It’s summer. Time for festivities, celebrations and of course, a summer wedding or three. Experience has taught me two things about summer weddings. One, they are beautiful and two, they can get really uncomfortable, really quickly.
This is probably not what you expect and that is precisely why it happens: a hundred or so people dress up in their Sunday bests to share your special day and end up wishing that they needn’t wear a thing. Summer is hot. If you have your wedding in peak season there are a couple of things that you will have to keep in mind so as to avoid that heat form melting more than hearts on your glorious day.
Keep it Cool
The first thing you’ll have to do is figure out how to ensure that guests have an option between the blazing sun and shade. Pick a venue that has an outdoor area and an indoor space. If the venue you opt for does not have indoor facilities, set up a gazebo or look for a tree-rich location to house the event.
Keep them Hydrated
Let’s face it, many people enjoy alcoholic beverages and these do have a tendency to dehydrate the system. Make sure there’s plenty of water and juices around and easily accessible. Not only will this keep your friends and family hydrated, it might also prevent some serious drinking starting an hour or so too soon.
Life’s a Beach
If you’re going for gold and setting up your summer wedding on the sand remember to mind the wind. Under no circumstances is it fun to sit through the proceedings with sand blowing this way and that. Make sure you have it covered, pitch a stretch tent or pick a spot that is both on-sea and off-sea. In Cape Town, weddings tend to go down best when we remember that we are the windy city and make the necessary provisions.
Other useful additions: sprinklers, misters (not the groom and best man but actual water misters) and of course, cushions for the chairs.
Keep in mind that summer is ideal but even more so if you remember to cater for the sun and the wind as well.
