1. Florida Weddings in Summer
Outdoor Weddings in Florida are beautiful, romantic and quite memorable. Because
heatstroke is not welcome at any wedding, these are the rules for any outdoor FL
Marriage Ceremony in June, July or August: Part 1 is for your guests, Part 2 is for you.
Part 1 - For your guests:
Decorate coolers with loads of ice and bottled water for everyone.
Use fans for your programs or wedding favors.
If you have over 15 guests, then pick a place where a plug is near so that a sound
system is operable. This way no matter which direction the wind is carrying the sound,
all of your guests will hear you.
Place the ceremony so that the sun is on
guests' backs rather than in their eyes.
In June, July or August, even if your wedding
is in the shade or on the beach at sunset, it is
going to be hot. As a courtesy, tell your
guests in the invitation that an outdoor
ceremony is planned so that they may dress
appropriately.
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Prepare for a back up location if the wind or weather doesn't cooperate. Oftentimes
when necessary, a ceremony can be held in the same place as the reception.
It's less expensive to decorate in the outdoors and with the right location, less is more.
Consider an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as
they say their vows.
If you're having a twilight ceremony, then put out citronella candles; especially if it's
mosquito season.
Some beach weddings and parks require permission or restrict the number of guests.
Contact your local government office; city parks department, hotel or venue to ask
about rules concerning a permit, trash removal, candle or torch lighting, strings of white
lights in the trees and pre-wedding photography.

2. If the ceremony and reception are both outdoors then consider a cupcake style cake
instead of a traditional wedding cake that may melt. Plan for food that can be left in
the heat, have an assortment of iced drinks and allow the guests to dress casual to stay
cool.
Part 2 - For You:
Summer Weddings are pleasant in the morning and evening. In FL, try to avoid having
your ceremony between noon and four, when it is the hottest.
Skip the aisle runner. It typically does not stay down well outside which makes it a
hazard and easy to trip on.
You do not want to feel sweat dripping down your back when you're saying your vows.
Remember, your guests have gathered and already have been waiting outside before
the processional starts. The outdoor summer ceremony from the introduction to the
pronouncement should be approximately 15 minutes.
Choose eye makeup that will not run and a light powder-based foundation.
Look for a lightweight wedding dress and short veil to stay cooler. Consider that your
veil and your dress may be blowing. A fitted skirt and a tiara can withstand any wind.
Put your hair up. Some lasting hairstyles that can withstand heat and/or wind are a
pretty upsweep, French twist, stylish braids or bun with flowers and or sparkling pins
for a stunning look.
Wear flats for the ceremony and change into heels for the reception photos. Heels
easily sink into grass and can cause a trip or worse, a fall. Beach weddings in stylish
sandals or barefoot are perfectly acceptable.
Keep him cool too! The importance of the marriage, being in front of new family,
strangers and friends can make a man sweaty and nervous even in the coolest winter
day. When the guests arrive, let the Groomsmen do their job and have your fiancé stay
in a cool place until right before he is needed for the ceremony.
Article Submitted by,
Wendy Thurow, Our Simple Ceremony Marriage Officiant
(352) 219-1773
www.oursimpleceremony.com
FL Notary License ID # 871947
https://www.facebook.com/OurSimpleCeremony
AAWO Member: American Association of Wedding Officiants
WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards 2011 & 2012