Summer Weddings and heat

[ExCPKate]

I know summer weddings tend to be really convienent for a lot of people, especially teachers and students. For all of you who had a summer wedding(especially end of July!), was the heat too much? Do you have any tips for staying fresh and pretty in the intense sun? What's the best ceremony time to pick? Thanks for all your help, I have yet to pick up the phone and pick a date, but I would really like the last week in July.

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Well, I got married on June 9 and I will just say the heat is awful! There just isn't a way around it and the worry of rain is always there. It's a normal thing to have rain in a Florida afternoon, so I planned to have my wedding at 11:00am. It was the only day during our time their for our wedding and Disneymoon that it did not rain! Lucky us!

We chose Sea Breeze Point because the area was covered and I knew I couldn't take the sun beating down on me. My family is from Florida, so I know how bad it can be. I was actually worried about me fainting or passing out from the heat because it's happened a few times in the past. I drank water all morning, while I was getting my hair and make-up done, so I would not be dehydrated.

Of course, being in a wedding dress is hot and uncomfortable and your DH in a heavy black tux is not good either, but you do what you have to do! My DH brought a pocket fan with him and used it the entire time up until the wedding.

Your hair stylist and make-up artist know all about the Florida heat and humidity, so they know exactly what to do to help with the situation. Amazingly...my hair did not frizz and no sweaty make-up!

I was okay walking to the limo and we had the A/C blasting in the limo, so I would be freezing before I stepped out. It was a very long walk down the Boardwalk to SBP, but honestly with all the excitement the heat didn't bother me.

My DH was sweating like crazy through the entire ceremony! He actually had drops rolling off his cheeks, chin, and nose. At one point during our vows I had to wipe a sweat drop from his nose. That got a good laugh from our guests! I also broke out in heat rash, but it wasn't noticable until it crawled up and appeared on my back and chest. I turned pretty red and my Mom saw it appearing as I was saying my vows! I didn't even know it!

Once, the entire wedding deal was over...cake cutting, toast, etc...we realized how hot and sweaty we were! We were wiping my DH's face with napkins to control the sweat and the print on the napkins came off all over his face! I had to use my spit to get it off!

I was so hot under my wedding dress and I was just soaked with sweat! I was ready to get the dress off! The rash was also beginning to hurt and my thighs were killing me!

My make-up artist gave me touch-up make-up, which I applied at our reception before photo time and she also gave me make-up for my DH to cover up the shiney sweat! She was so wonderful and helpful! She knew all about getting married under the hot Florida sun!

As soon as we got back to our room we took our wedding attire off for it to air-out and dry. Everything was just soaking wet with sweat! I know...what a pretty sight! I was so happy to put on my PJ's and cool off! I cranked that A/C on!

All of our guests had the same issues too and they all live in Florida! Everyone returned to their rooms and had to change because their clothes were just soaked with sweat. The bad thing was we all had to wear the clothes later for our wedding dinner and we had a MK photo session the next morning! And...that's why I brought Febreze!

I know this may not sound fun at all and may be taken as a bad experience, but it's what you have to expect if you're going to have a wedding during the summer in Florida. It was 98 degrees on our wedding day and we were just in WDW for MNSSHP on Octover 19 and it was 91 degrees! Record breaking heat...lucky us!

You just need to know what to expect and plan for it. It is going to be very hot, humid, and sticky out there. I've only gone to WDW in the summer in the past, so I was fully prepared and it really is just a mindset. I'm very use to Florida weather, so I always find it funny to here people at WDW say..."Is it always this hot down here? Is the weather always like this? Does it rain like this everyday?" You gotta love the Florida afternoon down pours!

It's all worth it in the long run, but be prepared! I'm sure Brides that have never been to Florida before are shocked by how hot it can get!

 

[JJClemson]

I am getting married at the end of June at SBP and 10 am. I had a lot of concerns about the heat too, but you're right, summer is just such a convenient time of the year!

I am more concerned about my guests than DF and myself. After all, we chose to have an outdoor wedding at the end of June so we'll deal with it I am telling my guests to dress confortably, in sundresses and such. I wanted a more formal wedding at first, but I think the relaxed look goes better w/ SBP anyway. I am more concerned about my grandparents than anyone else. Disney is working with us for this, and they will "shuttle" my grandparents our of the BC right before our ceremony (in a golf cart or something I think) and take them back in right away. Since SBP is covered, and it will be am hours, I am really hoping they will be ok! My BMs are wearing short dresses as well and flip-flops b/c I don't want them to suffer either. The groomsmen are wearing flip-flops too and they may not wear sport coats (still not sure on that one)/ We're also making our programs into fans to help cool guests off.

