Outdoor wedding ceremonies in the Lowcountry bring to mind sweeping oak trees draped in Spanish moss, historic gardens, and turquoise waters under fiery Atlantic sunsets. But this idyllic fairytale can quickly come crashing down when you throw heat, humidity and bugs into the mix. But fear not – the fairytale can still come true if you pay a little extra attention beforehand. Follow these tips to avoid feeling the brunt of Mother Nature.
Heat Factor:
- Upon arrival, have your greeter(s) pass out glasses of ice-cold lemonade. Afraid of broken glasses but still want that touch of elegance? Pick up some disposable “crystal” plastic or acrylic cups from your local party store.
- When the Lowcountry temperatures soar towards 90, keep your guests cool by passing out (personalized) hand fans.
Humidity:
- Be sure to keep well-hydrated leading up to the ceremony. The drier your hair is, the more it will frizz-out! Drink plenty of water, condition your hair daily, and consider using a twice-weekly oil treatment. Also talk to your stylist before your big day. Her ideas on products and styles may well keep your hair under control!
- Keep your face on. More than one blushing bride as risked looking like a half-melted candle due to the one-two punch of heat and humidity. To combat the heat, start off with a facial wash and astringent that help control oil. Make sure to use waterproof mascara and eyeliner (a must even in cold weather, as you will likely shed a few tears of joy on your wedding day!). Also use a loose finishing powder to serve as a “matte” over your eye shadow and foundation. It’s also a good idea to bring along tissue paper squares to blot your face throughout the day to absorb excess oils without disrupting your make-up. Most important, book an appointment with a make-up artist. They will have plenty of tricks to keep you looking fresh from morning till night!
Bugs, bugs, and more bugs:
- There’s nothing more distracting than a bug-slapping bride during the “I –dos”. Avoid bug sprays that leave an odor and residue. Instead, enlist your father or a family friend to fog the periphery the morning of your ceremony. Organic solutions are also available – check with your local hardware store for options.
- Place citronella and TIKI candles around the ceremony area. Not only will it keep bugs at bay, the romantic ambience may just rekindle Aunt Fern and Uncle Frank’s long-lost passion!
- To avoid bees, have your florist clip the pollen from your bouquet. You may also want to avoid heavily fragranced flowers, so as not to attract stinging attention.
- Melissa L Hickman
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