Planning

Reception

Weather Style Solutions

If the weather report is predicting bad news for your big day, be prepared and brave the elements in style.

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Summer Meltdowns

• Go Au Natural. If you’re expecting soaring temperatures and humidity levels for your wedding, consider a gown made silk or cotton.
• Detach. The detachable train also comes in handy: wear it for a spectacular ceremony look, then remove it just before the reception for a cooler outfit. Ditto for considering a detachable veil.
• Bare Legs. Going bare-legged with sexy, strappy sandals is fine for an informal summer wedding, but brides seeking a more traditional look should consider stay-up stockings and pumps with open toes and/or heels or satin ballet slippers.
• Keep Cool. Faced with a record high temperature on her wedding day, one bride we know stylishly kept her cool by carrying a beautiful, yet inexpensive, Chinese paper fan and an antique cotton handkerchief in her purse for portable air conditioning and quick blottings before photos.
• Simple Hair. Don’t plan on wearing an elaborate hairdo if you think the temperature is going up. You’ll only find yourself battling with sweat and humidity and worrying about the tenacity of your hairspray. Instead, ask your hairstylist about a simple style that enhances your hair’s natural texture and movement. Remember that soft, touchable hair is sexy.
• Chill It. Store wedding-day makeup in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. Pencils and lipsticks will hold their shape better and take longer to melt in your handbag. A spray of chilled scent is a refreshing pick-me-up especially when discreetly spritzed on the soles of tired feet at the end of the reception

Winter Tactics

• Stay Warm. Be prepared for puddles or snowdrifts by considering a sheath-style gown or mini-dress. Either style is available with a detachable train. Your maid of honour could carry the train in a pretty tote to the ceremony site, and afterwards to the reception. Without the train, a sheath or short dress looks stunning under a satin-and-velvet cape or a fake-fur wrap. For extra warmth, consider a gown featuring a bolero or matching jacket that can be taken off to reveal bare shoulders once the reception heats up.
• Plan Ahead. Consider dressing at the ceremony site. Ask your officiator if this is possible, and try to see the room before the wedding day. You may want to have your bridesmaids dress there as well. Bring along an iron and board or a steam iron for last-minute touch-ups. You may also want to ask your officiator if a plastic or cloth aisle runner is available, which can be laid down prior to guests arriving, then rolled up by ushers just before the ceremony starts. You may have to rent one, but the assurance of a clean, dry aisle is worth it.
• Repel the Elements. Opt for white or ivory leather shoes or granny boots that can be treated with a water-repellent. Follow with a good polish using a clear shoe-wax for the best insurance against damp feet or water-stained shoes. Alternatively, make a charming white brocade shoe-bag to tote your bridal shoes to the ceremony and reception.
• Ride Safe. Rain or snow, you’ll need to protect your gown and shoes. If necessary, put clean sheets on the floor of the vehicle you’re riding in. Place a runner down the centre aisle of your ceremony site; remove the dirty runner before your procession to avoid staining your hem. Also, provide plastic rug covers for wet or muddy boots at the entranceway of your ceremony and reception sites. This will prevent dirty water from being tracked everywhere and minimize the danger of accidents due to slippery surfaces.
• Accessorize. Accessories can add charm and warmth to your wedding-day ensemble. Consider stretch velvet elbow-length gloves, worn with a fake-fur or velvet muff, decorated with a corsage of preserved or fabric flowers, or holly and ivy. For a cool-weather wedding in the fall, consider white leather wrist- or gauntlet-length gloves, either antique or new.

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