Heat and Outdoor Ceremony!!!

Up until a few weeks ago, we've had so much rain on the weekends, that my biggest wedding worry was the rain. Now they are forecasting that Saturday will be the hottest day of the week, with high in the 90's. Our ceremony is at 12:30pm (about 30 mins). Should we consider doing it inside? We have about 8 or so elderly guests (age 60 and above). I was hoping for a garden ceremony which is the reason why we picked our hall, but I don't want anyone to faint and since my day is so soon (this sat), I don't think I have any time to get any fans/supplies to help keep people cool.

What do you girls suggest?

Alina ... this was me last year. First off, I can't believe you are getting married this weekend. Wow that time flew.

But I had a warm'er' day. It was probably about 80-85 and a bit on the humid side, but I wanted my outdoor ceremony and I had it. It was more shaded by the chapel, so for the most part, I think everyone was comfortable. I had my hall set up a table with ice water, just in case anyone needed it. I think more people were warm during my cocktail hour which was set up outside as well. But I wanted it and I had it. If I felt that it was to warm though, I would have had it inside.

I think, you won't really be able to make that decision until the morning of. The weather forecast changed for me day that morning. It was suppose to be gorgeous and then I was hearing rain.

Also ... don't fret or get upset over the situation. The only thing we can't control is the weather. But hopefully, it cooperates and you will have your outdoor ceremony.

Good LUck!

I would not ask my guests to sit outside in over 80 degree heat, especially dressed up. Many older people cannot take that type of heat. I would call the reception site and ask them for suggestions on what to do. I am sure they have dealt with this problem before.

On a side note: At my SIL's baby shower her mother (if you can call this women that) decided that the ONE thing she would do for the shower was provide the location- a Church basement that she rented for $100. Okay, fine. Well it turned out to be the hottest day ever and my grandmother had lung cancer and cannot be in that type of heat EVER plus there were many other elderly aunts that would be effected by too much heat. This brilliant women never thought of any of that stuff and there were NO fans or A/C. My dad had to run out to the store to buy 4 of them before the guests arrived or else they would have had to take my grandma home.

SO point of the story is you need to consider your guests and their comfort as well as your dreams.

Oh well ... I did and no one was affected by it! I may have just been the worst bride, huh? It was warm, but it wasn't sweltering hot.

Alina ... when I called the Westbury Manor, they told me that it is really my call.

For those who couldn't take the heat ... well there were many rooms inside that were air-conditioned. Actually, the Manor Room overlooked my chapel - so they could have been in an air-conditioned room and still be able to watch the ceremony.

I guess in the end the decision is purely subjective -what one person thought was OK, another might not have.

I think sitting outdoors for a 30 minute ceremony will not kill anyone this weekend. Its a different story between a 30 minute ceremony where you can take a sip of ice water, and being in a hot basement for hours. Huge difference. Thats actually cruel ! I feel so bad for your grandma!
As far as the wedding, the ice water is taking care of the guests comfort. If anyone STILL cant tolerate the heat, they can sit inside and wait or watch from a window.

Although I agree with NOT making guests uncomfortable, I still think every bride should have the ceremony she's dreamed of. There will always be one person that is upset about something.

At my sisters wedding, my aunt flipped out because she was getting a little breeze from the door (it was winter). At my friends engagement party, her aunt flipped because it was too crowded and she couldnt move. I think at a certain point, 'We' guests can 'deal' and let the situation occur as the bride wants her big day to be.

Considering that a lot of churches aren't air-conditioned, I don't think it would be HORRIBLE to have your ceremony outside. It might be a breezy day, and that will help cool things off.

I think you should just wait until that day, and make your decision then. YOU might feel it's too hot for an outside ceremony. Afterall, wedding dresses are not the coolest things to wear!!

Try not to worry. I'm sure it will all work out great!!

I think you should do what you want. You will not be able to make EVERYONE happy no matter what decision to make. If your concern is the elderly and the heat, then that is your decision to make.

If you decide to do it outside, perhaps to make people more comfortable, I would suggest getting small bottles of poland spring to have nice and cold and handed out to the guests as they arrive for the ceremony. I would also suggest fans but since you dont have much time, I guess that wouldnt work.

If you are really concerned than do it inside and take lots of pictures OUTSIDE!!!!

Best of luck to you. Enjoy your day!!

I am NOT saying any bride is horrible for wanting an outdoor ceremony. My only concern is that guests, especially older guests, have a place that they may go if the heat is too much for them. Again, it can really depend on the heat and humidity that day. If it is 90+ and totally humid then a few guests may need an area with shade. I think the ice water stand is a very good idea.
I also think those paper fans that are used at some weddings are super cute and provide some comfort for your guests. Again, not saying anyone is awful!!! Just adding some advise.

Cira!

You bad girl you

Oh well ... I did and no one was affected by it! I may have just been the worst bride, huh? It was warm, but it wasn't sweltering hot.

Cira,

I think it is s matter of your choice. Im in wedding party this Saturday, and NOT looking forward to the weather. But I would much rather have heat over rain

We watched the video the other night and everyone seemed comfortable enough. My ceremony was only 20 minutes ... oh well ... can't make everyone happy ... but I wouldn't change that decision.

Jennbaby and Anna ... atcha!

we had an outside ceremony and it was great...the weather was probably upper 70's...

I was fine since we stood in a gazebo...but my uncle (who was going through chemo) said he was just about to go inside when the ceremony was over...and another guest who had a heart attack 4 weeks before the wedding went inside...

our ceremony was less than 20 mins as well...