We all need A Plan B
Australia has some of the most gorgeous climate, however it can also be unpredictable at times! When planning a wedding, we need to start the conversation no matter the time or season!
And that’s where we come in! As your wedding planner and stylist, we are there when you need us most. Although we have no control over the weather forecast, we do have the ability to prepare you for rain, hail or shine.
So, what happens if it rains on your wedding day you ask? We have put together a few tips and tricks to be the most prepared for your plan B.
First Things First – Don’t Panic
From our experience, we’d say rainy weather crosses 99% of our couple’s minds in the lead up to their wedding day – and it is extremely important to have those conversations from the get-go! However, worrying what could be should not stop you from planning and styling an outdoor celebration if that’s your dream. There are ways to prepare, so embrace what could be.
A Wet Weather Plan
Pull together a wet weather plan with your planner or stylist (if you have one), or chat with your venue. You might want to consider other under cover locations onsite where you could still fulfil the look and feel you are going for despite the location.
In the case of no undercover alternatives, start chatting with a marquee supplier from day dot. You want to put your wedding date out there and chat to them about their deposit structure around wet weather back up marquees. And consider something beautiful even if you don’t think it’s necessary – you want to fall in love with your plan B too.
Think About Your Guests
Of course, you want your guests to feel comfortable on your wedding day too. A place where they can relax and just enjoy themselves while celebrating you! So, in the case of rain, you want to prepare them.
Say you choose to keep your ceremony outside no matter the weather, prepare your guests with clear umbrellas or something in theme – think about your stunning wedding photography shots!
Consider some warm blankets, hot beverages and patio heaters. With a cool evening breeze, a blanket over your guest’s lap and a warm drink in their hand will go a long way. And we are not just talking about a hot cup of tea, consider some mulled wine, chocolate mudslides and hot buttered rum – yum!
And keep them in the loop! Prepare some information in your invitations or perhaps a wedding website where you can notify them of any changes along the way.
Go Beyond your Guest List
In the lead up to your wedding day, confirm with your vendors and suppliers what their wet weather policies are (if they have any). Your marquee company may specify where they can and cannot set up depending on the ground conditions. Your furniture supplier may have a policy for anything water damaged where things are left out in the rain, and music acts in particular won’t risk their equipment or instruments getting damaged. Got a planner and/or stylist on board? – don’t worry we got you here!
Hair and Make Up
Be practical about your hair and make-up on your wedding day. This one comes with rain, wind and shine! Your glam squad will be able to waterproof your makeup and give you a trendy messy bun or hair piece that won’t fall apart from water or blow your hair away in the wind.
Before the Wind
Ok, now you’re probably thinking how bad can it get right? Do I really need to prepare for wind? Our answer is simple – yes!
Consider all of those beautiful styling pieces that are not quite heavy enough to hold themselves down i.e. stationary on the tables including menus and placecards, your ceremony arch and photo backdrops, tall dinner candles and so on.
Reassess your locations and incorporate weight to these designs. You might like to opt for a simple cardstock dinner menu and placecard for something a little heavier like stone. Or, weighting down your arch with sandbags – don’t worry you will be surprised what can be hidden underneath all of those florals sometimes.
Wind is just as important and should also be remembered when styling your wedding.
Embrace it
Get ready to welcome the weather to your wedding day, some people think rain on your wedding day is good luck! Plus, it’s worth noting that a cloudy day, rather than direct sunlight is a photographer’s dream. And you may even get a pretty rainbow once it’s all over.
Hot as Hell
Given summer is one of the most popular wedding seasons, it’s important to consider a scorching hot day! Here are five hot tips for a scorching summer’s wedding day!
1. Mosquito and fly repellent spray (or candles) – This is something we have definitely learnt over time and couldn’t recommend it enough moving forward.
2. Food Service – Consider how you are serving your food. Antipasto platters incorporating cold meats and cheese don’t quite pair gracefully with a blistering hot day. Maybe consider something a little lighter, cooler and fresher.
3. Handheld Fans – If budget allows, you might like to hand out some wooden fans that your guests can use throughout the day to cool themselves down.
4. Cold Refreshing Beverages – A cool refreshing drink will go a long way for your guests, keeping them cool and less agitated when standing outside in the sun. Consider using fruits, infused waters, Aperol Spritz and more!
5. On Hand Toiletries – Create a small toiletries kit to pop inside the guest bathrooms and your bridal suite. On hand deodorant, body wipes, perfume, sanitizer is going that one step further to make sure everyone is feeling fresh and not afraid to hit the dance floor.
Remember it is essential that you are equally happy with your wet weather plan as if it were your primary choice. And of course, we are all here to help you!
If you would like to get in touch to chat about your upcoming wedding you can reach us via our website, follow us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@honelane.com.au.
Interested in chatting with us? Contact us and get your info pack here.Whether you are looking for assistance including Full Planning and Styling or Styling only, we are here to help!
