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Summer weddings and heat go hand in hand! While warmer temperatures may pose extra challenges, as long as you’re prepared, your day can still go off without a hitch. Here are a few ideas to keep you and your guests cool and having fun on your wedding day!

1. Provide relief from the heat. Choose an indoor/outdoor venue that will allow for guests to enter air conditioning to cool down for a few moments if needed. Also, look for shaded areas for the ceremony site and cocktail hour.
2. Time the wedding to begin in the late afternoon or early evening.  Avoid beginning the ceremony during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest (generally 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
3. Have water and cool towels available.  Ask ushers to pass out water and small ice-cold hand towels while guests are seated waiting for the ceremony to begin. Bonus: Serve glasses of water with fruit that coordinates with your wedding colors.
4. Consider your attire and the wedding party’s attire.  Select knee-length dresses for bridesmaids and consider choosing linen or khaki suits for the groomsmen. Also, opt for open -backed vests for both the groom and the groomsmen.
5. Serve lighter fare.  Heat and heavy food don’t mix. Serve items such as grilled entrées, fresh produce, frozen cocktails and even popsicles!
6. Provide sunscreen, sunglasses, paper fans and parasols to protect your guests from the sun and help keep them cool.
7. Keep flowers hydrated. Leave your flowers in water and shade as long as possible to prevent wilting in the heat.
8. Keep powder and blotting papers close by to fend off shiny noses and foreheads.
9. Skip the perfume. Bugs are attracted to the scent of perfume so trade in your sweet smelling fragrances for bug spray instead. Additionally, stock up on citronella candles for all outdoor areas where guests will gather.
10. Keep your cake in the refrigerator. Keep your cake in a cool area for most of the reception to prevent it from melting in the heat.