It's getting hot in here...
It's fair to say that this summer has been quite underwhelming weather-wise throughout Italy. May typically brings occasional showers, but we're accustomed to the arrival of June 1st marking the official start of summer. It's usually like a weather light switch is flicked on, bringing the long, hot summer days we look forward to. However, this year, the rain lingered much longer, putting our plan B solutions to the test throughout June and even into early July.
Then all of a sudden it was like the power was connected and, just like that, those wet days dried up, and summer finally arrived. Better late than never, it's been as if the sun has been making up for lost time with, temperatures rising overnight from 25 to 37 degrees Celsius (that's going from 77 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit for our American friends). This sharp rise in heat can be a bit of a shock and feel especially oppressive and fierce, especially for those coming to Italy from colder climates. This month, we wanted to share our thoughts on how best to negate the scorching summer heat whether you're getting married here this summer or are lucky enough to have friends and family who have chosen Italy as the place to say 'I do'.
Timing
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to planning your wedding day. The hottest part of the day is generally from midday until 4pm. During this time, the sun and heat are at their most intense and can be uncomfortable for not just you but also for your guests. We've found that many couples want to maximise their day by kicking-off the wedding ceremony at around 2pm, however we always recommend pushing this back to at least 4-5pm. This gives you plenty of time to get ready at a relaxed pace while still enjoying a good amount of sunlight through to dinner, as throughout the summer the sun generally sets around 9pm. Additionally, during this time, the temperature starts to slowly decrease, making it more manageable for you and your guests during the ceremony and aperitivo.
Ceremony Location & Length
When choosing your wedding day location, understand what areas can provide shade, whether that's under the shade of trees, or umbrellas either rented or provided by the venue, work out where the sun will be at the time of your ceremony to avoid out in open direct sunlight. Getting married in a stunning countryside location... Why not have your ceremony in a row of olive groves? Not only do olive trees symbolise Italy, but they are also aesthetically pleasing and great at blocking out sunlight.
Secondly, consider the length of your ceremony. Are there elements that could be moved to later in the day, like speeches from family and friends? Up to 30 minutes is a good length for a ceremony; any longer, and your guests could get hot, sweaty, and find the heat irritating.
"Emma invested a lot of time to make sure that she understood our vision and that it was realizable, logistically and also logically." – Delia & Philipp (July 2023)
Little Extras
You might want to proportion off a small amount of your budget for some inexpensive extras you could give to your guests to help combat the scorching summer heat. Fans and mini umbrellas are popular items that your guests will massively appreciate while sitting at your ceremony under the Mediterranean sun or during your aperitivo. Getting married in Venice? Did you know that the island of Burano is famous for it's lace production? Beautiful lace fans that also support local businesses, now thats what we're talking about!
Easy Extra: If you're budget can't quite stretch to supplying your guests with fans and umbrellas, then a low cost option could be to leave a pamper pack in the bathrooms for your guests to use to refresh themselves with throughout the day. Items like suntan lotion, wet wipes, deoderant or a misting spray will go down a treat.
Bonus Tip - Welcome Drink
Budget-dependent, we love recommending a welcome drink prior to your ceremony. Most people arrive early so keeping your guests hydrated while they wait for the festivities to begin is essential. It's a great way to ensure that guests who work to a slightly later schedule also arrive on time, and your wedding day starts on time.
Getting married in Italy, the birthplace of Prosecco and Franciacorta can make it tempting to ply your guests with bubbles as soon as they arrive, however, they will have plenty of time to indulge Italy's finest beverages during the festivities that follow; aperitivo, dinner, and of course the party.
Instead, consider showcasing the fresh flavours of Italy. Bottles of still and sparkling water can be accompanied by Kilner jars filled with water flavoured with fresh lemon, mint, and ginger. You can also serve non-alcoholic cocktails created with fruits like pomegranate and elderflower, turning your hydration station into a cool, refreshing welcome bar.
Want to know more about what it's really like to celebrate in Italy, get in touch today to set up a complimentary 30-minute clarity call with the team at Just Juno Weddings.
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