Have an Upcoming Summer Wedding?
Fall may be on the way, but there are still a few months left of summer heat, so I'm going to soak in the sunny rays while they last. If you're like me and love the warmer weather, you probably planned your wedding during summer. If you're having a summer wedding that's coming up, here are 10 tips to stay cool and beat the heat.
1) style that keeps hair out of your face
Choose a hairstyle that will keep your hair out of your face, like a romantic updo or a flowing half-up half-down style. No one likes having hair sticking to their face, especially when it's hot and humid outside.
You can always let your hair down later for the party.
2) opt for a lightweight wedding dress
Summer allows for a wide variety of wedding dress styles, but if you're trying to maximize on keeping cool, you'll definitely want a style that is lightweight. Look for dresses with breathable fabric like charmeuse, chiffon, organza, or tulle. Other styles to look for that allow airflow are low-back, sleeveless, skirts with slits or bodices with illusion fabric.
3) change for the reception
If you already have your dress, you can always change for the reception. In the last few years, reception outfits have grown in popularity. You can go on Instagram and see examples of couples who have multiple outfit changes throughout their wedding day. We've had a few weddings where the couple changed during the reception into more comfortable outfits. Eric and Briana both ditched their formal attire for shorts and custom t-shirts at their rustic fall wedding last year.
Whoever said you have to stay in your wedding dress all night lied.
4) have a first look
Having a first look may seem like an odd inclusion on this list, but there's a good reason it's here. When you put a first look into your plans, it helps relax the timeline which does a few things: it allows an earlier time for your formal portraits when you look your best and when it's not so hot; allows time for different locations for your portraits, like somewhere shaded (more on that in the next point); and allows more time for you to spend in the air conditioning with your soon-to-be spouse.
5) portraits in a shaded location
If you absolutely have no option but to have your portraits done during the hottest part of the day, plan ahead for a location that is fully shaded. You'll want to look for locations with lots of trees or buildings that block out the sun. If your venue is architecturally stunning, doing portraits inside can be a really great option.
6) portraits at sunset
With summer comes long daylight hours and beautiful sunsets, which are absolutely worth stepping out of the reception to take portraits in. Planning to split up your portrait time can help keep you cooler by limiting your time in the sun. So instead of spending 30 minutes in the afternoon sun immediately following your family formals, plan for 15 minutes and then another 15-minute portrait slot at sunset after dinner.
7) portraits at night
Or...you can do portraits at night when the temperatures have dropped even more. Just be sure your photographer has experience with doing night portraits if this is what you plan on doing.
8) pick a shaded ceremony location
Along with picking a shaded location for your portraits, you can even go a step further and pick a shaded location for your ceremony. This will not only help keep you out of the sun but your guests as well. How dreamy would it be to have a woodland ceremony? Or if your venue has the space and allows for it, opt to move your ceremony indoors if you feel the outdoor temperature is too high for comfort.
9) indoor reception
Have your reception indoors so that you can party through the night in the comfort of the air conditioning.
10) stay hydrated
Above all else, make sure you are staying properly hydrated. With all the excitement and busy schedules, it's easy to forget to drink water, so be sure to take steps that help remind you to do so. Designate someone in your wedding party to be in charge of passing out water or have someone with a phone set an alert every few hours to get a drink. You don't want to find yourself getting dehydrated on your wedding day.
We are Rich & Cynthia
the husband and wife duo behind the lens of Cyn Davis Photography. We are based in Steubenville, OH and delight in photographing fairytale moments throughout OH, WV, PA and wherever the wind takes us. We are currently booking 2023 and 2024 weddings. Get to know us better by heading to our about page or contacting us to set up a coffee meeting. We'd love to hear all about your love story!
