Shade for daytime reception?

Is there any way to have it earlier in May? I went to an outdoor wedding in April and everyone was squeezed on the shaded side during the ceremony. Those without seats chose to stand in the back but then missed the ceremony. My concern or worry about the umbrellas is blocking people’s views while seated. Maybe a tent would be worth the investment …?? Good luck.

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Thanks for your reply! Yes, the first weekend in May is available so we'd book that one. We're having an indoor church ceremony nearby, and the cocktail hour will be an indoor space that opens into a patio, so just the reception portion will be outside (and it will be a shorter reception than a traditional wedding, since it's a brunch wedding).

Indeed the tent might be a good investment! We'll just have to see what our venue allows since I believe they require same-day setup and removal, but the tent wouldn't have that option since the tent rental company said it would be 6 hours to set up and take down a tent of that size.

I appreciate your input

Call me crazy, but…69 doesn’t seem that hot to me haha. Especially in Southern California where you don’t get the crazy humidity. I think you can probably get away with having shade in free areas (so not assigned tables) so your warmer guests can access it when they want but that most people would be pretty comfortable. And it also depends where your guests are coming from. I’m in Florida, so if anything I would be a little chilly in 69 if there’s a breeze lol. I would just want heads up to bring sunglasses.

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It doesn't seem hot to me either!

I agree about having extra shade in all the free spaces, and my mom and sisters could casually pass the word around that since it's a daytime wedding, bringing a hat/ sunglasses might be a good idea.

We could also give out stylish (not tacky) sunglasses as favors that people could use during the reception if absolutely needed. But since 80-90% of people would be shaded anyway it probably won't even be a problem (at least that's what I'm thinking).

I feel like her concern is the sun shining down on guests middday and not so much with the warmth on that day. If you are concerned about it, I'm sure there are options.... Just try to put yourself in your guests shoes with whatever option you choose to go with. Think of how would you feel as a guest at your wedding with an outdoor reception with little to no shade? Would you feel comfortable? Would you want to stick around long? A tent could work for shade but there could be other options you could implement that could be useful. Does your venue have options in case of inclement weather?

I would 100% make sure there was shade available for every single guest. It’s very poor etiquette (and honestly, just plain rude) to provide something to some guests, but not all. Think about it: would you only provide seating to most guests, and make the few remaining stand uncomfortably? Would you only provide enough meals for some guests, and let the rest stand around hungry watching them eat?? Of course not!-because that’s the height of being a terrible host. You would not be hosting your guests properly if you provide shade for most guests to escape the midday sun, but then leave a few out in it. Even when it’s not terribly hot outside, that midday sun can still be brutal! It can be uncomfortable, cause sunburns (and would require guests to bring sunscreen with them to reapply in order to be protected), be absolutely blinding (even when wearing sunglasses, due to the location in the sky), it ruins makeup, and wreaks absolute havac on anyone with a skin condition like rosacea, or anyone on medications that require avoidance of the sun (and there are A LOT of them!). I would either rent the tent, have the event in the evening when the sun goes down, or find a new venue.

I agree with Cece. If there's no shade and you don't want to provide a tent, I think it's best if you go with another venue. I would be annoyed if I had to repeatedly apply sunscreen at a wedding. I'd have to leave before the ceremony even started if I didn't have sunscreen.

Southern California is hot in spring/summer. Shade is a must. Some people may mingle in the sun but adequate shade needs to be provided for the majority.