Why Creating a Rain / Unfavorable Weather Plan is Essential

So you are planning on having an outside wedding. Outside weddings are beautiful. The other side of that is you have to be cautious of the weather, all seasons of the year can be unpredictable. We can monitar the weather and plan things ahead of time but we can never truly know what is going to happen until a few days before or the day of the actual wedding day. Depending on where and when you plan to get married, weather can vary from area to area so being prepared ahead of time will save you time and stress the day of. It is best to be prepared and have peace of mind that no matter what, there is a back up plan in place. You don’t want to be stressing out about the weather right before your big day and trying to scramble to make a back up plan.

Rain

Keeping a contingency plan in mind while shopping for your venue is best. While you are on your venue tours, ask what they do if inclement weather happens. Do they have a larger space inside to move to? Rain can happen in all seasons and places so being prepared with this back up plan is essential no matter where or when you plan to get married. Make sure you know the venue’s rain back up plan and make sure it’s something that you like and will be happy with should you need to use the space on wedding day.

Colder Weather

It’s never a bad idea to ask questions and think ahead. Even when planning a wedding in the Spring and Fall, weather can go from 70 degrees to 50 degrees in a day. Make sure to ask your venue or rental company what the cost would be to add heaters if needed and how soon before the wedding you would need to make that call. If you are expecting the weather to be on the colder side, plan ahead to provide your guests with cozy warm options such as warm drinks to welcome them to the Ceremony, fire pits to warm up by during the Reception and/or comfy blankets to curl up under during any outside events.

Hot Weather

Late Spring and Summer temperatures can jump at a moment’s notice. If it is a week of a heatwave, it can really throw a wrench in an outdoor wedding plan. You don’t want you or your guests to overheat. To keep your guests cool, you can offer umbrellas for shade, sunscreen, cold drinks upon arrival, or programs that double as paper fans. Ask your venue or rental company about adding on fans or air conditioning options ahead of time to get a better idea on cost and when you would need to reserve them by.

While creating contingency plans for inclement weather, it’s important to keep your guests in mind. You want them to be comfortable throughout the day. Providing shade and hydration stations can help guests to stay cool during hot weather. Providing blankets or shawls and hot drink stations will help keep your guests warm in colder weather.

Additionally, it’s important to communicate with your guests about the outdoor setting so they can dress appropriately. Including dress code suggestions on your invitations or wedding website can help guests prepare for the weather and the style of your event.

By keeping these factors in mind and having plans in place, you can ensure that your wedding is a beautiful and comfortable experience for all involved, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. ;)

Happy Panning <3

Naticia