As a full-time wedding photographer (and educator) based out of Southern California, I know how those hot wedding days just hit differently. So whether you’re planning a Summer wedding or getting married in a warm location, this one’s for you. If you’ve been searching high and low on tips for how to beat the heat on your wedding day, look no further. 

Beat the Heat

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

Look, I get it. Going to the bathroom in a wedding gown is tough. But you know what’s worse? Being dehydrated. Make sure your entire wedding party has tons of water bottles or even Gatorade throughout the day. Not only should you hydrate on your wedding day, but also leading up to it. I also love Liquid IV to stay on top of hydration in a pinch. Oh, and bonus!? This is sure to help with any hangover that’s headed your way 😉

PROVIDE WATER TO YOUR GUESTS

I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but it’s always such a warm welcome (no pun intended) to have water bottles available at an outdoor ceremony. While they may not be the most “aesthetic”, they will certainly be a hit with your guests.

WEDDING PROGRAMS = DIY FAN

One of the most tried-and-true hacks when it comes to beating those sultry summer days is to make your wedding programs into fans. Whether you’d like adhere a paint stick to them or turn them into a paper fan, there are some really cute ideas out there! They can still be aesthetic, but much more handy.

PROVIDE UMBRELLAS TO GUESTS

For those most sensitive to heat, I highly recommend having a few umbrellas available to guests (grandparents, kiddos, etc.) That sun beating down can be a real doozy. If you don’t really like this idea…

HAVE YOUR CEREMONY IN THE SHADE

The difference in temperate from a sunny ceremony to one tucked in the shade is life changing. And a bonus for this one? Nobody will have the sun in their eyes AND there will be no harsh light to worry about in your photos! Depending what time of day you say “I do”, there are many outdoor ceremony locations that have some shade to offer.

HAVE A LATER WEDDING CEREMONY

The hottest part of a day is often around 3:00 pm in the summer. If you’re okay having a first look (in order to save on some time for photos), opting for a 5:00 pm ceremony is a great option! The sun won’t be as powerful, and you’ll have an incredible golden hour headed your way in just a few short hours. 

Learning how to beat heat on your wedding day will make sure your day goes off without a hitch. If you aren’t familiar with the location in which you are getting married, research the weather patterns. Southern California, for example, can be hot from March-October. I even shot a wedding in March that was 101°! 

Looking for more wedding tips and tricks? CLICK HERE TO BINGE THE BLOG✨ And as always, let’s be friends on Instagram (@sarahyatesphoto).