We love a summer wedding here at the Urban Wedding Company, its one of our favourite seasons. Hands up who loved that gorgeous weather at the weekend we had? Thanks to Chelle for bringing back the Portugal weather with her, we enjoyed it!

As it was so nice, lots of couples will have been super excited to have to have had the sun out for their special day. But it does come with its own problems, a blue sky is a couples dream, but we know this is a photographers nightmare! Why? Because it brings its own issues. It casts shadows on faces and everyone screws up their face squinting from the sun to name a couple.

So, for those who love or hate the sun, here are our top 5 tips for keeping cool on a summers wedding day!

keeping cool on a summers wedding day

Image Emily Robinson Photography

wedding couple on the streets

Image Emily Robinson Photography

Tip 1. Stay out of the sun, as much as you can.

What? I hear you ask, of course we say this especially if you are prone to swell in the heat, which a lot of people are. Try to stay in the shade and drink plenty of water we mean around 2-3 litres a day. It can help with bloating and keeps you well hydrated.

Maybe you want to grab those last few rays for sun glowing skin, try to wear strapless tops where possible. Especially if you have a strapless wedding dress, also wear a good factor sun lotion. The last thing you want to try and do is have strap lines and then try to cover them with fake tan. Trust us unless you can get the right shade it won’t work!!

Tip 2. Relax

Ok, the morning of your wedding day try to stay relaxed, we know this is easier said than done. Our suggestion to have a cool shower and stay in a cool room with a good sized fan or air conditioning if you have it. This will help to keep your skin cool so you don’t sweat and swell.

Alright, we know it’s not always easy, but try not to be running around on the morning of your wedding. Get all your prep done the day before so you can relax enjoy the morning and get ready with your tribe. If you find anything needs doing delegate to a bridesmaid or your wedding planner if you have one.

Tip 3. Don’t sweat it

Tip 3 will absolutely keep you cool on a summers wedding day. Use a really good and reliable anti-perspirant, preferably scent free. We’ve heard Mitchum is a good one, but haven’t tested it ourselves. Plus side about a scent free anti-perspirant is that you can use a lot without the worry of the scent over powering your perfume/aftershave.

Oh, don’t forget to bring it in your handy bag along with your lippy!!

Keeping cool on a summers wedding day

Tip 4. Sun times

Let’s say you’re marrying at peak time between 1pm and 2pm. Remember this is when the sun is at its hottest. Be prepared, you may have to be a bit flexible with your drinks reception if the outdoor space has no shaded areas. Be honest the last thing you want is a guest or either of you fainting in the heat.

Of course if your budget allows then you can always hire in a couple of large outside umbrellas to create some shade.

Tip 5. Pictures

It’s been mentioned before. Be prepared for your photographer to find a shaded area for photo’s and trust them with this, they do know what they’re doing. The sun will make you and guests squint, it causes harsh light and strong shadows. Try to do your group shots quickly so people can get out of the sun if they wish and stay hydrated. Also when the sun is going down this is a good time to grab some more portraits, the lighting is just gorgeous and wont be as harsh.

Our biggest tip is to Remember to enjoy your wedding day, you’ve planned it for so long!

Check out more summer wedding blogs