Heat wave! What to do??

Is the reception outdoors too? I mean every season you risk weather when youre bookig outside. Hurricanes, snow, rain. Its july. Its going to be hot regardless.

If your reception is outdoors too then i would look into renting ac units or fans

I would give out the hand held fans as well.

@Abby- yes, the reception is outdoors as well in a tent. The tent has ceiling fans, and it is by the river so there's usually a breeze. However, with this crazy heat, I'm worried. I'm thinking ac is my best bet also. I just wonder if there are other options/if it's worth it.

@almost mrs. P- read my mind! Fans will be part of our favors

Can you avoid the hotter parts of the day? Either have an early wedding or a late one?

@barbara- right now I have the ceremony starting at 5pm which is the latest I could make it. I could make it earlier, but we want an evening wedding.

Parasols to protect the guests from the sun during the ceremony? Have you looked into the mister fans that blow a fine mist to cool the air, I've seen them at outdoor festivals and they work well, they may be less expensive than AC.

Outdoor a/c seems like a bit much but I understand that you want your guests to be comfortable and enjoy the day. Definitely give them handheld fans at the least. The fans for the reception will help, and it will be cooler in the evening. I wouldn't worry too much. I grew up in the Hudson Valley and the majority of the time the summer evenings had gorgeous gorgeous weather, warm, yes, but not stifling hot. I think it will be fine.

@soon to be mrs. S- parasols could work, and would look super cute too! I haven't thought of the mister fans yet, but that is definitely worth a look!

@laurenvictoria- thanks for the reassurance! I'm hoping that we'll have one of those pleasant hv summer nights

I was invited to one, and I think it's probably the same venue you're getting married at. It was several years ago, but it happened to be July 3. It was incredibly hot and humid (wedding started at 4:30, I think). Beautiful view of the water and the bridge, but still...very hot. The reception was outside (tented), and I do believe they had some kind of fan units to keep the air moving under the tent. The later it got, the more comfortable it was.

My advice? Keep the ceremony as short as possible, and don't start late. There's nothing worse than guests sitting in the heat and humidity for 45 minutes waiting for a ceremony to start.

Fiance's family is a little south of the area in Orange County. Definitely have high and low fans. The breeze will keep the some of the bugs at bay. PLENTY of ice cold water because it can get hot and humid. Make sure you offer some kind of citronella or bug spray. Perhaps benadryl itch cream in the bathroom baskets? Mosquitoes tend to LOVE me for some reason.

Maybe it's just me, but usually every other year it is beyond hot and the next summer it is more comfortable (I noticed the same with winter). Maybe next year won't be so bad and with it being by a river, it should be cooler and breezy. Hope everything works out

@the centerpiece flowers @out of the window- thanks for those suggestions! Will def use the advice. @michele-I was actually thinking that same thing. Keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks

@Krystle I know some tents you can actually have air conditioned. It would in a sense create a room cause it does have the walls up. They do have tents with windows in them too.

Hand held fans are a good idea.. you can even have them printed with the names and dates and double them up as favors.

@rev. Ann fuller-thank you, as well, for your reassurance! @soonmrspreist- I'm considering renting an a/c unit, but just not sure if it'll be worth it b/c it's roughly $5000... @sidera- thanks! Def gonna have the hand held fans

Eh, I might be the odd ball here. But if its anything like its been the past few weeks, I would probably have to leave or not attend. ( I honestly dont remember when its been this hot though.)

I went to an outdoor wedding once here in MA, and it was miserable. If it wasn't my best friend who is like a brother I would have left. The bride was late, people were in their cars with the AC on waiting. Never want to do that again. Some people can't handle the heat, especially older people. Just giving you another side/opinion.

I doubt we'll get another summer like this again though, if so I'm moving out of new england. LOL

@mrs. V-in training- your scenario is my main worry! I would be so disappointed to see my guest having a horrible time bc of the heat! And I agree! We're nearly at our wits end with this erratic by weather! Grrr

Yea it was brutal. I love my friend, only reason I stayed. The reception was at least indoors at a Bistro, which the AC broke but thats a whole different issue. Can happen to anyone.

I was never a fan for outdoor weddings because New England weather is so unpredictable. I vote tent and something with AC. It will be worth it in the end.

@mrs. V-in training- our venue actually has an indoor room (which is already booked for my day-so can't switch). However, main reason we booked their outdoor tent is b/c we thought it was prettier and the minimum # of guests required is less. Thanks for your honest opinion! It's definitely good to know all perspectives!