During the summer months, many people plan their nuptials outside while allowing the temperature of the day to cling to their skin. Seeing the beauty of these outside events is awesome. And no one knows the sacrifice that is really being made in order to make this special event so fabulous.
So let me give you some things to ponder:
sun, temperature, bugs, weight of your clothes, location, rain, and sweating.The Sun
Late evening weddings in August is often a surprise, because the sun begins to set sooner. So plan your outside event while the sun is still bright and clear.
Before booking your time with the venue, check to see when the sun will set on your special day.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=419And after acquiring your location, take into consideration the sun's position at the time of your wedding.
The sun's heat and direct aim can prove very uncomfortable for a 30 - 40 minute wedding. So select a venue where there is shade or select a time when the sun is setting.
Bees and Gnats
I have done weddings at venues where there was an absence of bugs. And I have done weddings where there was a constant fanning of bees; while the gnats would settle gently in the fabric of the bride's dress. So ask the event coordinator at the venue you choose about their flying neighbors.
Guests
Consider your guests and elderly family members sitting in the sweltering heat while supporting you. The heat can be pretty overwhelming for them especially while dressed in formal clothing.
So provide them with:
Ice cold drinking water
Fans
Start your wedding on time or a few minutes afterwards, but do not delay your wedding more than 10 minutes. It's not fair to them to have to wait in temperatures above 80º.
Aisle Runner
I have watched many inexperienced pullers work hard trying to figure out what to do, while 100's of people looked on. Often times there is no tape, no weights to aid the puller in his task. Even though this may seem like a simple job. It becomes difficult when nature works against his efforts.
To make this job easier, I suggest that you provide him with the right tools.
heavy duty tape
pocket knife (just in case he needs it.)
replacement cord, if the cord is not long enough
colored pouches full of stones, balloon weights, or small votives with lights(battery operated, not fire) placed at 3 - 4 feet intervals (both sides) to hold down the runner.
The weights will prevent the runner from taking off to distant places across the lawn, while keeping it smooth and straight.
When a runner is used on grass (not suggested), your heels and the heels of your bridal party (recessional) will poke through it. This can cause you to trip, be thrown off balance, and the runner to tear and move.
If you are not planning on wearing flats, wedge heels (on grass), or securing the runner; then forget using one. The aisle runner can be more problems than you can imagine.
The two places where an aisle runner should not be used:
Grass (not easy to secure and tears easily)
Slippery Surfaces (very dangerous).
If the venue's staff warns you not to use a runner on their floors, don't. No one wants you to have an accident, and no one wants to see you on Worlds Funniest Video or YouTube.
Depending on the length of the aisle and the complications of the task, it can take more than one person to execute this job.
Unity Candle
On a nice cool day, hurricane covers will keep the candles from blowing out. However, it takes a long time for parents to light the candles when the wind works against their efforts. The same applies to the bride and groom.
Keep in mind that hurricane covers won't stop the heat from melting the wax and causing the candles to distort and flop under their own weight.
Therefore, I suggest replacing this ritual with the sand blending one. There are many ways to revamp this ritual, so that it can reflect the blending of two families into one. And if you have to have a unity candle ceremony, then buy an oil candle set (I will provide you with purchasing information).
Rain
An alternative indoor plan is always good, but are you willing to make the investment in decorating two locations for the ceremony. Once the venue is setup for the reception there is usually not enough room to move the ceremony indoors. And if you had a custom-designed arch that was built on location, then moving it may not be an option.
So in case of rain, allocate room in the venue for the ceremony. Then make sure that nothing is in that space where the bridal party will lineup (other than the decorations / flowers). This means that the head table would be setup after the ceremony.
Just let the catering staff or event planner know your backup plan, so that they can plan accordingly. Otherwise, your ceremony will be held in front of the head table without enough room for a large bridal party lineup.
Some venues will not allow you to make last minute changes. The decision to have your wedding indoors or out will have to be decided days in advance. So ask your venue coordinator about your options, and get everything in writing.
Sweating
After I perform a summer wedding and stay for photos, I am ready for a shower. And since I have done my share of these I come prepared.
So add to your agenda, a time to change clothes (or at least your under garments), a shower, wash up, or an opportunity to dry off. If you do not bring a change of clothes, then bring a blow dryer to dry them off. This however, is not the best solution.
____________________________________________Reverend Starlene Joyner Burns
202.253.3629
mailto:revsjb@comcast.net
http://www.startum.com/weddings.htm
©2009 All Rights Reserved
If you have anything to add to this list; kindly leave your comments. I will be happy to add your recommendations.
Best Man & Maid of Honor Toast - During the reception (this is off topic), your best man and maid/matron of honor should face you when making their toast. It is offensive when they toast you and all you see are their backs. So provide them with some guidance.
