Managing a wedding during a heatwave
So you’ve spent the past 12 months praying to the weather gods for bright blue skies and sunshine but now you fear those prayers may have been taken a little too seriously?! The weather man is forecasting a heatwave for your wedding day and you’re now feeling a little underprepared. There’s no getting away from the fact that everywhere is getting warmer. It’s likely you have considered rain dampening your wedding day but it’s becoming just as likely that the heat can prove managing a wedding just as challenging! So I have put together my top tips on how to manage a wedding in a heatwave.
Photo by Sarah Vivienne Photography
Timings
Have you incorporated enough time within your schedule for some flexibility to work around temperatures? For example if you have opted for an outdoor ceremony you could shorten the length of time your guests are to be seated pre-ceremony. Usually I would allocate 30 minutes prior however no one wants to be sat sweating in their silk dresses and suits anticipating your arrival. So with temperatures over 25 degrees I’d recommend cutting this to 5-10 minutes maximum. Other timing considerations include your cake being displayed in the heat for too long so you may need to alter this too.
Liaise with your venue or marquee supplier
They know how best to make use of your chosen space so take advantage of their advice on how best to manage the heat on your wedding day. Your venue can recommend the best shaded outdoor areas or as well as the most ventilated indoor spaces. If you have opted for an outdoor ceremony then you simply cannot expect your guests to sit still in soaring temperatures without any shade. Therefore you may need to opt for an indoor space or construct a parasol to at least provide some relief. As for any live musicians or those conducting your ceremony, it’s highly likely they have contracted with you to ensure they are provided with a shaded area in order for them to perform to their best ability. It may also be worth considering the best bridal prep room/space to avoid the heat of the morning sun disrupting make up application. If you have opted for a marquee wedding reception ensure someone is responsible for regulating the temperature. If the sides can be rolled up, they should ensure this is done first thing. Clear marquees may need a cover adding or if not then it’s worth leaving enough room to re-position tables so guests are sat directly in the sun.
Photo by Sarah Vivienne Photography
Liaise with your suppliers
It’s important to consider how the heatwave at your wedding will impact the services of your chosen suppliers. Flowers will likely wilt when left in the heat for too long so perhaps your florist needs to set up later and require a larger water supply. Your wedding cake may need refrigerating and only displayed for a shorter time. Perhaps your caterer can recommend more refreshing drinks or cooler canapés go please guests. Your hair and makeup artist will be able to suggest the most suitable products and advise you on how to look your best to despite the heatwave on your wedding day. Don’t be afraid to ask your suppliers advice as they are the experts and will appreciate your concern not only for your guests, but also to allow them to provide their best service. You should allocate someone to check in with them throughout your wedding ensuring they are kept hydrated.
Photo by Sarah Vivienne Photography
Keep your guests hydrated
It may seem an obvious one but usually guests get so caught up in celebrating with alcohol, they forget how important it is to drink water during a heatwave. I recommend having iced kilners of favoured water positioned throughout your day so guests can easily help themselves. These can be topped up by your caterers or venue and moved around throughout the day if need be. Mini bottles of water under each seat during your ceremony will be appreciated by your guests. Just ensure you consider how these will look in your photos. Plastic branded bottles littering your aisle are not the aesthetic you were aiming for! Think about any vulnerable guests If you have any children, pets or elderly it’s important to prepare for them to enjoy the day as much as possible despite the heatwave. Ensuring any shaded areas have seating prioritised for these people. Allocating someone responsible to look out for these guests would also be advised.
Photo by Lee Daniels Photography
Purchase your wedding heatwave essentials
Don’t leave purchasing these to the last few days. Be prepared and order them early to avoid last minute supermarket dashes. It’s better to be safe and you can usually return them if they end up not being needed.
• Flip flops
• Sun cream
• Hand held fans
• Parasols
• Face mists
• Insect repellent
• Citronella candles
Dress code
Most guests will already have their outfit in mind but if the word can be spread to ensure they dress accordingly for a heatwave then that would be preferable. By this I mean half-lined suits, breathable fabrics and floaty dresses to keep you as cool as possible. I would highly recommend considering an outfit change for your evening if your budget allows you to. Your future bride-self will absolutely thank you for this option so you can continue partying the night away feeling much more refreshed.
Photo by Sarah Vivienne Photography
Don’t let a heatwave on your wedding day taint your special day. By taking on board these tips you’ll be prepared and ensure both you and your guests enjoy it. If you are worried about a heatwave affecting your upcoming wedding, feel free to get in touch and I’d be happy to help with any questions you might have. Alternatively, you can check out my previous planning blogs for advice on topics such as planning a wedding at home.