JOURNAL

Shauna Karver 4/27/22 Shauna Karver 4/27/22

5 Must Have Items for a Wedding During a Heat Wave

Historically, the Pacific Northwest has been known to have mild summers that begin after the 4th of July. However, with global warming, we’re seeing much warmer summers that extend beyond July-August. Now more than ever, it’s critical to prepare for heat and a lot of sun. We’re here to share five must have items for a wedding during a heat wave (and a few more that are tucked in for good measure).

SHADE

When booking a venue, it’s important to consider your rain plan and shade/heat plan. Does the venue have an indoor space that can be utilized? If not, where is the best location for a tent and or shade umbrellas? When considering heat plans, shade is important but air conditioning may also be crucial when temperatures approach the 90’s or 100 degree mark. Some tents have the capacity to add a thermostat for air conditioning or heat. While clear top tents are absolutely stunning, they serve as a greenhouse and will roast your unsuspecting guests. White tops or a Sperry tent are a much better option. We also add tents for catering so this will need to be factored in to your budget.

Market umbrellas are another great option when wind isn’t an element. We can stage these in a space that doesn’t need complete shade for guests who need a little reprieve from the heat. One note to remember, market umbrellas will tip over easily, even with a weighted base. If there is any breeze what so ever, a market umbrella should not be considered; Shade Sails are an excellent alternative.

Niki + Ryan Wedding_ Niki Rhodes Photo (84 of 124).jpg

Niki + Ryan Wedding_ Niki Rhodes Photo (49 of 124).jpg

Parasols are fun and photo friendly shade detail. We like to make these available for guests as they arrive. These photograph well and add an ere of charm. Just as we think of all guests with umbrellas, please consider all guests when purchasing or renting parasols.

WATER

“Hydrate or diedrate” is the token phrase in the athletic training world but can also be applied to the events world on a hot day. Make water and non-alcoholic beverages available to guests upon arrival. We like to offer guests chilled cucumber water or lavender lemonade on those extra hot days. Be prepared for guests to go through water and ice quickly; provide extra water carafes for each table so water is within reach.

Please also consider your vendors. We are working extra hard to keep your guests cool and comfortable and often forget to take care of ourselves. We provide our team with Liquid IV to ensure that we are well hydrated throughout your wedding day.

COOLING

Sometimes, despite our best attempts, cooling a tent and providing shade just won’t cut it at a venue without air conditioning. Thankfully, we can bring in industrial fans and misters if need be. We can also bring in industrial air conditioning to cool a venue but this comes with a price tag and some last minute hustle.

Hand held fans can be a cute addition for cooling guests and can pull double duty as a program or fun wedding detail.

Don’t forget about your bridal party members in suits. They will be out in the sun/heat far longer than guests and usually during the heat of the day. We like to include cooling neck wraps and gel ice packs during those pre-ceremony hours in case it gets really hot. Another thing to consider during the planning process is attire. Please, please, please do not put your bridal party or family members in wool suits or silk dresses (hello, sweat marks!). Consider lighter weight, wicking, or light colored attire if there is any chance that you will be getting married on a hot day.

COOL TREATS

What could be a better than a chilly treat? Hand scooped ice cream courtesy of Salt & Staw or boozy popsicles from Sloshy Pops make a fun addition that will leave your guests cooled off and talking long after your special day is over. Again, don’t forget about non-alcoholic options.

Salt and Straw Ice Cream Wedding J29 Events

PATIENCE

Heat makes all of us a little grumpy. We get it. Above all, have patience and grace. Your planner and vendor team will be working in overdrive to ensure that you and your guests are as comfortable as can be (all while roasting themselves) so please extend a little extra understanding. Rushing to plan for a heat plan can be stressful so plan ahead, just as you would if planning ahead for a rain plan. And remember, at the end of the day - your guests just want to celebrate you and have a good time.

Photography credits (from top to bottom):

Muir Adams Photography

Niki Rhodes Photo

Donny Zavala Photography

Clary Pfeifer

Valorie Darling

Guest User 1/21/22 Guest User 1/21/22

Tradition Meets Modern | Catholic Castaway Wedding

We received the kindest words from the bride:

I absolutely loved everything about our wedding, but it was pretty standard haha! Since I have zero craft skills, one of my sisters designed made the stationary, another sister made our seating chart and everything else was collaborated by the amazing vendors. I feel very fortunate that all of the vendors I chose were so flexible, great communicators, and easy to work with.

Read below to hear more about their courtship and engagement!

Where did you two meet?

We met in 2007 at a college party. His roommate and my roommate are cousins, so we hung out a lot in similar circles. We were both dating other people and were just friends until 2009 when we officially started dating.

Tell us your engagement story!

Matt proposed on a summer trip to Skamania Lodge. I had secretly always wanted a photoshoot for our dog Judith (so embarrassing that everyone knows this now!) so he hired one for an evening. After a day of massages and wine tasting the pet photographer came and took the cutest photos of our dog. She asked us to be in some and told us that one of us should be up with the dog in the foreground and the other should be in the background - which sounded weird but she assured us "it really makes for a great shot, trust me". I was in front with my dog and the photographer told me to turn around and Matt was on one knee proposing! Judith could not care less and was focused on sitting to get a treat, but I loved every second of it and have the photos to capture it!