How to Deal with Summer Heat on your Wedding Day

Summer brings in wedding season, sunshine, and blue skies - as well as heat, sweat, smeared make up, and bad tempers. If you are having a gorgeous, outdoor summer wedding, you may be worried about how you are going to make it through in your floor length ball gown or how your grandma will do sitting in the sun so long. Here are 10 quick tips for  surviving the heat on your wedding day:

1) Wear a slip to take tulle off legs and skin No matter what kind of wedding dress you are wearing, even if it is strapless,chances are it is going to be hot. There are just so many layers, and layers that cling. It might seem counterproductive to add another layer to your ensemble, but by wearing a silk or light weight slip underneath you can keep the tulle - major heat maker - off your legs and from clinging to your skin. 2) Get ready and dressed in a cold room - keep that AC going! Have you ever gone from a freezing room and then out into 100 degree weather and felt: "awww that feels nice"? Well, that is the goal here. If you get ready in a cold room it will make it so it takes longer for the heat to take it's toll. Plus, it will give your make up a chance to set and encourage a good attitude and feeling beautiful (think trying to get your skinny jeans on in a hot humid room versus during winter when everything is nice and cool). 3) Make sure any car or transportation is completely cooled before you get in. This is a similar concept as getting ready in a cool room with the added detail of avoiding irritation if the car is crammed and not giving your make up the opportunity to sweat off before you even reach your summer ceremony. 4) Keep some blotting papers ready to help your face stay matte On your wedding day, you are going to sweat and chances are your face is going to get shiny - and I don't mean the bridal glow. The best and easiest way to handle this is stocking up on some blotting papers. Perhaps have your maid of honor carry them for you, or keep them in your bridal purse. 5) Use Primers and Waterproof Mascara While we are talking about make up, another tip to help it survive the heat is to use primers for you face and eyelids and then also use a waterproof mascara. Waterproof mascara has improved leaps and bounds, so you don't need to worry about it being flaky. 6) Provide accessories that will help keep guests cool Now, to look beyond the bride. Provide cute little umbrellas or fans is a great way to help your guests enjoy the ceremony and not complain about the heat. To take things cuter, you can create a fan program. There are a lot of great DIY templates available and it will create a cute keepsake, rather than a crumpled make shift fan. 7) Schedule your ceremony for the late afternoon or early evening and reception at night. This may seem simple, but...well...it is. This is a great option to avoid the heat if you don't mind planning around that burning sun. If you are having an outdoor wedding it may be well worth it to schedule it so that you don't have to worry about getting sunburnt or anyone getting hit stroke. Plus there are very few times of year that are more romantic than summer nights.  8) Have a portion indoors If you don't want to plan the time around the sun, than perhaps just plan the where around the sun. This way you and you guests are not outside in the heat of the day for the entire celebration. Having that beautiful outdoor ceremony followed by and indoor reception may be that perfect compromise. Plus, if your venue allows it, you could still have some outdoor options at the reception, but have the primary party inside. 9) Keep the Ceremony Brief If you are determined to have an outdoor ceremony, try keeping it short (like 20 mins) to avoid having to stand -and your guests sit- in the harsh sunlight for a long period of time. 10) Serve cold water and keep the wedding party hydrated Really, this should almost be number one. When it comes to summer hit, it is not just discomfort that is a concern. There is a very real safety issue: heat stroke. So be sure to have lots of water available and keep yourself, your wedding party, and your guests plenty hydrated.