Often couples who choose to elope to New Orleans come in the summer months. I don't have to tell them it is hot. They know. If you decide to have your ceremony in one of our lovely parks here are a few tips I have found that help you and guests survive the heat and humidity.

• Bring a cooler with ice and water, ummm and don't forget the beer, wine or champagne to share with guests
• Get a couple good ziplock FREEZER bags, fill one with a wet washcloth, the other with a dry one. Helps to apply to your pulse points for cooling
• If its just the two of you freeze a couple bottles of water (only half full). When you are leaving fill with water. When the ice melts you get cold water!
• Wedding dress, go for cotton or other natural fibers as much as possible, think breathing. Go cocktail length. 
• Hats. Think hats for both of you. 
• Bring a lightweight, long-sleeved natural fiber cover to keep the sun off you but loose enough to let air flow
• Burn the bra! No, don't burn it. But keep in mind rubber and synthetic fibers make you sweat like a donkey.
• Light colors! Unless its a really formal wedding have the guys go jacket and vest-less. Get creative.
• Buy a parasol for instant shade. We usually have a nice breeze so if you get in the shade you cool quickly.
• Pay a professional makeup artist or get lessons on how to make your makeup look awesome AND sweat-proof
• Bring some blotting tissues for sweat AND tears.
• Mosquito spray. If you are by water and its already humid they are present. Just do it. I know, it stinks and is sticky. Better than bites!
• If eloping consider splitting your time. Ceremony in the morning, portraits in the early evening. Play in between!
• The French Market in the French Quarter has several vendors who sell inexpensive folding fans. They are a life saver when the breeze is absent. Give them as favors!
• Back to clothes, think loose, simple, light colored, be creative! We costume every day of the week here, join us!
• Hire a photographer who knows which bars have the most frigid air conditioning and coldest beers. That would be me! 

Hope these tips help you in preparing for the most awesome experience of your life, a wedding in New Orleans! Give me a call to chat about your ideas and plans whether a large unconventional wedding or private elopement. 504-920-8703 

And check out my Instagram feed. I post daily wedding and my personal work along with occasional cool wedding locations. @pamelareedphoto

See more unique and quirky elopements and portraits at my website. For a great and unique wedding officiant check out this site for Spiritualist Wedding Officiant.