I imagine you don’t want to swelter and drip beads of sweat down your gown during your first dance either. If your tented wedding reception is set for a melting-hot month, a portable air conditioner is not merely a luxury—it’s a necessity.

GOOD THINGS TO KNOW…

when you shop for a rental tents and portable air conditioning. I did some research of my own. Here’s what I learned:

• White event tents with clear, plastic windows may look more attractive to you, but they’re less efficient at keeping out the heat of the sun’s rays, so air conditioning should be strongly considered.
• An insulated (or black-out) tent has a layer of insulation between the white tent fabric to prevent the transfer of heat through the tent wall, keeping the space somewhat cooler. Insulated tents may have a slightly higher rental rate. (As with all of your wedding needs, shop around!)
• When shopping for your tent, you need to know the approximate number of people attending, if yours is a buffet or served dinner, whether you’re having a DJ, a band or neither and if you need space for a dance floor. This will help determine the square-footage you require.
• A tented wedding venue with a seated dinner requires about 15 square feet per person.
• A typical 40′ x 60′ tent, with a dance floor, has a seating capacity of approximately 150-160 people. (Capacity numbers may vary based on the tent company.)
• A 40′ x 60′ tent requires at 20-ton portable air conditioner. I found a 20-ton portable AC with a weekend rental rate of $2,500, which includes delivery, set up/retrieval and a generator.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate!

And, of course, always stay cool!

I really want to talk about Jennyvi’s fabulous wedding gown designs. I “met” her when I answered her request for gift bag items. Jennyvi is spearheading Arizona’s first bridal week for engaged couples and brides-to-be. Arizona Bridal Week starts Saturday, September 26 and runs through October 3. There will be a different event held in a different location throughout the valley every day. So when you go, you’ll get a gift bag full of fabulous wedding goodies from places like MyWeddingFavors.com. And I digress once again.

I really do want to talk about Jennyvi’s fabulous wedding gown designs. Jennyvi Dizon Couture creates unique, hand-made bridal and evening wear. Her designs run the gamut from simple elegance to exquisitely lavish. Her awards include the 2004 People’s Choice Designer of the Year, the 2006 FGI Rising Star, the 2006 LabelHorde Designer of the Year, and in 2007, the Phoenix New Times voted hers the Best Custom Bridal Designs.

It takes Jennyvi about four months to create a custom design for you, which includes a meeting to select your fabric and two or three fittings. If your design requires intricate beading, it may take a little longer than four months.

And now I’ve decided, instead of talking about Jennyvi’s talent, I’m simply going to show you examples of her work that would be ideal for an outdoor wedding. But when you go to her Web site (www.jennyvi.com,) you’ll find amazing gowns for your wedding anywhere in the world!