Are you planning a summer wedding? Then follow these fabulous summer wedding dos and don’ts for a celebration that goes off without a hitch
If you are having a summertime wedding, your vision for that special day probably includes beautiful weather with bright blue skies, gorgeous flowers, guests milling around with their favorite cocktail enjoying scrumptious hors d’oeurves and raving about how beautiful everything is.
While it is possible your day could turn out exactly the way you dreamed it would, you need to prepare for the possibility that a number of things could indeed go wrong if you don’t plan ahead. However, if you have never planned a summer wedding before, how do you know what to anticipate?
That’s where the experience of a qualified wedding consultant comes in. Kathy Byrum of Dream Wedding and Event Planners has been planning and coordinating summer weddings for over 14 years. Below are some of Kathy’s top tips for preventing you and your guests from feeling the discomfort of the summertime heat, maintaining the beauty of your dream cake, ensuring your flowers stay fresh, and other important details to make certain your dream wedding goes off without a hitch.
One
If you are planning an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, always have a backup plan in the event of rain. Make sure you have an indoor option if Mother Nature doesn’t go your way.
Two
Make sure your guests are well taken care of, especially if they are sitting out in the warm sun without some sort of shade overhead. Have plenty of ice cold water available in pretty glasses with slices of lemon and lime or bottled water in ice buckets, and have your hostesses and ushers hand out fans or umbrellas (and perhaps a little insect repellant) to keep everyone comfy during an outdoor affair.
Three
One of the best ways to keep your makeup from sliding right off your face on a hot, humid day is to hire a professional makeup artist. If your budget doesn’t allow that: a) use an oil-absorbing foundation primer ; b) layer your eye makeup with a translucent face powder; c) mist on a makeup setting spray; and d) carry some makeup blotting papers in your clutch so you can absorb any excess oil without removing your makeup.
Four
When selecting your bridal gown for an outdoor celebration, stay away from heavy fabrics such as satin or brocade. Multiple layers of crinolines or slips should be avoided because they can trap heat making you very uncomfortable. Added beads or sequins will weigh down your dress causing it to cling to your skin as well. You should also take into consideration lighter materials that breathe for the men’s tuxedos or suits.
Five
Don’t plan on having a fondant wedding cake if it will be outdoors. Hot weather can trap heat on the inside of the cake causing the fondant frosting to bulge and sag. Opt for buttercream, and skip the mousse fillings that can go rancid in just a few hours. Either way, try to keep your cake refrigerated until just before your guests arrive.
Six
Don’t stretch out the cocktail hour for more than the traditional one hour. Since summer weddings can be quite warm, too much alcohol can be a bad thing. Make sure your appetizers are substantial enough to prevent the alcohol from going to everyone’s heads! Also, your guests want to move into the announcements, toasts and dinner hour without delay so they can get on with the socializing and dancing. Unnecessary gaps between events can cause your guests to lose that essential party mood.
Seven
In the months of May through August, there are a wide variety of summer blooms from which to choose. If you stick with seasonal flowers, they will be more affordable. Talk with your floral designer about whether your flowers will be inside or outside for the evening, and they will educate you about which flowers are more sensitive to the outdoor heat.
Eight
Order a backup boutonniere. They are fragile, especially since your groom will be wearing it all day, and it needs to withstand the heat and hugs. Order an extra one so you can replace it when his begins to droop.
Nine
Summer heat and humidity can cause your feet and hands to swell. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and try to stay cool before walking down the aisle. Apply a bit of hand lotion to your ring finger to avoid trouble getting that ring on during your vows!
Ten
Provide Powder Room necessities for both the men and the women. Assemble baskets with useful items such as Band-Aids, deodorant, toothbrushes/toothpaste, mouthwash, hand lotion, baby powder, bobby pins, body spray, Tylenol for the occasional headache, mint flavored gum, etc. Customize the baskets to suit the needs for men and women alike.
These are just a few of the highlights involved in thinking ahead while planning your summertime nuptials. Having a professional plan your wedding and be there to oversee the day’s events is the best wedding gift you can give yourselves. Invest wisely in your wedding and make sure you are well taken care of so you can enjoy all of the special moments that you will treasure for a lifetime.