Weddings are huge events that require careful planning and execution. While you might be able to get away with a little bit of improvising on other aspects of the wedding, you need to be prepared when it comes to the temperature.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature works on her own schedule, and you can’t always rely on her to cooperate with your wedding day. Don’t let a heat wave or a cold snap ruin your big day. Be ready by renting the appropriate heating and cooling equipment for your event.
We’ll cover:
What To Consider When Renting Heating And Cooling Equipment For Your Wedding
There are a few things you need to take into account when deciding what type of heating and cooling equipment to rent for your wedding.
Time Of The Year
Naturally, the time of year will significantly impact what type of equipment you need to rent.
“Depending on your chosen location, a summer wedding might call for air conditioning, while a winter wedding will necessitate some form of heating.”
If you’re getting married in the spring or fall, you might get lucky and have mild weather. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Talk to your rental company about the equipment they recommend for each season.
Indoor/Outdoor
Another essential factor to consider is whether your wedding will be indoors or outdoors. Of course, an indoor wedding might still have some parts that are outdoors (like an outdoor ceremony followed by an indoor reception). In this case, you’ll need to be prepared for both scenarios.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you’ll need to consider the weather. Even if the forecast calls for mild weather, there’s always the possibility of a sudden change. Remember that tents may protect your guests from sun rays, but they won’t do anything to keep them cool if it gets too hot.
Size Of The Venue
The size of your venue will also play a role in what type of equipment you need to rent. Air circulates differently in an ample space than in a smaller one. You might need to rent more than one unit if you’re having a huge wedding.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a smaller, more intimate affair, you might get away with renting a single unit. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and rent equipment that is too powerful rather than not powerful enough. You can always decrease the output, but you can’t increase it.
Number Of Guests
“A group of partying humans generate a lot of heat. The larger the crowd, the more heat will be generated.”
If you’re expecting a lot of guests, make sure to rent appropriately sized equipment. The number of guests is directly related to the size of the venue. One hundred guests in a large hall will generate less heat than the same number of guests in a smaller room.
Different Types Of Cooling Equipment For Weddings
Now that you know what to consider when renting heating and cooling equipment, it’s time to take a look at the available different types of equipment.
Air Conditioner Systems
A large air conditioner is a must-have for any summer wedding. These units are designed to cool large spaces and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Some air conditioners come with a built-in heater, which can be a great option if you plan an outdoor wedding in the spring or fall.
While they may seem bulky, air conditioners are actually relatively easy to set up by your tenting professionals at Curated Events.
Air conditioners are a great option for cooling large spaces, but they can be quite expensive to rent. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider one of the other options on this list.
Pedestal Fans
As a classic cooling solution, pedestal fans are popular for summer weddings. These units are recognizable by their trademark three-pronged design and can be used both indoors and outdoors. One advantage of pedestal fans is their versatility.
They stand tall on their own and can easily move from one location to another. These units work by circulating the air and can be used in conjunction with other cooling methods, like misting fans. Just keep in mind that they’re not as powerful as air conditioners, and you might need more than one if you’re cooling a large space.
Misting Fans
A relatively new addition to the wedding cooling market, misting fans are a great way to keep your guests cool and comfortable. Misting fans work best in hot, dry climates and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Note that these units use water, so you’ll need a water source nearby.
“Misting fans work by shooting a fine mist of water into the air, which then evaporates and cools the surrounding area.”
Drum Fans
You’ve probably seen drum fans before, even if you didn’t know what they were called. These large, round units are standard at gyms and concerts. Their larger size makes them typically more powerful than pedestal fans.
Drum fans are ideal for cooling large spaces, but they can be pretty loud. If you’re looking for a more subdued cooling solution, you might consider one of the other options on this list.
Tent Fans
“A tent fan is perfect if you’re looking for something hidden in plain sight. They’ll bring in a gentle breeze from above that will help to keep your guests comfortable.”
Tent fans are a great way to keep your guests cool without detracting from your wedding decor. They come in various sizes and can easily hang from the ceiling. As the name suggests, these units are designed to be used in tents, but you can also use them indoors.
Alternative Cooling Solutions For Weddings
Although mechanical equipment like air conditioners, pedestal fans, and misting fans are the most popular choice for cooling wedding receptions, they’re not the only option. Here are a few alternative ideas if you want to get creative with your cooling solutions.
Utilize Shade
During a sunny day, shaded areas can be up to 15 degrees cooler than areas exposed to direct sunlight.
If your wedding reception is outdoors, use shade as much as possible. Set up tables and chairs in shaded areas, use umbrellas or parasols for standing guests, and consider using a tent if you have the space.
