If you’re getting married in the next couple of months and your venue is anywhere but Alaska, there’s a good chance it’s going to be hot, hot, hot, especially if you’re planning to be outdoors for your big day. To keep your guests—and yourself—clear of meltdown mode, try these 13 easy tricks for beating the heat.
1. Serve a Frozen Treat. These gourmet popsicles are from Si Paletas.
Event Design: So Happi Together. Photo: Dez & Tam Photography.
2. Hand Out Sunnies, Pre-Ceremony. The sign reads, “Don't be blinded by our love. Please take some shades.”
“It looked neat that all the guests had the same sunglasses on for photos,” said photographer Cami Jane. Photo: Cami Jane Photography.
3. Look for Lightweight Dresses for ’Maids—and Yourself. Best bet: natural fabrics, like silk or cotton.
The Ada dress by Celia Grace is made from lightweight silk with a soft, breathable cotton liner. Another style to consider: the Isabel. Dress: Celia Grace. Photo: JS Photo Studio.
4. Just Add Water. Mini water spritzers provide much-needed moisture but won’t ruin makeup.
These, designed by Charmed Events Group, feature the couple’s wedding monogram. Event Design: Charmed Events Group. Photo: Delbarr Moradi Photography.
5. Set Up Self-Serve Sips. Have pour-it-yourself pitchers or dispensers on hand pre-ceremony. 
Lemonade: Kara Stout, bridal nutritionist. Photo: Kristen Dee Photography.
6. Fabricate Built-In Shady Spots. Don’t rely on Mother Nature to provide a respite from the afternoon sun. 
These pergolas, made from reclaimed barn wood, come in a variety of sizes. Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals. Photo: Garrett Richardson Photography.
7. Hand Out Fans. Either buy old-fashioned hand fans in bulk, or design a fan-shaped program to do double-duty.
These fan programs featured fun facts about the couple on the flip-side. Stationery: Shindig Bespoke.
8. Offer Grab-and-Go Drinks. Rows and rows of single-serving drinks {pretty straws mandatory } make for an eye-catching display.
Event Design: The Graceful Host. Photo: Lauren Rosenau Photography.
9. Have Paper Parasols at the Ready. A sun-brella on every seat will help prevent burned shoulders during the ceremony. 
Event Planning: Louise Georges Yves. Photo: Harvard Photography.
10. Request Chilled Towels. Ask your venue to have a tray of rolled-up cold towels waiting for guests—fancy-restaurant style—on their way to cocktail hour.
Event Design: Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events. Photo: Greg Gibson Photography.
11. Plan a Late-Night Party. The temperature should dip as the sun goes down, so consider starting your ceremony on the later side, if your venue allows.
Event Planning: Mango Muse Events. Photo: Rachel Robertson Photography.
12. “Don’t Get Burned by Love.” Spray bottles of sunscreen give your guests a change to reapply if they feel a burn coming on.
Photo: Metts Photo.
13. Shade Your Dinner Tables. Especially if the dance floor is open-air, the dinner table should give guests a break from the sun.
Market umbrellas offer ample shade without blocking the scenery. Event Planning: Red Letter Event Planning. Photo: Park Road Photography.
Watch: Why Kevin Bacon Hates Going to Weddings.