How to Handle the Heat at Your Italian Wedding

planning

Jun 24

“Hot and sweaty” = not exactly the serene wedding atmosphere you had in mind.

So, how do you keep your guests cool and comfortable? 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. Get these simple strategies right and avoid turning your dream day into a sweltering ordeal under the Italian sun.

Image 1: Vine in the Wild | Image 2: Jack Stocker

The Ceremony

1. Shift your ceremony time

Make your ceremony later in the day. It’s a difficult shift to make 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. Don’t assume churches are cool

Whilst old stone buildings typically are cool, on a hot Italian day, churches can be borderline unbearable. Ask a family member to place water bottles where you, your groomsmen and bridesmaids are sitting. We love when couples have a granita truck meet guests as everyone exits the church!

3. Choose a shaded spot for an outdoor 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 whatever you do, don’t be late!

Photography: Jack Stocker

Comfort Essentials

4. Welcome drinks

Pre ceremony, ensure your guests are welcomed with a cold drink. Most caterers include water, sparkling and still in their fee breakdown.

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’s necessary! For the groom, we recommend having 2 or 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.

SEE THE IDEAL WEDDING DAY TIMELINE

The Final Checks

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 should I wear for the weather?”, “do I need a wrap for the evening?”, “do I need my shoulders covered if the ceremony is in a church?” The quick solution is to include this on your wedding website in either a FAQs section or literally under “Dress Code”.

9. Evening heat

If your venue is a bit of a sun trap, open air tents are great at providing some much needed respite. But even when the sun goes down, temperatures can remain at 30°C (86F) into the evening, so it’s a good idea to check with your venue whether they have external fans you can use for the dinner and dancing.