How to Create a Rain Plan for Your Wedding Day
Every couple dreams of a perfect, sunny wedding day filled with sunshine and clear skies. However, Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate with our plans. That's why every wedding planner knows the importance of having a rain plan in place. We'll walk you through the essential steps to create a rain plan for your wedding day, ensuring your special day goes off without a hitch, rain or shine.
Early Preparation:
Venue Selection: When you are searching for the perfect venue with an outdoor ceremony space, ask the venue what they normally do when it rains. It is good to know the rain plan before booking, so if it does rain you will know what to expect and make sure you like the option(s). Your wedding planner can also help create the perfect wedding plan for you based on your venue and guest count. If you don’t want to have to worry about the rain at all, you can book a indoor venue for both the ceremony and reception.
Backyard/Vacation Rental: If you are planning on having a backyard wedding or have your wedding located at a vacation rental you want to make sure you have a good rain plan in place. There are a lot more elements involved in the wedding as a whole with parking, transportation, power, restrooms, and the list goes on. As a wedding planner, we are here to help you navigate the best options and make sure your wedding day is perfect rain or shine.
Communication is Key:
Notify Vendors: Keep your wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and musicians, informed about your rain plan. Ensure they are familiar with the indoor venue and the necessary logistical changes. Your wedding planner will also keep your vendors informed with any updates and changes (one of the many perks of hiring a wedding planner).
Inform Guests: Send out clear communications to your guests regarding the rain plan. Include details on the new location, parking arrangements, and any changes in the timeline.
Tent Rentals:
Renting a Tent: If you're set on an outdoor wedding despite the weather forecast, renting a high-quality tent is a wise choice. Tents can provide shelter from rain while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty of an outdoor setting. If you are getting married on the beach or on the river in Eastern North Carolina you will just have to factor in the wind as well. If it is too windy it may be too dangerous to put up a tent and the tent may break. Just something to be aware of depending on the severity of the weather. It is also important to know if your DJ or band requires a tent covering (even on a beautiful day) to protect the equipment from getting too hot. So it would be good to have a covered location for your DJ or band regardless of the weather conditions.
Decorate the Tent: Transform the tent into a beautiful, intimate space with elegant decorations, lighting, and drapery. Your guests will hardly notice the rain outside.
Keep Guests Comfortable:
Umbrellas: Provide umbrellas for guests as they arrive. This small gesture can make a big difference in keeping everyone dry and in high spirits.
Flooring: If your outdoor venue gets muddy when it rains, consider renting a flooring system to keep guests' shoes clean and prevent slips.
Flexible Timeline:
Adjust the Schedule: Be prepared to adjust your wedding timeline if necessary. Rain can cause delays, so build in extra time for transitions and activities. Your wedding planner will help with adjusting your timeline activities accordingly.
Cocktail Hour: Consider moving the cocktail hour indoors to avoid guests getting wet and cold while waiting for the reception to begin.
Backup Photo Locations:
Indoor Options: Identify indoor locations for your wedding photos, such as a beautifully decorated room, a grand staircase, or an elegant hallway. Your photographer can work their magic in these spaces.
Embrace the Rain:
Rain Photography: Some of the most memorable wedding photos are captured in the rain. Embrace the weather and let your photographer capture the romantic moments under an umbrella or against the backdrop of raindrops.
Stay Positive:
Keep a Positive Attitude: Remember, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck in many cultures. Focus on the love you share and the commitment you're making, and don't let the weather dampen your spirits.
Creating a rain plan for your wedding day is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. By staying prepared, communicating effectively, and embracing the unexpected, you can ensure that your special day remains memorable, rain or shine. A skilled wedding planner can be your invaluable partner in crafting and executing the perfect rain plan. So, relax, trust your preparations, and enjoy your wedding day to the fullest, whatever the weather may bring!
Need a wedding planner to help create a rain plan perfect for you and to help make everything run smoothly on your wedding day? We would love to schedule a time to talk with you to see how we can help! Fill out the inquiry form on our website and we will be in touch to schedule your free consultation.
