How to Stay Cool on Your Wedding Day
Have you looked at the weather forecast and seen blazing sunshine? Instead of feeling excited, has your mind gone straight to, “What if I get too hot? What if my makeup slides off? What if I’m uncomfortable all day?”
Honestly… don’t panic.
As lovely as sunshine is, getting married in hot weather can feel a little daunting. The good news is that with a little planning, you’ll still look incredible, feel comfortable and enjoy every second of your day.
After helping hundreds of brides over the years, I’ve picked up lots of little tricks that really do make a difference. Some are obvious, but a few are bridal hacks that many brides tell me they never would have thought of.
The one thing I’d never leave home without
A handheld fan.
Honestly, I think every summer bride should have one.
Not only will it keep you cool, but they look so pretty in photos too. There are so many gorgeous white, lace and personalised fans available now that they almost become another bridal accessory.
I’d buy one for each of your bridesmaids as well. They’ll be grateful for it in the heat, and they can all fan you (and maybe the groom too!) while you’re waiting between photos. It can make for some gorgeous, natural photographs too.
Can I tell you another little idea? Some brides are now choosing fans instead of bouquets for their bridesmaids. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can work out to be a more budget friendly option too.
If you’re giving wedding favours, lots of companies also sell personalised fans in bulk. They’re practical, your guests will actually use them during the day, and they’ll have a lovely keepsake to take home afterwards.
Don’t let makeup become your biggest worry
One little bridal hack I always recommend is blotting papers.
Lots of brides instinctively keep applying more powder throughout the day, but after a few touch ups, makeup can start looking quite heavy.
Blotting papers simply lift away excess oil without disturbing your makeup, leaving your skin looking fresh rather than cakey.
They’re tiny, inexpensive and fit perfectly into a bridal emergency bag.
Let’s talk about chafing…
Can I let you into a little secret?
This is something hardly anyone talks about beforehand, but so many brides mention afterwards.
If your thighs rub together, don’t just hope for the best.
Either wear a pair of anti chafing shorts underneath your dress or use an anti chafing body butter, such as Megababe Chub Rub or another product you’ve used before.
The shorts can always come off later in the evening if you want them to, but they’ll make walking, dancing and standing around so much more comfortable during the hottest part of the day.
Honestly, there’s nothing worse than sore thighs when you’re trying to enjoy your wedding.
A little cooling mist goes a long way
One of my favourite hot weather hacks is carrying a small atomiser facial mist.
A quick spray over your face, neck or wrists can instantly make you feel refreshed without ruining your makeup.
Pop one in your bridal bag or ask one of your bridesmaids to carry it for you.
It’s such a simple thing, but you’ll be amazed how lovely it feels on a hot afternoon.
Keep sipping little and often
It’s easy to forget to drink when everyone wants to chat to you.
Rather than relying on glasses being handed around, I’d recommend having your own refillable water bottle.
Ask one of your bridesmaids to become your official water monitor and keep topping it up throughout the day.
You’ll stay hydrated without even thinking about it, and your body will thank you.
Create a little cooling station
Here’s a bridal hack that guests will absolutely love.
If your venue allows it, create a small cooling station in the ladies’ toilets.
You could include:
• Deodorant
• Body wipes
• Blotting papers
• Cooling facial mist
• Hair grips
• Hair spray
• Mints
• Plasters
• Safety pins
Your guests will think you’ve thought of everything, and you’ll probably end up using it yourself too.
Don’t forget about the sun
Beautiful sunshine makes for gorgeous wedding photos, but it can also be exhausting.
A pretty bridal parasol or white umbrella isn’t just practical. It can look incredibly elegant in photographs too while giving you some much needed shade between pictures.
Don’t be afraid to ask for five minutes
One thing I always tell my brides is this…
Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer if you can have five minutes in the shade or pop inside for a break.
You’re not being difficult.
Wedding dresses are warm, emotions are running high and standing in the sunshine for long periods can be exhausting.
The chances are your photographer will appreciate a quick break too. It gives them a chance to grab a drink, check their camera and plan the next set of photographs.
You’ll come back feeling cooler, refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of your day.
Enjoy every minute
If you’re lucky enough to have a sunny wedding day, embrace it.
A little planning goes a long way.
If I were getting married tomorrow, my hot weather essentials would be a beautiful fan, blotting papers, anti chafing shorts or body butter, a cooling facial mist, a refillable water bottle and a parasol.
They’re all simple things, but they’ll help you spend less time worrying about the heat and more time making memories.
If you’re still searching for your dream wedding dress, I’d love to welcome you to Barn Bridal Boutique. Together we’ll find a dress you’ll feel incredible wearing, whatever the weather