Top Tips to Stay Cool on Your Wedding Day
A sunny wedding day is everyone's dream…until the heat starts to bite. The good news? With a little planning, you and your guests can stay cool, comfortable, and ready to dance all night, whatever the forecast. Here's how.
Clare Smith Photography
Advice for the couple
Pick breathable fabrics. Whether it's your dress, suit, or accessories, lightweight, natural fabrics like linen, cotton and silk will keep you far cooler than heavy satins and synthetics, especially if you're out in the courtyard or fields for photos.
Build in shade breaks. Ask your photographer to schedule couple shots for earlier or later in the day when the sun is gentler, and keep a few "cool down" moments in your timeline so you're not wilting before the speeches.
Hydrate before you forget to. It sounds obvious, but on a busy wedding morning it's easy to skip water entirely. Keep a bottle on hand from the moment hair and makeup starts and chat to your caterers about having extra water on the tables.
Use the indoors strategically. Our barns offer a naturally cool, shaded retreat from the heat, so if the sun gets too much mid-celebration, stepping inside for a moment is no hardship at all.
Image: Lucy Watson Photography
Advice for your guests
Give them both options. One of the best things about our courtyard and barn spaces is the flexibility. Guests can enjoy their drinks reception outdoors in the sunshine or retreat into the cool of the barn whenever they need a break, rather than being stuck in one space all afternoon.
Bring in some shade. Our recommended supplier Stories Event Hire can provide parasols, outdoor seating and styled shaded areas for your courtyard reception, so guests aren't left squinting in direct sun for hours.
Set up a hydration station. Speak to your caterer about adding a water or refreshing drinks station to the drinks reception, all of our approved caterers are happy to set this up alongside canapés, and it's a small touch your guests will really appreciate.
Think about footwear and fans. A basket of flip-flops by the dance floor or a stack of paper fans on the guest tables are simple, inexpensive ways to keep everyone comfortable once the party gets going.
Image: Peter Denness
You can't control the weather, but you can plan around it. With shaded spaces, indoor and outdoor flexibility, and the right suppliers on hand, a hot day doesn't have to mean an uncomfortable one, just a beautifully sunny one.
Planning a summer wedding? Get in touch with our team, we're always happy to share more tips for making the most of the weather, whatever it decides to do.
