Category: Stay cool in Cyprus

How to stay cool at your wedding in Cyprus

I am often asked “As a wedding celebrant, how do you stay cool in Cyprus in the summer”? Well, it is a challenge, but for those of us who live here we have a few tips. When planning a wedding abroad there are always some things I advise my couples to think about bringing with them to protect yourself from the heat in Cyprus.

Firstly, the sun can be very strong and so I suggest you bring a hat with you. Its always a good idea to suggest your guests also bring a hat. Many wedding venues have shade, but some do not so check with your venue. Remember you may have some very young as well as older guests therefore it is always a good idea to keep them hydrated with water. Wedding parasols are also a great idea because they keep you cool as well as look amazing in the photos.

Secondly, Hand Fans. If you are getting married in Cyprus during the summer months you really want to help your guests stay as comfortable as possible. Amazon have a great range of hand fans. I usually suggest the wooden bamboo folding hand fans available from amazon.co.uk. You can buy them in small or large quantities and they come with a small organza pouch. They are perfect for putting on the chairs at your ceremony or handing out as a gift when your guests arrive.

Thirdly, sunscreen. It is sometimes difficult to find the exact brand you want therefore it is a good idea to bring some high protection sunscreen with you. I live here, and I use Factor 50 minimum. I use Ultrasun because they have a fantastic range of waterproof high SPF products. In my experience, this means that you can protect yourself from the sun without the risk of the product staining your clothes. Ultrasun is available at amazon.co.uk. superdrug.com

Fourthly, consider bringing your own cooling pillow case to help you stay cool in Cyprus at night. These are so comfortable and help you sleep better and keep you cool at night. Amazon have a huge selection of cooling pillowcases and they don’t take up much room in your luggage but can be a godsend in a hot climate. amazon.co.uk

Sunglasses. Remember to bring a pair of good optical quality sunglasses with dark lenses. In my experience normal fashion lenses are not dark enough to cope with the strong sunlight in the summer in Cyprus.

Beach – Pool Shoes. I know the idea of the beach is appealing but the sand gets really hot in the summer as well as the areas around swimming pools. Protect yourself from the heat by bringing something that is water resistant and cool on your feet. You can easily burn the soles of your feet on hot tiles and sand.

Face water spray. Stay cool in Cyprus with small cans of facial spray. Evian produce small cans of face spray which are really cooling and refreshing when you are hot and they are ideal to keep in your handbag. superdrug.com

Natural fibres. Clothes made of cotton or linen are a lot cooler than most man made fabrics. Its not just the heat you have to consider it is the humidity. Chain stores like www.marksandspencer.com and www.next.co.uk usually have a great range of summer clothes for hot climates. Many of our wedding guests choose linen outfits from these stores for the ceremony.

Hair Products. There are many brands with ranges for dealing with hot weather and humidity. If you have curly hair and the humidity causes you issues I suggest you research products before you come and bring them with you. superdrug.com

Handbags and beach bags. There is a reason raffia, straw and fabric bags are so popular in hot climates. They are so much more comfortable to use than leather of vegan leather bags. Clutch bags are always a favourite because you carry them away from your body.

Cotton Towels. Hamman style cotton towels can be used as beach towels, cover ups but also they are just perfect when you get out of the shower because they soak up the water without making you hot. hammams.co.uk

Mosquito Spray or bands. This is an absolute must. There are many brands of spray on the market so have a good look around. I favour the Pestecs Mosquito repellant bracelets and I buy them in a pack of 12 from amazon.co.uk but I am certain you can find them elsewhere. They are adjustable and can be used on your ankle or wrist. Avon produce a spray called Skin So Soft that is a firm favourite with the locals here.

What type of wedding dress or suit is best suited to the heat ?

Wedding dresses.

Your choice of dress is completely down to you, because it’s your day and I am certain you have an image in your head about the dress or suit you want to wear. How to stay cool in Cyprus in your wedding dress is a consideration when choosing your dress. Thinner fabrics are always more comfortable and some traditional wedding dresses can be hot to wear. Consider whether you will keep your dress on for the whole day and celebrations, or whether you will change into something more comfortable for the reception. The majority of brides getting married in the summer will choose a dress that is light and floaty. When you choose your dress tell the bridal shop you will be marrying abroad and it will be hot. That way they will show you more appropriate dresses.

What do the men wear ?

A lot of people will opt to wear linen suits or separates to stay cool in Cyprus in the summer. Natural fabrics are cooler and more comfortable in the heat. Ceremonies can be formal or informal, so choose something appropriate for you and your venue. It is not unusual for people to be married in linen shorts and shirts at a beach wedding in Cyprus, whilst others wear suits at a more formal setting. Check out marksandspencer.com and next.co.uk for linen clothes. Remember it is your day, and you do not have to stick to convention, you can wear whatever you want to.

Transporting your wedding clothes.

Always remember, you have to transport your wedding clothes so check your baggage allowances. I always suggest wedding couples take their outfits as cabin baggage, that means it is certain to arrive.

Wedding footwear.

Remember that your feet are likely to expand when the weather is hot so choose your footwear carefully. Think about your venue and the location and whether it is sand, grass, wood or stone. We have couples marrying in so many different locations here, boats, vineyards, golf courses, hotels, restaurants and beaches. Whatever you choose I am sure you want it to be comfortable as well as stylish but please do give some consideration to your location.

Wedding make up and hair.

Its always tempting to want to do your own make up and hair for your wedding however in my experience choosing a professional make-up artist and hairdresser is a really good decision. They are used working in the heat and have the appropriate products to make sure your make up and hair stays in place in the heat and humidity. If you are thinking about having make up and hair done for your wedding party, they will have all the different shades of foundation and hair products in their kits. It can often work out cheaper to have them do a professional job that will last the day rather than buying all the different products yourself. The professionals I work with offer trials to be certain you have the look you want on your special day.