Definitely, yes.
Absolutely, yes.
Unquestionably, yes!
A back up plan is an essential detail to think about when planning your big day. This is especially true if your ceremony is outside.
I urge you to consider what you will do if weather is less than ideal on your big day.
When it comes to the weather – it’s the one thing that none of us can control!
You may think your day couldn’t possibly be interrupted by bad weather conditions. Let me assure you – anything is possible.
I have supported many upset couples trying to cope with their garden and outdoor wedding ceremony locations in rainstorms, muddy and extremely slippery ground, heat waves and even bushfires.
These scenarios will cause you stress on the one day you want to be happy and have everything go to plan. Having a Plan B will make your wedding day and your dreams so much happier than trying to cope with issues a few hours before you are due to say I Do!
Also, spare a thought for your guests; your family and friends who are taking the time to help you celebrate your special day. Do you want them to be shivering and huddling under umbrellas, or would you rather they be relaxed and focused on how beautiful the ceremony is?
No one will be happy if they are sitting in cold, wet clothes throughout the reception. Or if your celebration is interrupted by someone fainting from extreme heat and dehydration.
In my experience, the couples who enjoy their wedding day the most are those who expect the best but plan for the worst.
Plan B may not be your dream wedding option, but at least it’s an option. It means you won’t spend the 4 or 5 hours before your ceremony frantically phoning around, trying to find an alternative to your original plan and then having to message your guests to tell them of the changed last minute arrangements. (I have seen this happen many times and the couple were so stressed!!) We have had to delay ceremony start times because family and friends were still travelling to the last minute changed locations and they also arrived stressed, and unhappy.
Instead, with Plan B in place, you can be excitedly sipping champagne whilst getting your makeup done or chilling with the boys as you get ready to say I Do! Your guests arrive at the updated location, and there is no stress.
So, here are some outside wedding ceremony tips on things to consider in order to be prepared for any contingency, and yes some may seem over-the-top, but I do have some experience in this sort of thing!
Watch the weather alerts a week out from the day and check daily on any weather changes and dive into Plan B options ahead of the day if necessary.
If rain is predicted:
- Have an undercover or indoor option as standby – often your reception venue will be able to accommodate your ceremony in an emergency if you ask, if not perhaps look at hiring a marquee.
- Have umbrellas on hand in case of light showers, at least enough for the bridal party if not for everyone. (K Mart usually sell the clear ones or buy online now).
- Brides and bridesmaids may wish to have an alternative to high heels if the ceremony is outdoors (flats are much easier on wet soggy ground, and the heels can be saved for the reception).
If the weather turns really cold:
- A supply of knee rugs for guests, particularly for the elderly or very young. You can buy cheap ones from Ikea or on-line. Have them ready for guests to grab, either sitting on chairs OR in a lovely basket for them to take if they need one.
If it is likely to be very hot:
- Consider whether there will be any shade at the ceremony area. Go back to the venue and look at moving the ceremony to a shady area rather than expecting everyone to be in the full heat of the day without any shade. Chat to your stylist on setting up at a better location so everyone, including your bridal party won’t faint and any video equipment won’t overheat so you get your much wanted video.
- Large garden umbrellas can be a great way of providing shade if there is none and can be made to look very pretty with fairy lights or flowers – again chat to your stylist.
- Have a supply of bottled water on ice – this is usually easy for designated family or the groomsmen to bring with them (and gives them something to do on the day to make them feel useful!!). Make sure you have plenty for the bridal party and guests, (and your celebrant and photographer will be especially grateful if it is offered).
- Sunscreen and insect repellent is VERY useful to have on hand – sprays are much easier to apply on the spot than lotions. Have them in a nice basket for people to access.
If you are having a beach ceremony:
- Have you checked the tide? Ensure the setup is in a safe area. If not, be prepared to be constantly moving throughout the ceremony to dodge incoming waves – sadly I speak from experience, and it is one I prefer not to repeat! Although it can be funny to begin with, it detracts from the importance of the wedding ceremony.
- Flat shoes (or even no shoes) will look much more elegant than trying to trudge through sand in high heels. Remind your guests your ceremony is on the sand. Have a supply of thongs in a basket if guests want to use them.
- Will there be any disabled or elderly guests who may have difficulty on the beach? Keep in mind that many beaches have lovely lawned foreshore areas that are easier for everyone to access, while you still get the sea view and then you can have your beach photos after the ceremony.
- Wind is a big factor to consider with beach weddings and can affect so many elements of the ceremony – your hair, your veil, how far your voices and the music will carry – in fact the only good thing about a windy wedding is that there are no flies! If the wind is blowing sand across everyone, it’s truly unpleasant.
- One beach wedding I did in extreme windy conditions; the white carpet runner was completely covered by sand before the bride even arrived, and we were all feeling the sting of sand hitting us, as black clouds loomed quickly overhead. It poured rain seconds after the ceremony, and everyone ran for cover. We were soaked!!!
Finally, remember that you will never please everyone, no matter how hard you try.
Think about what you can organise now or even closer to the big day as you watch the weather conditions. You will be far less stressed if you are across any weather changes and make arrangements rather than just crossing your fingers and hoping it will be ok on the day!
It is the planning and little touches, and looking after the comfort of your family and friends that will show them how much you appreciate their presence and make your wedding day really memorable for them and for you!
