I want to get married outside but I don''t want to melt!

[lilylover]

Oh, damn Texas!

It''s 80+ degrees here 7 months out of the year and 90+ degrees all the standard "summer" months. This past summer has been unusually hot with several weeks in a row of 100 degree+ daily highs.

I am going to be getting married in either early June 2010 (my first choice) or early July 2010 (all venues are cheaper in July!) and I really want to have my ceremony outside. The reception will DEFINITELY be inside. I am worried, though, that my guests will hate me, that my makeup will be melting down my face, and my grandparents will faint in the heat. Ok, it probably wouldn''t be that extreme, but still.

Has anyone gotten married outside in the summer months and had it turn out well? What are some creative ways to keep guests cool? I am thinking personalized ice cold water bottles and fans for guests to pick up before heading outside for the ceremony. Also, I am considering asking them to stay inside in the reception area until 10 minutes before the ceremony starts so that they will be outside for as little time as possible. We will have a short ceremony, so figuring all this in they will have to be outside no more than 30 minutes.

The venue I have fallen in love with has absolutely gorgeous grounds and a breathtaking ceremony location right off the lake. It is shaded.

Someone tell me that I am not being crazy in choosing to have an outside ceremony in the summer?

 

[Amanda.Rx]

I think it''s fine. What time were you thinking? High noon or evening? Just be accomodating to your guests (as you have already considered). Ice cold water bottles are a good idea, fans are a must (I''ve seen a few weddings where the program is printed onto a fan). Since it''s in the shade, you shouldn''t need any big white umbrellas.

I think 30 minutes is just fine. Just think about how you''d get your guests rounded up & seated in 10 minutes. Will you have a wedding director for help? You don''t want there to be a bunch of chaos.

Plus, with the grandparents, they''re one of the last people seated & one of the first people to leave the ceremony- just make sure they have some water!

Make-up is a different story... you''ll definately want to be able to touch up before your photos & dap the sweat beads off your face.

Other than that, use the grounds if they''re that lovely! I don''t think you''re crazy. I''m from SC & plenty of people get married outside here in the summer, as hot as it is here.

 

[zipzapgirl]

We had an outdoor reception and it happened to be the end of a 10 day heat wave. Absolutely blistering.
Just be aware that a lot of people will put their comfort ahead of your requested dress code, especially guys.
You may end up with golf shirts and shorts there.

 

[ms.halo]

I''ve been to several outdoor ceremonies in Texas during the summer and almost all of them were great. Yes, it was really, really hot. But as long as the dress code isn''t formal, I don''t think sitting outside for 30 minutes will make anyone melt. I did go to a wedding once in Dallas at 3 p.m. in July where two groomsmen (in tuxes) fainted. So, keep the dress code a little more casual, use a tent or gazebo if possible to create shade, keep the ceremony short/on time, and offer lots and lots of cool drinks!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

We survived and it was in the mid to upper 90s (I believe don''t remember the exact temp). Survivability tips from me (some from other PSers): stay inside as long as possible, put your dress on as late possible, have a short ceremony (as short as is reasonable for you), have the ceremony later in the day (ours was at 6) and try to keep the guests in the AC as long as possible, have something available for your guests (ice water, etc.), take group photos after if possible when it''s cooler, if you don''t pick a light dress (mine was satin..and heavy) then wear the moisturewik(sp) shorts under..they kept me cool! I''ve also seen cleavage coolers recommended, but I survived without them. I did keep a handkerchief shoved into the top of my dress for most of the day though to blot my face with when no one was looking or I was alone.

 

[House Cat]

September?

 

[KimberlyH]

We got married outside in Southern CA during August. We had the ceremony at 7:30 so no one had to be outside in the heat except for us (we took pictures before the ceremony). It was a hot day (upper 90s) and I didn''t even notice the temperature the whole night. It turned out perfect.

 

[meresal]

I leave work at 5 o'clock everyday, and it is still over 100 outside, and has been for a month now. Just beware, all of the guys and probably some of the girls will be dripping in sweat, especially if you have them in suits or tuxes.

To be honest, I wouldn't suggest it, unless you have a ceremony venue that is in a place with a very nice beeze. I would suggest late Fall if you want an outdoor wedding in Texas.

ETA: I just had dinner with one of my BM's and her husband. He was in a wedding last weekend that was outdoors in Texas and in a suit. He said it was miserable. He and the other guys had to keep wiping the sweat off their brow. I think he also said something about people's faces being red in pictures beasue of the heat.