Summer wedding season is here in full swing, and whether you have a wedding upcoming or you’re planning for a warm weather gathering in the future, there’s a good chance that you’ll be contending with excessive heat in the forecast. If you’re holding an event indoors with air conditioning this is a non-issue, but with outdoor weddings becoming more popular with each passing year, couples will have to go the extra mile to ensure that their guests are as comfortable as possible.
We’ve hosted our fair share of outdoor festivities here at Nanina’s in the Park, and we know a thing or two about watching the weather and preparing accordingly! Here are the best ideas we’ve seen to keep your guests cool in the midst of a summer wedding.
- Parasols
Parasols are small umbrellas that you can hand out to your guests that can provide welcome shade in even the sunniest spots of your venue. This is also a great opportunity to introduce a pop of color that will adhere to your chosen theme, and parasols also double as a unique wedding favor they can use long after the ceremony. Best of all, those parasols will look amazing in your photos!
- Bottled Water
If your guests will be in the direct sun for a long period of time, be sure to hand out water bottles along with your wedding programs to help your guests keep cool through the ceremony. Consider placing the bottles in a freezer to get them partially frozen so they will be cool and refreshing for much longer.
- Hand Fans
Much like the parasol idea, consider handing out small fans that your guests can use to fan themselves during the ceremony. Since most people use their wedding programs for this exact purpose, consider printing your programs onto these fans to have them perform double duty during your ceremony.
- Sunglasses
In addition to trying to beat the heat, the glare from the sun is another factor to consider. Sunglasses are a great way to improve the comfort level of your guests, so consider setting up a table outside of where the ceremony is being held so your loved ones can grab a pair as they walk in. As an added bonus, having all of your guests in matching sunglasses is sure to add charm to your wedding photos!
- Drink Stations
Last but not least, if you want to go for the gusto with your signature cocktails and beverages from the start, set up a self-serve drink station so your guests can grab a class of lemonade, a soda or other libation before the ceremony starts. Make sure it is in an accessible location that your guests can easily get to once the festivities get underway!
