There’s no denying that summer is a great season for weddings. Longer days mean more prime time for taking photographs, vacation season makes it easier for guests to be flexible and travel, and the lush green grass, full foliage on trees, and bright flowers make such a great backdrop – for your ceremony, reception, and pictures!
But there is one thing that can really put a damper on a summer wedding in the South, and that’s the heat and humidity. Here in Winston-Salem, high temperatures in July and August average around 88 degrees, with an average of 75% humidity, which adds up to a feels-like temperature of 103. That doesn’t mean you can’t have the outdoor wedding you always dreamed of. It just means it helps to do a little planning to help keep guests comfortable.
Here are a few things to help keep guests cool at a summer wedding.
Consider your location. When checking out venues, look for shade trees that guests can congregate under while waiting for things to start or during the reception. Tents are great for some shade and to protect from rain, but they don’t provide the cool breeze you enjoy under shade trees. You might also opt for a venue with both outdoor and indoor facilities. That way you could have your ceremony outside, and then go indoors for the reception where there is air conditioning. And it never hurts to have that indoor backup for the whole thing if a stray summer thunderstorm threatens to pop up.
Provide guests with protection from the sun. It could be that you hand out pretty little parasols as they enter the ceremony, or you have fans sitting on each chair. Sunglasses are another great giveaway, and you can order them with your initials on them to serve as a wedding favor. Also consider setting baskets around the venue with small bottles of sunscreen and bug spray.
Keep people hydrated. Human bodies are great at self-regulating temperature, and part of that in the summer heat is through sweating. Make sure to have plenty of water, easily accessible, because your guests will need to replenish their body’s water supply to stay safe and healthy. Have coolers of bottled water scattered throughout the site for the ceremony and the reception. You might also consider greeting guests with a glass of cold lemonade or iced tea for a more festive feel.
Don’t Forget the Bride
Many times brides are so focused on making sure everyone else is having a good time that they don’t take care of themselves. If it’s your big day, make sure you’re also drinking lots of water and staying hydrated. Plan ahead for the heat by choosing a wedding dress made of lightweight material in a flowy style. And use powder-based makeup; it will stay put longer to last through all the smiling, hand-shaking, and picture-taking you will be doing in the hottest part of the day. Most importantly, do what you can to keep your stress levels down.
If you’re planning a summer wedding, consider Legacy Stables & Events for your venue. Not only do we have beautiful indoor and outdoor options on our estate, but we can help you with all the things that will keep guests comfortable during hot temperatures. We know you can’t control the weather at your wedding, but we can help control whether guests have what they need to stay comfortable and enjoy your wedding.
