Planning a Summer Wedding?

Summertime weddings positively sparkle with longer days, increased outdoor activities and the laid-back summer ambiance. Yet summer weather brings along a few other items to consider  and getting them out of the way early can mean you, as well as your guests, have an overall more pleasant day. For a Kent Barn Wedding, visit /theploughatleigh.com/barn-wedding-venue-kent/

1) Heat and guest comfort

Even in the UK, a warm-day can come up and bite when improperly dressed.

Plan for:

Shade for outdoor ceremonies (trees, parasols, sail shades)

Visible top-up water outlets

Indoor fans for industrial spaces that can go stagnant

Opt for a later ceremony time, avoiding the peak heat of the afternoon.

2) A solid wet-weather plan

Summer doesn’t guarantee sunshine. A good Plan B keeps you from freaking-out in those days leading up to the wedding if the forecast turns nasty.

Check:

For wet weather – is there a back up ceremony space?

How quickly a switching of ceremony location can occur in the venue

If structures are allowed for the procession, ask about flooring and drainage. A soggy ground can lead to sinkholes.

3) Bugs (especially at dusk)

If your guests are outside and enjoying drinks, there will be far too many times when midges, wasps or even mosquitoes suddenly turn up.

Simple fixes include:

Cover food and keep bin bags closed

Not placing heavily scented candles around dining areas

Supplying some form of ultra-discreet bug spray in the loos.

4) Time for photos and natural light

Beautiful summer light but the sun in midday results in harsh shadows

Talk to your photographer about:

A shady spot for group photos

Golden hour couple portraits

5) Weather appropriate food and drink

A heavy meal can seem like too much on a hot day. A popular menu choice is light sharing boards, BBQ style or street food.

Also consider:

More ice and cold drinks

Allow time to cool down the cake if it`s hot in the venue.

6) Dress code and shoe advice

Guests appreciate a heads-up. By using your invite or website, you can put a short line regarding this:

Lightweight outfits welcome

Bring a Jacket incase its cold in the evening

Wedges or some sort of block heel is best for grass

With those needs dealt with upfront (and a weather backup plan in place), there’s nothing stopping you from getting out on the dance floor when that killer band strikes up, nor is anything holding back because you can stay cool.