Spring is around the corner! It might not really feel like it right now, but soon enough we’ll have buds blooming and people moving to the beat of a springtime rhythm.
With all of the newfound beauty that springtime brings, it can make for the perfect backdrop for a wedding. New beginnings, love is in the air, the happiness from the prospect of bright futures. So exciting!
As we also know, springtime can also bring the rejuvenating and life giving energy of a good rain shower. And if you’re planning your perfect springtime outdoor event, a little rain can be the difference between a success and a rainy mishap.
With that said, what must be done? I’ve jotted down below some tips and considerations when planning an outdoor wedding. Be it spring or otherwise, weather can sometimes feel unforgiving with your outdoor event. So let’s talk about preventative steps to avoid any hard feelings towards mother nature.
Event Insurance!
This is the first one, and what I want to make sure you take into consideration first and foremost. Insurance for your event! Maybe the event is more of a backyard soiree with your friends and loved ones.
Or maybe it’s an event that you’ve been planning for 12 months that you want to make sure will talk about for the following 12. If that’s the case, I would recommend looking into some sort of event insurance to account for any maladies from the weather.
This kind of one day special event insurance can be purchased pretty easily through more major insurance companies, and minor alike. It can sometimes also be tacked on to an insurance you’re already bought into with a company (i.e. homeowner’s insurance). The process for event insurance is very simple, and just offers that extra piece of mind if your outdoor event suddenly takes a turn.
Incorporate Your Backup Venue
Holding an outdoor wedding under a (hopefully) clear blue sky? Have a tent for your dinner and reception. That way you automatically have a backup option for your ceremony, that is perfectly dressed for the occasion.
Also when considering your backup venue, consider what can be used for a quick switch. Oftentimes the decision to move to plan B is the day of the event (which is still okay if it happens!). So if that’s the case you will want to make sure the transition can be as smooth as possible.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
I can’t stress enough how important it is to communicate to all parties involved when a rain plan needs to go into effect for your outdoor event. Making sure all of the vendors understand plan B and what their role is, not just the guests, is imperative.
If you’re working with a day-of coordinator or event planner, might we suggest one, they will make sure all logistics and coordination is not only handled, but is the top priority.
Does this change where the caterer is cooking food? Does this change guest seating for the wedding? Does this delay cocktail hour? When a plan B is put into effect, it will most certainly create a chain reaction. Your planner will want you to be as prepared as possible, so it’s their job to communicate to everyone about all details necessary.
