Tis the season- yep, Summer is making its way to East Texas, so you’re probably wondering….

How to keep wedding guests cool at my summer wedding?

We have a few tips & tricks for managing the heat!

1. Stay Hydrated! Plan to bring a few cases of water (the mini waters from Sam's are great) to ice down for your guests to grab on the way to the ceremony. We have ALLL the coolers and tubs you can think of to borrow.

   
   

2. Did you know it is 10-15 degrees cooler in the shade?

   Enjoy cabana-style seating during the months of May-October at Sunset Oaks to keep your guests cool under the shade canopies! These coupled with the light breeze we usually have, it's actually really nice for your guests!

   The shaded patio areas are also great ways for guests to enjoy the beautiful view and avoid the summer sun!

3. Consider paper fans or programs to give your guests a way to fan themselves. Custom printed fans with some fun details printed are a great addition to your summer wedding in East Texas!

4. Cold treats are ALWAYS a hit-

• fruit trays

• light refreshing drinks

• iced coffee

• margarita machine

• fruity mocktails or juices

• ice cream truck

Frozen items like popsicles or ice cream can be brought in a secure cooler with dry ice.

5. PHOTO TIMELINE: Talk to your photographer about breaking photos up into multiple sessions throughout the day-

• Take as many as you can before the ceremony. Pre-ceremony bridal photos, first looks, and separate wedding party photos can really help with this! This gives you a chance to cool down and touch-up makeup before the ceremony.

• Use the Sunset Oaks Venue bridal suite to its maximum potential. Not only it is seriously beautiful, climate controlled, and private, it has the BEST lighting. Just make sure your bridesmaids pack up their junk beforehand.

• Take family photos quickly after the ceremony (the front of Sunset Oaks Venue is in complete shade after noon). If you’ve provided your photographer a detailed list with all the names of your family members you want photos with, it speeds this up considerably. You can even let the bridal party “chill” in the Groom’s Room while you take family photos!

• If you were too exhausted from the heat and festivities to knock out all the couples’ portraits immediately after family/wedding party photos, possibly take a few more couples photos later in the evening after the reception kicks off. Pop back outside for 10-15 min of “couples photos” after you had time to cool down, socialize, and wait for the temperature to drop.

• Use the strategies above to avoid the temptation to take ALL your photos immediately after the ceremony (most of the year). Wedding attire tends to be heavy and can make you feel hot even when the weather is quite nice. Forcing them all back-to-back can be exhausting!

BONUS TIP: COMMUNICATE!

Use your invitations and wedding website to inform your guests it’s an outdoor ceremony. If they know in advance, they can dress appropriately in lighter weight clothing, bring their sunglasses, and wear sunscreen.

Give your officiant and DJ simple, pre-written announcements to minimize stalls in the timeline,

i.e. “The ceremony will begin in 5 minutes, please take your seats,” “All immediate family of the bride and groom meet on the front patio for family photos,” “enjoy a cold beverage at the indoor bar,” and “please find your assigned table, and we’ll introduce the newlyweds in the next 5 minutes.” This can help avoid 5-10 minute waiting periods and get you into the A/C ASAP!

Lastly, remember that you can’t control the weather, and at the end of the day, you will be marrying the love of your life in a stunning setting, so you just can’t go wrong!

Make sure to follow @SUNSETOAKSVENUE on social media for regular updates, inspiration, and wedding tips!