Is it absolutely crazy to have a backyard wedding in July??

My ceremony will be outside at the end of June (at 6). I live in Chicago, so it could very well be a humid, 90 degree day. We're going to move it inside if it's too hot.

We've had horror stories on here of grandparents and bridesmaids passing out due to heat....

Find an AC'ed space and your guests will thank you

I'm getting married in late September and the reception will be outside...but I live in San Antonio so even that late in the year it's still summer weather here.

Luckily it doesn't get very humid here (nothing like what I'm used to), it basically never rains, and while we're doing an afternoon wedding the reception is going to be in my FIL's backyard and their house is large enough to accommodate everyone if it comes down to it.

Http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/washington-dc/20006/july-weather/327659

FYI noon is not the hottest time of day, usually 3 to 4 pm is the hottest hour of the day, noon is the sunniest part of the day, but the air doesn't reach full saturation until about 3 or 4, so noon is better than 3 or 4. The link above is average temperatures for days in July in D.C., although we all have seen it get to above 100 here in July, which is the hottest month of the year for D.C. D.C. is also very, very humid, so you will have the problem of guests not being able to sweat to cool themselves down. You could have an outdoor wedding still, but I recommend starting it when temperature begin to drop after 4pm, it will get progressively cooler as the night goes on. Also, you will need outdoor air conditioners AND a tent. Tents can bring the temperature down up to ten degrees and the air conditioners another ten or more if you have plenty of them. This will not cost less than an indoor venue, so even though it could still be very nice you must realize it is not cheaper, it may cost more because you will need to set up temporary structures.

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I'm officially scared out of this idea haha. I have to talk to FH and maybe reconsider early June instead. The only complication is, our photographer isn't available in June on any Saturdays, so we might have to do a Sunday wedding instead.

It could still be a very nice wedding, you will just need to figure out if: You are allowed to have tents on that particular property, are there going to be noise complaints, will you need insurance because of the guest count or because of the tent, is there ample parking in the area and can you rent enough air conditioners even needed. Also, can your house supply the power for the event without shutting off? And, can you rent extra toilets if you are having more than 20 guests?

The highest record temp for July in D.C. is 106 degrees, the low for that day is approx 90 degrees (maybe 85). I would plan for a worst case scenario of 100 degrees with a low of 85 and work out accommodations based on that, you will end up with much more comfortable guests in the end. If you start after the hottest part of the day- even on 100 degree day it will drop 5 degrees or so every hour after 5 or 6, so it will get more comfortable. I really think its doable, but it has to be done right. I think you could definitely do it if you had the right space and could get the rentals you need.

What about late August? It is beautiful then and you would be able to book a honeymoon after hurricane season!

I think it's possible with lots of backup plans. Have tents for covering if there is rain. If it's your backyard or a family members and they have AC make sure it can be an indoor/outdoor wedding and people can go inside to the AC to cool off if it's super hot.

My friend had a backyard wedding end of June last year and it rained all day and finally stopped around 8pm. It was too wet for the bonfire that she wanted. You couldn't walk around in the yard. We were stuck in her parents garage and inside their living room. It was only about 40 people and casual so it wasn't terrible but it wasn't ideal either.

As a guest, I wouldn't be happy. I think people would end up leaving early because they're uncomfortable.

75 people inside will give any residential AC a run for its money.

Yes, it is absolutely crazy. I can't see even one pro to doing it this way. If you have a small enough group, just keep it all indoors at the same house. I think the only time of year you might be able to get away with this is early autumn or well-timed late spring.

I really hate living in the DC area in the summer, and pretty much only come outside for any prolonged length of time if it involves fireworks, the beach, or a pool. If you're trying to save money by doing a backyard wedding, this suggestion won't work, but if you have some money to play with, it is possible to rent tents with AC.