Beating the Heat

I don't know about you but it has been hot here in Sonoma County the last few weeks, like 90+ degrees. I want to talk about some things you need to think about with an outside wedding in the heat.

1. Umbrellas. PLEASE for the love of your guests, PLEASE rent or buy umbrellas to shade your guests. You might think "Why? The ceremony is only going to be 20 minutes tops." There are plenty of guest who like to show up early to get a good seat, and your wedding MIGHT not start on time. Without umbrellas they could be roasting for an hour or more JUST for the ceremony. Bonus they can be moved to your dinner location if there's no shade there. You can do big market umbrellas or cute paper umbrellas, just get them some shade.

2. Water. This sounds like a no brainer. Please have some cold water on hand before the ceremony before the bar opens. Not only will you guests appreciate the cold beverage, it's best to have something on hand for you and the wedding party. I find it is one of the most commonly forgotten items for the wedding party along with lunch. I don't care if you use drink dispenser or water bottles, just have access to drinkable water ALL the time.

3. Fans.  They are SO stinking cheap, seriously like less than $1 each. They are always a big hit, and you don't have to buy one for every guest, I'd say about 1/2 your guest count is good and bonus they get to take them home. Have them again for your wedding party, maybe get bigger and nicer ones for you.

4. But SERIOUSLY it's hotter than HECK!
I've had a few weddings in 100+ weather, maybe in some parts of the country that's normal, but not here in Sonoma County. For weddings that will be this hot, I recommend buying some cheap rags at any big box store and soak them the day before in water. Then wrap them into rolls, and put them in ziplocks. Put them in the freezer till the day of the wedding, then pack them in an ice chest to bring to the wedding. Hold out on breaking these puppies out till you just can't hold out anymore. Cause that ice chest will empty faster than you can say I DO.

5. Ice Cream. Talk with your caterer, plan to beat the heat with a sweet treat or call an Ice Cream Truck, your guest will feel like a kid again. Ice cream doesn't have to be with the cake, it can be part of cocktail hour, or a late night snack.


Stay cool, 


Sarah
hehe that was high school cheezy


Photo credit: Michelle Feileacan Photography

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