Prepare for bad weather on your wedding day.
Weather Contingencies – what to know, how to prepare and the questions to ask before booking.
When planning your wedding, what is causing you the most stress? The invitations? Picking the attire? Menu choices? Knowing you should invite crazy Aunt Tina, but don’t want to? Try not to worry about any of that, as it’s all irrelevant (almost). The biggest concern you should really have is the weather. Why? Because the weather can be one of the biggest wild cards and there is nothing that will stop Mother Nature when she wants her way. Sadly, not even a bride. There is nothing you can do but prepare for it.
First: pick your date and location.
Have at least a year before the wedding? Excellent! This means you have the time to gauge the weather of your chosen location. You are going to have a general idea based upon the month/season you have chosen. Even if it’s a destination wedding, you can still forecast the weather (at least a little bit) and know if it’s going to be roughly the upper 80s or lower 100s.
And even if it’s less than a year, you can always pull out that farmer’s almanac and do some historical weather research.
Potential problem: Shade / Heat / Sun
Whether it’s a destination wedding (literally anywhere besides where you live) or even if it’s in your very own backyard, you still need to plan accordingly.
First, check the venue features: Does it offer both indoor and outdoor options? Covered patios, tents, or a backup ballroom? These are really important factors if a storm decides to randomly show up (and we’re not talking about your drunk cousin).
When the location calls for full sun or massive heat, you need to provide shade. It can come in the form of an umbrella, a parasol, a fan or even a tent.
Now, a clear tent seems like a great idea and screams “no budget!”, but if it is indeed a clear tent then it isn’t bringing much shade, so get that tent air-conditioned…..PSA: CLEAR TENTS are a major investment. The clear tent we rented for a summer wedding, with air conditioning and flooring cost us $40,000.
Shade is great, but it isn’t always enough. Another option you have (and can get creative with) is making a water station. Fill it with water, lemonade or iced tea. Add baskets at the ceremony filled with umbrellas, hand fans and sunscreen. Or go the next step (like they do at luxury retreats) and have an attendant handing small squirts of the lotion to the guests as they get to the ceremony.
You may want to consider taking an extra step and educating your guests on the area they’re coming to, for you. Wherever the location, there is usually at least one person that hasn’t been there before. For the ones that RSVP yes, follow up with a note expressing your excitement, perhaps an itinerary of event or some fun facts about the city you have chosen to host your event. Let the guests know the ceremony will be taking place outside and to make proper accommodation for the potential weather.
Also, it is imperative to make sure your bridal party is in lighter fabrics and breathable suits.
Like the sun, rain is also the earth’s friends – but not usually the brides. However, it has been said that rain on your wedding day is considered good luck, right? In the event the clouds darken, and the storm comes, what is your backup plan? This is a MDS (MUST DISCUSS SUBJECT) with your venue. What are their plans? Is there an alternate location where the ceremony can take place and if so, what’s the catch? Is there an extra charge? Will the timeline be able to remain the same? Do you have to compromise decorations for dryness, or can the outside decorations be moved inside? These are things you need to know and you need to be prepared for, just in case.
Take their answer into consideration before booking with them!
Also, if there is any potential “tent talk” make sure that the tents have sides. Rain may come down from above, but it comes in from the sides, so make sure side walls come with the rental of the tent. Bonus if there are covered walkways between the ceremony and reception area.
Potential problem: Wind / Cold
Any outside event is going to have to compete with weather. The sun isn’t always the enemy, here. Sometimes it’s just plain cold, too windy or both. Which, honestly, makes for a miserable day (but great overcast photos!).
If wind is going to be the day’s villain, make sure to take precautions. Secure your decorations tightly so they don’t blow away by using zip ties, double sided sticky tape or heavy-duty decorations.
Good news: there are weights for your wedding veil! This isn’t a new concept, but it’s still kind of quiet. The weights are magnetic clips & come in super cute styles (including beautiful little Mickeys if you’re getting married in WDW or if you’re a big Disney fan!).
Also, even though the guy’s boutonnieres are pinned onto their lapels, they still twist, turn upside down or sometimes just get ripped off entirely. The pocket boutonnieres are the way to go. These are a newer style flower for the men to wear, and they aren’t going anywhere – literally or figuratively.
Also, avoid candles & paper programs. The open flame is a “no” right away, and programs are way too light and will quickly wind up on the ground, causing litter and unsightly pictures.
Make sure that your floral decorations are heavy and secured to the structure you’re putting them on and make sure any drapery has been tied down as well. This includes table linens, as well. If you don’t have special table clips that are made for this, you (or your venue) can still tie linens in a certain way to make sure they are weighed down and not flying around in the wind.
And lastly, when it comes to wind, there is always one aspect that seems to slip through the cracks --- your hair. Just remember, if your hair is down, expect it to come backwards, fly past your chin and whip into your lip gloss. It’s a rule.
If there is a chance it may be a cold day or turn into a cold night once the sun goes down, be prepared.
Make sure to pamper your guests (remember, they’ve come to support you). Supply lap blankets on their chairs, at their tables or in a basket at the ceremony. If the venue allows you to, provide outdoor heaters. They work wonders in a tent or covered patio.
Instead of a drink station of water and iced tea, opt for hot cocoa, cider or even mulled wine. The guests will love the coziness of their accessories.
Again, before you sign with a certain venue, you need to ask the questions. All the questions. Even the ones that you really don’t believe will apply to your special day. See if the venue has a contingency plan for weather; does it change the timeline; is there an additional charge to use the room at the last minute; where will your guests be seated and will you still have an aisle to walk down?
At the PBC Venue (Pole Barn Chic Events) we have a clear policy that states if there is a last-minute change of plans due to the weather, that’s perfectly ok! We move the ceremony indoors and you still get married amongst your friends and family. A room flip cannot be accommodated, but your guests will be in their seats, you have an aisle to walk down, and you have a stunning venue to accommodate
Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:
Lizton Lodge – liztonlodge.com
Homestead 32 – listonlodge.com
The Postmark – thepostmarkoh.com
Hightower Falls – hightowerfalls.com
The Venue at Springfield Estates – vasegt.com