While planning your wedding, you keep track of so many details. But what happens when the weather threatens to ruin your special day? Fortunately, all is not lost. You can prepare for the worst by following some smart advice.
Getting Married Outdoors? You Need a Tent
If you’re hosting your nuptials outdoors, you’ll definitely need a backup plan. The Knot’s Carrie Anton says that you’re going to need a tent, regardless of what the forecast looks like. Your tent will shield guests, food, and equipment from sun and rain — plus it can minimize heat and wind impacts.
Expert Jaimie Mackey lists popular outdoor tents, including tension pole, frame, marquee, and sailcloth varieties. In another Brides piece, Danielle Halibey recommends choosing a tent with side walls just in case. This addition offers another great benefit: a little more privacy plus protection from wind.
Pick a Site With Both Indoor and Outdoor Options
Anton suggests choosing a venue that has both indoor and outdoor facilities. Fortunately, you have a lot of choices. Depending on your area, some possible options include hotels, museums, botanical gardens, historical landmarks, and golf courses. The major advantage is that you’ll have easy access to a rain location should unexpected storms pop up. This approach also works well for spring and fall celebrations — you can always switch to the indoor site if the temperature drops too low.
You’ll likely have to pay extra to book multiple spaces at the same site. But you can still turn this lemon into lemonade. You can have your ceremony outdoors and move inside for the reception if you like. This location shift can help change the mood, plus transition between the two parts of your big day.
Keep Things Comfortable for Your Guests
Shielding your guests from excess rain and sun is just the beginning. Unless you’re getting married in the dead of summer, you may want to have outdoor heaters ready for some extra warmth. During spring and fall, it also doesn’t hurt to prep for unanticipated heat. Some event rental companies in your area may have large outdoor fans, or you could check for a dedicated fan rental service.
Reschedule for Dangerous Weather Threats
Sometimes, you can’t brave out bad weather. And if the forecast suddenly calls for a hurricane or blizzard on your big day, you may have no choice but to reschedule. Writing for Martha Stewart Weddings, Sara Dickinson advises checking your vendor contracts first. Many vendors will work with you should the situation arise. Still, look in your contracts for force majeure clauses specifying what will happen if unforeseeable events force cancellation. It’s also a wise idea to purchase wedding event insurance, but make sure that your policy addresses severe inclement weather.
Once you’ve made the decision to reschedule or move your event, you’re going to need logistical help. Your wedding planner can reach out to your vendors. But don’t forget to get on the horn with your guests as soon as you’ve made your decision.
Set a Budget for Your Plan B
In another Martha Stewart Weddings piece, Alyssa Brown stresses the importance of budgeting for wedding-day contingencies. This part of your spending plan may need to include an alternative location plus comfort and safety items and your wedding insurance policy costs. Knowing what you must pay for can guide you in both planning and spending.
We can’t predict the future. Bad weather can impact your wedding day, but you can be prepared. Seek alternate locations, protect your guests from weather discomfort, and be ready to reschedule for significant weather threats. Your contingency planning is key to ensuring things run as smoothly as possible for your event.
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