Too Hot to Handle? Stay Cool on your Wedding Day.

Summers in the UK aren't what they used to be. The barometer (ask your Nan) now regularly swings from rain to record breaking temperatures - sometimes within the space of 24 hours. But with average global temperatures on the rise, more couples are opting for outdoor weddings.

With a heatwave on horizon this weekend, I thought I'd share the benefit of my experience so that this year's nearly-weds don't find themselves unable to handle the heat and uttering the three words that should never fall from the lips of a Brit on their wedding day: "It's too hot!"

So without further ado, here are some tips for getting the most out of your day in sizzling temperatures, for staying cool and looking and feeling your best in photos. No melting like the Wicked Witch of the West on my watch!

Tip No. 1 For those with long hair, consider an up do. Ask your hairdresser if this is a change from the agreed style. They should be able to accommodate your request, but try and give as much notice as possible.

Olivia Smart, Hair by Creations by Natalie

Tip No. 2. Rocking a suit? Remove your jacket, roll up your sleeves and don some shades for a cool relaxed and casual look. I may be stating the obvious here, but also remember, sunhats, sunscreen, fresh spare shirts, cold beers, water stations and blotting papers for skin shine.

Tip No. 3 Consider booking a professional make up artist. This applies whatever the weather, if budget allows, but pro make up will pay dividends if your wedding day is a hot one. Pro make up lasts way longer and will photograph beautifully.

Tip No. 4 Nominate a friend to periodically waft your dress and adjust it on your behalf. You will be forever grateful, trust me.

Tip No. 5 Have vases of water on hand for your bouquets in between photo breaks.

Tip No. 6 Keep your wedding cake cool. I captured a wedding last year and the tiered cake began to melt and slide. Photos were brought forward and all was not lost, but be flexible with your timeline and bring cake cutting forward to immediately after the ceremony to avoid any disasters.

Tip No. 7 Whilst I can't speak for every photographer, I always arrive a little earlier than my scheduled time. I do this for a number of reasons, not least because I'm usually as excited as the happy couple! But I also like to arrive in good time to familiarise myself with the venue (even if I've already visited) and find out if anything's changed with the day's timeline. On hot days, I can make a start on capturing details before the real action starts.

Tip No. 8 Ahead of the day, I meet with my couples and request a short list of must-have group shots plus a nominated helper to gather people into position. This is a good plan period, but particularly on hot days, as it moves things along like clockwork. If it's extremely hot, you may wish to combine shots, thereby reducing the list, to minimise the time everyone is standing around.

Tip No. 9 Embrace golden hour. Leaving photos until later in the day - the hour before sunset - is a good idea for two reasons. Firstly the temperature will have dropped a little, making conditions more comfortable. Secondly, the quality of the light at this time of day is exquisite; soft and flattering and can make for stunning, ethereal, golden-hued portraits.

Tip No. 10 If you have booked your photographer for the middle of the day and golden hour's not an option, then avoid the midday sun if possible or utilise any open shade you can find - eg trees, sides of buildings etc.

Tip No. 11 Use props - parasols, fans, ice creams or even water pistols for the adventurous.

Tip No. 12 Mini ice packs or cool gel pads issued to the key players to discreetly place in pockets or hand held during the ceremony.

Tip No. 13 Consider an unplugged wedding (no phones or mobile shots during the ceremony). This not only ensures your guests are fully present, but your photographer will be able to get on with the job of covering your ceremony, without fear of Uncle Bob leaping out in front of them. Plus, as we all know, screen time can make your eyes more sensitive to the light, so your guests might be less squinty in subsequent photos! This leads me neatly to my final tip.

Tip No. 14 If the sun is glaring, close your eyes for 3 seconds before opening, just as the photo is taken. I can direct you with this. It works like magic, avoiding the risk of squinting or racoon eyes (unflattering shadows).

So there you have it! Beat the wedding day heat! Effortless style, beautiful photos and laid back weddings are achievable, even in sweltering conditions, with just a little preparation.