I am not sure what else to do. Good luck to you I am interested in hearing more suggestions!

 

[hmgolden]

We got married on June 25. It was HOT! We had a 2:30 PM ceremony and started pictures at 12:30 PM (we saw each other before the ceremony). For the most part our guests weren't outside, other than the staged exit from the WP. I think the heat was the worst for DH and I as we were taking pictures outside. It didn't help that I didn't pick the best dress for the heat

If you can, I would pick a ceremony time later in the day so you can avoid the hottest parts of the day. But I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[purplegirl247]

Like Fairy_Tale implied, your best bet is to have a morning wedding, both because it's a tiny bit cooler and because it *usually* rains in the afternoon here. This year was weird because we didn't get very many showers at all. And like Fairy_Tale said, this year was also weird because we had a week of record-breaking highs, followed by a record low this past Monday.

Crazy Florida weather!

 

[JandJ]

Fairy_Tale_Bride - reading your re-cap had me laughing so hard I almost fell off my chair

ExCPKate - I've lived in Florida most of my life, from south FL to north central FL and now on the central west coast, and it is HOT May through August no doubt about it. But it can be hot anytime. On Sunday it was 92 degrees and then it's 68 this morning!

I think the middle of July to the middle of August is the hottest time of all so plan accordingly. You may want to consider the WP just so there's A/C for you and your guests. If you want an outdoor ceremony go with the earliest morning ceremony you can get, that will be your best bet. SBP is good because it is covered, as is WL Sunrise Terrace. The Terrace is good, if you're having a small wedding, because just a few steps away is the inside of the WL Resort with A/C and they do the cake cutting inside just off the Terrace. I believe at the Gazebo only you, your DF, and the officiant are under cover from the sun. I like F_T_B's DH's idea of a mini fan - that would make a cute favor for your guests.

For make-up in the summer, my tip is to get blotting papers (Clean & Clear makes them as do all higher-end make-up lines) and don't pile on too much powder. Use a frizz-free gel and hairspray. Don't wear anything too tight. I think a tight undergarment or a tight corset style gown will just make the heat worse. There's no reason not to have a wonderful July wedding day, just keep in mind that it will be hot, and don't worry about it too much. You'll be on Cloud 9 anyway, marrying your sweetheart, and probably won't notice the heat too much!

Best Wishes and Happy Planning!!

 

[JDR2b777]

well, I was there in September for my planning session and we started our engagement shoot at 6:30 - It was HOT! My DF was sweating so bad that we rented a towel from the GF so he could keep wiping his face off before a photo. But by about 7:15 the sun was going down it cooled off perfect.

I had that same fear of it being hot and now I am glad I choose the time I did.

I am getting married at the end of May at 7:30pm. I had originally wanted July 7, 2007 but that date was too much drama for me and my mother was concerned about the heat and rain and hurricane season. So, the evening of May 27 it is!

 

[Tinkerbellz]

The summer heat is exactly why I'm using Thanksgiving week for my Intimate Vow Renewal. It is also a good time for teachers. That's why I had to move it in the first place.

FTB---I agree with JandJ, I almost fell out of my chair reading your recap

I live in Louisiana, so I know what heat is like! people can spontaneously combust!

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Like Fairy_Tale implied, your best bet is to have a morning wedding, both because it's a tiny bit cooler and because it *usually* rains in the afternoon here. This year was weird because we didn't get very many showers at all. And like Fairy_Tale said, this year was also weird because we had a week of record-breaking highs, followed by a record low this past Monday.

Crazy Florida weather!

That's my families' favorite quote!

"Crazy Florida weather!"

HaHa

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Fairy_Tale_Bride - reading your re-cap had me laughing so hard I almost fell off my chair

ExCPKate - I've lived in Florida most of my life, from south FL to north central FL and now on the central west coast, and it is HOT May through August no doubt about it. But it can be hot anytime. On Sunday it was 92 degrees and then it's 68 this morning!

I think the middle of July to the middle of August is the hottest time of all so plan accordingly. You may want to consider the WP just so there's A/C for you and your guests. If you want an outdoor ceremony go with the earliest morning ceremony you can get, that will be your best bet. SBP is good because it is covered, as is WL Sunrise Terrace. The Terrace is good, if you're having a small wedding, because just a few steps away is the inside of the WL Resort with A/C and they do the cake cutting inside just off the Terrace. I believe at the Gazebo only you, your DF, and the officiant are under cover from the sun. I like F_T_B's DH's idea of a mini fan - that would make a cute favor for your guests.

