The Wedding Back Up Plan
Tips for a plan b
By Natalie Tsang
November 2, 2011
You have picked out the perfect outside venue. The landscape is breathtaking, the location is central...but what if it rains? Many venues may look amazing outside, but less than spectacular on the inside. While it's advised to keep looking, some brides just cannot pass up the opportunity and take the gamble. For every few girls who get a perfect wedding, one or two gets soaked to the skin with no backup plan
One of the most important things to find out about your venue is the back up plan in case of inclement weather. Rather than thinking of the back up plan as a backup, consider how comfortable you would be if it actually happened. Consider how furniture will be moved, have the finished picture in your head. Would you be heartbroken? If so, pick another venue.
If your reception and ceremony venue are in the same location, you can often ask that in the event of an emergency, your ceremony be moved to the reception venue. If there are no appropriate indoor accommodations or if it is unavailable during your ceremony, you can consider renting a tent. However, the tent only works for light or moderate storms with little wind. A heavy rain will soak the ground under the tent and ruin shoes. If your wedding dress has a train, it's practically guaranteed to get muddy. If possible, arrange to have the tent put up over the dance floor.
A gazebo is another option for a quick ceremony. Many venues with outside areas have large gazebos, but they also offer limited protection against wind.
Additional tips include stocking up on umbrellas in the days before the wedding if the weather forecast looks bad. Pick a cute patterned umbrella or a classic black one for yourself. You should also bring along a pair of rainboots. A big white poofy dress and yellow rain boots make for an adorable picture. Emergency flip flops may also save your guests’ shoes in the event of a sudden summer shower.
Ask your hairdresser for a style that is wind proof and be liberal with waterproof makeup. If you know that the time of year has some wind, consider heavier fabrics like satin wedding dresses and suggest that your guests and bridesmaids do the same.
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