Do you have a plan for HOT weather?
Usually UK couples are more concerned by rain on their wedding day, but with last week’s UK temperatures reaching in excess of 40C, we thought it would be handy to give you some top tips on how to stay cool during your summer wedding!
Consider moving parts of your day outside or in!
Your first port of call should be your suppliers. Have a chat to them and listen to any recommendations they have about how they can make the day more comfortable for you and your guests. Try and be as flexible as possible. For example, if it’s possible you may want to move some elements of your day either inside, or out depending on which offers more of an escape from the heat.
If you’ve planned for an outside ceremony but there is little or no shade and your venue has indoor space, it might be wise to head inside. Talk to your florist or stylist about how you can dress an indoor area to make it just as pretty. Or, investigate whether there is the option to add enough shade with parasols and sunshades.
On the other hand, it may be cooler to head outside to shady areas that offer some breeze in the heat! You could make a move to al fresco speeches, or an after dinner drink outside!
If you’re using our beautiful Sailcloth marquees the sides can be easily rolled up to create a beautifully breezy space for you to stay cool in. We’ll look at the forecast with you on the run up to your wedding and if you’re using our tipis we’ll also erect them with the sides up to create shade and allow airflow.
Create Shade
If you need more shade at your venue, talk to us about our chill-out tipis. They provide an extra space, which can be used as a covered bar or additional shaded seating area - we can easily add this to your package even at short notice.
If your venue has woodland or gardens with shady areas, consider hosting your drinks reception there. Ask your caterers to set up a table with extra non-alcoholic drinks and plenty of ice! With a few simple vases of flowers added it will look really pretty!
Think about buying some parasols for your guests too! You’re unlikely to need one per person, but have a few dotted around and ask a few members of your bridal party to reserve them for any guests who are more vulnerable in the sun, for example elderly relatives or guests with newborns.
Think About Seating
Avoid using metal chairs. These will be scorching on a hot day so you’ll need cushions at the very least. Plastic chairs can also warm up quickly, so if you’re going to be outside, ask your suppliers not to leave them in the sun before they are due to be used. We use wooden tables, chairs, stools and high chairs, which are a cooler option in the heat and look sleek too.
Talk To Your Photographer
Although the weather will undoubtedly result in beautiful summery shots, you might not actually want to be exposed to the sun and heat! When meeting with your photographer (most will visit the venue with you on the run up to your wedding) make sure you talk about ‘hot’ weather alternatives, not just ‘wet’ weather alternatives! Think about shady locations and how they will work for photos, and where your guests can gather and stay cool when waiting to be called for group shots. You might want to capture your couple shots in the later part of the day when the temperature has (hopefully) dropped and the sun is lower (often coined the ‘golden hour’ by photographers anyway as a beautiful time of day to capture the best light).
Consider some little extras
You’re unlikely to be able to amend your menu too last minute, but it’s worth chatting to your caterers if you’ve chosen a particularly heavy meal about lighter options that may fit the day better. However, if this isn’t possible, think about bringing a few added extras to your catering and drinks offering. You might be able to arrange for an ice cream van to stop by, or, purchase shop bought retro ice-lollies and arrange buckets of ice! (Great photo opportunity). Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available and even ice buckets full of ice cubes for people to dab on their wrists and foreheads for an instant cool-down!
If you’re arranging a beauty station in the bathrooms, make sure you add sun lotion – there is bound to be at least one guests who will have forgotten and appreciate it! Pop a few facial mist sprays in too (and maybe a can of deodorant)!
And finally…
Get some sunglasses that work with your wedding look! If you’ve spent a small fortune on a beautiful vintage wedding gown, you might just want to switch your usual aviators for something more chic… but hey, as long as you feel ‘you’ on your wedding day, anything goes!
