Summer Sunshine
Extreme weather is common here in the prairies. Yesterday hit 40° C (104° F) where I live and I was already down with a pretty moderate case of heat exhaustion or heat stroke that started a few days earlier. Every year the sun is hitting me a bit harder and I know I’m not the only one, so I’m going to share a few tips I’ve learned shooting weddings in the summer sun through the past decade:
Have water. Everywhere. More than you think you need, and accessible wherever you go, especially if you’ll be out in the open sun for a few hours during your ceremony or photos. Coolers in the car, coolers where you’re getting ready, coolers in the field if your ceremony is outdoor. It’s amazing how heavy and hot wedding day attire can be and it’s easy to forget to drink enough water through the day so having it on hand is important.
On extreme heat days, consider photo locations that give you a bit of air conditioned driving time between them. It gives you a chance to relax with your party people for a few minutes and helps bring your body temperature down. You can always plan for a ten minute wait at each stop if you don’t have travel time. That temporary cool down feels amazing and gives a boost of energy to get back out there.
Find shade or go ahead and make it! We keep a set of matching umbrellas in our car most of the year for rain, snow and a bit of shade from the sun. Umbrellas and small hand held fans can help ease the heat when you can’t get into the shade.
Consider scheduling most of the outdoor portions of the day for the evening when everything starts to cool down. Your ceremony can roll straight into the reception and photos while your guests relax without having to find something to do for a couple of hours between itinerary items.
There are plenty of other things to consider, but these are our go-to ways to beat the heat. Don’t forget to consider your guests and their comfort if your ceremony is outside!
