Tips On Staying Calm, Cool and Collected On Your Wedding Day

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When brides were dreaming of a beautiful outdoor summer wedding, no one could have predicted the extreme and oppressive heat wave that has gripped the Delaware Valley for weeks. KYW's Michelle Durham reports that one local wedding photographer has advice for those who are planning outdoor festivities or pictures before it heats up again.

Jaime Bartlett and her husband own their own Huntingdon Valley based photography business and she says brides need to have a "Plan B."

"If you are out in the sun, you spent all day getting your hair and makeup done. It's going to quickly melt away and wilt. You shouldn't be afraid to move it indoors" says Bartlett.

That includes destination weddings. She says just because you have it in Jamaica doesn't mean it can't rain there. For those determined to hold it outside she recommends an air conditioned tent.

What are the best times for outdoor pictures? Sunrise or sunset.

"Move your wedding later in the day...so you get a softer light, more suitable for portraits and for photography in general, and then that way you get the outside. Maybe it's a little cooler in the evening and you are going to get those stunning pictures," explains Barlett.

(See Jaime Bartlett's pictures here.)

Here are Jaime Bartlett's tips on how to stay calm, cool and collected on your special day:

1. Tour your venue around the same time that your wedding will take place so you can gauge the sun's intensity and how comfortable it will be during the wedding. Check the feasibility of setting up your ceremony or reception in a shaded area.

2. Provide plenty of water bottles and make them easily accessible. Providing water at the bar is simply not enough and will often result in long lines! You can add a unique twist to this idea by providing an Italian ice or gelato stand, guaranteed to keep your guests happy and hydrated!

3. Consider free-standing misters or fans, which can make the surrounding air feel up to 10 degrees cooler.

4. Don't forget about the bugs! Ask your venue to spray for insects about 24 hours before your wedding.

5. Ask the venue to turn on the air conditioner the morning of the wedding; even outdoor tented weddings can have large air conditioner units, but they take time to cool down. Preparation is key to comfort.

6. Finally, if you start to get concerned, don't hesitate to make plans to move inside. Most venues have a 'plan b' for inclement weather, be it rain or heat. A forecasted heat wave will almost always distract from the wedding, don't wait until the wedding day to decide!

For more information about Bartlett Pair Photography, go to bartlettpairphotography.com.