If you’re really looking to cool things down, you can even purchase cooling towels that can be soaked in water and then draped over the back of chairs or used as lap blankets.
Mix Indoors And Outdoors
If your venue has both indoor and outdoor space, take advantage of it! Set up the ceremony in the cool indoors with the reception outdoors. Guests can enjoy the fresh air during cocktail hour and then move inside for dinner and dancing. Just make sure to have a plan for if it starts to rain.
Give Out Handheld Fans
Fans are an easy and inexpensive way to keep your guests cool. You can purchase them in bulk and then place them on each table or hand them out as guests arrive. You can incorporate the design of the fan into your wedding decor, with wicker fans, wooden fans, palm leaf fans, and paper fans to choose from.
You can even have your guests’ names printed on the fans for a more personal touch. It’s a great way to keep things cool and also double as wedding favors.
Serve Cool Treats And Refreshments
Guests will appreciate cool, refreshing drinks and snacks during a hot summer day. Serve iced water or lemonade on arrival, and consider having frozen fruit pops, gelato, or ice cream available during cocktail hour.
You can get creative with your menu and serve items like gazpacho or chilled cucumber soup. For dessert, consider serving a lighter option like sorbet or mousse along with your wedding cake.
Start Later During The Day
If you’re looking to avoid the heat, consider starting your wedding later in the day. An evening ceremony can help you avoid the hottest hours of the day and make for some beautiful photos as the sun sets.
Different Types of Heating Equipment For Weddings
Although most weddings take place during the warmer months of the year, there’s nothing saying you can’t have a winter wedding.
If you’re planning a winter wedding, you’ll need to make sure you have the right heating equipment to keep your guests comfortable (and healthy).
Here are a few different types of heating equipment you might want to consider for your winter wedding.
Electric Radiant Heaters
Electric radiant heaters are a great way to keep your guests warm without taking up a lot of space. They work by emitting infrared radiation, which is then absorbed by people and objects in the room. Radiant heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that’s the perfect fit for your wedding venue.
If you’re worried about guests accidentally knocking over a heater, you can also find models with a built-in tip-over switch that will automatically turn the heater off if it’s tipped over. Alternatively, you can find mounted heaters that can be affixed to the ceiling or wall.
Console Heaters
Console heaters are bigger units that are gas-powered and need to be vented to the outside. They’re typically used in larger spaces like event halls and can heat up a room quickly. Console heaters come in both natural gas and propane models. Natural gas is less expensive than propane, but you’ll need to ensure your venue has a natural gas line.
Console heaters typically have a fan that circulates the air in the room, so you’ll want to make sure there’s enough ventilation. You’ll also want to ensure the heater is located away from flammable materials.
Heat Diffusers
Heat diffusers are a great way to distribute heat evenly in a room. They work by drawing air from the ceiling and then circulating it back down into the room. This system helps to prevent hot and cold spots in the room and makes for a more comfortable environment for your guests.
Patio Heaters
Patio heaters are slim, tall heaters that are typically used outdoors. They use either propane or natural gas and can be used to heat up a patio or other outdoor space. When choosing a patio heater, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right size for your space. Patio heaters typically come in many capacities, with the most common being 40,000 BTUs.
“Some patio heaters also have a built-in table, so you can use it as a side table or place to set down drinks.”
Fire Pits
A fire pit is an excellent way to add flavor to your wedding reception. Not only will it keep your guests warm, but you can also use it for making s’mores or roasting marshmallows.
“The dancing flames can create a romantic atmosphere, adding to the overall ambiance of your wedding.”
If you’re planning on having a fire pit at your reception, you’ll need to keep it properly ventilated and away from flammable materials. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough seating for all of your guests. If you don’t have enough chairs, you can always bring in some blankets or throws for guests to use.
Propane Fireplace
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a real fireplace, you can always opt for a propane fireplace instead. Propane fireplaces look just like real fireplaces, but they’re much easier to set up and don’t produce any smoke.
They match a real fireplace’s aesthetics and can provide heat and ambiance to your reception.
Where To Find Climate Control Rentals For Weddings?
Rare are the cases where you’ll need to buy heating or cooling equipment outright for your wedding – unless you plan on using it again in the future. In most cases, renting heating and cooling equipment for your wedding day is much more cost-effective.
At Curated Events, we have a wide selection of climate control rentals that are perfect for weddings. Our selection caters to luxury weddings and includes everything from portable air conditioners to patio heaters.
If you’re unsure what type of climate control rental you need for your wedding, our experienced event planners can help you choose the perfect option for your big day. Contact us today to learn more about our climate control rentals or to schedule a consultation.