How to handle the heat at your Italian Wedding
Photo: Alex Gaidashev Photography
“Hot and sweaty” – not exactly the serene wedding atmosphere you had in mind!
So, how do you keep your guests cool and comfortable before the ceremony even begins? In the peak of summer, Italian temperatures can skyrocket. And while we often focus on contingency plans for rain, it’s just as important to prepare for the intense heat. Timing is key – get these simple strategies right and avoid turning your dream day into a sweltering ordeal under the Italian sun.
1. Ceremony time
Make your ceremony later in the day. We know that’s not what many of you want to hear, when you want to fully max out your day but it really is the best thing to do. Have an event the day before and/or after to make sure you get lots of time with your guests so there’s less pressure on the wedding day. By starting later you are also working with better light for the meal, sunset shots and dancing in the dark.
2. Choose a shaded spot for the ceremony
Parasols, hats and fans are all nice touches but people will still be incredibly hot if they are in the direct sun. However gorgeous the view is, do not have people sitting out in the open waiting for you to arrive. And just don’t be late!
3. Don’t assume churches are cool
Whilst old stone buildings typically are cool, on a hot Italian day church can be a complete sweat-fest! Ask a family member to place water bottles where your grooms, bridesmaids and yourselves are sitting. We love when couples have a granita truck meet guests as everyone exits the church!
Photo: Maria Bryzhko Photography
4. Welcome drink
Pre ceremony ensure your guests are welcomed with a cold drink. Most caterers include water, sparkling and still in their fee breakdown; additional alcoholic drinks will likely need to be quoted for on top.
Photo: Masseria Salamina
5. Air-con
Air-con is your friend. Make sure the transport you’ve arranged has air-con where possible, especially the bridal car! The majority of venues have air-con as standard, and the ones which don’t tend to be kept cool by the old stone walls. If the venue states no air-con, it is worth questioning how they manage the temperatures in the rooms, which may act as your plan B option if it rains.
6. Change of clothes
It is actually custom at an Italian wedding for the bride to have a second dress….and on a hot day it is necessary! For the groom, we recommend having 2/3 spare shirts, underwear and socks to change into after the ceremony and potentially before the evening meal. For the bride, an ideal time to change is before the first dance.
7. Food, flies & sweating meats
Discuss with your caterer how they manage the food served at aperitivo and their process to keep it cold. There is nothing more unappetising than seeing beautiful cold meats and cheeses slowly cook under the hot sun.
8. Guest Dress code
Avoid numerous texts from guests a couple of months before the wedding asking “what they should wear for the weather”, “do they need a wrap for the evening”, “do they need their shoulders covered if the ceremony is in a church.” We have a quick solution - include this on your wedding website in either a FAQs section or literally under “Dress code”.
9. Evening heat
Temperatures can remain at 30°C (86F) into the evening, it is a good idea to check with your venue whether they have external fans you can use for the dinner and dancing.
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