.) Give out fans as favors. Help guests stave off the summer heat by offering them up pretty little custom fans as wedding favors. Make sure to have enough on hand for everyone, most especially the elderly, injured, pregnant and ailing.
2.) Consider a canopy. Spring for some kind of shade, like a canopy or an awning, when holding an outdoor wedding. It'll protect attendees from withering in the sun without compromising nature's own ambience.
3.) Ice sculptures. These works of art are a staple at many a wedding and make for a stylish way to cool off sweltering guests. Stick a fan close behind them for added comfort.
4.) Provide water bottles. Make some room in the wedding budget to purchase water bottles (and ice if the participating venue offers no refrigeration) and hand them out in addition to favors. Anyone in attendance will certainly appreciate the added effort to ensure they stay cool and refreshed.
5.) Plenty of electric fans. On especially sultry days and evenings, setting up a few large, heavy-duty electric fans might very well do the trick.
6.) Don't face the audience towards the sun. Morning or afternoon weddings – especially the latter – requiring everyone to stand out in the sun can easily cause overheating and disorientation. Lesson the negative impact on loved ones by turning their back towards the giant flaming ball of life-giving. Staring at it just makes everything worse.
7.) Relax the dress code. Weddings don't always have to be black-tie affairs. Anyone dead set on holding one outside in or very near the summer might want to think about allowing guests to go casual. Perhaps not tank tops and flip-flops casual, but outfits more billowy, reflective and cool than their formal counterparts.
8.) Serve cool and cold dishes. If the event involves feeding, stick with serving colder appetizers and meals. Consider fruits and vegetables, soothingly cool dips, shaved ices, raw oysters and other popular wedding delights.
9.) Consider a pool party. Ultra-casual couples might want to turn their receptions into a traditional summer pool party – maybe a barbecue! Few things are more satisfying on ridiculously hot days than a nice, cool dip in chlorinated water.
10.) Remember, you don't have to hold a summer wedding. Nothing says an outdoor wedding must absolutely be held during the summer. Consider something in the spring or fall to ensure guests aren't stuck suffering through sticky, sweaty, humid weather.
If you have any additional ideas or want to suggest a site that offers items to keep you cool in the summer during a wedding, please feel free to leave a comment.
