You’ve asked and we’ve answered! Welcome to your weekly column ‘Planning Your Happily Ever After’ with wedding consultant Shikima Hinds.

With the warm breeze, blue skies, and sunshine, it is no wonder many consider summer to be the most beautiful time of year to have an outdoor wedding! That’s the reason summer is the most popular season for weddings: It’s party weather.

I’m sure your guests will be thrilled about a dreamy garden celebration or a seaside soirée — that is until temperatures really start to rise.

You don’t want any of your guests to be uncomfortable when the weather is warmer than you hoped for!

Imagine, you wake up overjoyed that the day’s weather report says: “Sunshine and not a rain cloud in sight” to dampen your outdoor wedding dreams. But your guests wake up and begin to agonise about the same weather report: 95 degrees and not a cloud in sight, and they collectively think “We’re all going to roast.”

The question often overlooked is: How do you keep your guests comfortable and cool during your hot summer wedding? You’ll never be able to control the temperature but you can control how guests feel by offering elements to keep them cool. There are several proactive ways you can balance the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of your visitors.

Here are some great ideas to help bring the temp down while being creative.

Refreshing drinks

Serve fruit-and-mint-infused water. It’s an easy and delicious way to ensure everyone is feeling great as you say “I do.” Ensure there is a steady supply of water, fruit juices, and ice. Coconut water is a great way to promote hydration as it’s filled with electrolytes.

Paper parasols

Umbrellas are another great option to keep your guests shaded from the sun. Paper parasols on each seat at the ceremony are ideal. They come in a variety of colours, so you’ll be able to find one that perfectly matches your wedding theme.

Chilled towels

Offer chilled towels to cool down, particularly after the ceremony as guests are seated in the sun. Simply put this towel in chilled water, ring it out a few times and ta-dah — instant cooling towel! Add a bit of lavender or peppermint essence to enliven the senses.

Blotting paper

Keep your face looking cool and oil-free on a hot day with blotting papers. They absorb excess oil plus they won’t smudge your make-up.

Book a venue with lots of shade

The goal here is to ensure that your venue is located where you can take advantage of as much shade as possible — think: lots of trees. Natural shade is ideal because it is one less element that you have to worry about.

Fans as favours

Everyone loves a cute wicker fan during the ceremony, and they are quite decorative, too. In addition to keeping everyone cool, they’ll become the perfect reminder of your special day.

Use furniture made of heat-resistant materials

Chairs made out of metal, leather, and similar materials tend to absorb heat and will be hot on the skin upon contact.

Choose furniture constructed from more heat-resistant materials. Wicker chairs and chairs covered in a lightweight fabric will be much more comfortable for guests, even if they are left in the sun for a long time.

The critical thing to remember is to use techniques that will lower everyone’s body temperatures on both the inside and outside.

If you apply these ideas your family and friends will be able to focus entirely on enjoying your big day with you.