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We will be strolling down a mile-long “aisle” in what could totally be humid 90+ degree F weather in our hiking boots. I'm sure there are other couples who might be planning to skateboard down the aisle or want photos of their partner jumping around in the bounce house at the reception. The possibilities that require sweat maintenance and freedom of movement are endless! How can I still look my best after potentially working up a sweat on my wedding day? – Carli
Hydrate your wedding party during hot outdoor ceremonies
Your wedding party may be looking hot, but make sure they're not feeling too hot during those warm outdoor ceremonies you're planning, warm-weather couples. In... Read more
This is a great question for any bride, really, but especially brides in heavy dresses expecting hot weather, a big hike to the site, or just a whole lot of nerves who want to keep cool on the wedding day. Plus, most of us know the problem of chub rub (thighs rubbing) under a dress. Here are some of our best tips for keeping cool, sweat-free, and most importantly, comfortable in the heat of the day.
Stay hydrated
Your body can't regulate temperatures well if you're not hydrated. Keep a refillable water bottle with a friend to snag when you're thirsty. Or better yet, ask them to bring it to you regularly so you won't forget.
Avoid chub rub
When you're wearing a long dress (or any skirt!), your thighs are probably rubbing together, causing heat and uncool “chub rub.” Look for Bike shorts, anti-chafing thigh bands, anti-friction bars, Body Glide, anti-chafing powder gels and creams.
Sweat-proof your makeup
Starting out with a good primer, using waterproof products, and finishing with a setting spray are all good basics for keeping your makeup as long-lasting and sweat-proof as possible. You can also ask your makeup artist if they can use airbrush makeup on you, as it's also a longer-lasting option.
Designate someone to hold onto blotting papers and extra makeup for touch-ups. Also ask them to keep an eye on your mug for any makeup running or fall-out.
Keep that hair dry
The easiest option is to just go with an updo when you know you'll likely get your sweat on. But if you're going with your hair down, pack some dry shampoo to freshen up your locks midday. Then ask that designated friend to check to make sure there's no stray white powder in your hair afterwards.
Keep sweat at bay
Cooling towels like these and these will mop up your brow and act as a cooling agent to your skin.
A handheld portable fan can also cool you down in a pinch.
Amp up your deodorant game
Clinical-strength deodorant could be your friend for the day, especially if you're prone to being extra “glowy” anyway.
Don't worry too much
Worrying about sweating ironically just causes more sweat. If you're sweating, everyone else will be, too, so nobody will think anything of it. Just get all your sweat-free items together in a bag and then let someone else worry about it. You'll be all set to keep cool on the wedding day without stress.
Are you having a hot weather wedding? Any tips you want to add?
About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
Tip: The cooling patches you get for muscle strain or headaches? They work really well to cool you down in hot clothes, place them in strategic invisible places or pulse points and stay cool. I wore some on my wrists at a Re-enactment festival on one of the hottest day’s of the year and felt great. 🙂 I’ve also done similar when cosplaying.
One of the other Tribes-mates suggested putting some pant-liners inside the more sweat-prone areas of your outfit to wick sweat (something about it being an old theatre hack) so I thought I’d share that here too.
Fair warning with those, though: they often smell of menthol, especially Icy-Hot. I agree they’re cooling, but the smell is something to be aware of.
Deodorant and baby powder (or body powder which is cooling in my opinion) also works for chub rub. If you wanted some quick cheap alternatives.