Finally, you have said the "Big Yes." Congratulations! Now, the next question that pops up is the wedding, where, how, and when. Setting up a date for the grand celebrations is the first and essential step in planning your special day. If you are planning a wedding in Ottawa, summer is the best season to look forward to. 


During that season, there are fewer unpredictable weather changes compared to other seasons. You may be wondering how bad it could be. Well, Ottawa weather has become very prone to tornadoes and thunderstorms with high humidity, which could interrupt your wedding. However, such weather conditions are typically few during the summer. Therefore, couples often seek summers, which bring warm and caressing sun with beautiful scenery and picturesque backdrops. To help you make the most of your Ottawa summer wedding, we have compiled some essential tips:


  • Plan for a lighter dress 


Obviously, brides don't want to see sweat stains in their wedding photographs, nor do I as an Ottawa wedding photographer. A great way to avoid this is to wear a lighter dress that is more comfortable and easy to carry. Additionally,  if you wish to be all by yourself and comfy avoid the ball gown. Moreover, breathable, flowy dresses and lighter colours are wonderful ideas many brides opt for as part of their summer wedding apparel. Likewise, grooms can trade suit jackets for trendy suspenders or linen vests.


  • Drink lots of water 


Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Ensure you drink water continuously throughout your wedding. To avoid dehydration, aim for at least 8 cups of water two days before your Ottawa summer wedding. Also, consider adding water-filled foods such as cucumbers and watermelon to keep yourself hydrated.


  • Avoid Outdoor Ceremony Between 11 am to 3 pm.


If you have planned an outdoor ceremony, lighting is an important factor. There is harsh light and soft, beautiful light. Therefore, avoid ceremonies between 11 am and 3 pm. During that period, the light is harsh, creating unflattering light in terms of photography. Instead, opt for the cooler part of the day or pick a shaded


  • Have a backup plan if the ceremony is outdoors and for portraits. 


Couples often love the idea of exchanging "I do's" in fresh air and nature. While getting married in picturesque settings may be the dream, rain showers can often dampen that plan. Therefore, as the Ottawa weather can always be unpredictable, always prepare a backup plan for the ceremony and the portraits. 


If you are having an Ottawa summer wedding, have a plan B ready no matter what time of the year. Even if the venue has indoor options, it's also great to have something to rely on. However, to ensure a successful wedding full of fun and joy, my best advice is to have a strong and professional team you can trust.


  • What time is sunset


As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I believe the golden hour is our best time of the day. The low sun produces a soft, golden glow, perfect for gorgeous sunset portraits. You can google what time sunset is on your wedding day, and it will give you a pretty good idea of how to change the timelines accordingly. So, figure out when the sunset time is and go ahead and make golden memories from the day.


  • Hair and Makeup

As a summer bride, you are probably worried, but worry not—there are great hacks to help you. While you are investing in quality makeup and hair styling, don't forget to carry blush and lipsticks for the touch-up at the venue. Also, don't let the locks loose; having open hair can prove uncomfortable. Additionally, keep anti-frizz spray in your summer wedding apparel to keep the locks in place.


  • Carry Portable Fans


Future brides, don't forget to invest in some cooling goodies. Therefore, opt for portable fans to escape the scorching summer heat of your Ottawa summer wedding. Other lifesaver options are cooling towels, parasols, or umbrellas for extra shade and comfort. Some wedding venues provide these, so you can arrange them for the guests.


  • Carry a Refreshment 


Similar to hydration, ensure you are eating well. Often, brides schedule their breakfast, and in the afternoon, they go for a light snack or sandwich. If you don't arrange it, you might not get a chance later to eat and may even feel tired. Not eating well can make you feel uneasy, which is, of course, the last thing you would want on your best day ever. Therefore, you should keep juices or yoghurt-based desserts as a handy option.


With warm weather and blooming flowers, summers are a great time to make new beginnings. Between outdoor venues and hot weather, planning an Ottawa summer wedding can bring its own set of challenges. So stay ahead of the game with these summer wedding tips. 


Looking for more inspiring information to make the most of your special day? Check out more planning resources and The Ultimate Timeline for perfect wedding photos.