Those who get married, if they want to, can rely on a wedding planner - a mystical problem-solving figure to whom more and more people are turning even in Italy - those who are invited to ceremonies are instead left to their own, at the mercy of Hamletian doubts about the expense to be incurred for the gift, as well as worries about clothes and the unbearable heat of the summer season.
Here then is a vademecum on how to behave when receiving the fateful invitation in the months from May to August. Written in my own skin.
Invent an excuse
The first valid option is always to find a reasonable excuse not to go. Provided, of course, that it is not the wedding of a close family member or your fraternal friend since primary school.
However, keep a credible commitment on hand - a doctor's appointment, a funeral or a cruise won with supermarket points - when it is the fussy colleague or noisy neighbour who invites you for 13 August.
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Fight heat and sweat
Heat is one of the big problems of summer weddings, especially when the bride and groom opt for a late morning ceremony. Arriving at the church sweaty and sitting down to lunch even more soaked after dozens of photos in the midday sun is therefore very easy.
For men like me who particularly suffer this, dressing in linen, in light colours, is almost essential, but it may not be enough. Away with socks and lace-up shoes in favour of a pair of moccasins (have blister plasters to hand); a tie is not needed, a bow tie even less so. Dousing yourself with talcum powder before putting on any clothes, on the other hand, does no harm. And don't forget a handkerchief always at hand.
For women, cropped hair and an uncovered neck can be a “cool” solution, as well as light, breathable clothes. It is also advisable to opt for light, subdued make-up and prefer waterproof or long-lasting products.
Bring a survival kit
In addition to the aforementioned blister plasters, it is of paramount importance to keep a survival kit on hand so as not to faint and look good throughout the wedding. Fans or portable fans are therefore welcome, as are sunglasses, sun cream and mosquito spray.
Girls in particular can bring an extra pair of flat shoes if they want to be comfortable. In the handbag, if there is room, it is forbidden to forget a small set of make-up to fix oneself up on the fly.
Arrive at the last moment
It has to be said: no more long weddings. In order to survive a summer wedding, every second saved counts and therefore arriving at the last moment (calmly and unhurriedly) can be a good viaticum for a day that is anything but stressful. This will save you heatstroke, awkward pleasantries or exchanges that would require too much energy. If you have any, keep it for dancing late in the evening when temperatures drop.
Refresh yourself by drinking
At the end of the ceremony your main goal until dinner must be to stay hydrated. With a small bottle of water always at hand, you can also start sipping light aperitifs, refreshing wines and a few aperitif cocktails before sitting down to dinner.
Let's not kid ourselves, this is the best part of any self-respecting wedding. It will relax you until you are at dinner, seated and (almost) rested. The worst will be over and you can think about actually enjoying yourself.
Illustration by Gloria Dozio - Acrimònia Studios
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