Unseasonable Cold - Outdoor Wedding in Florida

Edit: Most of our guests are from NYC, Boston, Philly, and DC.

I'm from Pennsylvania so I'm used to the cold, but there's no way I'd want to be outside in 59 degree weather in a dress and heels. But I also get cold very easily.

I meant 50 not 59 degree.

Are the heating lamps going to be enough to cover the entire space? If not, the vibe indoors will probably be preferable to guests having to wear coats and being cold all night.

UPDATE: We have 16 heating lamps and a tent. Probably going to make a game time decision in case the weather gets colder or warmer. But for right now we are hopeful about the following plans; I appreciate any thoughts!

Plan A: Dinner and dancing outdoors under tent with 16 heating lamps

Plan B: Dinner inside, dancing outside under tent with heating lamps

Plan C: Dinner and dancing inside

Plan Miracle: Outside as planned, no tent necessary

Dinner inside with dancing outside sounds like a good bet. Between the activity and the alcohol, people will probably be able to stay much warmer then than when they’re sitting still for dinner. I’m saying this as someone who is also in Florida and pretty much refuses to go outside under 60 degrees lol. That also gives them a chance to get some cute pics of their outfits before covering them up with coats.


I would also message all your guests to make sure they know and dress accordingly. A lot of people up north don’t realize how much colder the 50s can feel in FL since the air is still so damp.

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At least you have options! Does the tent have walls? If not, I'm not sure it would work for dinner and dancing outdoors. 50 degrees is really too cold to spend an extended time outdoors.

As a guest, I would much prefer comfort over aesthetics. As pp mentioned, I'd have dinner indoors and then move dancing outside. For people who don't enjoy dancing, could they still remain inside?

HEY fellow Sarasota bride!!! Can I ask what venue the wedding is in - I can give a better answer since I live here too. Just going by your scenario, I would definitely do the dinner indoors - I KNOW how cold it feels here when the temp is below 60. Dancing might work outside if there is a good flow from indoor to outdoors.

Good Luck!! I'm also in Sarasota. If you're out of the wind, it won't be bad with the tent and the heaters. I lean towards dinner inside. I'm hoping your miracle plan still comes true.