Having your wedding outdoors is one of the best ways to go about it. Especially if it is summer; the warm weather, sunshine, refreshing cocktails, scenic backdrops–we could go on forever, but we’ll stop there.

However, if you’re planning to have your wedding on a bright summer day, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you go walking down the aisle.

These are just “must do’s” when planning your outdoor wedding.

1. Come up with a plan B.

Mother nature is very unpredictable, so just in case, always have a back up plan. Having an alternative in case of inclement weather will save you a lot of wedding day stress. Otherwise, you might be reciting your vows in the rain. Sounds romantic? It’s not.

2. Fondant is your friend.

If you’re planning on your wedding happening on a hot summer day, we highly advise against getting your wedding cake made with regular icing. Fondant has a time and a place, and it’s certainly at summer weddings. Fondant can handle the heat that regular icing can’t. Save yourself a gigantic, sticky mess.

3. Provide chair covers.

Have you ever sat on a chair that lacks a cushion and has been sitting out in the sun for hours? It’s not a very pleasant feeling. Save your guests from potentially 1st degree burns on your hot chairs by putting simple chair covers on them. You’ll be doing your guests a huge favor.

4. Watch your menu

Many dishes will either melt or spoil in hot warm temperatures, so be very selective with your menu. Avoid items like cheese, dairy, spreads, and anything else that must be served cold–unless of course, you can leave it inside or you have a huge refridgerator outside. If you want your dinner course to be served outdoors, go for menu items that will look and taste awesome, or you could just eat inside.

5. Choose your dress wisely

Summer weddimgs are synonymous with sweating. Lots and lots of sweating. it’s inevitable. Choose dresses for yourself and your bridal party that are made of lightweight fabrics and select shorter styles.

6. H2o is life.

Even though booze and what not might be the focal point of the reception, it’s important to have coolers of ice water or watermelon wedges set up around the bar area for guests to grab, as they please. Keep your guests hydrated, they’ll bless you for it.

9. Starting the ceremony too early.

If you’re having a 1 pm ceremony, during the hottest part of the day, you and your guests are going to fry. It’s best to start your festivities around sunset when temperatures have cooled down a bit. Waiting a bit will spare you and your guests the summer heat. Plus, sunset wedding photos are also absolutely stunning.