Outdoor Wedding Prep
Help! My niece is getting married. I'm so thrilled for her. Her fiance makes her laugh and she's happier than I've ever seen her in her entire life. I'm also super pleased and honored to be part of this special celebration. The wedding will take place in a beautiful plantation-style setting outdoors. The problemwith the outdoors thing is that the temperature is likely to be right around 92 degrees.
I want to dress nicely, but I also want to stay as cool as possible. Okay, so cool is too ambitious. How about not turn into one hot mess before the wedding ceremony is over? Given my state of hormonal fluctuation (read: hot flashes), this is going to take a plan, so I'm calling on the Riders A-TEAM.
Here's what I've got so far:
1.A sleeveless dress.
2. No stockings. I -may- apply some sunless tanner because I shouldn't and won't tan.
3. I purchased a personal fan at CVS and made sure it's in working order. My husband laughed, but I bet he'll be begging me for it.:) (I used the fan tonight at an outdoor concert 99.9 % of the time. I could have sold
it for $50.00)
4. I think I'm going to have to put up my hair, and I'm not particularly skilled at that kind of thing, so I bought a Goody Spin Pin.
5. TMI alert. I googled best deodorant and it's a tie between Secret Flawless Renewal Invisible Solid and Secret Clinical Strength. The latter will prevent a gorilla in rage from perspiring.
Do you think anyone will notice if I drop ice cubes down the front of my dress? Do you think the bride will mind if I bring in an extra fan with an extension cord? Any recommendations for easy, cute updos? Any
recommendations period?
I'll draw a name from your posts and send a book!
xo,
Leanne www.leannebanks.com
43 comments:
Sadly, I do think folks would notice the ice cubes. Your other preps sound great. Drink lots of water before the ceremony. Wear comfortable shoes; everything is better with comfy shoes. I think I'd stay away from the tanning lotion because the hotter it is, the fewer cosmetics I use. Besides, you'll look great.
My favorite summer wedding story: I once served in a huge wedding held in a large, non-air conditioned New Orleans church, in late July. Our bridesmaid dresses had jackets and long skirts. It was stifling. The ceremony was looooooong. But all went well and they're still married. Congrats to your niece.
Congrats to your niece, Leanne. You should buy one of those huge misting fans that they use in dugouts in baseball games or on the sidelines in football game. They look like they'll keep you cool.
Sounds to me like you have things covered, but I'm going to try those Secret deodorants. And I agree -- the ice cubes may be a bit much. But what about a pretty parasol to keep the sun off. Or a pretty hat with a wide brim?
Marilyn
Oh, the wide hat sounds good! And you can easily pull off the sleeveless dress. Wish I could but I've got flabby arms, LOL.
LSU Reader. YIKES on the long skirts with jackets! It's a wonder no one fainted! Thanks for the shoe reminder. Everything is better with comfy shoes and you can't think of much else when your feet are hurting!
Jane, love the misting fan idea! I've also had fantasies about slip 'n slide too lately for some reason! haha
Marilyn, I thought about the parasol and I'm tempted. The objective is to find or create shade, right?
Leanne, the dress is great.
I went to an outdoor garden wedding a few years back on Labor Day weekend. I live nearly on the Georgia /Florida line, needless to say it was HOT and Humid.
Doing your hair up is a winner and the fan can be your secret weapon.
The wedding consultant for my nephew and his bride was wise enough to put lovely painted paddle fans out for all the guests.
At least the reception was in an air conditioned venue on the plantation. Hopefully there will be air conditioning at some point in the evening.
Enjoy yourself!
Seems to me like you could combine two of your ideas. Find someone to sew a pouch for ice cubes into the bodice of your sleeveless dress. A somewhat lumpy breast enhancement, but it will keep you cool.
Have fun, and congrats to your niece!
Kylie, I'd love to try the hat, but I never felt like I was cool enough to carry it off. You try it and tell me how it goes!:)
Gigi, maybe I could take my own paddle fan too! That battery operated fan won't really be a secret weapon, though, because I'll probably use it so much I have to bring a change of batteries!ha!
Susan! Hiiiii!:) I could certainly use a breast enhancement! And since the bodice has the origami thing going on, maybe it would hide the lumps! ONLY YOU would come up with such a brilliant plan!:)
Do they still make those water bras? you could get one of those and freeze it! (Ok, it's too darn early for me yet, as you can tell by that suggestion.) :-)
Son's outdoor wedding in July was hot, but at least no humidity. They had to move it from the vast expanse of lawn because the hotel forgot it wasn't supposed to water, and everything was muddy. Glad I didn't have to navigate the distance from hotel to that site in my MOTB outfit. New venue was flagstone and much closer to our room.
Just enjoy. Everyone's busy looking at the bride.
Leanne, at some point who care if anyone notices the ice cubes? Ask the server to keep the ice coming. Just remember to bring along a few cloth hankies for mopping. Dress hankies--you know, with a little embroidery. Kleenex won't cut it.
Love the personal fan! I'm getting myself one next time out.
Sleeveless and nylonless...absolutely, but I loooove sexy high heels. And here's the thing about sexy shoes in summer. You can kick 'em off and carry 'em around. They're still cute in hand and then you have that kind of earthy gamine look going.
Have fun at the wedding. Where's it at?
