How to keep your wedding guests comfortable in a heatwave
Summer is the most popular time of year to get married, and for good reason: you can’t beat an outdoor wedding in warm, sunny weather. But what happens when the mercury rises just a little too much and guests are left sweltering in their formal wedding attire? Here are some ideas for keeping your guests cool and comfortable if you’re hit by a heatwave on your big day.
Water
Let’s start with the basics. In the blazing heat, staying hydrated is vital, and free-flowing bubbly won’t help your guests on that front. Make sure that you have plenty of bottles of water for guests to help themselves to. You could even make a feature out of it: a rolltop bath or big galvanised steel planter filled with water and ice makes a great place to keep bottles of water and other drinks cool without detracting from your wedding aesthetic.
Ice cream
Always a popular idea for a summer wedding, an old-fashioned ice cream bike or trike comes into its own during a heatwave. Ice lollies make a lighter option if you’re worried that guests might fill up on ice cream before your wedding breakfast!
Shade
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony and/or drinks reception, discuss the options with your wedding venue. If possible, see if you can host at least part of the festivities in a place where guests can get some natural shade – under trees, for example.
Parasols
If there’s nowhere shady for guests to stand during your wedding, why not provide some pretty parasols for them to keep the sun off with? Paper parasols don’t cost much, and they make for some striking wedding photos. You could even double them up as wedding favours and let guests take them home – more inspiration here. Alternatively, you could hire full-size parasols like these.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Finally, if your celebrations will be outdoors for any length of time, be sure to provide some bottles of sunscreen for any guests who’ve forgotten to apply some. A basket full of inexpensive sunglasses is sure to be appreciated, too.
Want to book a summer outdoor wedding? Give our wedding team a call on 01730 763800 or request a brochure to find out more about getting married at Southdowns Manor.
