Blog

Summer is coming and before you know it, the temperature will be rising here in Sacramento and all across the country for that matter!  I was thinking that over the nearly 30 years I’ve been doing weddings and events that I’ve picked up a few nuggets that I thought my wife and I could share, that could be helpful to Brides, Grooms, and guests alike.  I hope you find a few of these tips helpful this coming summer wedding season.

1.   Water~   YES, I said it.  It’s that simple.   Drink water or fluids early and often.  Make sure to hydrate early in the day and keep water with you if you know the day is going to be a hot one.  I’ll even bring a cooler of iced waters that I’ll have in my vehicle to make sure I have cold water or beverages to keep hydrated during a load in, during a wedding or event in the heat.  As a guest it’s easy to stop by a store on the way to a wedding and grab a bottle of water to have in hand when you arrive.  If you think about it, you can even freeze a bottle the night before and let it thaw as you carry it so you have really cold water (BONUS TIP).  If you drink alchohol, make sure to keep the water in the mix as well.  Your body will thank you as the night goes on.
2.  Handkerchief or Folding Fan~  When the temperature starts heading north of the 80’s, 90’s, and up it can start to get sweaty and a little moist.  It’s really easy for gentlemen to keep an handkerchief in the pocket or ladies in a purse or pocket book.  Another good option here could be a fold out fan.  I’ve even seen some weddings use a fan as the weddings program.  It’s a creative touch to keep the guests cool in the summers heat.
3. Breathe Mints/Gum~  When it’s hot and you’re a little sweaty, nothing is worse than a dry stale, dry mouth.  It’s easy to have some mints in your pocket or purse to keep your mouth feeling fresh and breathe ready to mingle as well.
4. Check the weather forecast~  This is BIG ONE!  Especially for Brides and Grooms.  For family and guests you want to prepare for the weather, but for the wedding couple it is especially important.  You may think it’s silly, but if there is a chance of EXTREME heat, you will want to make sure the venue or facility has backup power of precautions in case of power interruptions.  YES it does and has happened.  We had a wedding that had a “Brown out” right in the middle of the Father/Daughter dance!  The whole county lost power for 3 hours due to power cycling due to extreme heat conditions.  That day it was 120 degrees and the whole wedding party had to move outside into the heat with no power.  The venue was given notice of the possibility of the “Brown out”, but did not make any arrangements for backup power, thinking it would probably not happen….well it did.  What could have been a disaster, ended up being a day that became one of our best selling points and stories.   Experience helped us save the day…the wedding….and the party! 
5. Shade~  Use the natural shade before you get hot.  Everyone usually tends to gather in the shade anyway, but if you can, find your spot early so you can get a jump on keeping cool.  Once you are HOT, it’s hard to cool off in the summer heat.
6. Aspirin~  In the heat some can get a headache real easy.  Or with the sun glaring it can bring on a headache.  Corner drug stores carry small single dose/individual size packages that are perfect to keep in the car or pocket for such occasions.
7. Wear the right shoes~ This is mainly for the ladies, but here it goes!  Ladies you look beautiful in the high heels and your dress, but those heels don’t really look so cute when you try and walk on the grass on sand.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve helped up a nice lady after she’s taken a tumble due to a heel sinking into the ground.  If you know the reception or wedding is on the beach or grass, wear a shoe that won’t put your health and pristine attire in harms way (wink)

See you when the tunes get going, and the memories are made!

DJ Derik

RIPTIDE ENTERTAINMENT