When Mother Nature Strikes: Planning for Bad Weather

When it rains, it pours. It’s just an expression, but you can always find a kernel of truth there. Rain is a good thing – unless it’s your wedding day. 

You plan every part of your big day that you can. Unfortunately, the weather has a mind of its own. If you are planning on an outdoor wedding, inclement weather can be your worst enemy. 

Rain on your wedding day doesn’t have to be the end of the world. At Adagio Djay Entertainment, we have seen it all. Keep reading to learn all our best tips and tricks on beating the bad weather. 

Bring Out the Tents

The best way to ward off the rain is to block it. Ask your venue if they have tents they can provide. If they don’t have any tents, see if they allow tents on their property. 

You will need to make space in your budget for the tent rental. Ask the company the amount of notice they need to reserve a tent. You may be able to have a tent purely as a backup if you know the weather is not likely to be on your side. 

Most places have several options for tents. Some tents are clear, some white, some even have side panels to protect from heavy rain. 

Hopefully, you won’t need those tents. It’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. 

Preparation is Key

Rain can come at any time. It doesn’t care if you have plans. So plan for the possibility. 

In the case of a sudden downpour, the best way to ensure a successful day is proper preparation. Have some ponchos and large umbrellas ready to go. You probably won’t need them, but you never know. 

Tarps are another good thing to have on hand. You can use them to line the ground so you and your guests can stay out of the mud. Plus, you can use them to cover any design elements you want to keep dry. 

Also, check with your venue to make sure they have a generator. You might want to invest in some flashlights as well, just in case. 

Keep the Comfort of Your Guests in Mind

Keep in mind that every person has a different tolerance level. Some people don’t mind the cold. Others balk at the slightest chill. 

You can’t schedule the weather, but you can help your guests weather the weather. Stock up on comfy blankets and throws and pass them out the guests who look particularly chilly. 

If you are having your outdoor ceremony somewhere hot, provide your guests with provisions. A couple of great warm weather balms include:

• Paper fans- bonus points for personalized fans with your initials 
• Areas with plenty of shade
• Misting fans
• Cold water bottles- one more opportunity to personalize something with your initials

Your guests are there for you. They want to witness your special day, but they want to be comfortable doing it. Take care of them. 

If You Must, Move it Indoors

When you are choosing your venue for your outdoor wedding, be thorough. You may have your heart set on that picturesque outdoor ceremony, but it would be wise to choose a place with a viable backup option.

When you are touring your venue, be sure to ask them what they do in cases of inclement weather. Most sites will have a plan in place. 

Fortunately, backup plans are rarely an all or nothing scenario. You can usually salvage at least part of your outdoor wedding. Maybe you move the ceremony inside, but you can still have your reception outside. 

Play it by ear and do what you can. The people from your venue can help; all you have to do is ask. 

If you have room in your budget, it might be a good idea to reserve an extra space for your plan B. Most places require a deposit upfront but do not require the full payment till much closer to your event. 

Even if you end up losing your deposit, at least you have peace of mind. 

Be Flexible

The weather can be a fickle thing. Often, rain clouds can disappear as quickly as they appeared. Pay attention to the weather report, and don’t rush to judgment. 

Talk to the people at your venue. Some places have a more flexible policy for their plan B options. They might let you wait until a few hours before the ceremony to pull the trigger. 

Some places require more notice if you need to change your plans. It all depends on the venue and the staff they have on hand. Remember that a change of location requires the site to move the decor, chairs, and other elements to the new spot. Plus, most places fully book up in advance, and space at most venues is limited. 

Bring the Heat

If you are planning an outdoor ceremony during the colder months, you need to have a plan to keep things warm. Even if the weather forecast says the temperature will be moderate, unexpected cold snaps happen. 

Many venues are able to provide you with outdoor heaters. They may even be able to provide you with fire pits to keep your guests comfortable. If they don’t have heaters on hand, you may be able to bring them in yourself.

Just ask what they can do for you. Your guests will be toasty warm, and you will get the outdoor wedding of your dreams. If you really want to go the extra mile, think about providing your guests with steaming cups of hot cocoa. 

They will love the treat. Plus, your guests will keep their hands and insides nice and warm.

Protect Yourself

The expression, expect the unexpected, only goes so far. Sometimes, no matter what you do, Mother Nature strikes. 

If all else fails, it is a great idea to purchase an extra level of protection. You can purchase event insurance.

At Adagio Djay and Entertainment, your wedding is our priority. Contact us for your free estimate today.