Summer, sun, heatwave – the new bad weather?

Something like this has happened to me too: I was privileged to hold a ceremony under the open sky in a beautiful place. During the preparations on site I lobbied the witnesses hard to make sure that at least the couple could sit under a parasol. I myself stood in the blazing sun for around an hour. After the ceremony my vision almost went black, and only after four glasses of the (very tasty) house iced tea did I feel fit enough to say a proper goodbye to the couple and their guests. A very unpleasant situation.

Of course it is lovely to have good weather at your own ceremony, at your own wedding celebration. But is “weather that is too good” perhaps the new bad weather? Particularly with heatwaves occurring more and more often, you should definitely be prepared. Here are my 7 tips.

1. Shade, shade, shade!

First the obvious: make sure there is enough shade! With parasols or shade sails, for example. Do make sure here that you really have enough. You do not want half your guests roasting in the sun despite the parasols. The ceremony could also take place under a large tree with sweeping branches, in the forest, under a marquee roof, a large awning or on the side of the venue facing away from the sun. Do not worry, wonderful photos can be taken in the shade too. That you should not schedule the ceremony for the midday heat goes without saying.

2. Air does you good

We all know that moving air cools. The wind chill can amount to several degrees Celsius. During a heatwave you cannot count on it, but a light breeze is pleasant nonetheless. If none is blowing, simply create a little wind yourselves. For example with a pretty fan on every seat so that guests can fan themselves. Or battery-powered mini fans. Nicely personalised, they double as charming and useful favours.

3. A little mist

Tiny droplets of water cool the air and the skin pleasantly. A misting machine attached to a pole or a marquee works wonders. More personal and prettier are small spray bottles, also ideal as a favour. Unfortunately this way of cooling is not exactly environmentally friendly. Incidentally, bodies of water cool the air too. If the ceremony takes place near a stream, pond or lake, the air temperature is automatically a little more pleasant.

4. Summer dress code

State in your invitation that in great heat (or generally) a smart-casual dress code is fine. So that men may at least take off their jacket and loosen their tie a little. Or perhaps your guests may even attend the ceremony barefoot? Best to lead by example. Hats in all shapes and colours help too. Make a theme of it and let yourselves be surprised.

5. Rustle, rustle

There are the well-known gel cool packs in all variations. But let us be honest: they do not exactly look attractive. Prettier are small cherry stone cushions, for instance, which are also pleasantly cool after a few hours in the freezer. And they rustle so nicely.

6. Fancy a refreshment?

Offer ice-cold drinks as a welcome greeting even before the ceremony. A punch with mint, lemon, cucumber or berries lends itself well here. Alcohol warms you up and makes many people sleepy, so better to do without it before the ceremony. Speaking of ice-cold: how about an ice cream van? A fine gelato from a charming little gelato cart or an ice lolly instantly lifts the mood. A stand with ice cones or slushies (flavoured crushed ice), as you know them from amusement parks, would surely be a hit too and a welcome surprise.

7. The right surface

Pay attention to the right material when it comes to chairs. Metal chairs, ideally aluminium, conduct the heat away from the person sitting on them better than plastic or upholstered chairs.

If nothing helps at all, the best option may actually be to hold your ceremony indoors. That is, if there is air conditioning or a lovely cool vaulted cellar. You can still go outside for the photos with your guests. I wish you an unforgettable wedding ceremony!