Come Rain or Come Shine

Come Rain or Come Shine. “April showers, bring May flowers.” We’ve heard it a million times. So what’s the worry when planning a gorgeous outdoor summer wedding? Well, rain…maybe. It’s no doubt that the seasons are changing and the weather is more unpredictable than ever. And for those of us Midwesterners, we value every sunny day we can get, even the ones where it rains a little bit! But never fear, we would never tell you not to plan a summer wedding with outdoor ambitions! But we MUST warn you to always have a backup plan. In this case, we call it PLAN B for outdoor weddings and we have some expert tips on how to turn a little sprinkle on your wedding day to just another chic element of a spectacular day, rain OR shine!

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Andrew Huth Photography

Parasols are back! And while some heavy duty smaller umbrellas will do the trick for a little rain, they are also perfect for when the sun comes back out and the temperatures sore! They also can add the perfect pop of color (hello, yellow!) to your event. And for those more neutral brides, they are conveniently just as adorable in black, white and tan. Gather a few baskets or decoration ceramic pots as holders and scatter them throughout the grounds, tent, walkways, wherever and you have a prop that is not only super fun and cute but highly functional as well!

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Laura Novak Photography

Having a “Plan B” is also key when accounting for weather. If for no other reason than peace of mind, designating an alternate space for your outdoor event can save you a lot of heartache and less worry about the upcoming weather. Should you be hosting an outdoor event under a tent at home, for example, make sure you ask the rental company if your tent can withstand rain and wind. Also, make sure to opt in favor of the tent siding. You may not need it for the whole day, but should a sudden storm sweep through just before guests arrive you can lock in the look and keep things dry inside as if nothing ever happened. In the case of total weather havoc, make sure you can also accommodate your guests inside as a worst -case scenario. Moving around furniture so that hosting an impromptu cocktail hour inside would be a breeze is always a great idea. Just remember, it’s all about being prepared!

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And lastly, another thing to keep in mind when braving the elements is considering your overall look for the day. Consider bringing a spare pair of shoes to and from the church or venue to keep your fancy wedding footwear dry and clean. If you are dealing with high winds, also take into account that a practical hairdo is better than a windblown one. Stock up on mini hair spray bottles and a comb to touch up from place to place. And keep in mind that a little wind might just provide that fabulous photo shoot look you were going for! But don’t forget that sometimes those “ messy on purpose” looks take a lot of work!

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