YOU may have considered the likely temperature of the season when planning your wedding.

But unless you have psychic powers then it’s unlikely you won’t have predicted just how scorching the heat will get this summer, and may have found yourself worrying about how you, your wedding party and guests are going to cope.

Luckily Tracey Heyes, wedding coordinator at Stoke Place Hotel in Buckinghamshire, and Lisa Forde, founder of wedding stationery company Tree of Hearts, spoke to Metro, to share their essential tips for surviving a heatwave wedding.

Tips for helping guests

Add cooling party favours

Having party favours that will help cool your guests down is a great way to help them enjoy your nuptials, in spite of the heat.

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Lisa suggests giving out parasols, hand fans and bottles of water on arrival, and consider giving out ice creams after the ceremony.

She further suggests: “Someone’s bound to have forgotten their sun cream, maybe have some dotted around the venue or task one of the ushers to go round and check if anyone needs any – this gets people talking and will result in a few laughs”

Have lots of non-alcoholic drink options

Tracey says: ‘While it’s a firm favourite to have a fantastic drinks reception for your guests on arrival and after the ceremony often including fizz and beer, on a hot day alcohol is likely going to dehydrate you further.

While many people will still want to have a drink or two, consider also have number of mocktails, or iced teas and coffees available.

Ask the venue for help

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The venue staff will likely have plenty of experience hosting weddings in all sorts of weather, so don’t forget to ask for any guidance they may have.

This may be especially important for outdoor weddings, where you can ask about shade, or if moving the ceremony indoors may be better, which may be the case if there is air conditioning.

And if your wedding is indoors, and there’s no aircon available, remember to ask about ventilation, and if any windows and/or doors will be able to remain open.

Bug repellent candles

With the heat bringing bugs, one great way to prevent all your guests being bitten is to have bug repellent candles dotted around the venue.

This will ensure your ‘I dos’ aren’t gate crashed but tonnes of creepy crawlies, all without ruining the romantic vibe of the day.

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Tips for helping your wedding party

Contact your beauty team prior to the day

Lisa stresses the importance of contacting your beauty professionals, if you’re hiring some, prior to the day itself so you can ask for their guidance on how to ensure the makeup lasts all day, and that no one is sweating theirs off.

Regarding hair she suggests considering an “up-do or a hairstyle with hair off the face for the bride and bridesmaids.”

Discuss with the photographer

You may have already planned the best shots for your wedding day, but if there’s an unexpected amount of sun, Tracey suggests discussing other potential shots.

“Shooting in direct sunlight can not only be difficult for editing but will be uncomfortable for your wedding party.

“Your photographer will be able to provide guidance on when and where is best for your photographs to be captured, taking the time of day into consideration.”

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Don’t forget to cool down

“Regularly run cold water over your wrists when you feel yourself getting hot,” recommends Lisa, “or have a cold flannel nearby at all times to do the same thing. It’s a quick way to cool the whole body down.”

Remember to take care of staff and suppliers

It can be easy to forget about staff and suppliers in the hustle and bustle of the big day, but they’ll also be dealing with the heat – all while working too.

Tracey suggests speaking to your wedding coordinator to ensure that someone is checking in with suppliers to ensure they are hydrated and to see if they need a quick break.

Consider amending your wardrobe

While this may be impossible, or rather difficult for some, there are some quick swaps you may be able to make.

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“Wearing a suit is going to be pretty uncomfortable for the men at your wedding,” says Lisa, suggesting that they could instead wear half-lined suits or lighter shirts.

She also suggests having a change of shoes, especially if you or your bridesmaids are wearing heels.

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