Outdoor August wedding…with no AC ?

• DogsAndWine
• 3 years ago

How will guests use the bathroom?

• slomotion
• 3 years ago

• Wedding: City, State

DogsAndWine :  She is renting bathroom trailer things.

• tiffanybruiser
• 3 years ago

jellybellynelly :  It could be 95, but it could also be 65. This is New England, not the deep south. 95-degree days happen occasionally in New England, but it’s really not the norm. Most likely it’ll be in the 80s during the day and downright pleasant when the sun goes down. I love New England summer nights! In any case, she’s said repeatedly she’s considering moving the start time back to later in the evening.

• somathemagical
• 3 years ago

• Wedding: October 2017

lindzrae :  Heres my testimonial as a guest. Midwestern wedding but it rained that day and humidity was near 95. So was the temperature. Outside ceremony and reception inside a non air conditioned barn (big ceiling fans)

Ceremony was gorgeous but I was literally so sweaty sitting in my dress I kept thinking I’d started my period. My DH is diabetic and was feeling awful so I kept being hyper sensitive about his water in take. My father was also in attendance and is in his 70s. He has suffered strokes from heat and dehydration before and was literally pounding water and pouring sweat. I couldn’t focus on anything else. 

Cocktail hour was ok because there were umbrellas that allowed some shade. Reception was SO HUMID. It was difficult to breath and I had no appetite. Everything had a clammy feel to it. Dancing didn’t really happen because I was so dizzy and weak. I wanted to leave like 10 times. 1/2 the guests left after all the reception programming. 

Did I complain to the couple? Hell no. I don’t think anyone would do that. Was it miserable? Omg yes. The fans, the water, the ac in the bathrooms didn’t help. And what person would be excited about being water misted with makeup on and possibly their hair done?!

I’d say if you can push it back to avoid this then do it. There’s no reason to subject people to this. 2-3 hrs is a long drive for people. That’s odd that they didn’t choose to stay in a hotel. Yes people might leave early at like 10 or 9 but at least they won’t be miserable. Good luck bee. 

PS I think it’s in your best interest to tell your parents to try to suck it up with your guests. I’d be PISSED if I found out that people were going inside to sleep in AC while I melted away. 

• beethree
• 3 years ago

tiffanybruiser :  Event Planning 101: You don’t plan for the best case scenario, you plan for the worst and hope for the best.

None of us have even brought up the possibility of steamy August thunder showers that could necessitate installing sides on the tents creating saunas…

If a Bee came here and told us she was planning a summer outdoor ceremony and reception, couldn’t afford tents, and the venue wouldn’t allow anyone indoors we would all tell her she needed a real plan addressing the possibility of rain (and not just having some umbrellas available) just as we are all telling OP that she needs to be prepared for the very reasonable possibility of a really hot and humid day. 

• zl27
• 3 years ago

lindzrae :  my husband is retired military. This does not make sense to me. All military get 28 days. In fact, the military prefers people not to take time off in August because that is when families take time off and they need coverage.

• carrieb
• 3 years ago

From the number of pages on this thread, it kinda reminds me of the old saying “too many cooks in the kitchen.” For one, I don’t think you’re being a bridezilla. I know you simply want your day perfect and your guests comfortable. I can only tell you my experience on August 14th, just outside of Hartford. I don’t have family to speak of so we got married in future husbands hometown. Low 80’s during the afternoon, but in the 60’s by the time the sun set. I’m from Texas and I just remember quite a few talking about it being hot on that day. I also remember thinking they really don’t know what hot is, but then I can’t claim to know what cold is. I do remember my husband sweating a bit, but that could have been from too much drinking the night before. No one passed out and I really don’t remember any complaints. Just leave the tent flaps open so you can get some air flow and remind your guests to watch the weather and dress appropriately. Best of luck on your day and during your husbands deployment. Tell him I said thanks!