Outdoor Weddings: Keeping Your Guests Cool

Most of us love the heat which is part of the reason we live here. But when we plan our weddings in the UAE, we should consider our guests from colder climates. While they will certainly enjoy an outdoor wedding, they may not be so accustomed to the heat. Below, we give some creative suggestions to help your guests enjoy your wedding festivities without feeling overheated. You want them to be overcome by emotion not heatstroke.

Cold water & soft drinks

This may seem like an obvious point, but you will be surprised at how many people forget it. To avoid dehydration and thirst, ensure your venue’s catering team keep cold water available at all times. Why not set up some fresh ice cold lemonade or ice tea in pitchers along with glasses and cute straws for your guests to help themselves? Have the stand close by the ceremony location so guests can cool down before, and directly after, the ceremony. A refreshing cold drink in the warm climate of the UAE will always be welcome.

Cold towels

Have your hotel staff serve ice cold towels to guests during the outdoor festivities. Ask the staff to collect the used towelettes after as you don’t want a mess.

Parasols or fans on chairs or in baskets

Parasols or fans are not only practical, but can also serve as wonderful keepsakes. Better yet, you can personalize your fans and even include the days programme depending on the type you opt for. For personalized fans, print square or round programs and glue them to a large popsicle stick. Fans can be placed on ceremony or dinner table chairs for guests. Parasols can be displayed beautifully at the entrance of your wedding ceremony.

Where: We recommend visiting Dragon Mart in International City, Dubai, if you are looking for a pace to purchase fans.

Where: If you want the more creative touch, visit  Creative Box who can make personalised wedding fans for your big day.

Give out a dress code

A simple way of informing your guests about appropriate dress attire, would be to include a short and sweet note on your wedding invitations. Remind them of the climate and tell them to dress accordingly. They will appreciate the tip.

Tents & Tipis

If you know you will be seated outdoors for a long period of time, during the hotter months in the UAE, hiring a large tent may be an option. Tents shade your guests from the heat and provide safety from the elements. Tipis and tents come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit your wedding theme. For those with a larger budget, some companies also offer portable air-conditioning units, an alternative would be to hire electric fans for added breeze.

Where: For a range of incredibly stylish and gorgeous wedding and event tipis in the UAE check out Canvas and Wood.

By incorporating just a few of these tips, your guests with appreciate that you have thought of them and will admire your ‘cool’ creativity.

Looking for more wedding planning tips and advice? Click here.