Summer loving - getting married while the weather’s hot
Statistically, though, most weddings are held in the summer months of July and August, and the reasons why are perfectly obvious.
For a start, everybody knows a teacher or someone who works with schoolchildren, and their schedule often means that school holidays are the only points in the year where they have the time to devote to a wedding. Perhaps more importantly though, the days are longer, the mood is happier and (in theory at least) the weather is warm and sunny.
If the current pleasant weather is making you feel like this would be the ideal time to tie the knot, here are some ways you can leave a glowing impression on your guests, and savour the warmth of the occasion yourself as well.
Don’t take the weather for granted
We British love to talk, and often complain, about the weather at all times of year, and it’s not uncommon to hear people moan of it being ‘too hot’ once the sun comes out. While an outdoor element should always be included, you don’t want your guests to be baking in the sun, so make sure there’s plenty of shade. This could mean hiring a marquee or gazebo, or simply placing parasols on tables. A jug of iced water on each table might not go amiss either, especially since guests are always likely to dehydrate themselves with the booze!
Equally though, don’t forget that some of the most torrential downpours the nation has ever seen have been during the summer months. If this happens, it’s easy to feel cursed and that the day is ruined, but some of the happiest and most memorable weddings happen when the weather doesn’t go to plan. Just be sure to keep a smile on your face and remember that the day is still all about you and your partner. Of course, also make sure there’s some cover for your guests to shelter under should the skies turn grey.
Craft your colour
After you get married, a date that probably held little significance to you beforehand will become one that instantly brings back memories, and the season will be a key part of this.
When selecting colours, think of typical summer scenes, like golden sands, blue seas and freshly cut green grass. You might want to go bright and bold, or opt for subtler pastel shades.
Flower it up
Connotations of summer come from such plants as sunflowers, lavender and asters, so why not integrate them into your décor? This is an excellent way to give a natural, “fresh air” feel to your day, even if much of it takes place indoors.
Don’t forget that good quality photographs can be difficult to take in sunny weather, with the position of the sun or the glare off a window spoiling many a great snap, so be sure to hire a skilled wedding photographer. In the North West in particular, the weather can be unpredictable, but you should know exactly what you’re getting when the wedding photos arrive.
