How to Beat the Sacramento Summer Heat for Your Wedding
How to Beat the Sacramento Summer Heat for Your Wedding
Sacramento is known for its hot, dry summers, with temperatures often soaring above 100°F (38°C). If you're planning a summer wedding in California's capital, you’ll want to consider how to keep your guests cool and comfortable while also enjoying the beauty of the season. As a wedding photographer, I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to manage the heat, especially when you’re trying to keep everyone looking fresh and glowing. Whether you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or celebrating indoors with large windows to the sunny landscape, here are some helpful tips for surviving the Sacramento heat during your wedding day.
1. Choose the Right Time for Your Ceremony
Timing is crucial when hosting a summer wedding in Sacramento. Midday temperatures can be scorching, so consider scheduling your ceremony either early in the morning or later in the evening. These times provide a much-needed break from the heat and offer beautiful, soft natural lighting for photos.
Morning Ceremonies: A 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. ceremony can allow for a cooler temperature and less sun exposure.
Evening Ceremonies: A 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. ceremony is ideal for avoiding the harsh midday heat and ensuring your guests can enjoy the festivities as the temperature drops.
As a photographer, I can tell you that the light during these times is not only softer and more flattering but also much easier to work with for photos. Plus, your bridal party will be a lot happier!
2. Offer Cooling Stations and Refreshments
Nothing says “refreshing” like a cool drink on a hot day. Consider setting up cooling stations throughout your venue to ensure guests stay comfortable.
Fans and Misters: A few strategically placed fans or misting stations can go a long way. If your ceremony is outdoors, these will help keep your guests cool during the event. Fans can be handed out to guests during the ceremony, and misters are a great way to cool off the air.
Cool Beverages: Provide ice-cold water, lemonade, iced tea, or even a signature cold cocktail. You can even serve your drinks in personalized containers (like mason jars or thermos flasks) to make them more festive and fun.
Cold Towels: Hand out small towels that guests can dip in cool water to refresh their faces. These can also serve as lovely wedding favors!
As a photographer, I can tell you that a well-hydrated guest is a much happier guest, and a happier guest is always more photogenic.
3. Choose the Right Attire
Wearing the right clothing is essential for both the bride and groom, as well as the entire bridal party. Sacrificing style for comfort doesn't have to be an option—there are many ways to stay cool and chic.
Bridal Gowns: Opt for lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, silk, or organza. Avoid heavy materials like satin or velvet, which can trap heat. A gown with a short or off-the-shoulder sleeve will also help keep you cool.
Groom’s Attire: Choose a breathable suit made of linen or cotton. These fabrics are perfect for staying cool while still looking sharp. Consider ditching the tie or opting for a lightweight, open-collared look.
Bridal Party Outfits: Light, airy dresses for bridesmaids are a must! You can also choose fabrics like cotton or linen for the groomsmen’s suits to keep them from overheating.
As a photographer, I’ve seen many couples brave the sweltering heat, only to end up with sweaty faces and damp clothing by the time the ceremony finishes. A sweaty bride and groom might not look exactly how you envisioned your wedding photos! So, choosing breathable fabrics can help keep you looking fresh throughout the day, which makes my job a whole lot easier (and your wedding photos even more stunning).
4. Shade and Shelter
If your wedding is outdoors, providing some shade will be critical. For the ceremony, you could rent or buy a tent, gazebo, or canopy to shield your guests from the sun.
Tents: Consider renting a tent with fans or air circulation to keep things cool during both the ceremony and reception. Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation and coverage from the direct sun.
Umbrellas: For outdoor weddings without a tent, consider providing guests with small, stylish umbrellas to keep the sun off.
Shaded Seating: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, look for a location with natural tree shade, or add shade structures like canopies or fabric drapes.
Shade isn’t just for comfort—it also makes a huge difference in the quality of your photos. Harsh sunlight can cause squinting, unflattering shadows, and sweaty, glossy skin. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, shaded areas are ideal for ensuring everyone looks their best in the photos.
5. Plan for Indoor Comfort
If you’re opting for an indoor venue but still want to celebrate the beautiful Sacramento summer, ensure that air conditioning is a top priority. Check with your venue to make sure they have strong air conditioning systems in place and inquire about backup cooling systems, just in case.
For an extra touch of luxury, some venues offer chilled air or misting systems that provide an even cooler atmosphere. You can also place fans or portable AC units around the space to maintain a comfortable temperature.
As a photographer, I can vouch that cooler indoor venues are a godsend. Not only does this make for more comfortable guests, but it helps me capture sharper, brighter photos without the haze of sweat or heat distortion.
6. Consider a Summer-Inspired Menu
Summer-inspired food can be light, refreshing, and perfect for the heat. Consider menu options that won’t weigh guests down during the hot day:
Chilled Soups: Gazpacho or cucumber soup can be a great appetizer to cool guests off.
Fresh Fruits and Salads: Serve dishes with fresh, cooling fruits like watermelon, berries, and citrus. Consider a crisp salad to provide some crunch and hydration.
Frozen Treats: Ice cream, popsicles, or sorbet bars can keep everyone cool and add a fun element to your event. You can even offer a custom ice cream cart or popsicle station for guests to enjoy during the reception.
Light Hors d'Oeuvres: Stick with small, bite-sized, light appetizers, such as bruschetta or caprese skewers, to keep the meal fresh and easy.
After a long day in the heat, a refreshing, light meal can be exactly what your guests need to keep their energy up, and it can also add some flair to your photos. The bright colors of fresh fruits and desserts will pop beautifully in your wedding album.
7. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Keeping your guests hydrated is one of the most important considerations when planning a summer wedding in Sacramento. Set up hydration stations with water bottles or pitchers of water around the venue, especially in areas where guests might linger, such as near the ceremony or cocktail hour.
It’s also important to provide your bridal party with plenty of water before and after the ceremony. A wedding planner or coordinator can help make sure everyone stays hydrated while looking fabulous!
As a photographer, the last thing I want is to capture a photo of a dehydrated, tired, or overheated bridal party. So, encourage hydration to keep everyone looking and feeling their best throughout the day.
8. Stay Cool in Your Photos
Photographers are skilled at capturing beautiful moments, even in extreme heat. However, it’s important to keep the comfort of the wedding party in mind, especially during outdoor photoshoots.
Timing is Key: Consider scheduling your photo sessions either before the ceremony or during the cooler hours of the day.
Protect from the Sun: Ask your photographer to help create shaded spots for the bridal party during photos. If the sun is very strong, try using props like umbrellas or shaded areas to ensure everyone stays cool.
It’s common for brides and grooms to start sweating just after the ceremony, so if you're planning to have an outdoor photoshoot right after, be mindful of the heat and take short breaks. Cooling off during photo sessions helps keep everyone looking their best and avoids the "miserable sweaty bride and groom" scenario, which, trust me, I've seen too many times.
Final Thoughts
Sacramento’s summer heat can be intense, but with the right planning and preparation, your wedding day can still be a comfortable and memorable occasion. From choosing the perfect time and attire to keeping your guests hydrated and cool, you can create a wedding day that’s not only beautiful but also enjoyable for everyone, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
Remember, as a wedding photographer, my goal is to help you capture every moment of your day—without the distractions of heat and sweat. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love!