How cold is too cold?

Hi Meaghan!! The weather can be so unpredictable at times so it's great that you have a backup plan! 58-degree weather isn't too bad to be outside for a ceremony, especially if it's going to be a short program. In some places, this temperature feels cooler than others so you want to take into consideration what that usually feels like in South Dakota. To make sure that your guests' are comfortable, you could say anything 50 and below is too cold and move things inside! Ultimately go with what makes the most sense for you all and your guests!!!

Anything under 70 I'd move inside. Even 70 can be chilly for some people depending on the sun. Whatctime is the ceremony?

Following this, because ours is in Vegas in December and right now the high is 61' and the low is 35'... so that's cold. The ceremony is outside and the reception is inside. I'm interested to see what people say about when enough is enough and you should go inside lol

I don’t think 58 is that big of a deal in South Dakota. In the Midwest, it’s colder than than that before we consider putting on a hoodie. I’m guessing your guests have access to the same forecast you do and will know to wear a jacket.

It’s an out of town wedding for mostly everyone. I have family coming from Colorado and he has family coming from Iowa. It’ll be around 70 for an average in Colorado and Iowa around that time, so it’ll be a little colder than what they’re used to.

To me depending on the sun/wind anything under 65 degress can be too cold. If you're in a more northern state like that I would definitely consider moving inside for weather under 70 -65.

I think 58 is ok but I feel like that’s right at the limit. I’d advise putting it inside if it’s lower than 60, but I think between 55 and 60 you could still have it outside but it’s questionable.

Are your guests aware that it’s an outdoor ceremony? If so, I would assume they’re capable of dressing appropriately!

I’m hoping for weather like that for my outdoor ceremony. That seems perfect!

View Quoted Comment Ceremony is at 5!

You can also rent those large outdoor propane tower heaters if you feel it will be too cold. To me, 58 sounds perfect, but I live in South Florida and would KILL for 58 degrees. LOL (I'm from the Northeast and not used to this brutal heat and humidity)

I think the Colorado ppl should be fine. That’s where I live and I can’t wait for that kind of weather. Also if your ceremony is under 30 minutes it’s really not asking too much for ppl to be outside. I know ppl that have had their ceremony outdoors in December here. Personally I’d go with under 50 to move inside. And since most ppl aren’t coming from coastal areas they shouldn’t be too off put by 55 degree weather. If you’re worried you could always get some cheap blanket from the dollar store for ppl to share and cuddle up with

I think that’s pretty chilly. I’d say 65 would be my limit for an outdoor wedding. During the ceremony, everyone is just sitting there, not moving or being active, so it doesn’t take long to feel cold.

View Quoted Comment The blankets are a good idea! I may do that.

We went to a wedding that was about that temperature recently. Remind your guests to dress accordingly. People had blankets, rain jackets, sweaters (none of that took away from the feel). We are doing an outdoor winter wedding, so we are not afraid of the cold.

I live in Florida, so that is FREEZING to me! I'd rather be inside. However, you're probably way more used to that wedding. If it's rather short, I'd probably tell your guests that it will be outside so they are prepared with a jacket.

58 degrees is right in that gray area where some people would still wear shorts and others would have their winter boots out. If you can afford cheap blankets for your guests like MaryClare suggested, then I think that would be cute and I know I would appreciate it. Especially since I bet the sun will already be setting around 5pm next Saturday.

As a lot of the PPs said, as long as your guests know that the wedding is, for now, planned for outside, then they should be preparing for it. Just make sure if you have the ceremony outside that you have some space for any jackets and such inside so that it's not crowding up your reception space.

I think 58 degrees is totally fine to still have an outside wedding. It's up to the guests to dress appropriately. Maybe it's the fact that I am a New Englander, and people have wedding ceremonies outside in the dead of winter, but I would think you are fine to anything around 45-50 degrees as long as it is is not super windy. I would warn guests via wedding website and word of mouth ahead of time what the temperature is expected to be so they can plan ahead

58 degrees sounds totally fine for an outdoor ceremony to me. Especially in the Upper Midwest, where people are used to the cold (as are the people from Iowa and Colorado). I assume people will have jackets and you could put out some blankets in case some people need them. And I'd look into getting your BMs pashminas to wear. My BFF got married in November, it was in the 50s, and these made a huge difference while we were standing around outside waiting for pictures.

Just had my wedding in upstate NY and it was 90 degrees and sunny when we landed on Thursday and I think we were in the low 60's and overcast when we said "I Do" on Saturday. Weather is crazy, I told everyone to prepare for rain, heat, and possibly cold weather. I however, was not prepared to be standing at an alter slightly shaking from the cold, haha. I think 58 with sun should be OK if there is no breeze, but make sure your guests know that it will be an outside ceremony.

If it dips too much you could buy some of those microfiber blankets for people to wear for the ceremony. But honestly, I would just make sure your guests know to dress for the cold.

Do guests know the ceremony is outside? I think 58 is fine if people know to bring jackets. Could you rent heat lamps?