Michele, loooooove the water bra idea. Frozen ta-tas! hahahaha!:)
Leanne-- The one piece, sleeveless shift dress is about as cool as you can go!
Make sure you pull out the waterproof mascara and look at other waterproof makeup options.
Terry, so true about everyone looking at the bride as they should be!!! So glad you avoided the muck in your mother of the groom moment!
Susan??! Dark hair? How very cool!! Makes me want to go for a new look too! I think you were blonde in SF, which I think is the last time I laid eyes on you.
Kathleen, cloth hankies! Thanks for the reminder! Perfect!
Lois, I'm determined to wear cute shoes. I'll be sitting with my fan most of the time. haha! Wedding is in Charlotte, NC.
Debra, waterproof makeup,yes! Check! Thanks for the reminder!
So many great ideas. I don't think anyone mentioned sandles so your feet can breathe lol. My daughter was married at the end of July in a Gazeboo (historical hotel) but I was lucky there was a breeze (it stormed like crazy but not until midnight and all but the hotel guests were gone!). Most important - relax and enjoy the day.
What about wearing a wide-brimmed hat?
Have fun!
How about a handheld fold fan (you know the old school ones used in the Victoria/Regency period)? They're so pretty and elegant so cooling off itself is a fashion statement. *grin*
Another idea would be wearing a thin shift under the dress to draw away excess sweat...light airy fabric for your dress is also a must...cotton can wrinkle quite easily so a mixed fabric or a chiffon or georgette fabric is perfect for a hot summer event.
*hugs*
Anna
Most importantly, have a blast!
I want to know how that hair thing works! My daughter has long hair and is always wanting to do fun princess-y hair styles, an area in which I am defective. My hair is short because I hate being hot and braiding is the best I can do:)
My suggestions:
*Use an Aloe Vera after sun product in place of using lotion.
*Avoid alcoholic drinks
*Daydream about snowy places
A few days ago I read an online article about keeping cool and these were the suggestions that sounded reasonable.
Have fun!
Catslady, there was a storm during my daughter's reception! But her wedding and reception were held indoors, thank goodness. I love climate control!:) The cool thing about that storm is that afterward, a rainbow appeared. How's that for an awesome omen?<3
s7anna, I do love the idea of a Victorian fan especially at a wedding. So romantic... much more romantic than the blue plastic battery powered one I have.lol
Helen, I love the idea of a hat. I just hate what happens when I take it off!
Anna, I lack updo skills myself! I actually saw an ad for this little thing on tv and bought it at the drugstore. The ad said it was supposed to take the place of a BUNCH of bobby pins. And they actually do work!
Great suggestions. I'll be thinking about blizzards...:)
Hi Leanne,
I think you've got everything covered. I like that dress. I'm not very good at updos. If my hair is long enough, sometimes I can do a nice french braid if I've been practicing.
Have a great time and think cool thoughts!
Chey, you can french braid? You are talented! Whenever I tried french braiding my daughter's hair when she was young, I made a big mess! Her friends did a better job than I did.
I'd nix the tanning lotion also, it can be sweaty and stinky.
Pick the Secret clinical strength, but be sure to try it ahead of time, so you'll know it works for you.
Carry a nice hanky to dab your sweaty forehead with. Put a cold wet-wipe in your bag to use on your hands/neck when you're sitting outside.
Places like Pier One usually have colored straw fans that work great for fanning, usually for under $2, go neutral or get one to match your dress.
Bring dry panties to change into - really. The ones you're wearing will soak up sweat while you're sitting, then you can hit the powder room, change and feel fresh and dry again. Have fun!
Leanne - you will be beautiful - if a bit 'dewy'. :o)
Stephenia, you are brilliant! Panties! I wouldn't have thought of it. I just need to make sure I'm not pulling my panties from my purse when I'm reaching for my hankie! GREAT! THANKS!!!
Cindy, you're so sweet. I'm not going for beautiful. I'm going for not feeling like a wet dishrag.:D
I have a personal mister I got at Target for 2.00. good luck in staying cool and dry
a fabulous posting...i liked all of your plans :) enjoy the wedding !
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I think no matter what it will end up being uncomfortable. My brother-in-law got married in the sweltering heat of the Pioneer Valley one summer and the food was served buffet style under the tent. It was easily 100 degrees with as much percent humidity and there was just nothing to do but sweat. The good news was that with it being so toasty, I didn't have much interest in overeating (I completely lose my appetite when it is hot).
Sorry, still giggling at you taking out the panties to dab your face. I may giggle all morning on that image.
That hair doo-hickey thing looks neat! I just cut my hair for the summer, but when it grows out, maybe I'll give it a shot.
I would just say to stay hydrated. If you can keep ice water coming, it'll keep you cooler/hydrated and also give you excuses to duck into the ladies' room to freshen up. So, dual purpose.
I like the frozen water bra idea. I guess the only advice that I have is stay hydrated.
great ideas and some funny ones to make one laugh.
I used a 1" wide scarf that had some kind of pellets inside and you wet it, wrung it out and tied it loosely around your neck. This is when the hot flashes were bad and I was taking radiation treatments. It is solely for the purpose of hot flashes; the pellets soak up water and this keeps the neck cool. It worked wonders.
Have an enjoyable time at the wedding.
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