Hot Tips for a Summer Wedding

If you're planning a summer wedding, as so many of us here in New Zealand do, there's some key things to keep in mind...

• Your guests are likely to be in the sun during your ceremony, so having drinks, shade fans, or umbrellas handy helps to keep them comfy.

• That beautiful Kiwi sun is dehydrating! Ask your wedding party to remind you to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Choose your wedding party attire in colours that don't show sweat.

• Summer weekends book up fast: book your venue, hold some rooms at local accommodation and book your honeymoon well in advance.

• Wedding cakes and summer sun don't go together well! If you plan to cut/serve your cake outside, keep it cooled until then.

• Be mindful of the temperature when selecting your dress.

Image by Emma Brittenden

Another great tip for a hot summer wedding is to think about your ceremony timing. The middle of the day is usually the hottest part, so a later afternoon or even early evening ceremony when the sun has dipped a little and the lighting is softer is better for photos too! If you do need to hold your ceremony earlier, try to find a shaded spot or consider hiring a marquee, stretch tent or market umbrellas to create your own shade.

It’s also worth chatting with your vendors - your florist, for example, can advise which blooms will stand up best in the heat and stay looking fresh all day. Likewise, your hair and make-up artist may suggest products that hold up better in warmer temperatures and humidity, so you’re still glowing (in a good way!) by the time the dancing starts.

And don’t forget to consider your older guests - they may feel the heat more than most, so offering cold drinks on arrival, and consider a fan at each chair to help them stay cool and comfortable.