For make-up in the summer, my tip is to get blotting papers (Clean & Clear makes them as do all higher-end make-up lines) and don't pile on too much powder. Use a frizz-free gel and hairspray. Don't wear anything too tight. I think a tight undergarment or a tight corset style gown will just make the heat worse. There's no reason not to have a wonderful July wedding day, just keep in mind that it will be hot, and don't worry about it too much. You'll be on Cloud 9 anyway, marrying your sweetheart, and probably won't notice the heat too much!

Best Wishes and Happy Planning!!

I'm glad you enjoyed our misery!

No, it really was a beautiful day and very funny to look back on! It's always fun to talk about! We were just so happy that it didn't rain! We were so worried!

Yeah, the fan was a great idea and I love your idea about it being a gift for the guests! I should have thought of that! What a cute idea! I bought a little WDW fan when we were down there for our Disneymoon and my Mom had bought us each a water mister as a gift.

 

[pixie08]

We are getting June 22 next year. For reasons discussed we decided to start our ceremony at 5pm and the reception at 6pm and not use any outdoor facilities. I really wanted an outdoor ch but decided I don't want my guests sweating away So we chose the wp, then the Boardwalk. So the guests will only be outside a little bit.

 

[dancekm01]

Well I can tell you that I got married July 25th and it was hot, but I would not have changed a thing except wearing my hair up instead of down. We got married at sunset point at 11 am. My coordinator was wonderful. She keep on giving us water and napkins to wipe our faces down. You could not even tell in our pictures we were as hot as we were.

 

[kimnkel]

I couldn't do the heat thing. Seriously. And I am from S. Texas. For our first trip away together my fiance and I went to New Olreans at the end of August. (Then we evacuated before Katrina--another story) But he is one of those people that swears the heat doesn't bother him. "Just ignore it." Hello? The heat is sucking all the oxygen out of my lungs--how can I "just ignore it!?!"

And then the crowds+the heat....no WAY! Aaaugghhh...stop standing so close to me, people!

Of course, I also think anything below, say, 65 degrees is frigid, so maybe I am just a wimp. I blame it on the fact I grew up in San Diego. I am spoiled rotten, weather-wise.

It isn't just coincidence I am geting married in December. Now my only worry is wondering if I should have done it in January....

But like FTB, the best thing is to marry when it works for you all, and just adopt a great attitude. "Just ignore it!"

Best of luck! let us know what you decide, and on your date I will ceremoniously lower my A/C for you, and send you cooooollll thoughts!

 

[Luvndisney]

i got married on July 15th and it was 92 degrees that day. we got married at 2:30 so we were at the hottest point of the day in Fl. I agree with the other posters but i have to say that it didn't really bother me that much. haveing a morining or evening wedding is a great idea, but do not stress about the heat. i do not remember where you are from but most places are hot in the summer sometimes hotter than Fl so if you have to have a summer wedding - go ahead and be excited! We had to have one because of the heat.

Here are a few other ideas:

get a lighter fabric dress for you and your girls..chiffon worked well for me.

let your guests were a more casual attire instead of jackets and ties...we did.


think of interesting locations to take indoor photos.....we took some great inside piano shots at the GF and some patio images...i honestly was very cool and the only heat issues were the ones we were in direct sunlight.

Of course we can not control teh weather but if you got with a summer wedding it will be just as beautiful! there are donwfalls to any season.

 

[ExCPKate]

you all have given such great suggestions! I plan on having it at the WP with the reception at the BW. Hopefully, we can have the ceremony in the early evening. I wouldn't mind having a morning ceremony but I'm worried about being able to get ready on time, I don't do well with stress. I'm from Indiana so technically I shouldn't be used to heat, lol....but my DF and I lifeguarded at PORS and FQ for 6 months on the college program, spending every day in the hot sun. We're old pros , I'm just worried about the guests.

I think it's a good tip to wear your hair up. I had really wanted my hair down, but now that I think about it, hair on the neck sounds so hot(and not in a sexy way...haha!) I'm more worried about the make-up dripping off my face...not a very attractive look. But I think if we minimize the time we're outside it'll be okay. And you're all right, it is totally worth it to combat the heat to have that perfect day with your perfect man

Thanks again everyone, I knew I could count on you!

 

[dznystar]

We're getting married June 14, 2007 with our ceremony beginning at 7:30. I know it will still be hot, but i'm hoping by the time the reception begins, it will start to cool off.

 

[c&k]

we got married on august 4th past. we had our cermony at 5pm. it rained when i got into the limo and had finished by the time we got out for photo at the grand. it was hot but overbearing and my dress was heavy ball gown. i wouldn't change a thing, it was the best day ever.