Whether it’s by the ocean, on a bluff at sunset, or in an overflowing garden during the afternoon, weddings in the summertime are just more picturesque and can provide the ambiance any blushing bride would need on her big day. But the excessive heat and blazing sun can make your special day unbearable for both you and your guests. How to deal without sacrificing your dream summer wedding? Below are some helpful tips.

During the ceremony and cocktail hour, have glasses of water ready and waiting. The relief will be almost instant and can last for up to one hour. Present them with slices of cucumber, lemon or orange to refresh your guests in true garden style. Serving soft drinks and alcohol, especially, will only dehydrate the crowd.

While giving out paper fans have been the go-to method for keeping guests cool, these are overdone and hardly effective in staving off the heat. Get electric mini fans that can also serve as your party favors. Your wedding won’t be the only event your guests will attend this summer, so the mini fan will be something they can take to any barbecue, beach, or campsite. Check out Inkhead.com for personalized fans for as low as $1.70 per for 150 guests. Keep in mind these promotional products websites always have a minimum number you must purchase to order.

A few other quick tips to consider are having only cold hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour and offering mint-infused products to guests throughout the night. Serving sushi or cold soup shooters will be a welcomed treat compared to a hibachi or carving station that will only add to the heat. And for the cooling mint effect, you can stick products like Bath & Body Works’ Nectarine Mint Antibacterial Hand Lotion or Clean Well Spearmint Lime All Natural Hand Sanitizer in the ladies’ and men’s restrooms. You can buy up now during their clearance sale.

Last but not least, if you believe the heat will still be too much to bear, consider adding tent and air conditioning rentals to your budget. While this option can be expensive ( avg. price is $2500 - $3000) when considering catering, table and chair rentals, lighting and flooring will all be separate charges, it will keep guests from running to their cars after your nuptials. A wedding coordinator would be especially helpful in these types of weddings as all the details can become very overwhelming. If rentals will stretch the budget too much, it would be best to find a venue that accommodates both your dream outdoor ceremony and provides an indoor reception space as well.

Happy Planning!!