What heatwaves mean for summer weddings – and how to plan for one
The wedding industry is facing last-minute costs to cope with the heat and October bookings are up.
This summer's heatwaves have posed significant challenges for couples planning weddings in the UK, with temperatures soaring above 35C in half of the years between 2015 and 2024. Aimie Seale, one of the many brides affected, faced 30C heat during her July wedding in a glass church, requiring an emergency marquee and an ice-cream van to keep guests cool.
The average UK wedding costs over £20,000, and last-minute efforts to combat the heatwave add to the expenses. Zoe Burke, head of brand at wedding planning app Bridebook, notes that behavioural data shows couples are increasingly concerned about heatwaves. Searches for fans surged five times more than in 2019, indicating the financial impact on wedding businesses.
Michelle Miles, board adviser to the UK Wedding Association, highlights that venues face hefty equipment and energy costs to maintain cool temperatures, with air conditioning units being at a premium. Guests are also consuming more water, affecting alcohol sales as people opt for non-alcoholic beverages during hot weather. Rebecca, from Lilac and Lace Floral Design, experienced a narrower flowering window for popular flowers like peonies and roses due to water shortages and drought.
Sarah Haywood, a wedding planner, advises avoiding July and August for weddings, particularly in destination locations, and suggests planning for the "shoulder season" of June and September, extending into October. Marie Cavanagh, due to marry in July, will consider heat-related factors when selecting her attire. Wedding planners like Sarah Haywood recommend lighter fabrics, sleeveless designs, and cooler materials like zinc oxide in dresses.
European destinations are becoming popular alternatives for UK couples due to the challenging heat in the UK. Wedding venues in the UK are adapting by installing cooling equipment, such as air-to-air heat pumps, to remain competitive. James Matthews, managing director of Xenia Venues, emphasizes the importance of these adaptations for the future of summer weddings in the face of increasing temperatures.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
