Summer Weddings Transform: Melting Makeup, Sweaty Tuxes, Overheating Guests!

NEWTOWN, Ohio (AP) — Having both been raised with a fondness for camping, Tyler Jones and Kayla McDonald decided that an outdoor setting would be perfect for their wedding, allowing them to celebrate amidst nature with their loved ones.

The couple planned their nuptials for the late summer, necessitating a venue flexible enough to accommodate a quick move indoors should the unpredictable Cincinnati weather prove uncooperative.

“The heat could hit a hundred degrees with the humidity,” Jones remarked. They were relieved when the weather forecast predicted a more manageable 84 degrees Fahrenheit (about 29 Celsius) for their special weekend.

As climate change influences summer temperatures, it’s reshaping the traditional wedding season. Couples choosing summertime weddings now contend with challenges like melting makeup and guest discomfort. Many are opting for venues equipped to handle high temperatures or are selecting dates in cooler months.

Christina Elsass, co-owner and venue manager at Mojave East where the couple wed in August, noted, “Increasingly, we hear people say they don’t want to be uncomfortably hot on their wedding day.”

Wedding Venues Adapt to Climate Trends

When Elsass and her husband, a former wedding photographer, opened Mojave East six years ago, they drew inspiration from the Mojave Desert reflecting her background and their mutual affection for the West Coast. Over the years, she observed a shift in preferred wedding dates, with October and November gaining popularity over the traditionally preferred months of May, June, and September.

“We’ve noticed that temperatures have been rising, particularly in September and even into October,” she explained.

Some venues are now highlighting these seasonal trends on their websites. For instance, Westmount Country Club in New Jersey points out the advantage of milder weather, while the Beaumont Inn in Pennsylvania advertises the benefit of cooler temperatures that don’t necessitate heavy layers or cause excessive heat.

Adapting Traditions for Summer Weddings

Other considerations also influence the timing of weddings. Certain religious traditions advise against marrying during specific months, like some Christian denominations during Advent and Lent. Nonetheless, many couples still prefer summer weddings for convenience or because of significant dates.

Despite potential weather disruptions, couples often proceed with their plans. For example, a couple in the Philippines went ahead with their wedding this July amidst monsoon rains intensified by Typhoon Wipha.

Rylee Kennedy, who married last June in Pennsylvania during a heatwave, had to make last-minute changes. Originally planning an outdoor ceremony amidst blooming flora, the sweltering temperatures forced everything indoors to ensure guest safety.

“With the unpredictability of weather nowadays, it’s crucial to have flexible plans that align with your vision,” Kennedy noted.

To help cope with summer heat, wedding specialists suggest several strategies. Brides magazine recently recommended discussing weather preparations with wedding planners and caterers, considering additional hair trials or updos, and choosing shorter dresses for bridesmaids.

Ensuring Comfort in the Heat

Jones and McDonald appreciated Mojave East for its provisions against the heat, including fans, misters, water stations, and indoor options for cooling off.

Elsass has ensured that the indoor settings at Mojave East are just as appealing as the outdoor ones. “We’ve made sure our indoor ceremonies are thoughtfully arranged so they never feel like just a backup option,” she said.

Grace Mattingly, a wedding planner in Richmond, Kentucky, begins discussions early about keeping guests comfortable in hot conditions, whether through the use of tents, umbrellas, or indoor venues. She believes this is a necessary conversation that is often overlooked in planning.

On their wedding day, the ceremony for McDonald and Jones remained outdoors, but their initial photo session was moved to a shaded area. Early arriving guests were accommodated indoors with water. Throughout the ceremony, fans were utilized for cooling, and post-ceremony, guests retreated indoors to enjoy air-conditioned comfort during the cocktail hour, although misters were available outside.

The couple ensured that despite potential weather changes, their wedding day would remain faithful to their vision. “We believe in making the best out of whatever happens,” Jones said.

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Follow Melina Walling on X and Bluesky. Follow Joshua A. Bickel on Twitter and Instagram @joshuabickel.

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