How to Plan an Outdoor Spring or Summer Wedding with Unpredictable Weather

These tips will help you enjoy your special day in any weather!

By: Jen Glantz

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: kyonntra

Photo By: FG Trade

Photo By: Hans Neleman

Photo By: skynesher

Photo By: FG Trade

Photo By: RapidEye

Photo By: WANDER WOMEN COLLECTIVE

Photo By: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc

Don't Let Unpredictable Weather Ruin Your Wedding Plans

When you’re in the thick of deciding on everything you want to have for your wedding day (to make it feel as picturesque and perfect as possible), you’ll soon realize that while you can plan for a lot of things, you can’t always predict the weather. Having a wedding in the spring or summer might spare you from extra cold and chilly temperatures, but it does open you up to the possibility of a rainstorm or a hot, sweaty day. So, how do you make sure your wedding feels comfortable for you and your guests, no matter what’s happening outside? Here are the top seven things to think about when you’re planning a spring or summer wedding with unpredictable weather.

Have a Plan B

If you’re hoping to have any part of your wedding outdoors, whether it’s just the cocktail hour or the whole party, think about a weather-proof backup plan. Pick a venue that has indoor options you can switch to last-minute, in case it gets too hot or rainy on your big day. The same goes with your photo plans. If there are a few spots around town you’re planning on going to for beautiful wedding photos, have indoor options you love as well.

Share the Details with Guests

Let your guests know that your wedding will be outdoors so they can plan accordingly. That way, they can keep an eye on the weather and decide what to wear and bring with them, so they can feel comfortable throughout the entire celebration. When guests don’t know where the wedding will be held (indoors or outdoors), it can be harder for them to prepare ahead of time. You want them to come as prepared as possible so they can focus on having fun.

Consider Accessories for Guests

Because the weather can be so unpredictable, it’s a good idea to accessorize your wedding with items that’ll make your guests feel good if it’s too hot or too wet outdoors. Consider having paper fans, cold drinks, and sunscreen available to guests when they arrive (if you’re planning to get married in the summer) or extra umbrellas (if there’s a chance it could rain). These accessories will be even more appreciated than party favors since they’ll be put to good use all night long at your wedding.

Get Your Vendors on the Same Page

Weather can really put a damper on your plans for the day, so be sure to get all of your vendors on the same page with a back-up plan everyone can agree on. That way, your caterer, venue, florist, DJ, photographer, and more can fully understand what to do if the weather starts interfering with the wedding. While it can be stressful to plan for this in advance, just know that your vendors have dealt with weather related issues in the past, so hopefully they can offer solutions to make you feel excited about the big day — no matter what’s happening in the sky above.

Commit to Add-Ons the Week Before

Committing to things like large tents and fans can be costly and may take up a big chunk of your wedding budget, especially because there’s only a 50% chance you might need some of these items (based on the weather). Find rental companies that will allow you to give them a yes or no answer a week before the wedding. That way, you’ll have access to items that will help the party go on without being impacted by the weather, if the weather indeed takes a turn for the worse.

Create Two Itineraries

Since there’s a huge unpredictable factor that determines how an outdoor wedding will ultimately go, it’s beneficial to have two itineraries. One will be for a wedding that has ideal weather and the other will be for a wedding that has rain or extreme heat. The second itinerary might include extra time to move the wedding indoors last-minute, less time needed for photos, and more. That way, you can know what the day looks like either way and you’ll have two schedules ready to go.

Ditch the Idea of Perfect

When you’re planning your wedding, you hope for a perfect day and while so many things will come together and be memorable, there will always be things out of your control. Weather is something you can’t predict. For outdoor weddings in the spring and summer, be as prepared as you can and have a backup plan. Then, commit to enjoying the day and the celebration, regardless of how much sun is shining or rain is falling.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to Plan an Outdoor Winter Wedding and Keep Your Guests Warm, 9 Unusual Outdoor Venues Couples Are Picking for Their Socially Distanced Weddings, 50 States of Gorgeous Wedding Venues

Follow TLC on Apple News