newly married couple walking on Seabrook Island beach

It’s time to start celebrating again and we could not be more excited for a very special summer wedding season! South Carolina’s natural beauty and charm make it the perfect backdrop for any wedding, even during the heat of the summer. Here are some of our tips and tricks to stay cool during your wedding:

Prepare for Warm Temperatures While Getting Ready

Use an airbrush foundation for long-lasting, sweat-proof makeup.

Airbrush foundation miraculously stays in place for the entire day, even through sweating and touch-ups. It also looks stunning in photos, which is a huge benefit when you’ll be taking photos and videos of your special day. Check out our favorite local Charleston airbrush wedding makeup from Blushair.

Use waterproof mascara.                                                                                                                           

Cue the waterworks! It’s your big day. Feel free to shed a few tears when you see your groom standing at the end of the aisle or as you laugh through your maid of honor’s speech. If you opt for waterproof mascara, you won’t have to worry about sweat or a few tears ruining your beautifully done eye makeup!

Wear your hair wavy.                                                                                                                                   

A beach wedding means trendy beach waves! Wear your hair in waves, curls, or other textured styles to keep your hair effortlessly in place through the Lowcountry humidity and warm temperatures. Consider booking hairstylists at the nearby Pink Dot Beauty Bar for a showstopping wedding look for you and your bridesmaids.

Protect yourself from the sun.                                                                                                                   

If your ceremony or cocktail hour will be taking place in an outdoor venue, make sure to apply sunscreen before doing hair and makeup to protect against sun damage. Try to apply SPF products on your face and a lightweight, unscented sunscreen to stay sunburn-free.

Stay Shaded During Pre Ceremony Bridal Portraits

Add props.                                                                                                                                         

Consider using props like umbrellas or parasols to add fun elements to your photos, while simultaneously keeping everyone shaded and cool. If you don’t want these items in your pictures, simply have them available on the side for in between pictures!

Opt for different timing.                                                                                                                         

The mid-day sun can sometimes bring harsh lighting for photos, so taking pictures earlier in the morning or later in the evening may be advantageous.

Take photos indoors.                                                                                                                       

If having an outdoor photo session seems chaotic, an indoor wedding session can be just as beautiful! Pose for photographs in grande hallways, stairways, clubhouses–the possibilities are endless for achieving a chic indoor photoshoot (minus the summer heat).

Coordinate Your Time with Bridesmaids                                                                                           

If you must take outdoor photos and forgot your umbrellas and sunscreen, be as efficient as possible. Coordinate the groups of people you’ll want in each portrait in advance. Those not actively taking photos can be waiting for their turn in a shaded or air-conditioned area inside. Trust us, your bridesmaids and family will thank you!

Stay Cool During Your Wedding Ceremony

Consider your ceremony time.                                                                                                       

Avoid making your guests wait in unshaded areas for long periods of time. This could mean having a shorter outdoor ceremony, leaving more time for cooling off at a refreshing cocktail hour. Our Ocean Terrace at Seabrook Island is an amazing oceanfront ceremony space that accommodates a convenient transition to the cocktail hour and reception.

Make personalized fans.                                                                                                                       

Help your guests stay cool with handheld fans left on each seat of the ceremony. Add your own unique touches by having your names and wedding date printed on the fans, doubling them as a memorable party favor.

Let Casual be the New Formal.                                                                                                   

Relaxing your dress code can make everyone more comfortable to enjoy the big day. Switch out tuxedos and ball gowns for jacket-optional suits and summer dresses, especially if your ceremony is outdoors.

Keep guests hydrated.                                                                                                                               

Have water bottles available for guests during outdoor ceremonies. This will keep the mood positive in addition to preventing any mishaps or dehydration.

Chill Awhile During Your Wedding’s Cocktail Hour 

Use tents.                                                                                                                                                         

If you envision having an outdoor cocktail hour, use tents for extra shade. You can cover the entire area with one large tent, or strategically place tents over table areas and food stations.

Take a Seat.                                                                                                                                         

Include seating options or lounge areas at your cocktail hour for guests to relax. You want to make sure everyone has the energy to dance the night away at your reception!

Bring out the mist.                                                                                                                               

Guests will be ecstatic to see misting stations at your cocktail hour following an outdoor ceremony. Work with a Charleston area wedding planner to find great equipment rentals from local companies like All-Mist.

Craft a refreshing signature cocktail.                                                                                             

Many couples create a signature cocktail to showcase their personalities at cocktail hour. Put a fun twist on your cocktail by making it a frozen or iced drink. Moscow mules are always a crowd pleaser!

iced moscow mule drink with lime

 

Stay Cool at the Summer Wedding Reception

Change the location.                                                                                                                                     

If you feel that an outdoor ceremony followed by an outdoor cocktail hour may be your limit, shift your outdoor reception indoors. Our Atlantic Ballroom and Devaux Room can accommodate a wide range of wedding guests for an unforgettable reception.

Wear airy dresses.                                                                                                                                       

If you are set on wearing your dream ball gown wedding dress to your ceremony, consider changing into a lighter dress for the reception. A shorter, more relaxed dress could be an unexpected fashion change to impress your guests, allowing you to dance and mingle without being weighed down by the material of a traditional wedding dress.

Fan the heat away.                                                                                                                                 

Place fans throughout your reception venue to keep the temperature down and the mood up. Fans by the entrance and on the dancefloor keep guests cool and the party going!

End the night with frozen treats.                                                                                                 

Surprise your guests with frozen desserts to end the night on a high note. Bring out your inner child with a nice frozen treat after hours of dancing and chatting. Snow Cones and ice cream bars offer versatility and a broad range of flavors to please any taste.

 

We hope these tips and tricks help you prepare for the best summer wedding possible! Focusing on comfort and adding small unexpected touches go a long way to enhance the experience for you and your guests. If you are interested in learning more about getting married at one of South Carolina’s best oceanfront wedding venues, call us at 843-768-7849 to set up a consultation or arrange a visit. 


FULFILL YOUR DREAMS OF AN OCEANFRONT WEDDING

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